Reynaers Aluminium has introduced its new DigiTrace digital product passports across all its systems to allow instant access and complete transparency for performance, material and sustainability information. Supporting the demand for easy access to sustainability data, and the need to demonstrate clear and accessible product information to support the golden
A YouGov survey commissioned by British Safety Council among 4018 UK employers and employees, and published yesterday, reveals that both employers and employees are optimistic about the impact new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will have on their workplace – even though decision
Leading contractor MJ Church is driving a machine technology revolution working closely with construction technology specialist SITECH® UK and Ireland over the last decade. The partnership between the two companies began when SITECH began fitting a widespread use of machine technology on the contractor’s machines with Trimble® machine control systems. As well
The Science Based Targets Initiative officially validates Nordic’s ambitious emission reduction targets. Nordic Semiconductor, a leading provider of low power wireless IoT connectivity solutions, today announces that its ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In its validation letter, the
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest growing public EV rapid-charging network, recently conducted an eye-opening experiment which saw children aged 7-14 have their visions of the future brought to life by an AI artist. Asked to describe what they think the future holds for humanity, the children offered fascinating
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the final set of horizon scans in its recent series, examining trends in technological innovation that will shape society and the built environment over the next decade. RIBA Horizons 2034: Technological Innovation includes four horizon scans that consider how technological innovation,
Tarkett, a global leader in recyclable flooring solutions, has launched its groundbreaking virtual reality ‘Human Conscious Design Platform’ (HCDP). This technology enables users to experience how physical spaces may look, sound and feel from the perspective of someone who is neurodivergent. One in seven people is estimated to be neurodivergent, meaning
NAVTOR has taken another step forward on its ambitious growth path with the acquisition of specialist software development company Masterloop. With a proven track record within IoT (Internet of Things), AI and web solutions, Masterloop’s arrival boosts NAVTOR’s innovation and development team, already strengthened by the acquisition of Voyager Worldwide
Henkel has further expanded the portfolio of its industrial internet of things (IIoT) solution Loctite Pulse by launching two novel innovative offerings: Smart Rotating Equipment Monitoring and Smart Pipes and Tanks Leak Detection. These cutting-edge solutions mark another milestone in the company’s commitment to expanding its broad Maintenance Repair and
INDUSTRIES and businesses which fail to embrace the safe deployment of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to improve their operations may face a similar fate as those who shunned other major technological opportunities such as the Industrial Revolution or the internet. That was the view shared at a major industry conference
Reynaers Aluminium has introduced its new DigiTrace digital product passports across all its systems to allow instant access and complete transparency for performance, material and sustainability information. Supporting the demand for easy access to sustainability data, and the need to demonstrate clear and accessible product information to support the golden thread, the DigiTrace system is instantly accessible via element-specific QR codes. DigiTrace is the latest online support tool to be unveiled by the aluminium doors, windows and curtain walling specialist, which aims to deliver a seamless software information solution to support its products, and their use, from start to finish. Through DigiTrace, building owners, architects and contractors can share and access in-depth system, technical and performance data for specific products and elements. Supporting the entire process from manufacturing through to end use, the specially developed software solution is added to products at the manufacturing stage, usually by fabricators, who can then use DigiTrace to share and access information. Product details and technical information are exported directly from ReynaPro, the company’s calculation, order and production software, while additional certification, documentation and information, such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), maintenance guides, warranties and installation guides can be added by stakeholders throughout the product lifetime. The tool can be used by scanning the QR code to share feedback and to flag up any issues. Martin Boland, Technical Support Manager at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “With the introduction of the golden thread and an increasing commitment to sustainable building design, the need for precise and up-to-date information is growing. “DigiTrace is an end-to-end product passport system that enables complete transparency from start to finish. Every element is labelled with a unique QR code enabling instant access to online information via a smartphone. “With the ability to upload images and share information with other stakeholders through the platform, DigiTrace supports communication