Seeing as how 3D printing is taking up a lot more of the average manufacturing industry space, organizations around the world are trying to find the ways to generate expertise. This scramble for education does not just include universities or companies, but also international governmental associations. Among the government associations, BRICS has recently held their second 3D Printing & Intelligent Manufacturing Competition in China, hosting designers from all over the world.
As part of the BRICS summit last year, world leaders from the member G20 countries cut a deal to promote the development of skills and technology exchanges. The 3D Printing & Intelligent Manufacturing Competition is just one of the competitions that arose as a result. The event serves as an educational platform and a competition where students display their knowledge about future production. Aside from BRICS’ skills development alliance, the event also comprises the the Belt and Road Initiative as organizers.
The purpose of the competition is to provide a lot of people from various countries the opportunity to make use of machinery they may not ordinarily be able to use. Students in the competition show up from all parts of the world, including many underdeveloped nations. This gives them an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience about modern tech. This gives them a crucial leg up they may not receive otherwise.
Keeping Up With the Industry
Aside from 3D printing, the competition also features welding, machinery and electrical engineering. The students have o showcase their ingenuity in turning raw materials into proper products within a few hours. “The task involves smart manufacturing, which is an area that we are still learning [about]. I think the next era of manufacturing is all about efficiency and reducing cost, and the competition is showing us the future trends.” Said Wang Zimeng, one contestant from east China’s Anhui Province.
Liu Hui, vice director of the organizing committee of the Belt and Road and BRICS Business Council Alliance sees a bigger purpose to the competition. She told the CGTN that the competitions help promote standards within the industry and thus standardises it. By sharing these skills it also raises the overall standard.
The winning teams will move on to the BRICS Skills Competition in South Africa. South Africa is also the host country for the 2018 BRICS Summit will be held this September. The competition is crucial in not just promoting skills but also the talents of young people. It can open many doors for them simply through participation. In an era where traditional education is lagging behind, programs such as this are a welcome opportunity for many.
Featured image courtesy of CGTN.