Riyadh forum paves way for ‘smart factories’

The changing face of industry and manufacturing will come under the spotlight at a “Future Factory” show organized by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones in Riyadh.

About 19 local, regional and international groups will share their ideas for “smart factories” during the conference on Nov. 18. Technology leaders will also deliver their predictions on the future of the industry in the Kingdom.

As part of its strategy to strengthen industry and increase content in line with Vision 2030, the industry authority recently launched a national productivity program to help factories maximize productivity rates.

New technologies will be adopted in 100 factories as a model for manufacturers as part of the program.

Bandar Al-Toaimi, the authority’s marketing and corporate communications director, said that the detailed study to prepare 100 factories for a switch to Industry 4.0 Revolution applications will be implemented with the organization’s technical partners, including 20 factories in cooperation with General Electric and 80 factories to be launched later. 

Subjects to be discussed at the conference include the creation of “smart factories” and making an industrial vision a reality.