October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Explore Wipfli's top cybersecurity tips in this e-book to stay vigilant year-round.

Oakland University launches a new Master of Science in Energy Engineering program, designed to equip students for advanced roles in the rapidly growing energy sector.

Explore how AR and VR technologies can revolutionize manufacturing workforce training by accelerating skill development, improving knowledge transfer, and addressing the industry’s critical skills gap.

The U.S. has locked in tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and key manufacturing components, to protect domestic industries and bolster EV development.

Aurecon’s seven-year digital transformation journey has enhanced employee proficiency, driven innovation, and supported sustainability goals in the AECO sector through strategic investments in digital skills and technology.

3D-printed homes offer a promising solution to the US housing shortage by reducing costs, waste, and construction time, but overcoming regulatory and material challenges will be key to widespread adoption.

At Michigan State University, researchers are advancing battery technology to improve EV energy density, safety, fast charging, and weight reduction, while developing swappable battery modules and working towards a prototype electric car built entirely through MSU research.

November 13, 2024

November 13, 2024

October 8, 2024

October 15, 2024

November 14, 2024

September 17, 2024

Join us on September 17th at Automation Alley for an exciting pitch event showcasing groundbreaking innovations from Japanese startups. This event is designed to connect these forward-thinking companies with U.S. and Michigan manufacturers, system integrators, investors, and key ecosystem players.

September 10, 2024

Learn how standard tools like GDP fall short in measuring the economy in the Industry 4.0 era.

Wayne County is joining Oakland and Macomb counties to expand Automation Alley's Project DIAMOnD, which has made 3D printers available to hundreds of small manufacturers to lower their costs and scale up production.

Cynthia Hutchison, US Center for Advanced Manufacturing CEO, and Katelyn Kontny, Program Manager of the Oakland University Cybersecurity Center at Automation Alley, were quoted in this WEF playbook on cyber resilience in manufacturing. Learn more about how the Forum prioritizes cybersecurity throughout the manufacturing value chain.

Our CEO Tom Kelly was quoted in this report on additive manufacturing in the Grand Rapids region. Our Integr8 Playbook on additive manufacturing and Project DIAMOnD initiative also was featured. Read more to find out how Automation Alley leads the charge in Michigan toward additive manufacturing adoption.

Noel Nevshehir, director of International Business Services and Global Strategic Partnerships at Automation Alley, shared his perspective on the de-dollarization of the global economy.

Automation Alley has facilitated more than $2 billion in global sales for small Michigan manufacturers through two decades of trade missions responsible for creating and retaining 10,000 jobs, according to the organization. Automation Alley hit the milestone after 22 years and 50 trade trips to Mexico, China, Thailand, India, Vietnam and other countries, the Troy-based nonprofit industry association announced Tuesday.

The digital technologies of Industry 4.0 have given American manufacturing a golden opportunity to level the playing field and re-shore much of the production that went to areas of the world where low-cost labor was available. At Automation Alley, we believe manufacturers that embrace new software, additive manufacturing, distributed manufacturing and other Industry 4.0 concepts will have a better chance at rising above the competition.

Unlock the transformative potential of digital twins with our comprehensive digital twin playbook, crafted from insights shared by industry leaders in technology, manufacturing, government, and academia. Discover how digital replicas can revolutionize your operations through predictive maintenance, real-time simulations, and innovative process optimization. Gain practical implementation strategies and real-world success stories that will help you integrate this cutting-edge technology into your organization. Dive in today and lead your industry into a smarter, more efficient future.

Explore the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape, proactive defense strategies, and collaborative approaches to safeguard your digital assets. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, this playbook will help businesses better understand the latest trends and best practices in securing the digital future. With insights from industry, academic and policy experts, this playbook is an implementation guide aimed at helping you stay competitive in the evolving digital world.

Dive into the future of industry with Automation Alley's Integr8 Playbook on artificial intelligence (AI). This comprehensive guide, shaped by leaders in technology, manufacturing, government, and academia, explores the transformative power of AI across sectors. Discover how AI is reshaping workflows, amplifying decision-making capabilities, and driving innovation forward. Uncover insights on navigating the dynamic landscape, embracing breakthroughs, and addressing crucial ethical considerations in the rapid evolution of AI. Join us in revolutionizing how we work, live, and create with this important resource for Industry 4.0 adoption.

Embark on a journey of discovery with Automation Alley's Integr8 Playbook on Additive Manufacturing, encompassing not only the transformative potential of 3D printing but also the crucial realm of design for additive manufacturing (DFAM). This playbook emerges from a dynamic roundtable discussion where leaders across sectors—technology, manufacturing, government, and academia—converged to explore how additive manufacturing is reshaping industries and necessitating a shift in workforce mindset. With recommendations tailored for industry, academia, and government, this implementation guide equips stakeholders with the insights and strategies needed to embrace the additive manufacturing revolution. Dive into this essential resource and join us in shaping the future of manufacturing.

