Amid the challenges of global supply chain restructuring, net-zero goals, and a growing talent gap, traditional manufacturing can sustain profitability and expand into new markets by accelerating digitalization and enabling real-time decision-making. With support from the Department of Industrial Technology, Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Local Industry-Academia-Research Innovation and Value-Added Integration Promotion Project leverages research expertise and academic resources to deliver practical solutions for industry pain points. On October 14, the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) launched the Redefining Manufacturing - Local Industry × Smart Transformation seminars. This series focuses on innovation, transition, design, and intelligence, highlighting key local industries like bearings and gear transmission, sheet metal, hand tools, and metal surface treatment to develop a new vision for the meaning of manufacturing in Taiwan.
◎ We warmly invite industry experts to register for the following four key seminars:
10/14 (Tuesday) From Rotation to Decision: AI-Driven Innovation in the Transmission Industry
The transmission components industry has long faced challenges like grinding precision, process stability, and delivery time, where even a minor drop in yield can significantly erode profits. By integrating AI into grinding monitoring, intelligent software, electrochemical machining, and the digitalization of heat treatment, experience can be converted into data, enabling faster decisions. Participants will learn how to reduce setup time, enhance product consistency, and create high-value manufacturing models that are globally competitive. Register here: https://pse.is/85v8d2
10/21 (Tuesday) From Manual to Smart Inspection: AI-Enabled Transition in the Sheet Metal Industry
Traditionally, sheet metal processes relied on manual inspection, which was time-consuming and prone to errors, resulting in rework and losses. By integrating AI with AOI technology, the complete inspection of holes, shapes, and dimensions has become possible, shifting quality management from reactive fixes to proactive prevention. This seminar will showcase global trends and local examples, illustrating how digitalization can help companies build flexible, efficient smart production systems that minimize risks and boost confidence. Register here: https://pse.is/85v8jf
10/30 (Thursday) From Materials to Design: Upgrading the Hand Tool Industry’s Design Capabilities
Taiwan’s hand tool industry is upgrading from traditional OEM to high-value, design-driven competitiveness. However, due to tariffs and price wars, added value has gradually diminished. To break through, the industry must embrace transformation throughout the entire supply chain—from the source to the end. Localized material development: partnering with CSC to develop high-grade steel tailored for hand tools. Near-net-shape forging: minimize material waste and enhance process efficiency. Digital simulation and analysis: help companies innovate and create high-value products, breaking free from traditional frameworks. Design capability and smart manufacturing advancement: help companies like William Tools, AGP, Eclatorq, GKM, and Whirlpower redefine their positions in the global market and evolve into trendsetting leaders. Register here: https://pse.is/85v93b
11/06 (Thursday) From Experience to Valuable Data: Intelligentizing the Metal Surface Treatment Industry
The surface treatment industry has long relied on skilled technicians to manage processes, often resulting in inconsistent quality cycles and hard-to-control manufacturing costs. The solution lies in data-driven smart management: systems for real-time metal ion detection and process traceability ensure that quality is based on measurable data rather than intuition. Participants will learn how data governance can enhance yields, reduce energy consumption, and gain early access to the international high-end supply chain amid stricter carbon taxes and ESG requirements. Register here: https://pse.is/85v9dd
Local companies are paramount to Taiwan‘s economy and play a crucial role in maintaining social stability. Over the years, the clustered supply chain model has nurtured numerous hidden champions among small and medium-sized enterprises. Today, these companies must embrace innovation and smart transition to face the upcoming challenges. The four seminars integrate policy, technology, and market perspectives while addressing industry pain points and providing practical, actionable solutions to overcome them. We warmly invite industry experts, companies, and technicians to register and collaborate in advancing local industries towards intelligence and sustainability, collectively shaping a new future for manufacturing in Taiwan.