“When I look back at it, I'm not sure if we were experimenting with cutting-edge technologies or obsessed with foolish ideas.”
– Toshimitsu Yoshimura, Honda NR project engineer, speaking on their use of oval pistons in four-stroke motorcycle engines
1. Willy Wonka’s Factory of the Future
“Accenture is working with Mars, the global leader in confectionary, food, and pet care products and services, to transform and modernize its global manufacturing operations with artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, edge technology and digital twins.” I call shenanigans! Put on your tinfoil hat because I’ve got a conspiracy theory hypothesis! Inflation is trying to take away our second Twix bar in the package, and Mars is gonna replace it with an inedible digital twin! SHENANIGANS, I SAY!
2. NAM’s Fun Facts About the Manufacturing Industry
"In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau found that manufacturing ranked among the top five industries employing Americans, with diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, and digital home products. For every $1.00 invested in manufacturing, there is a $2.68 impact on the U.S. economy overall, making manufacturing one of the sectors with the highest multiplier effects." (Source: WorkforceGPS, sponsored by USDOL ETA)
3. The Fastest Running Robot
Like running-running. A robot made by Oregon State University’s company, Agility Robotics, has set a mark recognized by the Guinness World Records for the 100-meter dash by a bipedal robot. The robot, named "Cassie," ran the dash in 24.73 seconds. Look out, Doug! AMT’s (p)resident runner might have some competition.
4. Boeing’s New AM Facility
Boeing has built a new additive manufacturing facility that it says is key to the future of aerospace. The facility will produce parts for both commercial and military aircraft, and Boeing says it will help meet the increasing demand for 3D-printed parts. I want you to take a look at the first picture in the article though: Is that some single-engine experimental version of the F-18 Super Hornet or Growler airframe? Maybe a rare X-32 engine test bed? I’m reading too far into this. UPDATE: AMT CTO Tim Shinbara has informed me that it’s in fact a T-7A Red Hawk trainer. Womp womp. Trainers don’t get enough love.
5. Dassault Systèmes Identifies Key Skills for Sustainable Innovation in Manufacturing
Design for sustainability is becoming part of the everyday day conversation.
Mechatronics has the most active community on social media.
Additive manufacturing accounted for 55,100 discussions with more than 278,000 engagements.
Data science is primarily discussed at a high level.
Model-based system engineering reveals opportunities to increase conversations and awareness.
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