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Dr Christopher Johnson is a programme manager in Industry 4.0 at Manchester Metropolitan University with a distinguished track record in delivering impact through Industrial Partnerships.
His current work focuses on:
- Resilience Modelling of Transport Systems using innovative approaches in Machine Vision, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
- International Frameworks for Knowledge Transfer in disruptive technologies.
- Embedding I4.0 foundations in SME's in the North West.
Working closely with the rail supply industry Dr Johnson's background work has included synergistic, adaptive prognostic monitoring of rail assets, bespoke image analysis techniques in the classification of surface born rail defects and pioneer the use of adaptive learning techniques in the analysis of rail vehicle and track components. Dr Johnson is a recognised project manager (APM-PMQ, SCQF Level 7) through successful delivery of projects delivering intelligent, adaptable, multi-functional and maintainable embedded systems for water treatment, oil and gas, health care, novel security applications and applied vision technologies for the automotive industry.
I strongly believe that the only real source of knowledge experience, because of this I will endeavour to bring what I teach you into light through practical industry experience. I predominantly teach at Postgraduate level where I lead in Systems Engineering and Project Management (Risk, Quality and Benefits) here I focus on best practice and embedding a deeper understanding of the processes you will undertake in your future career as an engineering leader. At undergraduate level, I support on live industrial projects supporting your education through my experience in industry knowledge transfer working closely with you to understand what your strengths are and how to approach problems as an Engineer and innovator.
2018 Project Management Qualification (PMQ) (IPMA Level D, SCQF Level 7) (APMP)
2017 Prince 2 Foundation Axelous
2016 PGCERT Manchester Metropolitan University
2013 PhD Manchester Metropolitan University
Dissertation: Image Processing Techniques for the Detection and Characterisation of Features and Defects in Railway Tracks.
2009 BEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering (1:1 first class Honours)
Manchester Metropolitan University
Dissertation: Cognitive Science & Technology autonomous robot design with swarm capabilities.
2006 HND Electronic Engineering
Manchester Metropolitan University
Dissertation: Audio signal processing: Bandpass filter design for VU meters.
2016 - Ongoing: Senior Lecturer
Manchester Metropolitan University. Senior lecturer I4.0 Programme Manager Electronic Smart systems Engineering, and Rail Engineering.
2015 – 2016: Lecturer
Manchester Metropolitan University. Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering the faculty of Science and Engineering. Unit lead of MSC Sensing and Imaging.
2012 – 2015 Research Associate
Manchester Metropolitan University. Technical supervisor for applied rail technologies and image processing expert for the Signal and Imaging Group at MMU.
2008 – 2015 Associate Lecturer
Manchester Metropolitan University. Associate lecturer primarily for an image processing course (MSC) but also involved in various electrical and mechanical engineering taught modules.
Engineering Project Management, Systems Engineering, Rail Infrastructure & Engineering Strategy, Electronic Smart Systems,
Smart technology is the future. Machines that talk to each other, learn from their surroundings and respond accordingly are the shape of things to come. Researching or studying in the applications and innovations occurring around Industry 4.0 will put you at the centre of many exciting technological developments.
There are two areas of focus that work undertakes:
I am a leader in Knowledge Transfer and as a qualified project manager, I focus on delivering high-quality, high impact programmes of work. My research and study areas look into many areas aligned with the APM Body of Knowledge such as:
With a significant background of work in the rail industry and developing innovative solutions in both vision and condition monitoring systems, I am also investigating the connected environment and resilience of rail systems. While condition monitoring is now becoming standard practice understanding whole rail systems behaviour is the next step in evolution and the digitalisation of the rail industry.
The potential to use digital twinning applications at abstract levels can support the rail industry in reducing risk, improving capacity and integrating innovation in areas of need. In its entirety, a 'resilience model' provides the required level of abstraction for all business needs and has the potential to impact much more than just the rail industry.
MAB. Fayyaz, AC. Alexoulis-Chrysovergis, MJ. Southgate, C. Johnson (2021). A review of the technological developments for interlocking at level crossing. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit. 235(4), pp.529-539.
MJA. Fernando, C. Johnson, S. Hutchinson, D. Andrews, S. Harmer, et al. N. Bowring. (2016). A Morlet, Continuous Wavelet Based Late Time Response Classification Regime for use in Security Screening. IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques.
