PTC Innovation Accelerator speeds up the digitalization journey

A new learning environment is now being created at the Production Technology Center where small and large industrial companies can build skills and test new production arrangements.
- "We want to facilitate industry in their digitalization journey and strengthen the competitiveness of West Swedish industry," says Tommy Christensen, PTC Director.

Many companies are in the early stages of transitioning to digitalized and automated production. But it can be complex and challenging in many ways, as the transition often involves a variety of systems and functions within the company.

- Our new initiative, PTC Innovation Accelerator, focuses on planning, management and control of production. This means that we are broadening the activities at PTC and targeting more professional groups in the industry, including production managers and production technicians," explains Tommy Christensen.

Digital twin being developed

In the new learning environment, all types of manufacturing industries can develop and test new approaches to production systems. Industries as diverse as automotive, housing, food and healthcare have a lot in common when it comes to planning, managing and controlling production systems.

- For example, companies will be able to simulate and demonstrate a production set-up in the learning environment before making an investment decision. "We will also develop a digital twin to complement the physical environment. With the help of it, you can test and evaluate problems," says Leif Magnus Jensen, researcher in logistics and operations management, University West.

- PTC's new venture will be an arena where industry professionals can build new skills in digitalization, automation and AI. It will also be a learning environment for University West's researchers and students," says Leif Magnus Jensen.

Workshop on business needs

A kick-off for the PTC Innovation Accelerator was held on Tuesday. Some 30 representatives from industry and other organizations participated in a workshop to identify needs and opportunities with the initiative. Brogren Industries in Älvängen is one of the companies that participated.

- This initiative is important, not least because it gives us the opportunity to develop skills in digitalization and automation. For us to feel confident in our decisions, we need to know more and understand more. It gives us better customer competence," says Fredrik Olofsson, R&D Manager, Brogren Industries.    

PTC Innovation Accelerator is funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth and is implemented in close collaboration between Innovatum Science Park, IUC Väst, University West and several companies in the manufacturing industry. The project runs from 2025 to 2027.

- At present, nine companies are participating in the initiative and more have expressed interest. "It is open for more to join," says Tommy Christensen.