Explore the diverse landscape of Industry 4.0 as nations worldwide navigate unique paths of technological evolution. Each nation contributes to the global conversation on digital transformation in its own way. Despite promising advancements, significant political and social challenges hinder global collaboration, necessitating a renewed commitment to dialogue. This Integr8 Playbook is the output of industry, academic and government collaboration, and emerges as a pivotal resource, aiming to set international standards of excellence and address ethical concerns surrounding transformative technologies. Read the full playbook for actionable insights that will help define the global landscape of technological collaboration and prosperity beyond borders.

Born from the insights and discussions of our esteemed roundtable participants in industry, academia and government, this workforce playbook serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of our new digital world. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the workforce stands at the forefront of shaping the future of industries. As we embrace artificial intelligence, automation, IoT and other digital technologies, this playbook offers actionable recommendations aimed at empowering organizations to thrive amidst digital disruption. From strategies to upskill and reskill existing talent pools to fostering a culture of innovation, this playbook provides a roadmap for building a resilient and adaptable workforce primed for success in the digital age. It not only identifies key challenges, but also offers practical solutions and best practices gleaned from real-world experiences. By leveraging the insights contained within its pages, stakeholders across industries can gain a competitive advantage, drive operational excellence, and future-proof their businesses against the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Using SQP’s Markforged FX20, Strada Percussion Drilling Systems created a lighter, more portable, and ergonomic tool that is rust-proof, user-friendly, and cost-effective, reducing production costs by 30% and lead time from two weeks to two days.

Learn how Markforged's 3D printing applications saved drone manufacturer BODUK on crucial aerospace constraints like weight and manufacturing time.

Hawaya Racing Products develops and manufactures products for Harley Davidson drag racing motorcycles. Learn how 3D printing helps produce parts that are lighter, cheaper and stronger than traditional methods.

Repairing sensitive and diverse tech systems poses a steep learning curve for new technicians. This case study focuses on how a tech insurance company was able to train new technicians safely and effectively with the latest developments in AR technology.

Company D required a pan tilt mechanism for its "personal sound space" ultrasonic speaker. Explore how ASPINA helped the startup achieve its goals through the intersection of software and hardware expertise.

Learn how Stäubli partnered with PSA Singapore to provide an automated vehicle solution to power a port that handles over 80 million TEUs of containers (TEU: twenty-foot equivalent units) yearly.

Lyons Industries is a family-owned manufacturing company that produces over 1,000 bathtubs and showers each day. Learn how an Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant helped the company jumpstart its Industry 4.0 journey with floor robots.

May 11-23, 2025

Automation Alley invites you to join our trade mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, Southeast Asia’s major economic powerhouses with a strong demand for U.S.-made products, services, and technologies.

January 17 - 25, 2025

Automation Alley invites you to explore new business opportunities in India, the world’s largest market of 1.44 billion consumers. With a growing demand for U.S.-made products, services, and technologies, this is your chance to expand into a thriving global market. We are seeking Michigan companies to join us on this exciting trade mission. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!

Data is the foundation of Industry 4.0, but a skilled and empowered workforce will enforce this technological change. Learn the key strategies for manufacturers to take on digital transformation.

Blockchain technology has moved beyond its cryptocurrency upbringing, serving forward-thinking companies in mitigating supply chain risks and enhancing cybersecurity. Though the technology shows promise, the question of blockchain regulation is a large x-factor in the discussion around its mass adoption. Regulation aside, the future is bright for the technology in Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing.

The field of engineering has work to do when it comes to being inclusive to all genders and races. The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology (GACET) at Eastern Michigan University seeks to take on this challenge, providing tailor made programs for underrepresented future engineering students.

Lasting innovation doesn’t happen when designing around existing commercial components. Tesla’s “Super Bottle,” as named by Tesla Engineers, revolutionized the way EVs could seamlessly integrate components in 2017. Today, Tesla pushes the EV industry toward designing around a new 48 volt system. This will force tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers to redesign components, providing an opportunity in the EV market for those agile and iterative enough to compete.

With an unprecedented amount of construction projects related to the onshoring of manufacturing in progress, U.S. manufacturers with sustainability goals should recognize lasting change starts with building green.

Identity theft happens too often, companies are losing IP to the tune of billions of dollars every year, and we as a nation are not prepared for a cyber war. Automation Alley members Mettle Ops want to make sure your company is prepared.

How can automation tools empower businesses to leverage their own data to be more efficient and profitable? Automation Alley members Clayton & McKervey offer up some solutions that utilize KPIs, dashboards, forecasting, and analytics to help give you a competitive edge.