Bridging The Valley Of Death Gap From Manufacturing Research To Production

Introduction

• Importance of bringing new products to market quickly and cost-effectively for economic competitiveness.
• The ARM Institute and Manufacturing USA play crucial roles in advancing U.S. manufacturing.

Background

• Manufacturing USA:
  • Established in 2014 under Obama administration.
  • Nationwide network fostering innovation and workforce development.
  • Focus areas include robotics, AI, and additive manufacturing.
  • Originated from NNMI launched in 2012.

Role in Bridging the "Valley of Death"

• "Valley of Death": Gap between research and product commercialization.
• Manufacturing USA Institutes:
  • Collaboration with industry, academia, and government.
  • Transition technologies from research to market-ready solutions.
  • Access to cutting-edge equipment and expertise.

Key Initiatives and Institutes

• ARM Institute: Robotics technology integration.
• MxD (Manufacturing times Digital): Digital manufacturing and cybersecurity.
• NextFlex: Flexible hybrid electronics.
• BioFabUSA: Tissue engineering and biomanufacturing.

Recent and Upcoming Developments

• New AI-focused institute by NIST in 2024 for manufacturing resilience.
• Workforce development through tailored educational programs and certifications.

Impact of Key Institutes

• America Makes: Additive manufacturing innovations in aerospace and healthcare.
• ARM Institute: Development of collaborative robotics for SMEs and PPE production.
• MxD: Adoption of digital tools and cybersecurity in manufacturing.
• LIFT: Lightweight metals and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Technological Transfer and Workforce Development

• Transition of research to applications in industry.
• Educational collaborations to upskill the workforce in emerging technologies.

Global Robotics Trends

• Increasing industrial automation with high robot installations, particularly in Asia.

Concluding Remarks

• Manufacturing USA's role as an innovation ecosystem.
• Importance of continued involvement with Manufacturing USA Institutes.