Singapore has taken a bold leap towards advancing its manufacturing industry with the official launch of the Sectoral AI Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing (AIMfg). The centre was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Gan Kim Yong. This new initiative aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to address key challenges in the manufacturing sector and drive innovation.
AIMfg is a collaborative effort between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), representing a major milestone under Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0. The centre will focus on developing AI-enabled solutions in five critical areas: quality assurance, operations optimisation, predictive maintenance, product and component design, and industrial automation.
During his speech at the launch, Mr. Gan highlighted the importance of AI in transforming Singapore‘s manufacturing sector. “As global competition intensifies, it is essential for Singapore to remain at the forefront of innovation. AI is no longer a choice but a necessity to boost productivity and maintain our leadership in manufacturing,” he said.
The manufacturing sector faces numerous challenges when adopting AI, including limited access to experts, data availability, and standardization issues. AIMfg seeks to address these concerns by offering a comprehensive suite of solutions, fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, researchers, and government entities.
Through a range of Co-Innovation projects, AIMfg will work closely with companies to develop customized AI solutions. Leveraging the technical expertise of A*STAR’s research institutes, including the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), and Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), AIMfg will support the rapid development and deployment of AI technologies into real-world operating environments.
AIMfg’s role is not just to co-develop solutions but to help companies deploy and scale up these technologies. To achieve this, AIMfg will offer training and consultancy services, empowering businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to manage and update their AI models effectively.
One of AIMfg’s key initiatives is the development of standardized AI models for common use cases in manufacturing. These models, focused on areas like visual inspection, planning optimization, and product design, will offer scalable solutions that can be applied across various manufacturing sub-sectors, allowing companies to adopt AI faster and more efficiently.
To further support AI adoption, AIMfg will create an AI sandbox, a secure software environment where businesses can experiment with AI solutions before committing to large-scale deployments. This will help manufacturers better understand the technical requirements and benefits of AI technologies, reducing the risks associated with their implementation.
AIMfg has also established the “AI Experience Nexus,” an interactive space where cutting-edge AI applications will be demonstrated. This immersive environment will allow manufacturers to experience AI solutions firsthand, helping them envision how AI-driven innovations can transform their operations.
The AI Experience Nexus will play a crucial role in initiating AI adoption within the manufacturing sector, providing companies with the knowledge and inspiration to explore the potential of AI.
Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive of the Science and Engineering Research Council at A*STAR, emphasized the importance of AI in shaping Singapore’s future as a manufacturing powerhouse. “Through AIMfg, we are committed to empowering manufacturers to harness the transformative potential of AI. Our goal is to support businesses in discovering, developing, and deploying innovative AI solutions that can transform operations and create new value,” he said.
As part of Singapore’s broader AI strategy, AIMfg aims to strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in AI-driven manufacturing. The centre will work towards elevating Singapore’s industries, ensuring that the country remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global economy.
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