Future of manufacturing showcased at the launch of HP-NTU’s new corporate lab

At the official opening of the HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab on January 21, researchers from the HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab showcased how the future of manufacturing looks like.

From intelligent design software that automate advanced customisation, t0 supply chain models that enable faster time to market while lowering carbon footprint, these digital manufacturing technologies are set to make manufacturing and supply chain operations more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable.

(Left to right) The HP-NTU Corporate Lab was officially opened today by NRF Singapore Executive Director Lim Tuang Liang, NTU Senior Vice President (Research) Prof Lam Khin Yong; HP Inc CTO Shane Wall; HP Inc Chief Technologist, Print, Glen Hopkins. At the opening, Prof Lam also presented token of appreciation to Wall. Photo courtesy: HP Inc.

The research partnership between NTU Singapore, HP Inc. and the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), was first announced in October 2018. It is HP’s first university laboratory collaboration in Asia and its largest university collaboration worldwide.

A team of more than 60 scientists, researchers and engineers work together to some of the key challenges in the world of digital manufacturing, from 3D printing, cybersecurity  and new applications to the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“The advanced technologies and automation solutions jointly developed by NTU and HP are expected to impact businesses in Singapore and beyond, as these innovations are geared towards efficiency, productivity and most importantly, sustainability," said NTU Senior Vice President (Research) Professor Lam Khin Yong.

Co-directors of the HP-NTU Corporate Lab, NTU Associate Professor Tan Ming Jen (right) and Mike Reagan (left) holding up 3D-printed products from HP Jet Fusion printers which can include colour as well as print in complex shapes and with different material properties. Photo courtesy: HP Inc. 

The opening of the HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab was held in conjunction with HP’s 50th Anniversary celebration of its presence in Singapore. From a small assembly factory in Singapore in 1970, HP’s Singapore footprint has expanded to include its Greater Asia region headquarters, global supply chain control towers, print R&D centres of excellence, as well as manufacturing facilities.

The lab also unveiled a new skills development programme aimed at helping Singapore train and upskill its talents in additive manufacturing and digital design. Courses ranging from fundamentals of additive manufacturing and digital product designs to data management and automation are offered under the SkillsFuture programme.

Examples of 3D printed products from the HP Multi Jet Fusion printer, which allows for flexible designs with both soft and hard plastic in a single print. Photo courtesy: HP Inc.

​The Corporate Lab aims to train some 120 working professionals per year through this new programme, which are payable with SkillsFuture credits and are open for registration.

Professor Lam said, "The new SkillsFuture courses developed jointly with HP  bring valuable industrial perspectives to help upskill and train a critical talent pool for Singapore. This will support the country’s drive towards becoming a smart nation as it faces the challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution.”

“HP’s passion for innovation, together with NTU’s world-class research capabilities, allow us to achieve new breakthroughs and unlock new solutions for both business and society,” added Shane Wall, Chief Technology Officer and Head of HP Labs, HP Inc.