between sites and offices to discuss any issues, as well as between contractors and fabricators. There is also a feedback feature where building owners can upload pictures to help explain any queries they might have. In addition, the level of detail around the materials used allows for appropriate end of life recycling. “DigiTrace is a real step forward in promoting product circularity and transparency to support the development of safer, more sustainable buildings.” The introduction of DigiTrace follows the company’s recent launch of the Docu Portal system with Hardware Configurator to make technical guidance easily accessible online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A YouGov survey commissioned by British Safety Council among 4018 UK employers and employees, and published yesterday, reveals that both employers and employees are optimistic about the impact new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will have on their workplace – even though decision makers feel more optimistic than staff. When asked about AI, 63% of 2006 employers said they are optimistic about the impact that this new technology will have on their workforce, compared with 41% of 2012 employees, when asked about its impact on their workplace. However, just over a quarter (26%) of both employers and employees said that AI would make their workplace ‘less safe’. This compared with the same number of employers (26%) who thought it would make it ‘more safe’ and just 13% of employees. When asked how likely or unlikely they think it is that their job will be replaced or superseded by AI in the next 10 years, 68% of employees thought it unlikely and just 23% said it was likely. Among the employers, 20% thought less than 10% of their workforce would be replaced by 2034, while 6% of employers did think that over 50% of their workforce could go. Levels of optimism about the impact of AR and VR were somewhat lower, with 48% and 51% respectively of employers expressing optimism about the impact of both technologies, and just 33% and 31% of employees. Both employers and employees were also more equivocal about how far these would impact people’s safety in the workplace, with around half seeing ‘no change’. Peter McGettrick, Chairman of British Safety Council, said: “We commissioned this survey with YouGov to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act and consider what lies ahead for health, safety and wellbeing in the coming half century. The findings show there is clearly more to be done to ensure that both employers and employees not just reap the benefits but are also given reassurance and support on some of the risks. “While no one can predict the future entirely, change is inevitable. This is why we’re calling on the Government to incentivise companies who invest in new and developing technologies – like AR, VR, and AI – for the purposes of improving workplace health, safety and wellbeing. Alongside this, we want to see more support for training to keep people safe, healthy and well in work. “Our founder, James Tye, was instrumental in agitating the government of the time to set up a royal commission, which ultimately led to the Robens Report that led to the Health and Safety at Work Act. If you fast-forward 50 years, in recent years we’ve been calling for wellbeing to be at the heart of health and safety. Recently, we’ve called on Sir Keir Starmer in his new Government to put a Minister for Wellbeing in the Cabinet.” A summary of the YouGov survey findings is attached. British Safety Council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing manifesto can be downloaded here. Roundtable discussion on the Future of Work The survey findings come on the back of a roundtable discussion about the Future of Work, hosted by British Safety Council on Monday 8 July and chaired by Nathan Baker, CEO of the Institute of Occupational Medicine. A short video of this event can be seen here. Baker steered an in-depth discussion with six workplace health and safety experts from training, legal, technology, auditing and trade union backgrounds. These were David Sharp, Founder and MD of International Workplace, Dee Arp, Chief Operating Officer of NEBOSH, Sean Elson, Partner at Pinsent Masons, Janet Newsham, Chair of the Hazards Campaign at Greater Manchester Hazards Centre, Peter McGettrick, Chairman of British Safety Council, and Phil Pinnington, Head of Audit & Consultancy at British Safety Council. Setting out the context of the legacy of the Health and Safety at Work Act, Nathan Baker said: “If you look at where we were, in 1974, against where we now are, the world is a safer place. From 1974 to 2015, fatalities in the workplace fell by 85 per cent, a huge drop. Non-fatal injuries are down by 77 per cent in the same period. However, asbestos deaths are up tenfold, and we still lose 35 million days a year due to ill health and injury, costing the economy £20.7 billion.” Dee Arp said the Health and Safety at Work Act had provided a “great framework” but there is still a great deal to do. “I always think whenever we mention statistics that for every one of those numbers, there’s a person, there’s a family and there are friends,” said Dee. “In addition to that, there are all the mental health issues that we know are not significantly reported.” Janet Newsham said: “The Health and Safety at Work Act is fantastic and it’s done some really good things, but there are still more than 50,000 people dying each year because of work-related exposures to hazardous and toxic substances, and the ever-increasing mental