The Intelligent Mechatronics and RFID (IMaR) Research Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU) has been awarded €1.5 million in funding under the highly competitive Enterprise Ireland Capital Equipment Call to establish a cutting-edge Adaptive Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Cell.
This significant investment will enable IMaR to develop a state-of-the-art manufacturing platform that integrates advanced automation, digitalisation, and sustainable production methodologies. The new facility is designed to support Irish industry in enhancing productivity, improving resource efficiency, and accelerating the transition to low-carbon manufacturing systems.
The Adaptive Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Cell will combine robotics, smart sensing, AI-driven decision-making, and real-time data analytics to create a flexible and responsive production environment. This will allow companies to rapidly adapt to changing market demands while minimising waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact.
Speaking on the announcement, Professor Joseph Walsh, Vice Dean of Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Engineering at MTU, said:
“This investment represents a major step forward in strengthening Ireland’s manufacturing innovation capability. The Adaptive Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Cell will provide a unique testbed for industry to trial new processes, adopt emerging technologies, and embed sustainability at the core of their operations. It positions MTU and IMaR at the forefront of next-generation manufacturing research and industry collaboration.”
Anshul Awasthi, Project Manager for the initiative, added:
“This project is about bridging cutting-edge research with real-world industrial application. By integrating adaptive manufacturing technologies with sustainability principles, we are creating a highly flexible and intelligent system that can respond dynamically to production needs. The facility will enable companies, particularly SMEs to experiment, validate, and scale advanced manufacturing solutions in a low-risk environment, accelerating innovation and supporting more sustainable industrial practices.”
The initiative aligns closely with Ireland’s national priorities in Industry 4.0, sustainability, and digital transformation, supporting enterprises, particularly SMEs, in adopting advanced manufacturing solutions that drive competitiveness and resilience.
Through this new infrastructure, IMaR will work in partnership with industry to deliver applied research, workforce upskilling, and technology transfer, ensuring that Irish manufacturing remains globally competitive while meeting ambitious climate targets.
A key focus of the project will be the development of adaptive systems capable of reconfiguring in real time, enabling manufacturers to shift production efficiently and sustainably. This capability is increasingly critical in sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and advanced engineering.
The Enterprise Ireland Capital Equipment Call supports the acquisition of strategic research infrastructure that strengthens collaboration between academia and enterprise, fostering innovation and economic growth.
This latest award further reinforces MTU’s role as a national leader in industry-focused research and innovation, delivering tangible impact for enterprise and society.
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