“All that glitters is gold. Only shooting stars break the mold”
– Steve Harwell, Smash mouth, "All Star"
1. Joining Forces: AMT + SME
AMT and SME have formed a strategic partnership aimed at tackling North America's manufacturing workforce challenges. The collaboration will focus on leveraging each organization's resources in three key areas: workforce development, educational products and services, and student events. As part of the partnership, AMT former-Vice President Greg Jones has joined SME's workforce development team as the director of strategic programs and partnerships.
2. Manufacturing USA's Pocket ACEs
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, backed by the Department of Defense, has doubled the number of U.S. manufacturing trainees in the first half of 2023 to 638 via its America’s Cutting Edge workforce development initiative. The program aims to revive U.S. machine tool tech and innovation, with more than 20 training centers in nine states. Since March 2021, it has been serving 300 participants.
3. Advancing Hypersonic Propulsion
Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with Velo3D, the Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow Institute, and Vibrant, a non-destructive testing firm, have advanced the development of 3D printed hypersonic propulsion systems with the creation of a 3D printed ramjet engine. The team used Vibrant’s Process-Compensated Resonance Testing to evaluate and analyze the components' performance. The aim is to predict the fatigue properties of 3D-printed parts and certify them immediately after production.
4. Rockwell Acquires Clearpath
Industrial automation giant Rockwell Automation is set to acquire Clearpath Robotics, a leader in autonomous robotics for industrial applications. The acquisition will boost Rockwell’s autonomous production logistics solutions, transforming workflows, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. Clearpath’s OTTO Motors Division offers autonomous mobile robots and navigation software to enhance manufacturing processes. The acquisition will strengthen Rockwell's advanced material handling solutions portfolio.
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