health crisis that we’ve got. We don’t know the true numbers of people who die from work-related suicide but, as an estimate, we say it’s probably 10 per cent of suicides in the country. It’s never reported – it’s not reportable – and it’s not investigated, so there’s a long way to go to keep people safe.” New and emerging issues Reflecting on a “realignment of health and safety away from safety, safety, safety”, and a move towards health, Phil Pinnington said: “That’s continuing with wellbeing, mental health, stress management and I think things are moving in multiple directions, in a way that those who wrote the 1974 Act would never have thought about when they wrote it.” From a legal perspective, Sean Elson said that there has been a significant rise in recent years in the amount of work his law firm has taken on in relation to mental and occupational health issues. “Something we’re now doing regularly, that 10 years ago was unthinkable,
Leading contractor MJ Church is driving a machine technology revolution working closely with construction technology specialist SITECH® UK and Ireland over the last decade. The partnership between the two companies began when SITECH began fitting a widespread use of machine technology on the contractor’s machines with Trimble® machine control systems. As well as providing the hardware/software, SITECH also provided access to Beta test new Trimble products. So mutually beneficial has the relationship been, that MJ Church’s investment in increasing their knowledge of machine technology has led to the development of an industry-leading 3D machine modelling approach. Sam Lemon, Construction Technology Lead for MJ Church said that the ‘old way of doing things’ with batter rails was a distant memory with technology enabling them to run ‘timberless sites’. He said: “Site technology has gone from a ‘nice to have’ to standard practice across all our projects – because we are utilising it to such a high standard with the support from the teams at SITECH and Trimble. “When I started at MJ Church five years ago our technology was relatively small scale, but now, GPS enabled machines are standard across our fleet. It includes Trimble Business Centre, Trimble WorksOS, Trimble Connect, Trimble Siteworks and Trimble Drawing. “What’s really changed in the business is we’ve seen the value of machine control. It’s taken a lot of work to get to this point, and thanks to our relationship with SITECH we’ve been able to get involved in Beta testing new Trimble products and feedback with improvements so we can really unlock the full potential of our fleet. “Having begun using machine control on a few excavators in 2015 it’s really ramped up and SITECH have been instrumental in that, supporting us with practical help in setting our machines up and keeping our machines running when core components need replacing.” SITECH technical sales consultant Carl Parsons, said: “MJ Church is really driving a revolution in machine technology because they’re constantly looking for different ways to use it and develop their knowledge of it. “We have continued to support MJ Church with frequent software training, hardware support and installation training, and we’re proud to act as a technology consultancy service for them. “We’re very proud to support them on their journey and in their achievements which are encouraging innovation within the industry.” To find out more about more about SITECH machine control systems support, training and software solutions go to www.sitechukandireland.com
The Science Based Targets Initiative officially validates Nordic’s ambitious emission reduction targets. Nordic Semiconductor, a leading provider of low power wireless IoT connectivity solutions, today announces that its ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In its validation letter, the SBTi commends Nordic Semiconductor’s net-zero target by 2050, which is currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process. “Receiving validation from the SBTi is a significant achievement for Nordic Semiconductor,” says Ola Bostrøm, Senior Vice President of Quality, Nordic Semiconductor. “It confirms that our climate strategy and commitment to greenhouse gas emissions reduction are in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The SBTi validated targets provide a clear, science-based path to what level we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in both our own operations, and in our value chain.” In the near-term, Nordic Semiconductor commits to reduce its direct and indirect GHG emissions from energy usage (‘Scope 1’ and ‘Scope 2’) by 60 percent by 2030, with 2019 being its base year. Nordic will also reduce its emissions intensity (emission by value added) for other indirect emission (‘Scope 3’) by 60% percent by 2030, with 2019 being its base year. Nordic aims to achieve this by reducing energy consumption and increasing renewable energy in its own operations, while engaging with stakeholders in the value chain. In the longer-term, Nordic Semiconductor commits to a 2050 net-zero target, meaning any residual GHG emission in its value chain will be neutralized at that point in line with SBTi criteria. Further detailed information on Nordic’s commitment to its SBTi and GHG emission reduction targets is included in the company’s latest Annual Report 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest growing public EV rapid-charging network, recently conducted an eye-opening experiment which saw children aged 7-14 have their visions of the future brought to life by an AI artist. Asked