The advanced manufacturing and logistics industries are experiencing a revolution that is rapidly changing how products are made and moved. Known as Industry 4.0, this revolution is marked by the integration of advanced technology, automation and data to increase competitiveness, productivity and profitability. Indiana’s continued economic prosperity is inextricably linked to how industry responds – or more aptly, leads – in this Industry 4.0 economy.
Conexus Indiana research shows that Indiana companies are at different stages of technology adoption. Roughly 12% of Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics companies have a strategic roadmap for technology adoption, and about 4% more (16%) have a dedicated budget for 4.0 technology adoption. Budget restrictions, no clear ROI, lack of internal technical skill and complexity of integration, are cited by companies as obstacles to technology adoption. A newly built Innovation District, 16 Tech, offers collaborative and affordable solutions for technology adoption and strengthens Indiana’s position to lead the way in Industry 4.0.
As Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics thought leader, Conexus Indiana profiles resources and technologies for industry success through its Emerging Tech Showcase program. Last week, Conexus Indiana collaborated with 16 Tech Innovation District to preview innovation opportunities for established and young companies as well as entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs in the 50-acre downtown Indianapolis innovation district.
Following is a snapshot of 16 Tech resources for innovators:
- Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2): A collaborative space that will allow new and existing manufacturers to utilize state-of-the-art equipment, including GE Additive’s Binder Jet technology, to train employees, conduct third-party pilot manufacturing and increase awareness of products and software applications.
- 1776: A shared working space for startups, innovators, entrepreneurs and makers, which includes resources, programs and creative energy to incubate new ideas and scale their businesses.
- Machyne: A community-oriented makerspace with access to extensive resources and a full suite of powerful, cutting-edge tools – from woodworking and metal fabrication to 3D printing & laser cutting.
- NEXT Studios: A venture studio with experienced entrepreneurs who help visionaries shape their ideas, craft them through a repeatable process and move them forward with capital and talent.
Mark your calendar for the next Emerging Tech Showcase:
What: MākuSafe wearable platform
Why: Wearable technologies are gaining traction in the workplace. These smart, IoT devices have been popular in fields such as clinical medicine, health and wellness, and scientific research for some time. But last year, COVID-19 brought the topic to the forefront for many organizations as they investigated options for managing a safe work environment during a pandemic. Some advanced manufacturing and logistics companies are beginning to adopt wearables, and many are finding broader potential for data and analytics to improve worker health, safety, and productivity.
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2021
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Where: Online
Who: A panel discussion with risk management experts from Butler University, Henriott Group, and FCCI Insurance Group
Register now to reserve your spot for this free event.