University of Hull–HETA Partnership Advances Digital Twin Training for Engineers
University of Hull–HETA Partnership Advances Digital Twin Training for Engineers
Synopsis
- A new industry–academic collaboration is creating digital twins of full-scale engineering training rigs for risk-free testing.
- The initiative enables manufacturers to trial process changes, predictive maintenance, and Industry 4.0 methods without disrupting live operations.
- Backed by Innovate UK, the project is positioned as a regional and national commercial offering for engineering businesses.
Estimated reading time: 4 mins read
A high-tech collaboration between industry and academia is opening up access to full-scale production environments through advanced digital twin technology, allowing engineers to replicate real-world training and testing scenarios without interrupting live facilities. According to reporting by The Hull Story, the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) brings together the Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) and the University of Hull, combining industrial expertise with academic research.
The partnership will focus on creating digital twins of HETA’s existing training rigs, enabling businesses to experiment with new ideas and process changes at full scale while eliminating risk to their own premises, plant, and manufacturing systems. Both organisations view the initiative as a commercial opportunity capable of supporting engineering projects across the Yorkshire and Humber region and beyond, the report states.
Confidence in the project is shared by UK Research and Innovation, which has committed funding through Innovate UK. The backing reflects the wider role of KTPs in translating academic research into practical industrial outcomes.
HETA invested in the training rigs at its Hull headquarters five years ago as part of its industry-standard facilities for learners and employers, particularly those operating in the petrochemical sector across the Humber. From their introduction, the rigs were designed to expose process apprentices to the full scope of real industrial duties. These include starting up and shutting down processes, monitoring and sampling operations, and adjusting process conditions to reflect live production environments.
Professor Dhaval Thakker, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things at the University of Hull, said the project will enable HETA to upgrade its plant while supporting teaching aligned with advanced Industry 4.0 modules. In comments cited by The Hull Story, he noted that the university is investing in skills and infrastructure to meet regional economic priorities and is working with HETA to develop state-of-the-art facilities and programmes.
He added that the new capabilities will encourage businesses to adopt cutting-edge digital technologies, offering greater flexibility to refine processes and improve efficiency. The report also notes his acknowledgment of Innovate UK’s support and the intention to collaborate with industry partners, innovators, and problem solvers to deliver more sustainable growth across the region.
HETA’s chief executive, Iain Elliott, told the publication that discussions are already under way with potential clients who recognise the value of the initiative. He explained that the rigs are large, full-scale assets that can be used by manufacturers as test platforms, allowing them to assess whether new technologies work without disrupting their own factories.
Using digital twins of the rigs, manufacturers can trial operational changes virtually before implementing them physically. Examples cited include adjusting conveyor speeds to measure productivity impacts or testing alternative process configurations. Elliott also highlighted the role of sensors and data feedback in supporting predictive maintenance, enabling companies to understand equipment performance, identify causes of breakdowns, and improve overall efficiency.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships have supported collaboration between businesses and academic institutions since 1975. As outlined in the report, they generated more than £2 billion for the UK economy between 2010 and 2020 and currently support over 800 businesses nationwide.
Jan Antons, Innovate UK’s knowledge transfer adviser for Hull, Humberside, and North Lincolnshire, described the initiative as a strong example of how academic–industry collaboration can deliver tangible impact. He said that combining advanced research with practical application helps drive innovation, builds digital skills, and delivers benefits to businesses and the wider community, according to The Hull Story.
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About Humberside Engineering Training Association
Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) is a UK-based engineering training organisation that provides industry-standard facilities, programmes, and applied learning environments for employers and learners, with a strong focus on process, manufacturing, and industrial operations. Based in Hull, HETA operates full-scale training rigs designed to mirror real industrial systems, particularly supporting sectors such as petrochemicals across the Humber region. These facilities allow apprentices and professionals to gain hands-on experience in critical tasks including process start-up and shutdown, monitoring and sampling, and adjusting operating conditions in realistic settings.
Beyond training, HETA works closely with industry and academic partners to support innovation and skills development aligned with evolving industrial needs. Through collaborations such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, the organisation enables businesses to test new technologies, explore digital transformation initiatives, and refine operational processes without disrupting live production environments. HETA positions its facilities as both a workforce development asset and a commercial platform that supports engineering innovation, productivity improvements, and the adoption of advanced digital and Industry 4.0 practices.
Featured image Source: The Hull Story
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