to describe what they think the future holds for humanity, the children offered fascinating yet startling ideas on how they envisage the future, and were astounded as these were projected back to them via AI. The children’s initial hopes centred around the advanced use of technology and a sense of community, but their expectations presented a different image of the future. This comprised images of a heavily polluted sky, artificial greenery and visions of the sick struggling to walk, all as a result of the unchallenged use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions. As these visceral images were projected on to a screen behind them, the children were shocked at the visualisation of the harsh landscapes that they had described. Conversely, as they explained their dream futures, the AI image generator simultaneously projected these wonderfully vivid and hopeful visions of future societies, demonstrating a more optimistic outlook of what could be possible, with images of vibrant nature, clean air and innovative transportation. In response to these images, the children involved outlined how they believe positive action to reduce carbon emissions, utilising green energy and driving electric vehicles can help us protect and improve the world around us. Many of the participants highlighted the need for action to be taken now, to avoid a cycle of missed opportunities to preserve our environment. Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, commented: “It has been incredibly eye-opening and insightful to hear the thoughts, hopes and fears of our next generation on what they believe lies in store for our society and environment, and the stark visualisation using AI generated images cements the need for action to be taken to support the move to net zero. Here at Osprey Charging, we’re continuing to be at the forefront of this transition, installing increasing numbers of public EV chargers across the UK, with over 1,000 rapid chargers now available on the Osprey network, in a range of accessible rural and urban locations. “This experiment and the engaging input from each child that participated highlighted the necessity for both businesses and individuals to continuously strive for greater green and sustainable practices, something which we pride ourselves on. Through installing charging infrastructure, powered by renewable energy, from Land’s End to John O’Groats and across Great Britain, we are providing the critical infrastructure that is supporting the UK’s transition to electric vehicles” Osprey’s network of chargers has an outstanding reliability rate of 99%, and in the last twelve months Osprey was awarded Charging Network of the Year at the Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellent awards and Best EV Charging Network at the Transport and Energy Awards. Furthermore Osprey’s easy charging experience saw the network recognised as a ‘Driver Recommended Network’ by Zap-Map for the fourth year running. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the final set of horizon scans in its recent series, examining trends in technological innovation that will shape society and the built environment over the next decade. RIBA Horizons 2034: Technological Innovation includes four horizon scans that consider how technological innovation, including AI, will impact the built environment and the practice of architecture. They ask how architects can respond to this global shift and embrace a technologically enabled and empowered future. Commissioned by RIBA to provide foresight for building design professionals, the scans are written by leading academics and experts. The four horizon scans are: These horizon scans ask how architects can anticipate and take advantage of the opportunities posed by technological innovation, in areas such as design and business. They consider the ethical implications of the digitisation of the building industry and ask how resources can be shared across the global profession. They also examine what new demands the automation of construction might place on architects and ask important questions about professional agency in the era of AI. RIBA Horizons 2034: Technological Innovation is part of the RIBA Horizons 2034 series interrogating the global megatrends predicted to shape society, the built environment, and the architectural profession by 2034. Previous scans focused on the environmental challenge, the economics of the built environment, and population change. A final report summarising the series will be published this summer. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Architects have successfully adapted to many waves of technological change, but the advent of artificial intelligence poses bigger questions for the profession than ever before. Will AI change architecture as we know it? What are the creative, ethical and technical implications of AI and automation? And how can we harness new technology to ensure the built environment meets the needs of the future? I encourage all building professionals to read these scans to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Editor of RIBA Horizons 2034: Technological Innovation, Professor Phillip Bernstein, Associate Dean and Professor Adjunct at the Yale School of Architecture, said: “Unlike earlier technology disruptors like computer-aided design (CAD) or even building information modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence has placed immediate demands on the architectural profession. It requires architects to understand and respond both within and without their