- Japanese firms and AMTDC launch paperless manufacturing centre at IIT Madras.
- Collaboration brings advanced automation and AI solutions to support MSMEs.
- Centre enables joint R&D, prototype testing, and promotes smart manufacturing adoption.
Japanese firms AlfaTKG Co Ltd and OHKUMA IND Co Ltd have inked a memorandum of understanding with Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) to create a collaborative research center for paperless manufacturing at the IIT Madras Research Park.
The collaboration seeks to introduce cutting-edge Japanese knowledge in industrial automation, robotics, mechatronics, and AI-enhanced manufacturing to Indian factories, especially aiding MSMEs ready for digital advancement.
The new center will function as a focal point for cooperative research and development, engaging IIT Madras faculty, students, and industry experts. It will additionally implement GAIA, alfaTKG's AI-driven manufacturing platform, on trial production lines to showcase paperless processes, real-time traceability, and smart automation.
The MoU was executed by Toshio Takagi, president and CEO of alfaTKG Co Ltd, Japan, Katsuichi Kobori, president and CEO of OHKUMA IND Co Ltd, and N Ramesh Babu, secretary of AMTDC.
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Ramesh Babu, the leader of mechanical engineering at IIT Madras, stated that the initiative would enhance innovation between industry and academia while offering practical experience to students and startups. Takagi mentioned that the centre would aid in creating digital manufacturing solutions specifically for India’s SME sector, while Kobori highlighted OHKUMA’s dedication to enhancing robotics and sheet-metal automation.
The center aims to promote skill enhancement, assist in prototype evaluation, and foster the use of smart manufacturing techniques among MSMEs, positioning India to compete internationally in advanced industrial technologies.