Deloitte opens smart factory in Wichita
Deloitte last month unveiled “The Smart Factory @ Wichita,” which the Big Four firm says will help spur innovation and advance the future of manufacturing.
Located on the innovation campus of the Wichita State University in Kansas, the new smart factory features a fully functioning manufacturing production line that integrates technologies such as AI, robotics, and vision solutions.
The facility brings together an ecosystem of collaborators including founders AWS, Dragos, Infor, SAP, Siemens, and Wichita State University, and builders Check Point, HPE, Tenable, ServiceNow, UiPath, and Verizon.
The 60,000 square foot, net-zero building is on a renewable smart grid and is outfitted with wind trees, solar assets, and smart lighting.
Deloitte expects to draw more than 5,000 visitors to the smart factory in its first year of operation, including leaders from major companies.
Visitors will see advanced manufacturing techniques in a variety of applications on a shop floor via real-world demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
"The Smart Factory @ Wichita showcases the power and potential of bringing together some of the world’s greatest minds and solutions in a comprehensive ecosystem to demonstrate practical manufacturing applications. Through the strength of this collaborative approach, we are helping organizations accelerate innovation and make Industry 4.0 a reality,” said Stephen Laaper, principal and Smart Factory leader, Deloitte Consulting.
Wichita State University will also integrate the smart factory into its curriculum as an applied learning experience.
"As a manufacturing and technology hub, we continue to draw top talent and businesses to Wichita, and Wichita State University’s collaboration with Deloitte deepens opportunities for our students and community with access to the world’s top innovators and futurists coming through The Smart Factory @ Wichita as they explore how to transform their own business operations,” said Rick Muma, president of Wichita State University.
