Institute of Research for Technology Development

 

The Institute of Research for Technology Development (IR4TD) is dedicated to research, education, outreach, and service. At IR4TD, we believe companies want more than survival in today’s economy; they want to prosper and grow. To accomplish this, companies must proactively seek new and better ways to provide the goods and services they offer. This means they must stay abreast of new technology, be versatile enough to change rapidly, work hard to improve quality while reducing waste continuously, and set themselves apart from their competitors. To answer these needs, IR4TD offers two programs, Research & Development and Lean Systems, designed to provide new ideas and solutions.

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT IR4TD RESEARCH

 

 

Paint and Spray Technology

 

A first ever capture of the air surrounding rotary bell

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

 

A gas turmine engine model in combined cycle power plant

Non Destructive Evaluation

 

A capture by IR camera picture of live spruce needles

Lean Systems

Lean System research model

IR4TD,  True LeanTM, and Pigman College of Engineering Celebrated 

the 30 Years of UK and Toyota Partnership 

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Gatton Student Center - Harris Ballroom

 

 

IR4TD Highlighted Events

IR4TD Researcher won the Best Paper Award at IEOM Conference
"Lean 4.0 and Sustainability: An Empirical Study of Performance Outcomes in the US Manufacturing”

Dr. Catherine Maware and Maryam Amro presented their research, "Evaluating the Impact of Lean 4.0 on Sustainability: An Empirical Study of Performance Outcomes in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector," at the 10th North American IEOM Conference.  

IEOM Society

New Publication
"Augmenting energy efficiency in automotive paint ovens: a review of future prospects and potential for lean, six sigma, AI, and IoT integration"

IR4TD, together with the Mechanical Engineering Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, published a new article on Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal. 

Key contributions: 

  • A literature review on energy use in automotive painting, identifying inefficiencies and potential improvements.
  • A new six-phase GLSS-EnMS framework that aligns with ISO 50001:2018 for systematic energy management.
  • Integration of AI-based Deep Learning Predictive Energy Modeling (DL-PEM) and real-time IoT sensor networks to enable automation, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization.
  • Case studies and examples showing successful AI/IoT use in predictive control of paint ovens, energy modeling, and defect reduction.
  • A practical implementation plan consisting of three stages: framework application, DL-PEM/IoT development, and pilot deployment with scalability.

Article Download

News

A photo of UK-Toyota 30th Anniversary Ceremony with the Lexington Mayor, Linda Gorton

UK, Toyota celebrate 30 years of partnering to advance the Commonwealth

By Lindsey Piercy, Oct. 23, 2024

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky, in collaboration with Toyota Kentucky, is marking 30 years of partnership, which has transformed engineering education and academic research through efficiency and innovation. 

The pushcart, which made its debut on Saturday, Aug. 31, with Maximo Shemwell in the driver's seat, will become a staple among UK game day traditions. Shemwell is seen here high-fiving Coach Mark Stoops. Mark Cornelison | UK Photo.

UK, Toyota Join Forces to 'Lift Up' KCH Patients

by Lindsey Piercy and Aaron Porter

On any given game day, thousands of University of Kentucky Football fans decked out in blue fill Kroger Field. It's an electric atmosphere that is better felt in-person than through a TV screen. But for some young Wildcat fans, attending a game and cheering on the Cats can be challenging. 

A group picture of Lean Systems Program leadership with Dean Buchheit and Jeff Stryker in front of Ken's dedication plaques

The Institute of Research for Technology Development Celebrate the dedication of the Ken Kreafle True Lean Networking Lounge

On Thursday, June 27, 2024 the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering celebrated the dedication of the Ken Kreafle True LeanTM Networking Lounge with a generous gift from Jeff and Barbara Stryker.