Manchester University is backing a new IoT competition known as the Digital Innovation Challenge, where students will be tasked with developing solutions for Industry 4.0.
Describing the next stage in the evolution of manufacturing, Industry 4.0 will see factories equipped with sensors and IoT enabled machinery that will improve productivity. Connectivity between workers, machines and devices, combined with analytics of big data, should see the emergence of smart factories that are more efficient. Other technologies associated with Industry 4.0 include advanced robotics and cobots, augmented reality and 3D printing.
Those who enter the IoT competition will be asked to develop innovative applications that can be developed for industrial use. The expectation is that solutions will go beyond the drawing board and be realised in prototypes. Teams can consist of individuals or up to groups of six, with all participants currently studying at either graduate or postgraduate level. The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of £2,500.