Heavy engineering research association HERA is at the forefront of the innovation march in an era of change. At its AGM on 19 May, HERA announced key initiatives designed to propel the industry forward as members focus on support for digital capability, transformation and innovation: the MetalMind app and the Fab4.0Lab for testing, implementation and research. 

The MetalMind app is the digital home for HERA’s training services and all things heavy engineering. It is a platform where HERA will grow and engage its tribe of metal heads and where people can share open and transparent innovation.

HERA CEO Troy Coyle says, “MetalMind is our proprietary private social platform to connect with members exclusively, hold open and important conversations about steel industry issues, gather feedback, solve problems, and give people maximum value.

“The big driver for developing MetalMind was our Innovation READY programme, which has been completely digitised including 10 podcast sessions with supporting content, along with the Lean Startup four-week course.

“Over time members will be given early access to training materials and tutoring preparation ahead of welding certification examinations.

“The people on the platform will be new to our industry right through to the most experienced, a truly diverse group who all have something to gain from engagement.

“Users are onboarded into main channels and then given the information and services they need around innovation, training, education and the foundry, a newsfeed which drives conversation and delivers targeted and curated information to the industry. There will be verticals of content and services that users will progress through.”

HERA Fab4.0Lab (named for the Fourth Industry Revolution, or Industry 4.0 as applied to fabrication) is a laboratory space based at HERA House in Auckland where fabricators can test concepts, new product ideas and iterations on specialist machinery that may not otherwise be easily accessible or available to developers.

Fab4.0Lab is part of the HERA Industry 4.0 Roadmap.

HERA General Manager Fabrication 4.0 Michail Karpenko says, “Fab4.0Lab is the place where industry meets research, and where 4.0 technologies will be road-tested and implemented. We will also showcasing technologies and facilitating technology transfer from providers to industry, and will be involved in cutting-edge 4.0 research related to the steel fabrication industry.

“It is also a training lab where industry professionals will be upskilled and trained on robotics and implementation of 4.0 technologies.

“Related to Fab4.0Lab is the planned HERA Innovation Centre, a hub for the industry and a centre of excellence. It is both cyber and physical, part of a global network of research laboratory facilities.”

Dr Coyle says, “Our AGM is one of the major touchpoints for our industry, and we were pleased to able to share these key initiatives with our members. Innovation, digitalisation and practical support aren’t just buzzwords, they are the foundation for the collaboration and growth that will move heavy engineering forward in New Zealand, and this year has all come together in one place.”

Fact Sheet

• Industry 4.0 is characterised by the digitalisation and interconnection of present manufacturing and industrial technologies and practices, connecting the lines between physical, digital, and biological spheres.
• The premise is that companies that have integrated these technologies in their business and fabrication models will be more competitive, innovative and productive. The underlying technologies include machine-to-machine communication (M2M), the industrial internet of things (IIoT), smart sensors, self-monitoring, digital twins, virtual and augmented reality, 3D scanners, integrated software, increased automation, artificial intelligence and big data.
• HERA Fab4.0Lab focuses on the technologies that will facilitate the implementation of integrated 4.0 data collection and analysis, including:

• 3D scanning + augmented reality
• Data collection
• Digital twin demonstration
• Connectivity
• Productivity analysis
• Digital quality monitoring data >> Apps
• Advanced 4.0 training

• Greater potential for the collaboration with the international partners in the cutting edge 4.0 R&D