EV Costs, AI Investments, Defence Innovations, and more
Advanced Engineering UK
🔘The UK's leading annual advanced manufacturing and supply chain event 🔘Over 400 cutting edge exhibitors 🗓30&31 Oct
Discover how the UK's ambitious EV targets are set to cost automakers billions, driving innovation and transformation in the automotive industry. Learn how Airbus is equipping the UK Ministry of Defence with next-generation satellite modems, bolstering connectivity and operational capabilities. Finally, explore how UK manufacturers are signalling strong investment intentions in AI, aiming to harness cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.
This newsletter gives you an exclusive sneak peek into the official AE Newsletter being released tomorrow. Make sure to subscribe to receive the full newsletter straight into your inbox.
Happy Reading!
EV targets set to cost UK auto makers billions
Weak demand for EVs and mandatory sales quotas will cost Britain’s automotive industry £6bn in 2024, according to new analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Consequently, the UK’s automotive industry is calling for government intervention to safeguard the sector and Britain’s transition to zero emission vehicles.
Applicable since January 2024, the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate sets out the percentage of new zero emission cars and vans manufacturers will be required to produce each year up to 2030. In total, 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans sold in the UK must be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100 per cent by 2035.
To date, automotive manufacturers have invested billions into developing over 125 zero emission car models and over 30 van models. Furthermore, improvements in battery technology have been made to allay consumer fears around range anxiety.
Airbus to provide UK MOD with next-generation satellite modems
Airbus has signed a contract with the UK’s Ministry of Defence to provide the next-generation modems for the nation’s Skynet satellite communications constellation.
The new modems are delivered for the Future Protected Modem Type-A project. They will replace the current Paradigm Modem System, support the Skynet 5 satellites and the yet-to-be-launched Skynet 6A satellite, and will provide several significant capability enhancements.
The new-generation, sovereign modem has been designed, developed and manufactured in the UK.
Barry Austin, head of the MOD’s Defence Digital Skynet programme, said: “We are very pleased that following a competition for the future, resilient satellite communications modem for UK Ministry of Defence, that an 18-year contract for design, manufacture and through-life support for this critical capability has been awarded. Building on their long heritage, this new Airbus-produced modem will ensure that the Skynet system continues to deliver world-class Military Satellite Communications to Front Line Commands and our deployed operational personnel worldwide.”
Recommended by LinkedIn
UK manufacturers indicate investment intentions in AI
Three quarters of Britain’s manufacturers are to step up their level of investment in AI but barriers to adoption remain for SMEs, according to a Make UK report.
The ‘Future Factories powered by AI’ report in collaboration with Autodesk examines the opportunities and challenges for UK manufacturers and proposes how government initiatives and regulation can support the adoption of new technologies.
AI is being deployed across multiple areas of manufacturing, from predictive maintenance to supply chain optimisation. The most significant benefits cited by manufacturers include increased efficiency (69 per cent), improved productivity (61 per cent), and automation of routine tasks (46 per cent).
The report also shows a quarter of companies using AI as part of efforts to decarbonise. Of those, 93 per cent are using it to optimise energy consumption, 64 per cent to reduce waste and emissions, and 57 per cent to improve resource efficiency. Looking forward, companies should see further gains in these areas with 75 per cent planning to increase their AI investments in the coming year.
EP 20 AE Talks: Harnessing young minds for UK growth and Net Zero with Dr Hilary Leevers, CEO of EngineeringUK
Hilary talks to us about the successes and challenges in enabling more young people from all backgrounds to get into engineering and technology, helping to drive the vital skills needed to drive UK growth, increase competitiveness, and achieve net zero goals.
For the full newsletter releasing tomorrow, please subscribe to our weekly email newsletter here if you want more engineering news and updates check out our news page on the Advanced Engineering website, where you receive daily updates and stories.
Need to get in contact? Get in touch with the member of the team
Thank you for reading!