practices. The Technological Innovation scans speculate on the future world of practice and set a vision for architecture’s response that must include proactive comprehension, strategic foresight, and a bias toward innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tarkett, a global leader in recyclable flooring solutions, has launched its groundbreaking virtual reality ‘Human Conscious Design Platform’ (HCDP). This technology enables users to experience how physical spaces may look, sound and feel from the perspective of someone who is neurodivergent. One in seven people is estimated to be neurodivergent, meaning their brain functions, processes information and reacts to sensory stimuli differently than those considered neurotypical. Common examples include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and dementia. Increasingly, communities and organisations recognise that fostering true inclusivity requires designing environments suitable for every neurotype. “Our new Human Conscious Design Platform represents a major leap forward in Tarkett’s ‘Human-Conscious Design’ philosophy of creating spaces that are good for people and planet. It builds on our existing industry-leading work around designing for dementia and the ‘Through their eyes’ VR experience that we launched in 2018,” said Shaz Hawkins, Segment Marketing Manager at Tarkett. “This latest technology continues our drive to cultivate invaluable empathy and understanding amongst architects, designers, organisations and the public by allowing them to experience an environment through a neurodivergent lens first-hand. This can help shape more accommodating, equitable spaces where all individuals feel welcomed and are able to thrive.” The HCDP has been developed following a couple of years worth of research and development including interviews with neurodivergent individuals, teachers, businesses and support organisations as well as extensive desktop research. The platform immerses users in virtual environments like offices, schools, hospitals and care homes rendered to highlight sensory stimuli that may overwhelm, understimulate or distress someone with sensory processing differences. Users can toggle augmented sound, lighting and other elements to vividly experience an environment from multiple neurodivergent perspectives. To support the launch of the VR platform, Tarkett is also rolling out a RIBA-accredited Human Conscious Design continuing professional development (CPD) course to educate architects and designers on the principles and best practices for inclusive design addressing neurodiversity. The team has also published a report, Human Conscious Design Principles, to help organisations and designers understand neurodiversity better along with practical advice on how to create inclusive spaces. To download the guide and learn more about Tarkett’s Human Conscious Design approach and the new HCDP virtual reality platform, visit the website. Architects and designers interested in the RIBA CPD course can find out more here [Tarkett CPD materials – ribacpd.com]. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NAVTOR has taken another step forward on its ambitious growth path with the acquisition of specialist software development company Masterloop. With a proven track record within IoT (Internet of Things), AI and web solutions, Masterloop’s arrival boosts NAVTOR’s innovation and development team, already strengthened by the acquisition of Voyager Worldwide in December. The Norwegian-headquartered business will now focus resources on the continued push for data-driven efficiency, performance and decarbonisation for customers, integrating further solutions into its connected digital ecosystem. Fresh perspectives “Masterloop provides another piece of the digital puzzle as we continue our mission to make life easier, safer and more profitable for shipping companies worldwide,” comments Tor Svanes, NAVTOR Founder and CEO. “The team’s industrial IoT strength and maritime understanding, highlighted by their Bluekey vessel efficiency application, will feed into our drive to enhance our portfolio with intelligent, data-based, AI solutions that simplify the increasingly complex operational reality faced by today’s maritime businesses. “Masterloop brings something new to the table, with fresh perspectives and broad experience gained from outside of shipping too. We believe they can help accelerate our innovation, as we push to deliver transformational technology for an evolving industry. It’s great to have them on board.” Shared visions NAVTOR is the world leader in e-Navigation and performance solutions, with products and services aboard over 18,000 vessels in the world fleet. Masterloop, meanwhile, has made a name for itself with a proprietary IoT platform, Bluekey and a smart bike-sharing application CityBike Cloud. Its client history includes names such as Easee, Zaptec, Kolumbus and Kverneland Group. Jan Helge Skailand, Masterloop’s Founder and CEO, has a long history of collaboration with NAVTOR. He was originally one of the founding team in 2011, taking the role of CTO, before leaving to form Masterloop in 2013. The two companies have collaborated on numerous projects since that point. Deep-dive expertise “In many ways this feels like ‘coming home’,” says Skailand. “I know NAVTOR very well and the two companies share the same values, innovation culture, and commitment to developing new solutions that unlock powerful benefits for users. However, we also have a deep-dive domain specialization within IoT and have gained experience from