Business News

2020 KiwiNet Awards winners showcase NZ’s leading research innovations

Winners of the eighth annual KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards, designed to celebrate impact from science through successful research commercialisation within New Zealand’s universities, Crown Research Institutes and other research organisations, were announced at a reception in Auckland on Thursday 16 October. The 2020 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards winners are: Norman Barry Foundation Breakthrough Innovator Award Dr Eldon Tate, Inhibit Coatings Limited: Antimicrobial coatings keeping people safe in food and healthcare industries Baldwins Researcher Entrepreneur Award Professor Jim Johnston, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington: A world-renowned inorganic and materials chemist focussed on commercial outcomes MinterEllisonRuddWatts Commercialisation Professional Award Brooke Marshall, AgResearch: Creating impact from AgResearch’s world-class science PwC Commercial Impact Award Massey University – ‘FERRI PRO’ IP Sale: A partnership to help address the global problem of iron deficiency BNZ Supreme Award Professor Jim Johnston, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington: A world-renowned inorganic and materials chemist focussed on commercial outcomes KiwiNet Awards lead judge Rob Heebink, R&D Executive at Gallagher Group, says: “The quality of entrants this year was incredibly high – it was difficult to select the finalists let alone the category winners. Over the years we have seen a number of shifts occurring in research organisations, such an increase in commercialisation capability and more engagement with industry. This has resulted in global impact with significant benefits for New Zealand. The future is bright – we have much more technology coming out of our research organisations that we can fund.” Mr Heebink was joined on the judging panel by Bridget Coates the Chair of White Cloud Dairy Innovation, Kendall Flutey the Co-Founder and CEO of Banqer, and Debra Hall an investor, director and Chair of KiwiNet Investment Committee. KiwiNet CEO Dr James Hutchinson, says: “New Zealand needs technology innovation now more than ever, to help rebuild a more […]

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For a unique shopping world: igus low-cost robot in the design of your choice

Custom design robolink robot arm ensures fast automation and a new shopping experience. From industrial use, robots are increasingly finding their way into the retail trade. There they ensure rapid automation of processes and are also a real eye-catcher. Users place high demands on design and reliability at a cost-effective price. For this reason, igus is now offering its low-cost robot – robolink DP – consisting of high-performance polymers, in custom design. Shopping and ordering online has already become part of everyday life, be it for new trousers, an SLR camera for the holidays or the sushi for dinner. Within a few minutes or the next day, the delivery service or the parcel carrier is at the door with the order – convenient and simple. But the new buying behaviour is increasingly building up competitive pressure on the stationary retail trade. Intelligent automation systems for fast shopping are in demand, in the supermarket as well as in the furniture store. Solutions can be: automatic juice dispensers, bread slicers or self-service cash registers with weighing technology, in which igus motion plastics – such as lubrication-free iglidur plain bearings and maintenance-free drylin linear guides – ensure wear-resistant movements. At the same time, retailers such as fashion houses and restaurants can develop store and design concepts that offer customers a new experience. Robots are a popular tool of choice because they are not only a real eye-catcher, but also a practical automation solution. They can give out prizes from raffles, mix cocktails or even cover a pizza with toppings. So far, expensive fun that is rarely found in New Zealand. With its igus robolink DP, Treotham now offers a new cost-effective solution, which the customer can design individually. Low-cost robots in the desired outfit Last year, igus presented for the first time its […]

