Technological Advances in the Industry

Technology is reaching significant and extraordinary levels of development, enabling ideas that were once science fiction. We are in the midst of a true revolution, particularly with the integration of Artificial Intelligence systems into functional and operational systems. We are now incorporating “intelligence” and optimized autonomy into operations. Therefore, the development and market arrival of new solutions that will radically change the world of work are anticipated.

As defined by Wright’s law, technologies become cheaper at a consistent rate as cumulative production of that technology increases. This means that in the coming years, we will witness a strong penetration of technologies into daily operations currently performed by direct human action and dependence. The growing difficulties in accessing labor will accelerate the search for solutions to address this constraint. Additionally, increases in productivity and resource optimization through more intelligent and sustainable management, resulting from the greater availability of data, will lead to mastery and knowledge of processes and operations, adding more value and income.

Where is the Metalworking Industry Headed?

In the context of the national metalworking industry, one of the main challenges is the shortage of prepared and available labor, a situation that could worsen in the coming years. Equally relevant are the issues of sustainability, regulation, supply chain, and increasing customization. Faced with these constraints, it is natural for companies to look to technology for solutions to this paradigm. The development of technologies in the metalworking field has evolved in several directions, namely:

  • Integration of more operations per machining center, thus eliminating logistical processes, setups, and other processes associated with the flow of parts between operations.
  • Acquisition of equipment with higher autonomous maintenance capacity, designed to monitor and perform maintenance tasks automatically, without the need for human intervention.
  • Digitization, with reduced costs of obtaining, storing, and analyzing data, leading to a deep understanding of processes and their interactions. This has the potential to revolutionize the operational model in terms of speed, cost, and ease of implementation. By using, for example, advanced self-learning algorithms to analyze large volumes of data, insights and patterns can be generated.
  • Adoption of additive manufacturing technologies, which offer the ability to create complex and customized parts with less material waste and production time.
  • Utilization of advanced process and product simulation systems, playing an increasingly important role in the industry, allowing companies to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
  • Smart manufacturing, also known as Industry 4.0, with the integration of advanced information and communication technologies (ICT) in production processes. This integration aims to increase efficiency, flexibility, productivity, and industry sustainability:
    • Internet of Things (IoT): Sensors and devices connected to the internet collect real-time data on the production process.
    • Big Data: The analysis of large volumes of data allows for pattern identification, failure prediction, and process optimization.
    • Artificial Intelligence: AI algorithms can be used to automate tasks, make decisions, and predict outcomes.
    • Cloud Computing: Cloud storage and data processing allow real-time access and scalability.
    • Robotics: Collaborative robots can perform dangerous, repetitive, or high-precision tasks.

Solutions for Competitiveness in the Metalworking Industry

Given the rapid changes in the industrial landscape, it is crucial for the metalworking industry to:

  • Identify technical gaps: Map out areas where the industry needs innovations to improve its products and processes.
  • Map disruptive technologies: The industry must be attentive to technologies that can revolutionize the sector, both to adapt to changes and to lead them.
  • Create strategies for technological adoption: It is essential to establish plans to incorporate new technologies efficiently and effectively.

In this context, sources of innovation such as:

  • Universities: Centers for research and development of new technologies.
  • National laboratories: Entities that drive scientific and technological research.
  • Non-profit research institutions: Focused on innovative solutions for specific industry challenges.
  • Small companies: Startups with high potential for innovation and disruption.
  • Industrial laboratories: Spaces for research and development tailored to industry needs.

These innovation centers can be strategic partners to:

  • Solve metalworking industry challenges: Innovation sources can offer solutions to specific sector problems.
  • Provide a competitive advantage: Adopting new technologies can boost the competitiveness of metalworking companies.

It is in this dynamic context that HM Consultores positions itself to support companies in accessing community funds from Portugal 2030 and the Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR) to finance industry investment projects through HMPI, and in supporting the acceleration, assembly, and structuring of the Innovation function with the HMID area.

Lúcio Trigo

CEO