KEYNOTE TALKS
Sustainable Manufacturing: Origins and Future Directions Towards a
Human-Centric Approach
University of Technology Sydney
Faculty of Engineering and IT
In the rapidly evolving landscape of manufacturing, the transition towards sustainability has become an essential imperative for businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive market. This keynote speech will critically examine major trends in sustainable manufacturing, focusing on key advancements such as eco-friendly materials, circular economy practices, and energy-efficient technologies. These innovations hold the promise of reducing environmental impact, yet a significant challenge remains in effectively translating research breakthroughs into practical industry applications, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often lack the resources and infrastructure to implement these changes.
The discussion will delve into the barriers that impede this transformation, including funding constraints, regulatory complexities, and the need for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and industry stakeholders. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a culture of innovation that can drive sustainable practices across the sector.
Furthermore, as we transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, the focus shifts towards a more human-centric approach, emphasizing the importance of workforce well-being and social responsibility. This segment will explore how integrating the human dimension into manufacturing practices can enhance employee engagement and overall productivity. By advocating for a research agenda that not only prioritizes environmental sustainability but also addresses social dimensions, this speech aims to inspire actionable strategies that promote meaningful change in the manufacturing landscape. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient manufacturing sector that benefits both industry stakeholders and the broader community.
How can “Smart” lead to “Green” production?
Chalmers University of Technology
Dept. of Industrial and Materials Science
Are digital technologies revolutionizing the way we make things? How can these technologies help us transition to a circular economy? Is circular economy the solution to our climate crisis? This talk will explore such questions, and challenge the role manufacturing plays in our society. Sustainability thinking cannot be an afterthought or quick fix to our environmental problems. It needs to become a core design and operating principle to integrate environmental considerations as drivers of performance. Industrial ecology and eco-efficiency will also be discussed in the context of recent industrial developments to translate these concepts into engineering solutions.
Agile Manufacturing in the EV Charging Era: Navigating Rapid Growth and Technological Disruption
Director Process Planning
Alpitronic
The EV charging industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, requiring manufacturers to rethink traditional product development and production strategies. Unlike classical industrial approaches, where stability and long-term planning dominate, the challenge in EV charging lies in balancing rapid innovation, scalability, and reliability under extreme time pressure. This keynote will explore how Alpitronic navigates this dynamic landscape by adopting an agile approach to product and process development, leveraging automation and digitalization to maintain efficiency while ensuring high-quality standards. Key insights will include how modular design, flexible manufacturing, and data-driven decision-making enable success in an industry where speed and adaptability define market leadership.