Special Report:AI could feed the world’s hungry while sustaining the planet

While the risks posed by AI dominate the headlines, behind the scenes there is a quiet revolution underway as AI systems are used to tackle the greatest challenges facing humanity, from climate change and COVID-19, to world hunger. Improving the food system is critically important to achieving several SDGs, but it is just one of many ways that AI is helping to usher in the more equitable, sustainable world that the SDGs envision. Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world at a rapid and accelerating pace, offering huge potential, but also posing social and economic challenges. Human beings are naturally fearful of machines – this is a constant. Technological advancements tend to outpace cultural shifts. It has taken the shock of a global pandemic to accelerate the uptake of many technologies that have been around for at least a decade. Unsurprisingly, much of the public discussion on AI has focused on recent controversies around facial recognition, automated decision-making and exam algorithms. Job losses due to automation have further underscored the need for AI systems to become better regulated and more ethical. But while the risks posed by AI have dominated the headlines, behind the scenes there is a quiet revolution underway as a new crop of startups are developing AI systems to tackle the greatest challenges facing humanity, from climate change to Covid-19. A new cohort of purpose-driven innovators has entered the AI space, and ‘AI for Good’ is emerging as one of the most powerful tools to achieve the SDGs and improve lives and livelihoods worldwide. The agricultural sector employs over 25% of the world’s working population and is responsible for sustaining 7.5 billion people. Despite decades of efforts by governments and industry, more than a quarter of those people – a staggering 1.9 billion – remain moderately or severely […]

Mulcahy signs with Epicor to build digital manufacturing platform and turbocharge growth

One of New Zealand’s leading metal manufacturers, has signed a $1 million dollar deal with Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth. The deal will see Epicor deliver a modern end-to-end digital manufacturing platform, allowing Mulcahy to further its digital transformation and be a leading adopter of Industry 4.0 technologies. Mulcahy is one of the country’s largest fabricated metals manufacturing company, partnering with clients in the food and dairy, materials handling, original equipment manufacturing, agriculture, horticulture, and architecture industries. From design to production, Mulcahy partners with product leadership companies helping turn their ideas and intellectual property into a reality, acting as a one-stop manufacturing partner. Innovative technologies from Epicor, which are already helping manufacturers around the world streamline their business processes and break down barriers to growth, will deliver an end-to-end manufacturing platform for Mulcahy to automate its business processes and truly embrace the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution. The solution will provide much greater visibility and traceability – from organisation wide capacity planning and scheduling, job tracking throughout the facility to scheduling machine total productive maintenance (TPM) – helping the organisation gain efficiencies. The Auckland-based, family-owned business, which celebrates 40 years this year, has grown from a small facility with five employees in Gleneden, to a 6,000 square metre plant in Avondale and a team of 140. Ongoing investment in technology is a key part of Mulcahy’s strategy, having invested in state-of-the-art machinery and boosted data capabilities to optimise business operations over the years. However, disparate legacy systems to manage finance, payroll and CAD capabilities developed over the past 20 years are limiting Mulcahy’s ability to gather consolidated data into its SQL database and draw actionable analytics from its connected machinery. With ambitious plans to […]

UX10 tablet performs in challenging work environments

Getac’ UX10 is a powerful, fully rugged tablet that’s built to thrive in challenging working environments, such as those found in the public safety, utilities, natural resources and manufacturing industries. Building on the success of Getac’s original UX10, this tablet delivers improved performance, storage, connectivity and rugged reliability in a stylish new chassis, all while retaining the same proven form factor of its predecessor. Key features include a 10th Gen Intel® Quad-core i5 or i7 processor and PCIe NVMe SSD storage technology, for up to six times faster speeds than SATA SSD, while the latest Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 module ensures more stable and reliable connectivity in dense, congested environments. In addition, the UX10 boasts enhanced rugged protection, with MIL-STD-810H certification and drop resistance of up to 6-foot while in tablet mode, for added peace of mind. As well, the UX10-EX is designed to be a highly effective field services solution for engineers and technicians in the energy, natural resources and utilities industries. Incorporating the latest intrinsically safe technology, the device fully meets stringent ATEX/IECEx standards for use in Zone 2/22 hazardous and potentially explosive environments that field professionals encounter on a regular basis. Furthermore, extensive connectivity options make accessing remote tech support and uploading reports directly from the field fast and efficient, while the UX10-EX’s all-weather functionality means it can be relied on in every situation. Three key software utilities available for use alongside the UX10 are Getac’s KeyWedge Barcode Reader Utility, Getac Driving Safety Utility and Getac Device Monitoring System (GDMS)*.

