State-of-the-art companies and trained talent in robotics, artificial intelligence or cybersecurity University of Vigo (UVigo) together until Friday in its eighth edition Industrial Automation Conference, a “showcase” of the latest developments in the digitization of the industry and a “place of opportunities” for future employment of university students.
A total of 2,000 exhibitors and 125 companies Attend this bi-annual event that brings together representatives of the Ministry of Industry, Xunta, Zona Franca, Vigo City Council, Asime, CTAG, Stellantis and Dighgigal at the Telecommunications School yesterday.
In his speech, Galo Gutiérrez, General Manager of Industry and SMEs of the Ministry, underlined that digitalization is essential for the competitiveness of the economy. He reminded that the epidemic brought to the table the need for industrial strategic autonomy, and pointed out that Perte’s requirements for the distribution of European funds include automation of processes, sensorization of data collection or the introduction of robotics. And referring to the workshops and the UVigo students themselves, he applauded their success. “Conforming to the needs of the industry”.
In this sense, consultant Román Rodríguez emphasized that the education system is “one more link” in the digital transformation of society and described the following fact as “fundamental”: “Building synergies” between universities and vocational training centers and companies to tailor training to their needs. “These conferences are extremely important and enriching. It is a place where students can learn about the needs of companies and find the professionals of the future.”
Like all participants, Xunta’s Head of Education also appreciated the “great work” of Professor José Ignacio Armesto, who has been JAI’s organizer and coordinator for 18 years.
David Regades celebrated UVigo’s “great collaboration” with Zona Franca, an institution he describes as “a great representative of Galicia’s economic development”. The delegate of the consortium also underlined the “power” of the conference, which brings together the main companies and technology centers in sectors such as the automotive industry.
Encouraging women’s participation in technological careers
R&D Councilor Ana Mejías spoke on behalf of the mayor, who later attended the inauguration ceremony for planning reasons, to value Vigo’s status as the “engine of the industry” in Galicia and the contribution of the University. She did not want to overlook that she and Asime’s representative, Silvia Blanco, were the only women at the table, and she insisted. “Keep pushing” for young women to enroll in tech careers and occupy the jobs of the future.
Stellantis, one of the companies that have joined JAI since the first edition, and Ignacio Bueno, director of the Vigo factory, spoke of them as follows: The “inevitable meeting place” between university and industry. He argued that the automation sector serves as “a driver for the implementation of new technologies” and highlighted the “open innovation ecosystem” currently operating in Galicia, which allows knowledge transfer and sharing to “strengthen” the industrial fabric.
Regarding the Vigo automotive factory, he noted that it has 1,632 robots, more than 250 artificial vision cameras and twenty machine learning applications. “Strongly involved” in the group’s global innovation strategy.
As its managing director, Luis Moreno, from CTAG emphasizes, they are working to develop the knowledge necessary so that the Galician automotive industry can “respond” to and thus compete with the challenges of digitalisation, sustainability and connectivity. “very challenging global conditions”. And to achieve this goal more efficiently advocated public-private cooperation.
It also demanded “effective cooperation” between universities, technology centres, administrations and Silvia Blanco companies. Asime’s representative demanded “bold and useful decisions” in the current complex situation and described JAI as: “A showcase of the industrial capacity and capabilities we have in Galicia”.
Francisco Yáñez, president of Digital Innovation Hub Industrial de Galicia (Dighgigal), said they share a philosophy with JAI, namely “to effectively deliver knowledge to companies. improve the economy and society in a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive world”.
Ernesto Pedrosa, head of UVigo’s Social Council, stressed that the Automation Workshops demonstrate the “true size and highest level of service” of the academic institution. Rector Manuel Reigosa, referring to the “high-level” ecosystem created by universities, companies and technology centers in our community, closed the event before the guests moved to the ‘showroom’ set up in the lobby of the Industrialists’ College. He also claimed that UVigo “wanted to be one more partner, so Galicia becomes an international benchmark in many technologies.
Robots detecting faults in engine parts
Headquartered in Valladolid and offices in Porto do Molle, Madrid and Barcelona, the DGH group is joining JAI for the first time. And it shows the artificial vision system, which can automatically detect malfunctions in the assembly of engines. This robot model is currently working at the Seat factory in Barcelona, and the Stellantis factory in Sochaux will have a fleet of 200 people. It is also planned to be implemented in Vigo. DGH has been in the city for over 15 years and now has more than 50 experts, many of whom have been trained at UVigo, such as Alexandre Martín.
Students’ approach to real life
Fátima Sendín, Lara Santiago, Melany Justo and Aitana Núñez are part of the JAI student body. are Electronics, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering degrees and Master’s degree students in Mechatronics They point out that being a part of the organization not only strengthens their teamwork and event coordination skills, but also enables them to be closer to the industry. “It gives you another perspective on real life, the needs companies have, and what the value of what we are working on is worth,” they emphasize.
Source: Informacion
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