The IMCRC has been one of the most successful and impactful CRCs and helped catalyse the transformation of Australian manufacturing
Australian manufacturing innovation matters
In 2016, IMCRC set out to grow Australia’s manufacturing capability and capacity and drive real-world commercial outcomes, purposely investing in an array of R&D projects spanning from mining to defence.
By supporting start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and global multinationals alike, IMCRC encouraged transformative manufacturing innovation and growth across the whole sector.
Six years on, IMCRC has delivered 71 industry-led manufacturing research projects that are set to create more than $4.2 billion in financial benefits to industry by 2030.
Research programs
IMCRC projects were organised under four research programs which set out to help catalyse the transformation of Australian manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing processes
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has matured into a production ready application. Industry seeks new design, materials and control processes to advance and tailor the technology specific to their needs.
Automated and assistive technologies
To simply and streamline manufacturing processes, industry is looking for automated and assistive technologies that interact safely and provide physical real-time support for their workforce.
High-value product development
Utilising research and key enabling technologies, industry is able to rapidly develop, produce and supply new products or services into new markets – domestically and internally.
Industrial transformation
Australian manufacturers understand the benefits of Industry 4.0, yet need encouragement, education and support to adopt digital technologies and business models.
Industry engagement
Economic uncertainty, disruptive technologies and new business models have been changing the Australia’s manufacturing landscape, putting increased pressure on businesses to develop new ideas, products and services.
IMCRC engaged with manufacturers across the country, offering them different pathways to explore, adopt and implement emerging technologies and business models.
Over the past six years, IMCRC
- invested $34m of Commonwealth and other funding across 71 industry-led manufacturing research projects
- developed futuremap® – a education platform and business diagnostic that helps manufacturers assess and map their business capabilities
- took 800+ manufacturing SMEs on the journey of industrial transformation through futuremap
- collaborated with four Industry 4.0 hubs and help them accelerate the uptake and diffusion of digital manufacturing technologies
- raised awareness and shared manufacturing insights at 300+ industry events, including webinars and workshops
- provided manufacturing SMEs access specialist expertise in form of PhD students via the APR.Intern program
Education and training
IMCRC helped facilitate unique research and industry experiences for the next generation of manufacturing leaders.
Through its PhD and Master scholarships and industry internships, IMCRC unlocked opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies and develop state-of-the-art solutions for the real world.
Throughout its funding term, IMCRC
- supported 33 PhD and Masters students through IMCRC co-funded R&D projects
- offered 9 Masters by Coursework scholarships
- provided 25 PhD students hands-on manufacturing experience through IMCRC’s partnership with APR.Intern
- created professional development opportunities through workshops, webinars and IMCRC conferences
- 173 publications contributed by IMCRC industry and research partners