The power of traceability for food and medical manufacturers

– Reinaldo Silva, Head of Digital Manufacturing and Automation at Facteon As food and medical manufacturers face stringent regulations, an ability to trace the movement of raw materials and finished product both within your facility and beyond is demanded throughout industry by manufacturers of all sizes. A variety of forces have highlighted the need for food and medical manufacturers to gain greater traceability of both raw materials and finished products within their facility and beyond. Risk One: Increasingly Globalised Supply Chains As it becomes more cost-effective and simpler to source raw materials from suppliers across the globe, manufacturers are relying on increasingly globalised supply chains. While this brings a range of benefits, such as proximity to raw materials, cost competitiveness and improved quality of raw materials, there are significant risks as the supply chain becomes increasingly complex. As a result, traceability requirements expand significantly. Simplistic supply chain approaches that focus on “one step back and one step forward” traceability become increasingly complicated and impractical when manufacturers are drawing on a globalised supply chain. Risk Two: Product Recalls Tyson Foods famously recalled 39,000 pounds of frozen chicken patties which were potentially contaminated with foreign matter in mid-2019. From business interruption and eroded profit margins to long-term damage to your brand, a product recall has the potential to harm consumers and cost manufacturers dearly. Research has also found that a mere 21% of food recalls across USA, UK and Ireland were detected by the manufacturer. In fact, regulatory bodies discovered 68% during routine or spot testing. This highlights the potential competitive advantage that can be unlocked by manufacturers taking a proactive approach to both raw material and product traceability. Medical device manufacturers are also at risk of product recalls. Research has found that a significant challenge for medical manufacturers in the event of a product recall is tracing each […]

Designing for Additive Manufacturing

Over the last six months, RAM3D have seen an unprecedented increase in both large and small companies interested in trying 3D metal printing as an alternative to other forms of manufacturing. This is possibly because they have had time to work on projects during the COVID-19 lockdown. RAM3D works closely with their clients offering them advice on how to alter the part’s design to make the part stronger, lighter, and therefore cost competitive using dedicated design for production, using additive manufacture. When designing a part for metal 3D printing, the biggest thing to consider is the material properties of the part you want to 3D print; if the mass doesn’t need to be there, get rid of it! Traditional manufacturing and design methods tend to be constrained by tool paths, machine time, material shapes and sizes. This means, if you can’t remove the material, it stays there. With AM you are less tied to these constraints allowing you to do cut outs, pockets, fillets, undercuts and even combine part assemblies, where traditionally you couldn’t. Some CAD programs even contain part optimisation for additive parts. This is a great way of reducing the part cost, while creating innovative and interesting looking parts. Where you cannot remove large surface areas or you need to keep a solid look to a part, there is the option of adding an internal lattice structure. Lattice Structures One of best ways to reduce mass without reducing too much structural integrity, is to add a lattice structure. The benefit of using a lattice over simply hollowing a part, is the lattice does not require internal support. When designed correctly, it can maintain good strength and performance. RAM3D can create a simple uniform wall thickness internal lattice structure using their Netfabb build software. This is great for those […]

ISO invests in world-first innovation to transform port logistics supply chain

Tauranga-headquartered port logistics company ISO Limited, continues its investment in world-leading technology to transform the safety and efficiency of its port logistics supply chain, with the addition of four mobile harbour cranes at its operation in Mount Maunganui for use on the Mount Maunganui Wharfs. ISO commissioned the Liebherr mobile harbour cranes, a world-first in terms of size and capacity, to deliver enhanced safety for handling of all types of cargo including logs, and to increase handling cycles, lift capacity and vessel turnarounds. The German-manufactured mobile harbour cranes arrived into Te Awanui, Tauranga harbour, on an ISO-chartered heavy-lift vessel Rolldock Sun, after travelling 12,000 nautical miles over 37 sailing days from Rostock via the Panama Canal. Paul Cameron, CEO of ISO says the company is committed to continue applying world-leading innovation to its business and to deliver competitive excellence in supply chain transparency for its customers. “We’re creating a new future in a traditional industry by applying robotics, automation and IT, to minimise exposure to hazards and move our people into more skilled roles. We’re on a mission to enhance safety, improve efficiency and productivity, and radically improve the supply chain for our customers. “It’s very exciting to add mobile harbour cranes to our port logistics operation. The technology is not only safer, it allows us to load and unload vessels without the use of ships cranes – allowing us to handle cargo for a wider range of vessels. The introduction of the cranes is part of a wider technology innovation initiative which has seen us introduce Robotic Scaling Machines for scaling logs, and sophisticated IT solutions to our operations in recent years.” ISO Limited has grown to be one of New Zealand’s largest nationwide waterfront cargo logistics companies, providing cargo logistics services throughout New Zealand operating out of: Marsden […]

