A*STAR to set up model factories test-bed for new manufacturing tech

It will be at SIMTech and ARTC.

With the goal of preparing Singapore for advanced manufacturing technologies, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research will be setting up model factories at Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and at Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC).

This was announced by A*Star chairperson Lim Chuan Poh, who said these factories will allow companies to learn and experience the newest technologies.

"It is important that companies understand the crux of the Future of Manufacturing. This revolution is not just about adopting individual advanced technologies of robotics or industrial 3D-printing," he said.

Lim noted that this is one of the key strategies to position Singapore for the future economy, which target to better align national economic and social goals.

To recall, the government announced the $4.5b Industry Transformation Programme at Budget 2016 to promote growth and competitiveness across 23 industries accounting for over 80% of GDP.

"Several SMEs such as CKE Manufacturing, Feinmetall, and Sankei Eagle have come on board and we hope to work with 500 SMEs over the next five years. Closely linked to the precision engineering industry is the aerospace sector, which an ITM has also been planned for," Lim said.