“You can absolutely be what you can’t see! That’s what innovators and disruptors do.”
– Kimberly Bryant
1. Innovation Is Driven by Diversity
The manufacturing workforce's ever-changing landscape will face significant future demands. The constant drive for innovation will be one of them. And you know what has proven to increase innovation – and profits? Incorporating team members and leaders with different perspectives and lived experiences. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion as a cornerstone for the future of our industry and community.
2. What Does Collaboration Mean?
What is the meaning of life? Nobody knows until you do some soul-searching. Or, in the case of collaborative automation, asks us. Coordinating the activities between automation and workers requires deliberate design to maintain safety and productivity. AMT Vice President of Global Robotics Andra Keay breaks it down.
3. Energy for Wearable Tech
Wearables will be a thing in the future – and I don’t mean dusting off your unused and forgotten Fitbit when you roll out of bed next New Year’s Day. A key enabler for useful wearable tech will be energy storage and recovery. To address this, a new technique was developed that involves weaving conductive fibers into fabric to create a flexible and efficient energy harvesting system. It’s like those suits in Dune – but for electricity and not harvesting water from body waste.
4. Hole Technology
Sure, creating holes may not be sexy, but it can ruin a manufacturer if kept out of sight. These processes require deliberate design and maintenance. Don't sleep on your drills.
5. Wake Me Up Before You Grow-Grow
The WAAM (wire arc additive manufacturing) process has several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, including its ability to provide high accuracy, speed, and cost savings. Additive isn't just for small parts.
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