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Overcoming the security challenges of Industry 4.0

Lani Refiti, ANZ Regional Director at Claroty The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted every industry in very different ways. The need to maximise remote working has been universal, but certain industries have seen demand for their products and services surge; while for others, demand has diminished to virtually zero in some cases. Manufacturers with heavily digitised and sophisticated operations were well-placed to manage both the transition to remote working and the demand fluctuation for their products and services. They were able to rapidly pivot from in-person to remote working, and to spin up production of high-demand goods such as hand sanitisers, personal protection equipment and ventilators. Meanwhile, manufacturers with less sophisticated operations found themselves scrambling to react. The technological capabilities that enabled manufacturers to successfully adapt their operations during Covid-19 can be summed up in one phrase: Industry 4.0, the next generation of manufacturing technology. The concept was conceived in Germany as Industrie 4.0 and made its debut at the 2011 Hannover Fair. It has come a long way since then and means different things in different countries. The Australian Government says, “Industry 4.0 is transforming how businesses operate by connecting the physical with the digital world.” It gives as examples, “Artificial intelligence, advanced automation and robotics.” Industry 4.0 embraces machine-to-machine communication, human-to-machine communication and the idea of a connected ecosystem that links customers, supply chains and production facilities. It enables real-time communication to ensure smooth operation of supply chains, the tailoring of supply to meet demand and, in more advanced versions, the concept of direct control of production according to demand. Industry 4.0 has increased manufacturers’ flexibility, competitiveness and their ability to exploit new market opportunities. Industry 4.0: where IT meets OT However, there is a major hurdle to realising the vision of Industry 4.0, one that manufacturers have struggled […]

Rio Tinto purchases first battery-electric trains for the Pilbara

Rio Tinto has agreed to purchase four battery-electric trains for use in the Pilbara region of Western Australia as part of the company’s strategy to reduce its carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. Rio Tinto purchased the four 7MWh FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives from Wabtec Corporation with production due to commence in the United States in 2023 ahead of initial trials in the Pilbara in early 2024. The locomotives, used to carry ore from the company’s mines to its ports, will be recharged at purpose-built charging stations at the port or mine. They will also be capable of generating additional energy while in transit through a regenerative braking system which takes energy from the train and uses it to recharge the onboard batteries. A full transition to net zero emissions technology of its entire fleet of rail locomotives would reduce Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s diesel-related carbon emissions in the Pilbara by around 30 per cent annually. Rio Tinto Managing Director of Port, Rail and Core Services Richard Cohen said delivery of the prototype locomotives will be an important early step for the company on the path toward a decarbonised Pilbara. “Our partnership with Wabtec is an investment in innovation and an acknowledgement of the need to increase the pace of our decarbonisation efforts. “Battery-electric locomotives offer significant potential for emissions reduction in the near term as we seek to reduce our Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions in the Pilbara by 50 per cent by 2030.” Rogerio Mendonca, President of Freight Equipment for Wabtec, said the FLXdrive is ideally suited to support Rio Tinto’s decarbonisation targets. “This locomotive provides the power, fuel savings and emissions reductions to cost-effectively run rail networks in the mining industry. The rapid adoption of the FLXdrive by Rio Tinto and other mining operators demonstrates […]

CSIRO combines best of humans and machines

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will be part of reinventing the way humans and Artificial Intelligence work together, contributing to global efforts to design a completely new capability called ‘Collaborative Intelligence’. The newly launched $12 million Collaborative Intelligence (CINTEL) Future Science Platform aims to move beyond machines replacing people or automating their jobs, and instead to create teams that maximise the benefits of both human and machine intelligence. One of CINTEL’s first projects will draw on the expertise of CSIRO’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Group who recently claimed a silver medal in the international DARPA Subterranean Challenge. The challenge, which has been described as the ‘robot Olympics’, involved using teams of robots to explore and locate objects in unmapped underground environments under the supervision of a human operator. CINTEL Leader Dr Cécile Paris said lessons from the challenge could help inform future human/robot teaming. “The project will focus on developing a richer, dynamic human-robot collaboration, enabling humans and robots to respond in real time to changes in the environment and make better decisions, together,” Dr Paris said. “CINTEL will research dynamic situation awareness and mechanisms to ensure a collaborative dialogue between humans and robots throughout, for example, a rescue mission. “Rescue missions are often ill defined and dynamic, and the humans must use their own knowledge and skills, like reasoning, intuition, adaptation and experience, to identify what the robots should be doing. CINTEL will investigate how humans can fully utilise their unique skillset in collaboration with the robots for successful outcomes.” Other early CINTEL projects include developing a digital team member to help scientists make sense of the massive amount of information in modern biological collections and supporting cybersecurity analysts with collaborative surveillance. The program will be run by CSIRO in collaboration with research and impact partner Saber Astronautics, as […]

