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In the first 12 months of the Made Smarter programme, the government initiative launched to encourage businesses to upgrade their manufacturing processes, Lancashire SMEs have invested £2.2m in adopting new technologies.
Business involved are developing projects involving the adoption of a range of industrial digital technologies, including Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), 3D-printing and robotics to solve business challenges across a range of manufacturing functions.
The programme offers support including expert impartial advice and one-to-one support, digital roadmapping workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, eight-month leadership and management training programmes offered in partnership with Lancaster University, as well as funded three-month student placements.
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