Automation key to reman's future

Next year’s Symposium on Automated and Robotised Remanufacturing represents the beginning of a new era for the sector, according to Fernand Weiland, co-organiser and reman industry veteran. “The remanufacturing symposium is only the start of a new evolution - i.e. for the research institutes to learn more about the needs of the reman industry and for the reman industry to learn the opportunities which automation and robots offer,” he told ReMaTecNews. “I believe this is only but the right first step and more workshops, meetings and symposiums must follow.” While the ‘robotisation’ aspect of the event has attracted attention, its focus on automation of reman is also important, Weiland insists: “Automation is not just about robots, which are only one element in the production process.” The desire for this new technology is there. “Many remanufacturers are very keen to automate their production, though - not yet - using robots,” says Weiland. Speakers include two current Remanufacturer of the Year Award holders – Thijs Jasink of Alec and Mike Hague-Morgan of Autocraft – as well as one distinguished former winner: the recently retired Professor Rolf Steinhilper of Bayreuth University. The symposium will be held on March 20-21, 2019, at Trier University of Applied Sciences environmental campus in Birkenfeld, Germany.