How Covid has changed Australian manufacturing

The pandemic has had a dramatic, global-scale impact on a variety of businesses and manufacturing has certainly not been spared. However, while manufacturing in Australia is the subject of a targeted $475 million government drive to boot a dwindling industry, the country’s unique management of the Covid crisis has had some startling results. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the country had managed to stabilise and begin to rebuild the total number of manufacturing jobs between 2015 to early 2020. Even with the disruption of Covid and the loss of 56,600 jobs in the latter half of 2020, the industry has not been as severely affected as most others. The Alternative Path of a Pandemic Recession Previous Australian recessions have seen large declines in a variety of manufacturing industries. These include textiles, clothing, footwear, passenger car assembly and more. Recession during Covid has brought a very different landscape – mainly driven by the activity restrictions that have hit industries such as hospitality, travel and the arts the hardest. Manufacturing that concentrates on areas that support these related industries, such as beverage products and pulp, paper and converted paper products, have reported job losses of 10.2 per cent and 8.1 per cent respectively for the period from 14 March to 19 September 2020 (according to ABS-ATO payroll data). This can be directly attributed to the closure of restaurants and hospitality venues for the former and the rise in home working for the latter. Conversely, the manufacturing of chemical and chemical-related products – for example, hand sanitiser and pharmaceuticals – has increased over the same period. The demand for personal care items and health supplements has risen, with many of these being made by local manufacturing firms. A Shift from Global to Local One marked change that can be directly attributed […]

A wicking good idea for water conservation in the garden

A Gold Coast garden and agricultural specialist has just sold its innovative water saving system to the United Arab Emirates in its quest to help transform deserts into thriving market gardens. The Aqualess deal with the Middle East using WaterUp wicking cells, designed and manufactured in Australia, is the latest coup for the Gold Coast company and its revolutionary system. The Aqualess system grows produce using 80 per cent less water than traditional horticulture and cuts agricultural watering times by as much as 90 per cent. Aqualess owner Paul Jones said the Woongoolba-based business had only been operating from the Gold Coast for the past 12 months but was part of a new wave of water-saving agricultural methods in high demand globally. “It’s a revolutionary thing happening all around the world. This is something that allows people to start green deserts and remote areas,” Jones said. “For example, if you were watering your garden vegetables, you’d have to water them every second day pretty much, but you can leave this for weeks. “Your garden is getting moistened from beneath so it’s better than from above. It encourages plant growth, and you get much bigger and better crops for a fraction of the time you would have to normally spend watering a garden.” The WaterUp wicking cells made by Gold Coast company Aqualess. Aqualess spokesperson Rosemary Charles said the system turned wicking on its head, using recycled products to ensure that water and air were underneath the plant to provide a consistent amount of water to a plant for quick, consistent growing and nutrient-dense produce. “We’ve only been seriously in the market up here for around 12 months. Already we are exporting to Canada and Iran and now the Middle East,” Charles said. “There are so many uses for it, rooftop […]

RS Components helps industries get ahead with the Industrial Internet of Things

RS Components has announced a broad range of industrial electronics solutions supporting designers and engineers to meet increasing and evolving electronics demands. Featuring brands by market-leading global manufacturers, the RS industrial electronics solutions offering includes the latest parts and components for designers and engineers creating smart devices and embracing the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) to deliver connected solutions for businesses, factory floors, and various industrial environments. Some popular and locally stocked products in Australia and New Zealand include sensors, power and circuit breakers, semiconductors and dev kits as well as test and measurement instruments from leading global brands including Schneider, TE Connectivity, Fluke, Phoenix Contact, Raspberry Pi, and more. Products from the range equip engineers with the tools to unlock productivity through IIOT. High-performance and high-precision tools comply with worldwide standards, and aid in detection and measurement, smart automation, and precision monitoring. Engineers are at the forefront of developing solutions that allow organisations to make informed and timely decisions. Harnessing IIOT enables manufacturers and industrial sectors to have better insight and sharing of data, enabling efficient plant maintenance and process improvements. “With locally-stocked products, we offer reliable access to industrial electronics solutions to help organisations innovate and get ahead swiftly. RS teams are also committed to working closely with customers who are just beginning their IIOT journey,” says Sean Fredericks, President, Asia Pacific at RS Components. Engineers looking to strengthen their IIOT capabilities can now access a reliable stock of over 650,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, on the RS websites for Australia and New Zealand. For more information on the expanded products visit: https://au.rs-online.com

