Automation Alley - Home Page
Category - Education
Kettering University Cleared to Launch Nation’s First Accelerated Semiconductor Degree
Kettering University in Flint, Michigan has been approved to offer America’s first accelerated Bachelor’s degree in Semiconductor Materials and Devices, designed to be completed in three years.
Category - 3D Printing
Advancing Industry 4.0: Leveraging 3D Printing with Affordable Powders for Smarter Manufacturing
Michigan State University’s Nondestructive Evaluation Lab is revolutionizing metal 3D printing by combining low-cost powders with real-time AI-driven monitoring, making advanced manufacturing more affordable, sustainable, and Industry 4.0-ready.
Category - Supply Chain
Leading the Lean Way: Transforming Supply Chains with Leadership and Lean Thinking
In today’s volatile global economy, manufacturers face unprecedented supply chain complexity. Labor shortages, cost pressures, and unpredictable demand have become everyday challenges. Amid this turbulence, Lean Thinking continues to offer clarity, stability, and strategic advantage. Yet Lean tools alone won’t drive transformation. What fuels sustainable change is leadership—visionary, accountability, and grounded in continuous improvement. This
Category - Education
$14.9 Million Tech Building Renovation Powerfully Enhances Education at HFC
Henry Ford College has completed a transformative $14.9 million renovation and expansion of its Technology Building—remodeling 18,000 sq ft, adding 24,000 sq ft, and outfitting new automotive, fabrication, CAD, robotics, and innovation labs.
Category - Big Data
Insights from the OT Trenches: Why SDN Beats VLANs on the Plant Floor
Dynics Dürr offers a wide range of products for all painting, final assembly and air pollution control applications, complemented by smart automatic and supervisory control systems.
Category - Artificial Intelligence
Building the Backbone: How American Manufacturing Is Powering AI’s Infrastructure Boom
American manufacturers—from steel and HVAC to cleanroom tech—are stepping up to build the data centers, semiconductor fabs, and energy infrastructure that are essential to powering today’s rapidly expanding AI revolution.
Category - Artificial Intelligence
The Michigan Opportunity Podcast: Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner, Atomic Object
What’s next for AI and software? Atomic Object Managing Partner Jonah Bailey breaks it down, drawing on experience in sectors from sports tech to healthcare.
Category -
How Floor Robots Increase Safety and Reduce Workloads
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.
Category -
How Augmented Reality Is Empowering the Disabled Community
Only about 40% of working-age people with a disability in the U.S. are employed, compared to almost 80% of non-disabled working-age people This is a large gap that has the potential to close significantly through the deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies which also decreases the stigma of hiring people with disabilities over time.
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Case Study: Markforged, SQP Engineering and Strada Percussion Drilling Systems
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.
Category -
Verizon and RealBotics: 5G is Coming, Robots get Ready!
Problem Robots sometimes go idle, need a restart or to be repositioned, or drop a part, which can cause production to stop and cost a manufacturer thousands of dollars per minute during an unexpected shut down. Often the solution is as simple as the robot needing the help of a human to keep working; however,
Category -
Siemens Energy Improves Efficiency with Markforged Platform
With Siemens supporting many of the world’s highest performing compression stations, power plants, and refineries, taking a turbine offline for multiple weeks is certainly not desirable and so any process that can reduce that downtime is welcome.
Category -
Shaping the Future of the Manufacturing Workforce
The manufacturing sector is set to produce 3.5 million new jobs over the next decade, but 2.5 million workers are on pace to retire, leaving U.S. manufacturers with a 6 million shortfall in available talent for jobs that are evolving rapidly—a double squeeze.
Category -
Project DIAMOnD’s Successful Activation of Distributed 3D Printing Network to Assist Ukraine During Wartime Serves as Proof of Concept for a Future of Additive, Digitally Connected Supply Chains
Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine disrupted manufacturing supply chains for many critical medical supplies. When the Ukrainian government put out an urgent request for life-saving tourniquet parts, Automation Alley, working with Markforged, activated Project DIAMOnD, the world’s largest distributed manufacturing network, to 3D print the critical supplies on demand. The experience yielded several key learnings. This case study highlights the key takeaways, which represent necessary considerations for successful deployment of any large, distributed manufacturing network, as well as the industry’s path to bringing additive’s supply chain benefits to mainstream use at scale.
Category - Thought Leaders
The Roadmap to Industry 4.0's Global Future Unveiled
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.
Category - Thought Leaders
Blockchain Technology Can be a Game-changer for Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing
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.
