Vietnam Manufacturing Expo 2018: Showcasing Smart Factory Solutions Amid Industry 4.0 Challenges
Launch of Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME) 2018
Vietnam’s leading exhibition on machinery and technology for manufacturing and supporting industries, Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME) 2018, was kicked off last week. The event aims to present technologies, solutions, and practical experiences for smart factories to support Vietnamese manufacturers in overcoming the early challenges of Industry 4.0..
Economic Impact of Smart Factories
According to Capgemini’s Digital Transformation Institute, smart factories could contribute up to $500 billion in added value to the global economy within the next five years. Smart technologies offer significant competitive advantages for manufacturers by increasing output, quality, and consistency. However, these technologies are challenging to implement. Suttisak Wilanan, deputy managing director of Reed Tradex, noted that while 76% of manufacturers have an ongoing smart factory initiative, only 14% are satisfied with their progress. He advised manufacturers, especially those in early stages like Vietnam, to seek proper counsel and not rush into extensive changes.
Participation and Technologies Showcased
This year's Vietnam Manufacturing Expo featured over 200 leading brands and experts, with international pavilions from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. The term "smart factory" encompasses manufacturing technologies that merge the physical and digital worlds, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, metrology, and 3D printing.
Introduction of Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Universal Robots, the first company to produce commercial collaborative robots (cobots), participated in VME 2018 to showcase a robot designed to work alongside human factory workers. Shermine Gotfredsen, general manager of Universal Robots in Southeast Asia and Oceania, explained that cobots democratize robotic automation, making it accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises and retrofitting older factories. This enables companies to start automating processes even if they are not ready for full Industry 4.0 solutions. The "Cobot Showcase" at VME 2018 aimed to help Vietnamese manufacturers understand cobots' capacities and applications.
Role of 3D Printing in Industry 4.0
Hoang Van Tan, country sales manager of Creatz3D Pte Ltd., highlighted 3D printing's role in Industry 4.0, particularly in design and rapid prototyping. As 3D printing technology improves, it offers new manufacturing possibilities such as desktop manufacturing. Industrial 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has grown into a $6.06 billion industry, with significant applications in customization and maintaining zero stock levels.
Importance of Metrology Technology
Metrology technology, crucial for smart factories, was another highlight of VME 2018. Nguyen Thanh Dat, sales manager of Keyence Vietnam Co., Ltd., emphasized its role in ensuring machining processes meet design specifications and functional requirements. He pointed out the need for Vietnam to prepare for the evolving market demands by investing in a tech-savvy workforce capable of operating IoT technologies and smart factories.
Industry Insights and Market Trends
Karen Dang, Country Manager of Force 21 Equipment Pte. Ltd., discussed the importance of smart factories in optimizing manufacturing processes and human resources. Daniel Pham, Operations Manager of VM Federation, noted the increasing interest of foreign investors in Vietnam's manufacturing sector, particularly following the US-China trade war. He emphasized the need for optimizing production processes and human resource management to attract and retain investment.
Conclusion
The VME 2018 showcased the importance of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector. It highlighted the potential benefits of smart factories, collaborative robots, 3D printing, and metrology technology, while also addressing the challenges and necessary preparations for successful implementation.
