Industry 4.0 Hub

Located in the Shoalhaven, Industry 4.0 Hub is a collaborative environment open to students, industry and entrepreneurs.

Industry 4.0 Hub enables industry to access innovative technologies, equipment and technical expertise through partnerships and collaborations to deliver real-world impact. The Hub functions as a key enabler to translate research and development into commercial outcomes that drive innovation excellence and success.

Building aspiration, the Hub provides access to education and promotes STEM. Schools can access the Hub to make use of the equipment, resources and technical expertise to expose students to the latest technologies or develop new class activities that will prepare a future-ready workforce.

The Industry 4.0 Hub is open by appointment for specific requests. Please contact us directly for any industry-related enquiries. During this time, the Makerspace facility will be closed until further notice.

Speaker 1: Hi, I'm Donna Payne from the Department of Regional New South Wales. I'm the Deputy Director Regional Development for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Region. Department of Regional New South Wales and the University for quite a long time been actively engaged with defence industry in the region and it was through that connection that I first learned about Industry 4.0. Primarily as a connector, introducing the Hub to the businesses that I work with and introducing the businesses that I meet into the Hub, I would definitely recommend the Industry 4.0 Hub. It's a valuable part of the industry's education and research ecosystem, and that benefits the existing and emerging engine industries in the Shoalhaven, including the defence industry, advanced manufacturing, the nutraceutical and beverage manufacturing and circular economy. All of these sectors benefit from that kind of collaboration.

Speaker 2: We got involved with Industry for Hub to help rapidly prototyping closures for our system. We've used the 3D printers, mainly at the Hub. The benefit of that is we can get prototypes in our hands much faster, which has accelerated our research and development time tenfold. I would highly recommend the Hub to any SME's or entrepreneurs in the local area. It's allowed us to stay industry-ready and discover new emerging technologies without having to venture out into the major cities, which has saved us a lot of time and resources.

Speaker 3: My company started 22 years ago, but in the last five years I've started developing and designing an Australian designed portable barbecue which was being manufactured in China. After the second nine month lead time, I felt I'd bring the manufacture to Australia. By using a co-bot, it'll make it a safer environment and we will get a better product because there will be less damage.

Speaker 4: I represent the Alkath Group, we're located in South Nowra. We have two predominant businesses being Global Defence Solutions and Millori solutions. Both provide bespoke solutions for the Defence Force. We have Global Defence Solutions, provides deployable infrastructure, so your soft shelter and your hard shelter containerized systems and Millori Solutions provide training, test and evaluation support to defence. So our engineers at the Alkath Group were able to come and work with the research engineers here at the Industry 4.0 Hub and utilise the equipment in the space and that talent that Industry 4.0 have has available.

Makerspace

The Industry 4.0 Hub is a public space open to the community and provides a place for new and experienced makers to learn, explore, and create, as well as meet like-minded people. Whether it is designing and creating 3D objects, programming robots, or exploring a new world in virtual reality, the Hub has the tools and the expertise to train, support and advise so that you can bring your ideas to life.

Speaker 1: Industry. 4.0, also known as the fourth Industrial Revolution, is a new wave of innovation centered on automation, data exchange and cyber physical systems.

Speaker 2: Industry 4.0 uses transformative technologies to connect the physical world with the digital world. The Industry 4.0 Hub aims to showcase these technologies in a collaborative environment, open to industry, students and entrepreneurs.

Speaker 1: As research engineers at the Hub. We are here to assist you in utilising these new forms of technologies. We can provide professional training in the use of equipment and in software and in design prototyping. The Hub has become a vital network for all levels of creatives through the inexpensive access to state of the art 3D printers, programmable collaborative robots, and a precision laser cutter to streamline the process of research and development. Whether you're a leader in local business, hobbyist designer or a student working on a HSC project, or anywhere in between the Industry 4.0 Hub has a range of equipment that can assist you with projects.

Speaker 2: We aim to provide an accessible space to all sectors, from industry, education and the general public. It's a place where people can come to design, collaborate and learn. The Industry 4.0 Hub promotes inclusivity to all individuals wishing to learn about or access cutting edge technology. The Industry 4.0 Hub is an exciting place to come and see the technology at work.

Speaker 1: [If you're interested in utilizing the Hub, get in contact and we can organise a tool.

Speaker 1: Industry. 4.0, also known as the fourth Industrial Revolution, is a new wave of innovation centered on automation, data exchange and cyber physical systems.

Speaker 2: Industry 4.0 uses transformative technologies to connect the physical world with the digital world. The Industry 4.0 Hub aims to showcase these technologies in a collaborative environment, open to industry, students and entrepreneurs.

