How we can help Coventry and the West Midlands in the race to electrification and Net Zero

With the announcement that Coventry University will join the £11m Project Pulse to help drive sustainable electrification, Professor Marcos Kauffman, Director of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) and the Research Centre for Manufacturing and Materials, says collaboration is key to unlocking the potential of the region’s manufacturing sector.

Electrification and manufacturing skills 

When it comes to electrification, delivering the skills and technologies needed to support local jobs and Net Zero targets is crucial. This is a sector which is constantly changing and it is vital we have people who not only understand the lay of the land but who are willing to learn and adapt to the shifting landscapes of the sector. Our efforts are also crucial when it comes to addressing skills gaps in the manufacturing sector, as we promote technological innovation and support the economic and environmental goals of the communities that we serve.

The need to develop skills in manufacturing is undeniable. According to the Edge Foundation report on skills from February 2024, the industry accounts for over 18% of UK open vacancies (circa 150,000) with a WorldSkills UK report showing 3 in 5 manufacturers are struggling to find skilled workers. Without highly trained individuals, progress would come to a standstill. However, it is about more than education. We must continue to deliver pioneering research and drive innovation if we are to accelerate the provision of sustainable manufacturing solutions here in the West Midlands and across the UK.

We are always looking to identify opportunities to achieve just that, and I am delighted that we will soon play a central role in the Project Pulse, an £11 million initiative funded by the UK government.

Project Pulse

Through innovative digital and metrological techniques, sustainable practices and the development of soldering technology, this exciting initiative will foster high-efficiency production and bolster the business case for localising the manufacture of power electronics. Our involvement reflects our status as a centre for advanced manufacturing and is a testament to the incredible work already taking place across the Group.

Collaborating with industry leaders such as Protean Electric, VIRITECH, Unipart Manufacturing Group and the University of Warwick also presents a unique forum for knowledge exchange and the development of a deeper understanding of some of the more nuanced aspects of our work.

Perhaps more important, however, is the opportunity this project offers to reinforce our ‘big picture’ approach to collaborating with local partners in our communities to create better futures.

As a university group, we understand that we have a huge impact on the success of our city and with that comes a responsibility to ensure that everything we do maximises our positive impact in Coventry. Our role in the project, which is expected not only to boost the local economy but also to create new jobs and safeguard 159 positions by 2030, is an example of this commitment.

Our efforts will be spearheaded by the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) and, like many of our initiatives, aligns with the UK’s 2050 Net Zero targets. Known as the ‘faculty on the factory floor’ the AME delivers innovation through teaching and training as well as research and business growth.

Our state-of-the-art facility not only provides students with hands-on experience in a live manufacturing environment but also possesses digital manufacturing and materials analysis equipment to promote productivity and innovation in the manufacturing sector. Tools including robotics, automation, digital technologies, laser processing and surface engineering are just a few examples of the technologies we employ to address global sustainable manufacturing challenges.

The AME, and those that call it home, are committed to delivering sustainable practices with a local impact and as a Group we are determined to harness the institute’s full potential. Its importance as a facility has already been demonstrated through the several key initiatives, perhaps most notably the West Midlands Combined Authority-funded Clean Futures Project.

Looking ahead

The Project PULSE announcement builds upon our proven method of engagement with local industry which resulted in local growth such as the establishment of Hyperbat Ltd in the heart of Coventry. Pulse is a landmark moment for both the AME and the Group, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academic experts and industry partners. Together, we can drive sustainable innovation that makes a difference for generations to come and I am excited to work alongside our consortium partners to deliver just that.

Learn more about Coventry University’s role in Project PULSE

Communication and Dissemination:

• The university will actively engage in conferences, publications and dissemination events to share the progress and results of the project.

Digital Engineering and Metrology:

• We will define and integrate digital layout plans and metrology for both low (5,000 units) and high-volume (50,000 units) production systems.
• Our team will support the design and execution of advanced plant simulation models to optimise production efficiency
• We will conduct comprehensive benchmarking and testing of metrology equipment, ensuring its integration within digital models and production processes.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• We will provide advisory support in Product Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) and the implementation of Digital Product Passports, focusing on integrating recycling content and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Selective Soldering Development:

• Our research will focus on optimising selective soldering processes to enhance product integrity and manufacturing sustainability. This includes designing test PCB boards, characterising low-temperature solders and validating solder joint integrity through extensive testing.