Filtration face off: Melt-blown fibres versus electrospun nanofibres

New research into the effectiveness of melt-blown fibres and electrospun nanofibres has found nanofibre filter media provides significantly increased protection against bacteria and viruses such as Covid-19. The research, conducted by Dr Fabrice Karabulut from Revolution Fibres in New Zealand, contrasts and compares nanofibre filtration with traditional melt blown filters in light of increased global demand for PPE and the future need for more effective face masks. Dr Karabulut says melt blowing, a commercially successful and low-cost process for producing filtration microfibres, produces fibres with diameters in the range of 1-10 micrometres. “The structure of a melt-blown filter is like a non-uniform fishing net. Its pores are 1-3 micrometres in diameter which are much larger than bacteria and viruses which are just 0.1 micrometres.” He says the diameters of nanofibre range from 10 – 300 nanometres, which is 10 – 100 times smaller than conventional melt-blown microfibres, meaning they are very effective in protecting against viruses such as COVID, bacteria and other toxic particles. “Electrospun nanofibre is characterised by a very large surface area and small pore diameter which significantly increases the probability of particles in the smaller, submicron and nanometre range depositing on the fibre surface – thereby improving filter efficiency.” Increased breathability and reusable Dr Karabulut’s research is contained in the White Paper Melt-Blown Fibres vs. Electrospun Nanofibres as Filtration Media which outlines the differences between nanofibre filtration capability and melt-blown filtration. As well as increased filtration performance, he also found the breathability and reusable nature of nanofibre made it superior to melt-blown filtration. “The current pandemic has amplified the need for masks to be reusable but retain effectiveness,” he says. “A recent study testing the reusability of melt-blown and nanofibre filters when cleaned with ethanol showed melt-blown filters were only effective for single use due to the […]

Seven things for business

Business needs seven key things from the next Government, according to BusinessNZ’s election manifesto. A Business View for the 2020 Election outlines businesses’ medium-term needs and desires, based on a survey- of over a thousand businesses across New Zealand. The manifesto shows businesses are focused on succeeding in the economic conditions arising from Covid and on building a strong new economy: 1. Focus on the economy: businesses say economic well-being should be NZ’s priority right now. 2. Plan for reopening the border: they want to see the border opened safely as soon as possible. 3. Build infrastructure: most want to see the next Government spending on significant infrastructure to boost economic recovery. 4. Manage resources better: businesses want better systems for the allocation, care, and development of natural resources to allow for growth. 5. Cut regulation: Government needs to reduce unnecessary regulation on small businesses. 6. Build skills: businesses are seeking highly developed skills and want to see more apprenticeships and technical training for tomorrow’s workforce. 7. Stay ambitious for sustainability: businesses know customers want appropriate environmental standards and view them as necessary to future-proof business. Chief Executive Kirk Hope said the manifesto gives a snapshot of how business is reacting to the current uncertain environment and where they want the focus of the new Government to be. “Clearly, businesses are concerned to see rapid economic recovery from the Covid situation. “They want the Government that takes power next month to have a strong focus on economic growth and wellbeing, and to regulate in a way that lets business help deliver it.” The BusinessNZ election manifesto is here on www.businessnz.org.nz -The Deloitte and Chapman Tripp BusinessNZ Election Survey canvassed the opinions of 1,193 businesses of all sizes in all parts of New Zealand during June 2020.

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