British Council: Disruptive Innovation and Technology: Enabling SME innovation through disruptive technology and rapid prototyping (3D Printing). TNE and Quality Assurance Partnership with National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE) Vietnam, Mien Tay Construction University (MTU) Vietnam, An Phuc International Engineering and Construction Company Ltd (ANPHUC) Vietnam, and Autodesk Ltd.
KTP (1025938) GJD Manufacturing LTD -To develop an automated, in-house testing and calibration capability, delivering a step change improvement in productivity, to facilitate significant sales growth based on an integrated Industry 4.0 capability and an enhanced reputation for product reliability and supply.
KTP (1024298) GJD Manufacturing LTD - To significantly increase sales and drive business growth through the development and launch of a suite of innovative, intelligent, IP connected and highly sensitive laser scanner products with a corresponding mobile phone application for setting up and diagnostics.
KTP (1014657) Feedwater water treatment – To develop an intelligent, adaptable, multi-functional and maintainable water dosing system, designed to optimise the user experience and meet customer demands for flexibility, scalability and reliability.
KTP (1012720), Motherwell Tank Protection - To develop an 'intelligent' and versatile set of electronic systems and associated software to provide effective tank gauging and protection, to enhance the company's product range and accelerate business growth.
KTP (9384, 509063), Unipart Rail - The development of a flexible, modular and adaptable instrument, based around the wide coverage afforded by 4G, capable of monitoring and transmitting this data.
CST06 20b-HOS-15-051
Home Office - Automatic Detection and Identification of Handguns in Fast Parcels using Microwave Radar to obtain Complex Natural Resonance Data
UKTram (stage 1) Low Impact Light Rail competition, MARVIN – MEMS and Advanced Rail Vision Indication using 3D imaging techniques and MEMS technology in assessing the degradation of the track infrastructure.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership:
(1025938) GJD Manufacturing LTD -To develop an automated, in-house testing and calibration capability, delivering a step change improvement in productivity, to facilitate significant sales growth based on an integrated Industry 4.0 capability and an enhanced reputation for product reliability and supply.
1024298, GJD Manufacturing LTD. - To significantly increase sales and drive business growth through the development and launch of a suite of innovative, intelligent, IP connected and highly sensitive laser scanner products with a corresponding mobile phone application for setting up and diagnostics.
1014657, Feedwater water treatment - To develop an intelligent, adaptable, multi-functional and maintainable water dosing system, designed to optimise the user experience and meet customer demands for flexibility, scalability and reliability. Projected impact for the company is expected to reach £532k from this partnership 3 years after completion (2020). A developed product is under final development phase and sales have already been confirmed for installation and development.
1012720, Motherwell Tanks - To develop an 'intelligent' and versatile set of electronic systems and associated software to provide effective tank gauging and protection, to enhance the company's product range and accelerate business growth. The KTP is in the process of developing a complete gauging package (hardware and software), which will take the company to the forefront of the market. In particular, the ability to develop bespoke, tailored but scalable solutions for customers will result in a USP for the company in the global tank gauging market. Projected impact for the company is expected to reach £281k from this partnership 3 after from completion (2020). A developed product is currently available to the market.
9384, 509063, Unipart Rail - The development of a flexible, modular and adaptable instrument, based around the wide coverage afforded by 4G, capable of monitoring and transmitting this data is seen as a key strategic direction for Unipart Rail and they have already protected this opportunity by the careful targeting of patents and intellectual property protection. Projected impact for the company is expected to exceed £2.6 million from this partnership 3 years after completion (2020).
Erisio Ltd
The development of a prototype flow control system for a user selected fluid dispensing system.
Unipart Rail Sparta – Relay testing unit; (http://www.unipartrail.com/assets/sparta.pdf)
Sparta is a relay Portable Test Unit designed to allow preliminary testing of a wide range of BR930 line and track signalling relays. It provides the Signalling Engineer with the ability to confirm the basic condition of a relay before it is inserted into the circuit. It also assists in establishing the root cause of signalling failures prior to replacing relays. Instrument software developed in collaboration with Unipart Rail. Currently in production catalogue No. 0088/000020.
Honorary member IMechE, active board member and social media manager for the Railway Division North Western Centre.