INSPHERE has joined the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) as a member, formalising the continued alliance to drive intelligent automation in the UK through the development of robot improvement technology.

Established in 2013, INSPHERE creates unique, game-changing manufacturing technology to capture, analyse and utilise data that drives automated production, enables smart factories and facilitates a more sustainable future.

INSPHERE, manufacturers of IONA, which is a scalable network of sensors delivering metrology-grade positional data to automated manufacturing processes, has a long history of working alongside the AMRC, having previously collaborated on a number of Innovate UK-funded projects.

As the newest tier two member of the AMRC, INSPHERE will contribute significantly to the AMRC’s collaborative and innovative approach by developing technologies that facilitate efficient manufacturing systems to reduce resource waste and create better manufacturing environments.

Craig Davey, Chief Operating Officer at INSPHERE, said: “It’s fantastic to have our IONA technology at both AMRC Cymru and the AMRC’s Factory 2050 site, and to see how these installations have contributed to events at the AMRC and have been successfully used by industrial members like BAE Systems, to test advanced manufacturing processes.

“Our partnership with the AMRC will enable us to build even stronger links with relevant industrial partners and we are looking forward to continued access to the skills and facilities at the AMRC to conduct our combined research. We fully intend to maintain a long-term membership at the AMRC.”

Tom Hodgson, head of research at Factory 2050 at the AMRC, said: “The AMRC is a globally important venue for advanced manufacturing research. Partnering with INSPHERE who are developing cutting-edge technology is very exciting, and we look forward to continuing to use IONA datasets to show the potential for machine learning and AI in accurate robotic machining, as well as supporting the development of the technology.”

The IONA technology installed at AMRC’s Factory 2050 and AMRC Cymru facilities showcases the integral role it plays in the future of advanced manufacturing to help improve productivity, performance and quality. The positional data is used to improve the accuracy and performance of industrial robots, including identifying and correcting errors in the production line.

IONA unlocks the true potential of industrial robots, flexible automation and virtual commissioning, underpinning the trend toward advancing uses of these advanced manufacturing processes.