International Delegation of Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) Holds Meeting at CU-ICAR
October 7, 2010
CHARLESTON, SC – October 7, 2010 – The Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) Consortium , an industry-led, global, collaborative manufacturing R&D program, held a meeting in Greenville last week at the CU-ICAR campus. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Thomas R. Kurfess, Clemson University professor and BMW Chair in Manufacturing.
In attendance were IMS Heads of Delegation representing the 27 countries of the European Union, as well as Delegates from Korea, Mexico, Switzerland and the United States. The meeting included planning for the 2011 World Manufacturing Forum in Lake Como, Italy. The 2011 Forum will include explorations of future technologies and government policies to support global, innovative manufacturing.
Bob Kiggans, U.S. Head of Delegation for IMS and Vice Chair of SCRA affiliate Advanced Technology International, said that one of the consortium’s highest priorities is the advancement of sustainable manufacturing. At last week’s IMS meeting, Kiggans said “The IMS delegates were quite impressed with the Upstate of South Carolina and the vibrant economy of the area.” The group visited the BMW plant and its Performance Driving Center during the two-day meeting.
IMS-participating companies from the U.S. include large, leading manufacturers such as Rockwell Collins but also numerous small and medium-sized companies. New IMS initiatives include long-term data retention for the automotive and aerospace industry. The IMS program is working from a multi-million dollar 2020 Roadmap which is helping to define and develop the “factory of the future.”
“SCRA has served as U.S. Head of Delegation for the IMS for more than five years. We are helping lead the way in global manufacturing collaboration,” said Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO.
IMS established five Manufacturing Technology Platforms (MTPs) in 2008. MTP initiatives are: sustainability, energy efficiency, key technologies, standards and education.
About IMS
The Intelligent Manufacturing Systems collaboration (IMS) is an industry-led, global, collaborative manufacturing R&D program. Program members include corporations, users and suppliers, universities & research organizations, and governments. Its membership is comprised of five global regions: the 27 European Union Countries, Korea, Switzerland, Mexico, and the United States. The IMS vision is to:
– enable greater sophistication and professionalism in manufacturing operations
– improve the utilization efficiency of renewable and non-renewable resources
– enlarge and open worldwide markets through new product creation
About SCRA
SCRA is a global leader in applied research and commercialization services with its headquarters in South Carolina. SCRA collaborates to advance technology, providing knowledge-based solutions with assured outcomes to industry and government, with the help of research universities in SC, the US and around the world.
About ATI
Advanced Technology International (ATI), a private affiliate of SCRA, builds and operates global teams which develop and apply innovative technology solutions. ATI-led programs offer world-class domain expertise with proven track records of increased market transition rates, reduced cost and risk, improved capabilities, and higher return on investment for government and corporate clients.
