A £2.2 million initiative to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in Scottish manufacturing has trained 250 people and supported 90 organisations, according to new figures released by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
The Data-Driven Design and Manufacturing Colab, delivered by NMIS and operated by the University of Strathclyde as part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, aims to increase the sector’s use of data-driven methods to improve productivity and cut waste. More than 120 projects have been completed across industries including aerospace, energy, food and drink, and construction.
NMIS said companies involved in the programme were using data to streamline production, strengthen quality control, and improve equipment reliability. Some projects with large aerospace and energy firms have focused on automating energy-use analysis and applying 3D model-based tolerance tools to reduce emissions and improve component accuracy.
The scheme is also targeting future workforce skills. A partnership with West College Scotland and Ailsa Reliability is giving apprentices practical experience in condition monitoring using digital sensors.
Andrew Sherlock, Director of Data-Driven Manufacturing at NMIS, said the initiative was helping businesses move from interest in AI to practical application. He said companies needed “structured support” to embed data-driven approaches.
The programme provides tailored training in data science for manufacturing, supported by the NMIS AI in Manufacturing team and PhD researchers from the University of Strathclyde.
The project forms part of the Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator, funded by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation. The accelerator is investing £100 million across 26 research and development projects aimed at strengthening regional innovation clusters.
