Scientists are reinventing how mass production works and the materials we’re using.
Manufacturing has come a long way from simple production lines. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and cutting-edge materials are taking it in exciting new directions. According to Australia’s outgoing chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel, this is opening up opportunities for new graduates.
“AI is seeping into every aspect of manufacturing – and manufacturing companies are buying up AI talent as fast as universities can churn it out,” he says.
What is advanced manufacturing?
Advanced manufacturing uses technology and innovation to change up the way we make things. It could be turning used glass bottles, old clothes and coffee grounds into kitchen tiles in a microfactorie, or making metal parts for navy ships with 3D printing.
All kinds of scientists are working hard in research labs and manufacturing plants to drive the revolution forward!
Check out these fab five areas of science and technology behind the advanced manufacturing revolution…
1. Augmented and virtual reality
Gamers are fans, but this tech also helps improve safety, training and production speeds in manufacturing. Computer scientists help develop the tech, but it can be used by any science grad to take manufacturing to the next level.
2. 3D printing
Artificial limbs, fire-fighting hose fittings and face shields can all be made cheaply and quickly using this technology, which is also known as ‘additive manufacturing’. Chemists and materials scientists play an important role in the additive manufacturing sector.
3. Automation and smart robots
Advanced manufacturing workers share
their workspace with collaborative robots and automated equipment. Computer scientists and mathematicians collaborate with engineers to make sure things run smoothly!
4. Next-generation materials
From ceramics that shapeshift when you apply electricity to a non-cut material based on abalone shells, materials scientists are transforming the building blocks of manufacturing.
5. Sensors and data analytics
Data scientists are keeping track of how manufacturing processes are running and using the information to reduce costs, energy use and waste.
Homegrown heroes
Since the start of COVID-19 and the global pandemic, people have been keen to ramp up local manufacturing using advanced technologies. And keeping it local will mean more jobs for Australian science grads to find new and better ways to make the things
we need.
Advanced manufacturing + study – start your career here
- Associate Degree in Advanced Manufacturing, UTS
- Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology) / Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences), RMIT
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Data Science, Griffith University
Jobs in advanced manufacturing
Research scientist: $56K–$110K
Production planner, manufacturing: $51K–$92K
Data analyst: $51K–$100K
This article originally appeared in Careers with STEM: Science 2021
Author: Nadine Cranenburgh
Nadine is an electrical and environmental engineer who works as a freelance writer and editor. She loves creating articles and content about exciting and complex technology.
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