- A new spinout company from the University of Sheffield is set to leverage cutting-edge AI to transform advanced manufacturing
- DigitalCNC – a groundbreaking AI-driven precision manufacturing software company – could help to dramatically improve quality, efficiency and productivity.
- The innovative venture represents a significant leap forward in applying artificial intelligence technologies to the manufacturing industry
A pioneering new software company that is set to revolutionise advanced manufacturing, has been spun-out of the University of Sheffield.
The start-up, called DigitalCNC, brings together Silicon Valley veterans at Yorkshire AI Labs and Dr Rob Ward from the University of Sheffield – an expert in advanced manufacturing control systems – to take a significant leap forward in applying artificial intelligence technologies to the manufacturing industry.
DigitalCNC is set to transform precision manufacturing by leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to dramatically improve quality, efficiency, and productivity. Its pioneering solutions have already drawn strong interest from leading aerospace manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce and Boeing.
The spinout’s advanced technology has been extensively developed and validated through many years of collaborative research and development with the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), which is renowned internationally for its excellence in translational manufacturing research, as well as the University’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering – a world leader in control and systems engineering for more than 50 years.
Dr Rob Ward, who holds a joint academic position between the AMRC and School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is chief executive officer of the startup. He said: “DigitalCNC represents the culmination of years of research and development in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. With my CTO, David Wilkinson, we have taken our fundamental research and transformed it into an industry ready product which has already seen tangible benefits to UK manufacturing.
“Partnering with Yorkshire AI Labs to co-found DigitalCNC was the smart choice, bringing together our deep expertise in AI and manufacturing with a world-class team of Silicon Valley veterans, renowned for building and scaling successful businesses.”
Yorkshire AI Labs specialises in nurturing early-stage tech companies by combining strategic investment with practical expertise. Their involvement in DigitalCNC underlines their commitment to fostering technological innovation in the Yorkshire region.
David Richards MBE, Co-founder of Yorkshire AI Labs, said: “DigitalCNC is built upon rigorous academic research, sophisticated mathematical modelling, and real-world validation by the AMRC. Dr Rob Ward’s globally recognised expertise in machining science and control engineering is central to this pioneering venture. We are proud to support such innovative initiatives that reinforce Yorkshire’s position at the forefront of global technology developments.”
Professor Ben Morgan, Interim Chief Executive Officer the University of Sheffield AMRC, said: "DigitalCNC's launch is testament to Rob's innovative work in the field of artificial intelligence, and to the extensive opportunities South Yorkshire offers as a site of regional growth.
“The AMRC and the University of Sheffield both champion this kind of innovation-led growth, knowing the value of region-based capability to make South Yorkshire even more competitive in the advanced manufacturing sector.
“The impact spin-outs like Digital CNC can have spans beyond their regions too, positioning Sheffield further at the forefront of the UK's globally-orientated innovation capabilities."
Professor Ash Tiwari, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation and the Airbus / RAEng Research Chair in Digital Manufacturing at the University of Sheffield, said: “Sheffield’s position as a global centre for manufacturing innovation, along with the strength of our support for commercialisation of research, continues with DigitalCNC. As a University of Sheffield spin-out, it demonstrates our commitment to turning world-class research into real-world impact. DigitalCNC is poised to transform advanced manufacturing worldwide by applying cutting-edge AI to drive greater productivity, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness at scale.”
For more information DigitalCNC, visit: https://digitalcnc.ai/