Category - Thought Leaders
Recruiting Diverse Professionals in Engineering and Technology in Michigan
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.
Category - Thought Leaders
Innovation at the Supplier Level for Electric Vehicle Thermal Systems and Beyond
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.
Category - Thought Leaders
Ripple Effect: How Sustainability in The Construction Industry Benefits Manufacturers and Beyond
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.
Category - Thought Leaders
Let’s Jumpstart Your Journey to NIST/CMMC Compliance
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.
Category - Thought Leaders
Empower Your Business Through Automation
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.
Category - 3D PrintingIn The News
The Gap Between Hype and Reality in Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is moving beyond the hype, as smarter software, better materials, and contract manufacturers make 3D printing more scalable and accessible for small and mid-sized manufacturers.
Category - In The News
Why more and more high-tech companies are choosing to “Make It 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...
Category - In The News
CBS News Video: New Initiative Aims to Make 3D Printing More Accessible
CBS We connect with billions of people—through our studios, networks, streaming services, live events, merchandise, and more. Our studios create content for all audiences, across every genre and format, while our networks and brands forge deep connections with the world’s most diverse audiences. In streaming, our differentiated strategy is scaling rapidly across free, broad pay,
Category - In The News
Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience in Manufacturing
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.
Category - CybersecurityIn The News
Automation Alley to open DOE-funded Cybersecurity Center at Oakland University
Automation Alley has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) to create a university-based cybersecurity center in Michigan.
Category - Playbooks
The Rise of AI: Shaping Industries Through Intelligent Innovation
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.
Category - Playbooks
Shaping Tomorrow: Mastering Additive Manufacturing
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.
Category - Playbooks
Navigating the Future: Global Industry 4.0 Trends Standards and Policy
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.
Category - Playbooks
Future-Ready Workforce: Navigating Digital Transformation Together
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.
Category - Playbooks
Diving Into the Digital Realm: Harnessing the Power of Digital Twins
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.
Category - Playbooks
Creating a Secure Future: Navigating Cybersecurity Resilience
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.
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Build Bold, Scale Smart: A New Series by MMSDC and HPS
Join us this fall for a premier series hosted by Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and led by transformation experts from Hilco Performance Solutions (HPS). This dynamic event is designed for manufacturers and suppliers aiming to increase margins, improve processes, and grow sustainably. What You’ll Gain: Proven strategies led by HPS executives who have
Category -
Integr8 Roundtable: Mobility
The transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles is reshaping the automotive industry. Join Automation Alley for this roundtable event, co-located with CAR MBS, for an in-depth discussion on how this transformation impacts manufacturing processes, workforce skills, and supply chain logistics. Your participation will shape a nationally recognized Integr8 Playbook to guide the transition
Category -
Integr8 Roundtable: Global Manufacturing Trends and Supply Chain
Our roundtables aren’t just conversations—they are immersive experiences designed to provide solutions and capture insights for our Integr8 Playbooks. This year, we’ve focused on delivering highly specialized content in five key areas, each session building upon the next to deliver a comprehensive view of the future of manufacturing. Global Manufacturing Trends & Supply Chain As
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Monroe County Community College Manufacturing Technology Panel and Tour
Join us at Monroe County Community College for an engaging session exploring Industry 4.0 technologies, co-hosted by Automation Alley, Monroe County Community College, Manufacturing Growth Alliance, MMTC, and Downriver Community Conference. This exclusive event will feature a dynamic panel discussion, a guided tour of MCCC’s state-of-the-art Technology Labs, and the opportunity to connect with regional
Category -
Open House at the Project DIAMOnD Digital Transformation Center
You’re Invited: Open House at the Project DIAMOnD Digital Transformation Center (DTC)! Discover How Your Business Can Access a Free 3D Printer and Training! Join us for an exclusive Open House at the Project DIAMOnD Digital Transformation Center (DTC) in Auburn Hills, MI—a hub for cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology! If you’re a local small to medium-sized business,
Category -
Automation Alley’s Trade Mission to MEDICA Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany
Automation Alley invites you to join our trade mission to MEDICA, one of the world’s largest B2B medical trade fairs. With over 5,000 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors from 165 countries, the conference and exhibition will focus on a wide range of innovative healthcare and medical technology solutions aimed at curing diseases and improving patient outcomes.