working alongside a unique mix of customers. So, I think we have something to offer a team that is already at the vanguard of maritime technology. I can’t wait to see what comes of this.” Masterloop’s team of ten, based in Norway and Sri Lanka, will now join NAVTOR’s global network of approximately 400 specialists. A key task will see them feeding competence into the Green AI for Sustainable Shipping (GASS) project, which is now tailoring digital twin and AI-based tech to introduce ‘dynamic voyage optimisation’ for vessels, aiming to cut emissions by up to 20%. Purpose driven development “We want to lead from the front and help change the industry with smart technology,” comments NAVTOR CTO Anders Holme. “Optimising performance and energy efficiency is one of our main focuses, helping our customers comply with stricter regulations, dramatically reduce fuel costs, and, of course, work towards ambitious decarbonisation goals. “We have a strong sense of purpose and an important role to play. It’s great to see a talented team like Masterloop buying into that, enhancing our capacity as we seek to ‘make a real difference’ for the industry we serve.” NAVTOR offers a comprehensive range of integrated smart shipping solutions, including advanced planning platform NavStation, fleet performance software NavFleet, and unique digital logbooks, amongst other products and services. To discover more please see www.navtor.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henkel has further expanded the portfolio of its industrial internet of things (IIoT) solution Loctite Pulse by launching two novel innovative offerings: Smart Rotating Equipment Monitoring and Smart Pipes and Tanks Leak Detection. These cutting-edge solutions mark another milestone in the company’s commitment to expanding its broad Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) portfolio and delivering advanced technology to industrial operations worldwide. Driven by a mission to redefine industrial reliability, Loctite Pulse leverages over 70 years of industrial brand expertise to offer a comprehensive suite of IIoT solutions. From state-of-the-art monitoring sensor technology to trusted solutions for both static and rotating equipment, the brand empowers industries to stay ahead of plant failures, helping to reduce downtime and enhancing safety and sustainability. The Loctite Pulse app enables the monitoring of critical assets with just a few clicks and thus significantly facilitates the maintenance of a broad variety of assets without the need for any additional IT implementation. It provides alerts and information about the equipment status to effectively support users in prioritizing tasks and scheduling shutdowns. Key features of the new solutions include: “We are excited to unveil these groundbreaking solutions as part of our expanded portfolio,” said Dr. Kourosh Bahrami, Corporate Senior Vice President General Manufacturing and Maintenance, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “With our offer in smart maintenance and advanced IIoT technology, we are empowering industrial customers to enhance reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.” The new solutions amplify the connection between Loctite’s IIoT portfolio and Henkel´s MRO core product range. Smart Rotating Equipment Monitoring allows customers to monitor critical assets like pumps, motors, and gearboxes, detect issues early, and apply proven solutions from Loctite’s extensive MRO product range to solve the issues. Similarly, Smart Pipes and Tanks Leak Detection links seamlessly to Loctite’s established composite repair, sealing, and coating solutions. This integrated approach ensures that problems are diagnosed while corresponding repair products are being offered from a single source. Loctite Pulse goes beyond predicting and identifying failures – in case of interest the company helps customers to find smart fixes by offering high-performing, long-lasting repair products. Henkel introduced Loctite Pulse in 2021 and quickly expanded the offering with the Loctite Pulse Smart Steam Trap solution in 2023. The solutions are being implemented at corporates as well as small and medium-sized enterprises from the oil and gas, chemical, and food and beverage industries, as well as in Henkel’s production facilities. At Henkel’s production site in Düsseldorf, for example, the Loctite Pulse Smart Steam Trap solution provides instant information via the smartphone app, allowing prompt identification of blockages or blow throughs. “With Loctite Pulse Smart Steam Traps, we can react immediately and do not have losses of several months, which cost us money,” explained Annegret Schindlmeyr, Sustainability Manager at Henkel. In addition to the portfolio expansion, Loctite Pulse has received multiple prestigious market accolades for its innovations, including Engineering Product of the Year 2023 by the DEA, the Digital Innovation Award 2023 by BEMAS, the New Technology Award 2024 by OTC, the „Best Smart Industry 4.0 Solutions Award“ of IOT Solutions World Congress, and the Real Innovation Technology Award (RITA) 2024 in the Product Innovation category. To learn more about Loctite Pulse and its expanded portfolio, visit the respective websites for North America and Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INDUSTRIES and businesses which fail to embrace the safe deployment of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to improve their operations may face a similar fate as those who shunned other major technological opportunities such as the Industrial