Innovative manufacturing
Research in this area spans a range of scales and applications focusing on enabling society to maximise the value of digitalisation and automation of manufacturing processes.
Innovative manufacturing addresses three research priorities: sustainable and high-added value processing for both new and current materials and products; smart manufacturing systems and digital manufacturing, addressing emerging aspects related to factory design; data-collection and management, enabling mass customisation and involving customers in the manufacturing value chain.
These research priorities address economic, social and environmental challenges and are enabled by expertise in advanced manufacturing processes, namely laser-based processes, additive manufacturing and multi scale manufacturing; mechatronics/automation and modelling and simulation.
Research activities are supported by three research centres conducting both fundamental and applied research, addressing key challenges from industries as diverse as nuclear, aerospace, automotive, tooling, medical, security and domestic appliances.
Areas of expertise
Our researchers specialise in the following areas of expertise:
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Healthcare engineering
Our world-leading expertise in biomechanics, computational fluid dynamics and 3D bioprinting is enabling a new generation of treatments for a wide range of medical conditions.
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Industry 4.0
Also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0 covers automation and data exchange in new digital technologies, including cyber security, Big Data, the Internet of Things and machine learning.
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Laser processing
Laser material processing is a multidisciplinary subject, covering multi-physical processes such as thermal, mechanics and optical modelling in multi-scales.
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Robotics
Our research group conceives, designs and operates advanced robotic systems to meet the need for precision and longevity of service in society and industrial applications.
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Self-healing materials
Self-healing materials are an emerging technology for a range of systems to improve the reliability, safety, lifespan and circularity of products. Researchers have been facilitating the advancement of industrial applications and evaluating the important role self-healing materials can play in enabling a circular economy.
For more information contact Professor Paul Mativenga.
