Autodesk opens technology centre in Birmingham

Autodesk has opened an advanced manufacturing facility (AMF) in Birmingham.

The first of its kind in Europe, it houses advanced manufacturing tools and is a space for Autodesk to collaborate with customers, helping them bring their visions to life, solve some of their biggest challenges and push the boundaries of fabrication techniques. The Birmingham AMF is one node in a network of six technology centres around the world that bring Autodesk together with customers and partners to redesign the relationships between software and hardware, machines and materials.

Autodesk’s president and CEO, Andrew Anagnost, said: “The convergence of automation technologies like robotics and machine learning is shaking up traditional manufacturing and building processes. Coupling these with cloud computing enables more people to access their power at much lower costs. While clearly a challenge to established practices, these technologies offer huge opportunities for existing manufacturers and builders to do more, do it better, and do it with less negative impact on the world. With today’s opening, we hope to fuel excitement and prepare businesses in all industries for the future of making things.”

Autodesk has already invested millions in the Birmingham area, following the acquisition of Delcam in November of 2013 and, with it, a portfolio of leading-edge CAM solutions. Building on this capability, the new multi-million-pound facility has been kitted out with innovative machines including those from DMG Mori, Hermle, Steifelmeyer and Hamuel, as well as robots from ABB and Kuka Robotics.

From hybrid manufacturing to human-robotic collaboration, and clay milling, customers and partners can explore a range of techniques to see how they can benefit from the future of making things.

The technology centre also houses a lab to ensure data is at the heart of projects. Engineers will be able to view data collected from smart machines; better connecting design and manufacturing processes so that decisions are more informed, and projects are delivered more efficiently. Visitors saw how Autodesk’s just-released cloud-based Fusion Production software can monitor, analyse and manage data produced from live fabrication process on mobile devices.

BMW and GKN Additive are just some of the companies that are working with Autodesk engineers at the Birmingham centre. With AD9100D certification, the team is also able to take on specialist aerospace projects too.

As well as working with customers, the centre will be made available to the local education community, to highlight how manufacturing has been transformed by new technologies and inspire the next generation of engineers and product designers.

Through Autodesk’s work with the STEM Ambassador Network, members of the Birmingham team will also work with a range of academic institutions, including all local universities and research facilities, such as the MTC in Coventry. This will include involvement with specific projects and student competitions, such as World Skills, F1 in Schools and VEX Robotics. Additionally, the STEM ambassadors will be on hand to help teach students skills such as coding, offer mentorship for career opportunities, and judge events and competitions.

Autodesk www.autodesk.com

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Autodesk

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