Featured
Kettering University Cleared to Launch Nation’s First Accelerated Semiconductor Degree
Advancing Industry 4.0: Leveraging 3D Printing with Affordable Powders for Smarter Manufacturing
Leading the Lean Way: Transforming Supply Chains with Leadership and Lean Thinking
$14.9 Million Tech Building Renovation Powerfully Enhances Education at HFC
Insights from the OT Trenches: Why SDN Beats VLANs on the Plant Floor
Building the Backbone: How American Manufacturing Is Powering AI’s Infrastructure Boom
The Michigan Opportunity Podcast: Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner, Atomic Object
How Floor Robots Increase Safety and Reduce Workloads
How Augmented Reality Is Empowering the Disabled Community
Case Study: Markforged, SQP Engineering and Strada Percussion Drilling Systems
Verizon and RealBotics: 5G is Coming, Robots get Ready!
Siemens Energy Improves Efficiency with Markforged Platform
Shaping the Future of the Manufacturing Workforce
Project DIAMOnD’s Successful Activation of Distributed 3D Printing Network to Assist Ukraine During Wartime Serves as Proof of Concept for a Future of Additive, Digitally Connected Supply Chains
The Roadmap to Industry 4.0's Global Future Unveiled
Blockchain Technology Can be a Game-changer for Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing
Recruiting Diverse Professionals in Engineering and Technology in Michigan
Innovation at the Supplier Level for Electric Vehicle Thermal Systems and Beyond
Ripple Effect: How Sustainability in The Construction Industry Benefits Manufacturers and Beyond
Let’s Jumpstart Your Journey to NIST/CMMC Compliance
Empower Your Business Through Automation
The Gap Between Hype and Reality in Additive Manufacturing
Why more and more high-tech companies are choosing to “Make It in Michigan”
CBS News Video: New Initiative Aims to Make 3D Printing More Accessible
Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience in Manufacturing
Automation Alley to open DOE-funded Cybersecurity Center at Oakland University
The Rise of AI: Shaping Industries Through Intelligent Innovation
Shaping Tomorrow: Mastering Additive Manufacturing
Navigating the Future: Global Industry 4.0 Trends Standards and Policy
Future-Ready Workforce: Navigating Digital Transformation Together
Diving Into the Digital Realm: Harnessing the Power of Digital Twins
Creating a Secure Future: Navigating Cybersecurity Resilience
Build Bold, Scale Smart: A New Series by MMSDC and HPS
Integr8 Roundtable: Mobility
Integr8 Roundtable: Global Manufacturing Trends and Supply Chain
Monroe County Community College Manufacturing Technology Panel and Tour
Open House at the Project DIAMOnD Digital Transformation Center
Automation Alley’s Trade Mission to MEDICA Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany
Members
We support the technology and manufacturing businesses that call Michigan home, and we want to support you! Become an Automation Alley member today.
Explore
Building the Backbone: How American Manufacturing Is Powering AI’s Infrastructure Boom
When people talk about artificial intelligence, they usually focus on software, algorithms, and futuristic tools. But behind every AI model, every chatbot, and every autonomous system lies something far more grounded: physical infrastructure. From data centers to...
AI
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Advancing Industry 4.0: Leveraging 3D Printing with Affordable Powders for Smarter Manufacturing
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, continues to revolutionize manufacturing, bringing digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time data monitoring to the forefront. Metal additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D...
3D Printing
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Beyond the Basics: A Modern Cybersecurity Risk Assessment for Small and Midsize Businesses
For America’s small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), the digital landscape has become a high-stakes environment. The frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks are accelerating, with recent industry data showing that over 70 percent of ransomware attacks now target...
Cybersecurity
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The Future of Smart Cities in Michigan: Embracing IoT for a Smarter State
The rise of smart cities across the United States, driven by groundbreaking advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, has set a new benchmark for urban living. Cities like Dallas, San Francisco, and Boston have begun to harness the power of connected...
IoT
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MTU Robotics Lab Wins International Autonomous Navigation Competition
Amna Mazen had her sights set on a win for more than a year. The assistant professor of applied computing and manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology has been working on her algorithm for mobile robot navigation since her Ph.D. in...
Robotics
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Learn More About Studying Smart Manufacturing and Automation at UM-Flint
A passion for computing and technology doesn't have to mean working in Silicon Valley or coding in a coffee shop. In an increasingly data-driven world, technological competencies could make job-seekers an asset in nearly every...
Automation
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MSU Future of Work Initiative Seeks to Help Organization Adapt to AI, Robotics and More
Through the Future of Work Initiative, MSU researchers are partnering with employers, educators, and policymakers to better understand how technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and algorithmic management are...
Workforce
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