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Case studies play a pivotal role in facilitating digital transformation and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. These real-world examples provide invaluable insights into the practical applications and benefits of advanced technologies. By showcasing successful implementations, challenges faced, and measurable outcomes, we are creating a roadmap for organizations looking to harness the power of Industry 4.0.
View Case StudiesMeet our Thought Leaders! We are building a dynamic community of industry experts. Here, you'll find a diverse network of industry experts who bring deep knowledge and experience to the forefront of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation discussions. Explore their insights and perspectives to gain valuable understanding of the opportunities and challenges within this rapidly evolving landscape.
View Thought LeadersDiscover the power of in-depth Industry 4.0 insights. These comprehensive documents provide invaluable information, crucial for making informed business decisions in the digital era. Gain a competitive edge by leveraging this wealth of knowledge to navigate the opportunities and challenges that Industry 4.0 presents to your organization.
View White PapersOur Programs and services help businesses of all sizes develop the skills and expertise needed to jumpstart or accelerate digital transformation. Explore how our many initiatives can help your business thrive in the rapidly changing digital economy.
Welcome to Automation Alley, Michigan’s Digital Transformation Insight Center. We support the technology and manufacturing businesses that call Michigan home, and we want to support you! Become an Automation Alley member today.
At Automation Alley, our mission is to help businesses thrive in the rapidly changing digital economy. We equip them with the knowledge, insights, and tools to develop a software-first mindset that leverages the power of automation, AI, and other cognitive technologies. We believe that by working together, we can build a stronger, more innovative, and more competitive economy for the future.
To align technology adoption with your business strategy, ensure that every tech initiative directly supports your organizational goals, involves cross-functional collaboration, and includes continuous evaluation for sustained impact.
Michigan Tech researchers are revolutionizing energy-efficient transportation by combining real-world testing and digital simulations of connected and autonomous vehicles at the American Center for Mobility.
In response to escalating tariff uncertainties, Human Element advises businesses to proactively manage supply chain risks, maintain transparent communication, and focus on controllable factors to navigate the current economic climate.
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As AI tools become increasingly competent, we risk becoming like Bertie Wooster—relying on our digital "Jeeves" while losing the critical thinking and curiosity that make us valuable.
TubeCo, a legacy tube manufacturer in Warren, Michigan, has transformed its operations with Industry 4.0 tech—including sensors, cobots, and AI-powered dashboards—boosting efficiency, unlocking major contracts, and proving even pre-WWII machines can go digital.
Southeast Michigan's path to prosperity lies in uniting its diverse communities, businesses, and educational institutions through regional collaboration, data-driven strategies, and a skilled workforce, as outlined in SEMCOG's new economic development strategy.
Oakland University's DOE-sponsored Cybersecurity Center has developed a certificate program to enhance workforce readiness, focusing on AI-driven cybersecurity strategies and tailored training for SMEs and large enterprises to combat evolving cyber threats.
June 3, 2025
Are you looking to sharpen your decision-making skills for new manufacturing technologies? Join us for a half-day workshop that will help you unlock the tools and knowledge to assess innovative manufacturing processes with confidence.
May 13, 2025
Metal Additive
April 22, 2025
Michigan Innovation Expo 2025
Funding will scale up Automation Alley's unprecedented network of 3D printers, lower costs for businesses, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
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Project DIAMOnD CEO Pavan Muzumdar was featured on CBS News speaking about the newly-opened Digital Transformation Center and the goals of additive manufacturing in Michigan.
US Center for Advanced Manufacturing CEO Cynthia Hutchison is featured in this article on Michigan's manufacturing growth. Michigan's manufacturing expertise, bolstered by over $1.2 billion in federal funding and a focus on semiconductors, is driving economic growth, as reflected by its rise to No. 10 in Area Development's Top States for Doing Business.
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.
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.
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.
“Wipfli proudly partners with Automation Alley to bring Industry 4.0 solutions to small and mid-sized manufacturers and distributors across the state of Michigan and beyond.”
“Project DIAMOnD has acted as a catalyst for us. The program is a pathway out of poverty for manufacturers and small organizations.”
“We could never figure out how to get so many organized appointments and travel plans if we were on our own. We will grow across the world and it’s only because of Automation Alley.”
