MSc Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Technology with Robotics

Program Overview

The MSc Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Technology with Robotics program at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), United Kingdom, represents a cutting-edge postgraduate degree specifically tailored to address the evolving demands of the global manufacturing sector, with a pronounced emphasis on robotics and automation. This program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in areas crucial for Industry 4.0 and 5.0 adoption, such as digital transformation, smart mechatronic systems, artificial intelligence for data intelligence, and, critically, the application of robotics for enhanced throughput, quality, and cost efficiencies. By focusing on the integration of advanced manufacturing processes with robotic technologies, the course aims to produce graduates who can contribute to the economic recovery and resilience of industries facing modern challenges and disruptions.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Technology with Robotics is comprehensively structured to provide both theoretical depth and hands-on practical experience. Key modules include "Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Technology," "Robot Kinematics and Dynamics," "Smart Mechatronics Systems and Design," "Industry 4.0/5.0," and "AI for Data Intelligence." A significant component is the "Professional Research Methods and Project," allowing students to delve deeply into a specialized area, potentially related to robotics applications in manufacturing. The program employs the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) framework, fostering active learning through collaborative, interdisciplinary group projects often sourced directly from industrial contexts. Assessment is entirely coursework-based, encompassing computer scientific lab work, written reports, scientific papers, presentations, and digital artifacts, ensuring a well-rounded development of both technical and transferable skills.

Research Focus: Canterbury Christ Church University's School of Engineering, Technology and Design is committed to research that directly informs and enriches the MSc Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Technology with Robotics program. Faculty members are actively engaged in pertinent research areas such as additive manufacturing, automation, digital transformation, dynamic modelling, and particularly, the application and development of robotics in manufacturing. Research interests extend to creating smart factory solutions that integrate AI and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to improve manufacturing processes, and the design and operation of robotics automated technology for sectors like AgriTech and food manufacture. This research-led teaching ensures students are exposed to the latest advancements, contributing to innovative solutions and fostering a research-oriented mindset. For instance, there's research exploring precise robotic manufacturing in the aerospace industry and the use of vision-based sensors for robotic deburring applications.

Industry Engagement: A hallmark of the MSc Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Technology with Robotics program is its robust industry engagement, which is central to its design and delivery. The course has been meticulously co-designed with industrial engineers from prominent companies across the UK and Europe, including contributions from leading automotive and aerospace entities, ensuring its direct relevance to current industrial needs. The CDIO framework, which underpins the teaching approach, emphasizes strong partnerships between academia and industry. Students gain practical experience through interdisciplinary group projects and problem-based learning, which are typically sourced directly from real-world industry challenges. This close collaboration aims to develop both the technical and employability skills of students, preparing them to support businesses in enhancing performance, quality, and efficiency within the manufacturing sector.

Global Perspective: The MSc Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Technology with Robotics program inherently adopts a global perspective, acknowledging the interconnectedness of international manufacturing and the universal applicability of advanced technologies. The curriculum addresses how advanced manufacturing and robotics can help resolve global challenges, such as maintaining productivity during widespread disruptions or adapting to the need for social distancing in production environments without incurring additional costs. The program also considers how local manufacturing can reduce complexities and costs associated with global trade, fostering an understanding of international economic factors. While welcoming a diverse international student body enriches discussions, the core focus is on equipping engineers with skill sets that are globally relevant, preparing them to contribute to the transformation and adoption of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 practices on an international scale.