Strengthening Research and Development capabilities through collaboration

Cardiff University’s long standing relationship with Eriez®, a global leader in separation technologies, has been further enhanced by Eriez’ recent inauguration of its cutting-edge Research and Development hub at Cardiff Innovations, Cardiff University’s innovative business incubator space.

Established in 1942, Eriez® is committed to innovation, dedicating itself to providing trusted technical solutions to mining, food, recycling, packaging, aggregate and processing industries. With over 900 employees, the company develops trusted technical solutions to the mining, food, recycling, packaging, aggregate, and other processing industries. Headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, Eriez designs, manufactures, and markets on six continents through 12 wholly owned international subsidiaries.  Its European base, Eriez Magnetics Europe Limited is in Bedwas, Caerphilly.

In this blog we find out more about this successful partnership and the exciting plans for its future collaboration.

Enhancing R&D

Eriez’ relationship with Cardiff University began when Eriez joined the advisory board for the university’s specialist Magnetic Materials & Applications (MAGMA) research centre. The relationship progressed into a successful enhanced Knowledge Transfer Partnership (eKTP) which took place from 2019 to 2022. Focused on signal processing and the electronic design of a metal detector control, the ektp has led to the development of groundbreaking new series of metal detectors, which are scheduled to launch in early 2024.

Christopher Dyer, Lead R&D Electronic Engineer for Eriez and a Cardiff alumni, was the KTP Associate on the eKTP, who led on the project:

“Partnering with the university has allowed Eriez to leapfrog the usual technological and financial hurdles common to new technological ventures, to fast-track development, such as new product development and AI studies.”

eKTPs are part funded by Welsh Government, and add an international element to the KTP programme, offering funding to eligible Welsh companies who may benefit from international knowledge and technology.

“The extended aspect of the eKTP gave greater scope for me to engage with working directly with colleagues in Erie, Pennsylvania to bring the development closer to commercial fruition.”

Gareth Meese, Managing Director of Eriez-Europe, highlights the success of the eKTP: “The fusion of the technical prowess of the University with Eriez’ industry expertise led to significant advancements in signal processing and electronic design for our new metal detectors.”

Real-world impact

The university has gained several benefits from the eKTP and its relationship with Eriez. Cardiff School of Engineering has developed niche expertise in pulse-induction metal detection which could be an important asset in future collaborations. The KTP is routinely discussed as an exemplar of Cardiff University’s research and industrial collaboration in the School’s research talks to national and international audiences, with the project a strong example of how research can be converted into real-world impact.

Dr Jeremy Hall, lead academic on the project: “The KTP partnership has allowed the university to demonstrate the impact of its research and has enabled the development of a graduate engineer into a valued employee who is now leading the on-going collaboration between the University, Eriez and, more recently, with its supply chain partners.”

“We look forward to expanding the collaboration from pulsed induction metal detection to wider aspects of materials sorting and process control through application of advanced magnetic field modelling and AI techniques for enhanced signal processing across a range of industry sectors as diverse as food & pharma and aggregates & mining.”

Future plans

In addition to these achievements, Eriez has privately funded a project with the Cardiff University School of Engineering, focusing on enhancing the performance and reliability of metal detector coils.

As of 2024, Eriez continues its partnership with Cardiff University on an Artificial Intelligence (AI) feasibility study, supported by Innovate UK, exploring AI techniques in metal detection for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Eriez is also actively involved in supporting an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) initiative, investigating, and developing AI applications within metal detection and other related fields.

Eriez’ move into Cardiff Innovations further underscores the company’s dedication to fostering innovation and expanding its Research and Development initiatives, with the space providing Eriez with streamlined access to support and a seamless communication pipeline.

Eriez’ Wales-based R&D team will now operate primarily from this new, state-of-the-art facility.

Further information

To learn more about this successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership: Eriez Enhanced Knowledge Transfer Partnership | Innovation (gov.wales)  

Welsh Government have recently announced that they are continuing to contribute 75% towards the total costs of KTP projects for SMEs, in an effort to encourage more businesses to engage with KTP and benefit from the programme, increasing economic growth and societal impact. To find out more about KTPs, please contact: BEP@cardiff.ac.uk

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