In the wake of the government’s emphasis on ‘Make In India’ and ‘Digital India’, there has been a renewed interest among the youth in pursuing careers in the manufacturing sector, such as robotics, automation, manufacturing technology, etc. Since technology keeps evolving and changing over time, it is essential to stay updated and learn from an institution which offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and faculty.
Sheffield, in the U.K., where stainless steel was invented and which is also famous for the manufacture of cutlery, is home to two institutions, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, which offer several courses catering to the manufacturing sector.
Sheffield Hallam University offers a specialist master’s course in automation, control and robotics. Elaborating on the course, Hongwei Zhang, principal lecturer and subject group leader at Sheffield Hallam University, said, “The course develops knowledge and skills in classical and modern control theory, industrial automation, systems analysis and robotics. Students are taught by researchers from the University’s Centre for Automation and Robotics Research. Graduates will know how to design and implement automation and robotic systems in a range of manufacturing and industrial applications. This course also allows students to choose modules in project and quality management or sustainability and energy management if they wish to aspire for senior management roles in the sector.”
Peter Mylon, academic theme leader and teacher of mechanics at the University of Sheffield, said, “Sheffield is world famous for its manufacturing, particularly in the steel industry. You will find cutlery all over the world stamped ‘Made in Sheffield’. Ever since the University began in the 19th century, it has had a focus on training engineers. ”
The DiamondThe University of Sheffield’s newly-opened 81 million pounds building called ‘The Diamond’ contains state-of-the-art laboratories for multidisciplinary engineering degrees and a manufacturing laboratory called the Project Space, headed by Dr. Mylon.
“These labs typically hold 80 students at a time, on 40 pieces of equipment. The Project Space, which can hold up to 160 students at one time, includes 3D printers, laser cutters (including metal-cutting lasers), a flexible space for practical projects, etc. In these spaces, students can learn through a combination of structured, timetabled classes and supervised drop-in sessions,” Dr. Mylon elaborated.
Throwing light on the careers that can be explored after studying automation and robotics, Dr. Zhang said: “Automation and robotics is not just being developed to improve efficiencies in manufacturing but in many other sectors, such as service sector…”
Dr. Mylon said the university’s students have worked with aerospace giants such as Boeing and Airbus, car manufacturers Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Steel, global consultancies like Atkins and Arup and many more.