Speaker 1: As research engineers at the Hub. We are here to assist you in utilising these new forms of technologies. We can provide professional training in the use of equipment and in software and in design prototyping. The Hub has become a vital network for all levels of creatives through the inexpensive access to state of the art 3D printers, programmable collaborative robots, and a precision laser cutter to streamline the process of research and development. Whether you're a leader in local business, hobbyist designer or a student working on a HSC project, or anywhere in between the Industry 4.0 Hub has a range of equipment that can assist you with projects.

Speaker 2: We aim to provide an accessible space to all sectors, from industry, education and the general public. It's a place where people can come to design, collaborate and learn. The Industry 4.0 Hub promotes inclusivity to all individuals wishing to learn about or access cutting edge technology. The Industry 4.0 Hub is an exciting place to come and see the technology at work.

Speaker 1: [If you're interested in utilizing the Hub, get in contact and we can organise a tool.

Schools

The focus on STEM in school learning is integral for preparing young Australians for the emerging industries they will encounter as they finish school and enter the workforce. A key priority for the Hub is to encourage and support high school students explore STEM-related study and career pathways.

Speaker 1: The focus on STEM in school learning is integral for preparing young Australians for the emerging industries they will encounter as they finish school and enter the workforce. This can help them better understand the importance of STEM and how it influences the world we live in. Helping them to broaden their career pursuits.

Speaker 2: I'm Caleb Lawrence. I'm here because I really enjoy doing robotics and applying computer science into everyday life. I really enjoyed programming and the software being able to make really realistic renders of the the robot. I'm interested in a career in computer science, mechatronics and chemistry and physics. Today, I've seen what it's like to be able to do mechatronics and computer science. I think mechatronics is a really good career path. There's a lot of different opportunities.

Speaker 3: I'm Zoe Beckett. I'm a high school teacher at Nowra High, so we came to the Hub 4.0 to do the Smarter Schools for a Smarter Planet Workshop. This was where the students got to build small circuit boards using the Arduino system and then code it on the computers and learn that programming. Well for us Nowra High is a local school, we're in the Shoalhaven. For us to access any of the technology incursions or excursions, it usually involves us having to travel as far as Wollongong and Sydney to get access to those places. The Hub is right here, it's in the Shoalhaven. It's 15 minutes down the road from our school campus and it's an amazing resource that we have direct access to. Having the workshops presented by a female research engineer who is working in the industry really demonstrates the opportunities and the career paths for my young female students about where they can go in their own futures.

Speaker 4: Hi, I'm part of the outreach program for UOW, the Industry Hub engineers are absolutely fantastic. They have a great rapport with the students. You couldn't have asked for more with the way that they supported the students throughout the day. There was a variety of experiences with using the software. They were patient, encouraging and the students just got so much out of it. It was a wonderful experience to watch over the two days.

Speaker 1: The focus on STEM in school learning is integral for preparing young Australians for the emerging industries they will encounter as they finish school and enter the workforce. This can help them better understand the importance of STEM and how it influences the world we live in. Helping them to broaden their career pursuits.

Speaker 2: I'm Caleb Lawrence. I'm here because I really enjoy doing robotics and applying computer science into everyday life. I really enjoyed programming and the software being able to make really realistic renders of the the robot. I'm interested in a career in computer science, mechatronics and chemistry and physics. Today, I've seen what it's like to be able to do mechatronics and computer science. I think mechatronics is a really good career path. There's a lot of different opportunities.

Speaker 3: I'm Zoe Beckett. I'm a high school teacher at Nowra High, so we came to the Hub 4.0 to do the Smarter Schools for a Smarter Planet Workshop. This was where the students got to build small circuit boards using the Arduino system and then code it on the computers and learn that programming. Well for us Nowra High is a local school, we're in the Shoalhaven. For us to access any of the technology incursions or excursions, it usually involves us having to travel as far as Wollongong and Sydney to get access to those places. The Hub is right here, it's in the Shoalhaven. It's 15 minutes down the road from our school campus and it's an amazing resource that we have direct access to. Having the workshops presented by a female research engineer who is working in the industry really demonstrates the opportunities and the career paths for my young female students about where they can go in their own futures.

Speaker 4: Hi, I'm part of the outreach program for UOW, the Industry Hub engineers are absolutely fantastic. They have a great rapport with the students. You couldn't have asked for more with the way that they supported the students throughout the day. There was a variety of experiences with using the software. They were patient, encouraging and the students just got so much out of it. It was a wonderful experience to watch over the two days.

