Institution news
Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to remanufacturing/the circular economy.
Mairi Kerin (MK): I am currently responsible for delivering support to local SME’s who require assistance in applying robotics and automation technologies to their business as part of the AMTECAA programme at the University of Birmingham. In parallel I research Industry 4.0 for remanufacturing as part of the AutoReman (Autonomous Remanufacturing) group having previously spent 10 years in engine manufacturing. AutoReman focuses mainly on disassembly science and planning whilst my recent work looks into optimising remanufacturing decision-making using through-life product digital twins and their potential to support a more sustainable economy.
How much do you think remanufacturing/improved end-of-life processes could contribute to companies meeting their Net-zero targets?
MK: I will share some findings on this subject in my presentation. The data shows it is likely to contribute in a positive way. Ultimately the amount that it contributes depends on many factors and varies between products, businesses and sectors. The Targeting of Net-Zero is going to bring about a change in raw material costs as well as society’s perception and value of waste material. This is turn will influence the cost of implementing the technologies needed to achieve Net-Zero and the business models needed to sustain it.
In your opinion, is there growing interest in remanufacturing/recycling components at the end of their working lives? What do you think is the main barrier for some companies not prioritising end-of-life strategies currently and how do you think this could be overcome?
MK: I have certainly seen an increase in interest offered from the wider society towards my work which suggests there is a greater appreciation of the impact purchasing decisions and subsequent end-of-life (or not) strategies can have on the environment. I no longer have to start explaining my work with “do you remember the Disney Pixar film WALL-E where WALL-E the robot is left to clean up the rubbish left behind by the humans when Earth is no-longer habitable?”! I rarely have to explain remanufacturing from the beginning and there lies my answer to the second part of the question. I feel that the biggest barrier for some companies not prioritising end-of-life strategies relates to society and education.
I think the main barrier relates to the fundamental business objective of trying to fulfil the customer’s demand whilst maximising profits and meeting shareholder expectations. If the customer demands low cost products and they are happy to dispose of them at end-of-life, then this drives the business to focus on manufacturing process optimisation. But if the customer was to care less about costs or were at least equally concerned about their purchase’s potential impact at end-of-life, then businesses would have to spread their focus across the entire life-cycle of the product and material to meet their demand. Societal change and proactive businesses, supported by data-driven regulations and policies, is required.
Regarding new technologies for remanufacturing/recycling what would you say are the ones to watch for the future?
MK: Collaborative robots have the potential to positively disrupt disassembly for remanufacturing at a shop floor level as much of this activity is still done manually. The variability in the quality and quantity of core into this sector means that flexible solutions are needed and collaborate robots offer a solution to this. In parallel I expect developments in machine learning will allow automated systems to adapt to variable core and environmental conditions. Using similar methods but focused on the speed-safety trade off that currently exists, the line between industrial and collaborate robots will blur increasing capacity and capability of the remanufacturing business. We currently have six collaborative robots in AutoReman that we use to develop solutions to solve problems experienced in disassembly processes.
Do you think it is important for different sectors to learn from each other when it comes to remanufacturing, recycling, and re-use?
MK: Yes, I think it is important and necessary as these functions are interlinked and learning from others saves time and effort.
The Remanufacturing Processes seminar will take place at the Manufacturing Technology Centre on 23 November 2021.
The event will bring together the foremost OEMs, researchers and end users to share innovative remanufacturing processes, highlight new technologies and discuss end of life initiatives for new technologies, covering electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, E-Machines and more.
For full details and to book your place, please visit the event website.