ABDI Initiative Accelerates Smart Manufacturing

Accelerate Digital Transformation and Smart Manufacturing Technology Adoption

ABDI serves to increase the competitiveness and productivity of the Brazilian economy by accelerating digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. The Agency’s numerous projects promote the adoption of new technologies, business models and industrial policy.

Initiative Provides Immersive On-site and Remote Experiences

“MetaIndústria is an innovative way and our most advanced project to support Brazilian businesses in their journey to smart manufacturing,” said ABDI’s Bruno Jorge, head of smart manufacturing and technology diffusion. “This is not a grant or information program. We’re providing actionable advice and direct access to solutions that will support the implementation of actual digital transformation projects.”

For a two-year period, MetaIndústria will provide more than 100 companies with free consulting, training and immersive on-site and virtual experiences featuring solutions from more than 30 technology suppliers, including Rockwell Automation.

“The program gives customers from across all industries – who are running various processes – the opportunity to understand and see how new technologies work together and can help move their operations forward,” explained SPI’s Rafael Schirmer, Information Solutions Director.

“We’re focused on helping participants create the business case, reduce risk and prepare their workforce to implement these solutions,” added Jorge.

Ability to Test Solutions in Labs

Participants can test technologies, processes and equipment at MetaIndústria’s two recently opened laboratories in São Caetano do Sul (SP) in Greater São Paulo and São Leopoldo (RS). The labs showcase the latest solutions in robotics and control, augmented and virtual reality, data analytics and artificial intelligence. This includes solutions from Rockwell Automation: ThingWorx IIoT dashboard capabilities, Vuforia® augmented reality software, and PlantPAx® distributed control system.

Lab visitors will be provided with the opportunity to apply and integrate these technologies to collect, visualize and analyze real time data for improved process control, equipment operation and worker safety. Because the labs are connected to ABDI’s new data processing center, MetaIndústria’s participating companies can watch these demonstrations remotely and in real time.

Helping companies understand the value of digital transformation

Visiting companies will also be able to pilot these solutions at their own locations.

“Rockwell Automation and SBI have a created a ‘try before you buy’ scenario to give companies the opportunity to take these technologies and test them at their own locations,” Schirmer said. “Customers can experience the benefits of augmented reality and an IIoT platform – by seeing real-time information from their own devices and equipment. They will see how these technologies can help them understand machine usage, review KPIs and make good decisions.”

MetaIndústria also recently started its first manager training program designed to assist participants in the decision-making process for evaluating and investing in digital transformation solutions. Held at its SP lab, the three-day session introduced managers from a Brazilian pharmaceutical manufacturer to the lab’s various technologies. The training helped managers, who represented various departments, identify possible uses to solve their specific operational challenges before they ultimately selected a final project to address with MetaIndústria support.

Information and progress from this and the ensuing Training Track projects will be available as a resource to the entire MetaIndústria participant base. Training Track sessions will also be held at MetaIndústria’s RS lab.