“If you do not know how to ask the right question, you discover nothing.”
– W. Edwards Deming
1. $10 Billion Toward Cybersecurity
I knew cybersecurity was a problem, but a $10 billion problem is massive. Based on a meeting with President Joe Biden, Google has announced it will invest this amount over the next five years. This is an important inflection point in the technology industry, as security is becoming a bigger driver of how systems are designed and accepted in new technologies.
2. People Are Still Trying to Use Unstructured Data
Harvesting value from data usually requires structure and exacting queries. This rigidity requires time to develop and delays the time to harvest. Facebook has developed a new approach that enables machines to search unstructured data. Thanks, Facebook – and stop stealing my data.
3. Digital Twins Are Putting in Work
While a 3D model has been around for a long time, it has always been disconnected from the real world. Overlaying the actual conditions of the part is the first step of the digital twin. The next step is harvesting value from this synergy.
4. In-Machine Measurements
I am a big fan of measuring parts in a machine. While there are pros and cons for this method versus post-process inspection, the keys to successfully getting into this technique are managing expectations and understanding the potential pitfalls. At a minimum, I really like this process for checking fixtures and workholding.
5. U.S. Marines and the Additive Boom
The Marines continue to drive interesting applications of additive manufacturing. Recently, they grew a part for destructively clearing landmine fields. This opens up a lot of opportunities for logistics and mission-specific designs closer to the front lines.
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