What is Industry 4.0?
Makerspace
Industry
SCHOOLS

What is Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0, also known as the “fourth Industrial Revolution”, is a new wave of innovation centred on automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. Industry 4.0 uses transformative technologies to connect the physical world with the digital world.

Current trends include

Advanced automation and robotics (including collaborative robots or cobots).
Machine-to-machine and human-to-machine communication
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Sensor technology and data analytics

For companies and industry to reap the full benefits of Industry 4.0, having the opportunity to see Industry 4.0 related technology in action, finding out how it can be applied and getting the required financial and technical assistance to implement it are key to success.

Makerspace

Open on Wednesdays 2 pm - 6 pm. Book in advance.

Closed on Wednesday 20 March 2024

About

The Industry 4.0 Hub is a public space open to the community and provides a place for new and experienced makers to learn, explore, and create, as well as meet like-minded people. Whether it is designing and creating 3D objects, programming robots, or exploring a new world in virtual reality, the Hub has the tools and the expertise to train, support and advise so that you can bring your ideas to life.

The makerspace is now open by appointment during weekdays. A list of our equipment can be found below. Accompanying software to use the equipment are also provided and accessible at the Hub. To book an appointment, please fill out the Booking Form, and let us know what you would like to learn or which equipment you would like to use at the Hub. Makerspace users will need to undergo a safety induction training prior to using the equipment.

Equipment

Laser cutter - Cut and engrave designs on acrylic, wood, cork and other materials
3D printers (Fusion3 f410, Formlabs Form 3L, Markforged X7) - Print 3D models in tough durable or flexible plastic materials
AR and VR headsets (Microsoft HoloLens 2, HTC Vive and Oculus Quest 2) - View and interact with digital 3D models as a hologram or in an immersive virtual world
Robots (DOBOT Magician) - Program the robot and its sensors to pick and place objects
3D scanners (Artec Space Spider, Artec Eva) - Scan small to large objects to generate a 3D model and reverse engineer with new and improved designs

COVID-19 Safe Operational Plan

Makerspace Booking Form

Pricing and access

Single session pass $30
Multi-session pass (10 sessions) $250
Monthly pass (excluding workshops) $70

Machine use

Fusion3 3D printer: $5 + material use
Laser cutter: $5 + material use
Markforged X7: materials use
Formlabs Form 3L: $10 + materials use

Industry

The Hub is equipped with leading-edge technology that can transform business operations and capabilities in industries such as manufacturing, agribusiness, and defence. The benefits and opportunities these technologies introduce across the entire value chain include, and are not limited to:

Improved efficiency in production through better monitoring and controlled consumption of raw materials and resources to meet growing customer demand,
Higher productivity and enhanced workplace safety with advanced robots and humans working side-by-side,
Empowering employees and boosting workforce efficiency with the use of AR and VR to deliver interactive training methods, faster task executions and greater confidence to make better decisions.

Our team at the Hub is ready to demonstrate the latest Industry 4.0 technologies and provide advice and expertise on how to adopt them into your business. If you are interested in finding out how to transform your business with Industry 4.0, please email us at industry4-hub@uow.edu.au.

Equipment

Laser cutter (Koenig K1309) - Cut and engrave designs on acrylic, wood, cork and other materials
3D printers (Fusion3 f410, Formlabs Form 3L, Markforged X7)
AR and VR headsets (Microsoft HoloLens 2, HTC Vive and Oculus Quest 2)
Collaborative Robots (Universal Robots UR10E)

Cobot welding system: aid skilled and semi-skilled to produce high quality weldments
Pick and place cobot: easily automate material handling or machine tending tasks

3D scanners (Artec Space Spider, Artec Eva, Artec Ray) - Scan small to large objects to create 3D models. Generates digital data for legacy items and allows reverse engineering.
FARO Tracer Laser Projector - Project laser outlines onto 3D surfaces and perform vision based verification. Can be used for aiding tasks, guiding workflow and recording production quality data
Internet of Things - Deploy LoRaWAN sensors to monitor processes, equipment and environments in warehouses, factories and farms

Industry 4.0 Hub aims to provide an opportunity for secondary students to experience STEM in a supported and educated environment. This can be facilitated with a tour, a MakerSpace workshop for students or through the program ‘Smarter Schools for a Smarter Planet.’ If you are interested in finding out more, please email us at industry4-hub@uow.edu.au.

Making it happen

Regionally connected, UOW’s Shoalhaven Campus in West Nowra delivers education offerings, services and R&D, helping ensure the smart and innovative jobs and employees of the future are readily available.

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Schools

What is Industry 4.0?

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Industry

Making it happen

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