The Circular Shift

AI, automation, and circular economy practices are transforming manufacturing for a greener, efficient, and sustainable future.

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Modern manufacturing is rapidly transforming through automation, digitisation, sustainability, and circular economy practices. AI inspections, real-time decisions, and eco-friendly production boost efficiency, resilience, and sustainability while bridging skill and quality gaps.

The panel discussion titled 'Weaving the Green Thread: Digital Integration and Circularity for a Sustainable Manufacturing Future' brought together prominent experts who explored how digital integration, automation, AI-driven insights, and circular economy principles are shaping a sustainable manufacturing future.

The discussion was moderated by Ashok Muthuswamy, Vice President, BE, Sustainability & TQM, TAFE. The panel featured industry leaders including Dr Nagahanumaiah, Director, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute; Aditi Sharma, Chief Manufacturing Excellence Officer, Uno Minda; Padmakumar G, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Yokohama Off-highway Tires; Ajith Kumar, COO, Birla Opus; Abhijit Kumbhar, Deputy General Manager, Engineering Design & Simulation Centre (EDS), The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI); Lt Col (Dr) Chetan Dhawad, PRESPL, Head, Climate Consulting; and Ved Prakash Tiwari, Executive Vice President & Regional Head of Operations (North & South), Lumax Industries Ltd.

Automation driving real-time decisions

Modern manufacturing is embracing digital and automated systems like never before. "We have automated, Industry 4.0-connected factories monitored from our head office, where people can plan and track what is being manufactured in real time," explained Ajith Kumar. "We have a fast filling machine that works without any manual help. We also use pigging systems to move materials through a single pipe and powder systems to carry materials through silos and pipelines."