Revolution or the internet. That was the view shared at a major industry conference – “Harnessing Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Challenging Environments” – which attracted almost 300 delegates and exhibitors to the event at Energus, Workington, Cumbria on Tuesday (May 21). Attendees heard how embracing robotics and AI can help meet the two global challenges of climate change and energy security. Delegates heard RAICo, a collaboration between UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester, plays a vital role, aiding collaboration and bringing the greatest minds together – including end-users, problem-holders and researchers – to find solutions to shared nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges. The deployment of robotics and AI was described as being key to accelerating nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering in a way which delivers missions safer, faster and more cost effectively. Keynote speakers from the nuclear sector, including Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UKAEA; Mr David Peattie, CEO of the NDA; Mr Roddy Miller, Nuclear Operations Director at Sellafield Ltd, and Francis Livens, Professor of Radiochemistry at The University of Manchester, shared with delegates their visions for the safe deployment of the latest technologies. David Peattie said: “I’m passionate about creating opportunities for collaboration across the NDA group, the wider sector, academia and the supply chain and particularly inspiring young people to engage in the work we are doing and develop innovative solutions. “We are proud to be part of RAICo and committed to exploring how we can utilise technology and innovation to create a safer working environment for our employees, deliver more effectively and efficiently, to leave a more sustainable legacy for generations to come.” Roddy Miller said: “Harnessing the power of robotics and AI is not just about technological advancement; it’s about creating a sustainable and safer environment for future generations. This event highlighted the incredible potential of these technologies and the important role Cumbria plays in this transformative journey.” During a panel session hosted by Professor Rob Buckingham, Executive Director of the UKAEA, in which keynote speakers were asked their views on risk, Ian Chapman highlighted that, while safety of operations was paramount, it was also important to consider the risk of industry and businesses failing to adopt technologies which help them achieve some tasks safer, faster and more cost effectively. He said: “I also consider aggregate risk in conversations like this. The biggest risk for the nuclear sector is that it will cease to exist. Just go back to the Industrial Revolution, or the internet, those (businesses) who decided not to engage, those companies do not exist.” Engaging with supply chain companies was also highlighted as vital for industries to fully embrace robotics and AI. The Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) announced the launch of the Cumbria Robotics Cluster at the event. This cluster brings together organisations with a shared vision to elevate Cumbria as a globally recognised centre of excellence in the field of robotics engineering. RAICo is a founding member of the cluster which is set to play a crucial role in developing advanced robotics technologies and skills that address industrial challenges, particularly in the nuclear industry and other challenging environments. Dr Kirsty Hewitson, Director of RAICo, said: “This cluster represents a significant opportunity for synergy and innovation amongst Cumbria’s robotics experts and industries. Through this collaborative effort, we are set to map out and expand the capabilities of robotics in the region, driving forward our joint goals of technological advancement and capacity building.” Kirsty added: “The supply chain is absolutely crucial to RAICo’s success and that broader success across both Sellafield, the wider NDA estate but also the UK Atomic Energy Authority. “They (the supply chain) absolutely possess those unique skill sets, technologies that they have developed over many years which we should be tapping into and harnessing and working collaboratively with them. “It was great to see a number of those large and small companies come to the event and join in the discussions taking place across the room.” Organised by FIS360 on behalf of RAICo and its partners, the event also highlighted the social impact of robotics and AI in Cumbria and beyond. Adopting robotics and AI provides opportunities to upskill workforces, create new higher skilled jobs, and offer exciting careers for young people and graduates. Eleven students aged 16 to 18 from West Lakes Academy and the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC) who took part in a four-week sprint programme set by RAICo and iSH, to develop a small robot that could move a mock nuclear barrel around a track, shared their learnings and experiences at the event. Mr Richard Christensen, Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at RAICo, said: “What has been achieved by these talented students in such a short time is incredibly impressive, and watching them speak so confidently (at the event) about their findings was fantastic. “At RAICo, we want to champion the next generation of innovators within the robotics and AI industry, providing students and young professionals with opportunities to help them get a foot in the door for a rewarding career.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