Gold Coast yacht manufacturer sells out of orders for next three years

The multi-billion-dollar global luxury boat industry is experiencing such a boom brought on by the pandemic, that it is fuelling a burst of new locally designed and produced motor yacht models, as well as sales and exports. Offering the freedom to escape home-based lockdowns, circumnavigate international travel restrictions, and holiday by avoiding crowds, the return of premium yachts has been one of the striking global trends to emerge from Covid-19. Family-owned luxury yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, is based within the Gold Coast’s Marine Precinct – one of the most advanced and highly respected marine clusters in the southern hemisphere. Maritimo said interest from buoyant domestic and international markets had exploded in the past 18 months. Maritimo Director of Design Tom Barry-Cotter said the boatbuilding giant was positioned to experience 20 per cent annual growth year-on-year over the next three years, with orders for new motor yachts sold out beyond mid-2024. “Everything from web traffic to enquiry and sales figures are at record highs,” Barry-Cotter said. He said two key factors were driving growth – a strengthening global economy and Maritimo’s large scale new model roll-out. On the back of rising wealth, the global market for luxury craft is projected to jump to US$84.7 by 2027. This is up from US$64.1 billion in 2020 when the Covid crisis began, according to the latest Yacht Industry Global Market Trajectory and Analytics report. “Boating is a safe, family-friendly activity and has certainly become an ideal alternative to international recreational travel during the past 18 months,” Barry-Cotter said. Even from markets where travel wasn’t so heavily restricted, such as the United States, Maritimo was experiencing record sales and enquiries, he said. “We are seeing record interest and sales from Australia, New Zealand and North America,” he said. “Over 50 per cent of our production is […]

New General Manager for DECO Australia

DECO Australia is pleased to announce that Richard Hamber has been appointed as the company’s new General Manager. As a growing Australian family business, the restructure and new appointment comes as long-serving General Manger and family member Meika Doonan moves into a Strategic Advisory position from mid next year when she returns from maternity leave. Richard brings intimate knowledge of DECO Australia and their range of building products and finishing technologies from his previous positions as Research & Development Manager and Industrial Business Manager. He also brings extensive industry experience having previously held roles at the Australian Window Association for over seven years, which included the management of the Window Energy Rating Scheme, development of energy efficiency tools, assessing changes to energy efficiency compliance and working on sustainability related projects. A graduate of the Standard’s Australia ‘Young Leaders Program’, Richard has also participated in numerous national and international bodies including QualiCoat, the Australian Institute of Surface Finishing and Environmental Product Declarations. I have no doubt that Richard will continue to drive DECO Australia forward as we expand and grow well into the future said Ross Doonan, Director DECO Australia. “He has a fantastic understanding of our business and its core values, a great eye for design and innovation, and will bring great structure and focus for our team to drive DECO’s continued success.” DECO Australia is a family-owned Australian business and leading manufacturer of architectural building products, splashbacks and signage, as well as surface finishes and protective coatings and pre-treatments for applications within the automotive, engineering, cookware, medical and defence industries.

Kimberly-Clark Professional® & RS join forces to support Aussies getting back-to-work

As Australians head back to work, after another lock-down buying their own toilet paper… RS Components are excited to announce their partnership with Kimberly-Clark Professional®. Along with their own RS Pro maintenance products, they are making sure their expanded range supports Aussies getting back on-site or into the office. Kimberly-Clark Professional® is known for delivering leading-edge solutions for a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. From office buildings, schools, hotels, healthcare facilities and food preparation areas to laboratories, processing plants and manufacturing environments, the RS- Kimberly-Clark Professional® partnership will benchmark safety and cleanliness in the workplace. “At Kimberly-Clark Professional® we value our strategic relationships with partners like RS Components who share our values and commitment to making a positive impact on people and how they work,” says Jamie Rivett of KCP. “RS Components has a rich history of connecting customer needs with best product supply solutions and by working closely with RS Components Australia, we are accelerating our efforts to create Exceptional Workplaces.” The partnership means 170 new products added to the RS range including well-known brands Kleenex®, Scott®, Wypall® and Kimtech®. “Our local partnership with Kimberly-Clark Professional® and the addition of 170 new Cleaning, Hygiene, and Safety products is a substantial boost to our local offer and underlines our commitment to provide our customers with the most comprehensive selection of products that suit the Australian market,” explained Scott Philbrook, MD, RS Components ANZ.

Fenn Foods makes Australian Financial Reviews Fast 100 List

Leading Australian producer and marketer of premium plant-based foods Fenn Foods, has been awarded position #55 on the prestigious AFR Fast 100 List for 2021. This latest achievement recognises the significant progress and growth of the company over the past few years, “Our focus on innovation has seen us become one of the 100 fastest growing companies in Australia,” says Fenn Foods CEO and Co-founder Alejandro Cancino. “The resulting capability to enter into new categories will help us build our brand awareness as leaders in premium plant-based food categories.” With Australia’s plant-based meat industry demonstrating strong upward trajectory towards its $3 billion potential by 20301, Fenn Foods’ growth trajectory is set to continue. The company’s dedicated plant-based foods production facility on the Sunshine Coast in QLD, in combination with its continued investment in market intelligence and R&D; provides the platform to validate and launch new products and formats, supporting the category’s growth in both retail and foodservice markets, through leading quality, taste and texture. 1 The Food Frontier, 2020 State of the Industry Report Fenn Foods is Australia’s leading plant-based protein producer with one of the largest locally produced food service range in the country as well as a consumer-favourite retail brand, vEEF®. Founded by renowned chef, Alejandro Cancino, the company has achieved massive growth. Fenn Foods distribute nationwide and are entering new categories every year. The company is dedicated to innovation with an experienced R&D team working on perfecting taste and texture profiles of existing items and crafting world-first products. This focus has enabled the company to champion plant-based foods, change Australia’s protein culture and position vEEF® as the consumer favourite.

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