Phase II WIMRC

Completed

Energy Efficiency(Transport)
Not Energy Related

Basic and strategic applied research

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr K Young
The Manufacturing Technology Centre: MTC

Standard

EPSRC

01 October 2006

31 March 2008

18 months

£8,038,192

Systems engineering

West Midlands

User-Led Research

Dr K Young, The Manufacturing Technology Centre: MTC

Professor P Bryanston-Cross, School of Engineering, University of Warwick
Mr C Chapman, Technology Innovation Centre, Birmingham City University
Dr JD Garside, School of Engineering, University of Warwick
Dr GJ Gibbons, School of Engineering, University of Warwick
Dr P A Jennings, School of Engineering, University of Warwick
Dr R Jones, School of Engineering, University of Warwick
Professor VH Raja, School of Engineering, University of Warwick
Professor SL Robinson, Business and Economics, Loughborough University
Dr G Smith, School of Engineering, University of Warwick

Project Contact, BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies Limited
Project Contact, Lambda Photometrics Ltd
Project Contact, Rockwell Automation (U K) Ltd
Project Contact, NGK Europe GmbH, Germany
Project Contact, NHS Inst for Innovation and Improvement
Project Contact, Roi Operations Management Ltd
Project Contact, TATA Motors Engineering Technical Centre
Project Contact, Jaguar Land Rover Limited
Project Contact, University of Strathclyde
Project Contact, Scottish Enterprise (SE)
Project Contact, Institute of Clinical Research
Project Contact, Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd
Project Contact, Trilogee Ltd
Project Contact, Taj Medical Group Ltd
Project Contact, University of Chichester
Project Contact, Animal Health Trust
Project Contact, DEFRA
Project Contact, University of Bath
Project Contact, University of Nottingham
Project Contact, University of Warwick

The Warwick IMRC will be active in two focus sectors as followsIntelligent and Eco-Friendly VehiclesThe future of road transport will undoubtedly require vehicles to become more intelligent. This will reduce accidents, improve infrastructure utilisation thereby reducing congestion and minimise environmental impact through more efficient vehicle dynamics. The application of intelligence will allow major changes to the construction of vehicles and the reduction of unladen weight since structures to absorb impact damage will become redundant if collision avoidance systems are implemented. The research will investigate the impact on vehicle design, the technologies required, changes in manufacturing processes, final test implications and vehicle maintenance and upgrade throughout the product lifetime. In addition aspects of the driver -vehicle interface will be researched to minimise the impact on "driver satisfaction". The work will also encompass aerospace applications inareas such as autonomous planes for military and commercial use.Lean HealthcareA major challenge for the healthcare industry is to deliver high quality care at the time of need at minimum cost and with maximum customer/supplier (patient/healthcare practitioner) satisfaction. There are many challenges that can be addressed through the application of design, technology and management processes. Many of the lessons learnt in other industries can be adapted to address these challenges and in particular the successes in "lean manufacturing" are especially relevant. Projects in this area will include hospital based initiatives such as robotically assisted surgery, primary care research in health centres and doctors surgeries, remote diagnostic systems applicable to the long-term ill living at home and the application of best practice in new product introduction to improve the roll-out and acceptance of innovation in the healthcare industry

16/03/07