Currently, research is being conducted in collaborative engineering, product data sharing, layered manufacturing and simulation. The Institute has acquired a system for producing accurate solid models using laser technology. Education is one of the best techniques for technology transfer. A special effort in this regard is the Keyworth Innovation Network. This is a virtual science park that employs computer and networking technology to provide consultancy, and educational and information services.
Simultaneous engineering is one of the institute s major themes.
This project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and has several industrial collaborators. To accomplish this they are identifying the information and procedures necessary to support concurrent design for both function and manufacturing. A software enviornment to support this model of concurrent engineering is under development. They are using industrial case studies to guide the project and to demonstrate progress. One of these industrial case studies involves shipbuilding.