Manufacturing Futures Institute empowers U.S. industry

As the federal government strives to advance U.S. industry by modernizing manufacturing, it has repeatedly looked to the Manufacturing Futures Institute (MFI) and its Mill 19 partners, the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute and Catalyst Connection, to empower industry with the science and technology needed to accelerate U.S. manufacturing.

At the recent MFI Technical Exchange to showcase current research projects supported by the Institute, faculty director Gary Fedder gave an update about ongoing activities, including the increasing focus on the use of AI, machine learning, data, virtualization, and spatial computing that is advancing digital twin applications which hold some of the greatest promise of creating greater efficiencies in U.S. factories.

“Our reputation and expertise in engineering and computer science is providing many opportunities for Carnegie Mellon to participate in these federal projects,” said Fedder.

Our reputation and expertise in engineering and computer science is providing many opportunities for Carnegie Mellon University.

Gary Fedder, MFI faculty director and ECE professor

Among them were the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) funded Machine Learning-Based Rapid Robot Training project. Carnegie Mellon and ARM Institute engineers and scientists worked together to develop and deploy machine learning techniques that can rapidly train robots to perform manufacturing tasks. By alleviating the need for time-consuming human engineering to train robots, the project’s open-source results will help enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to be more competitive by ensuring that they are able to rapidly respond to market requests and adapt to changes in supply chains.

The NIST robot training project served as a precursor to Carnegie Mellon’s recent involvement in the National Artificial Intelligence Data Foundry for Robotics, which is being led by ARM and funded by a Department of Defense congressional interest item. Carnegie Mellon engineers and scientists will help develop a set of software tools to enhance the availability and application of data to deploy AI and machine learning for the manufacturing and robotics industries.

MFI and Catalyst Connection will also participate in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Learning Laboratory & Experience Center initiative, which is being led by ARM and funded by a Department of Defense congressional interest item. The Learning Lab will leverage the assets and capabilities of the three organizations, including robotic and 3D printing equipment at Mill 19, to demonstrate advanced manufacturing technologies to high school students, job seekers, manufacturing workers, and business leaders. Interactive learning modules will be used to inform and educate Mill 19 visitors and inspire the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques.

Carnegie Mellon researchers with expertise in Softbotics, engineering, computer science, psychology, and diversity will join a multi-institutional collaboration to launch Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity (HAND). Funded by the National Science Foundation and led by Northwestern University, the new Engineering Research Center will build dexterous robot hands with the ability to assist humans with manufacturing, caregiving, handling precious or dangerous materials, and more. 

MFI will partner with Catalyst Connection to build a robust, competitive advanced manufacturing workforce through the Forging Your Future project. Funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)–an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments–the project will offer opportunities for family-sustaining wages and career pathways for workers from hard-hit Appalachian communities.

Carnegie Mellon University students who participate in research on these initiatives will be better prepared to help solve the manufacturing challenges that face our nation.

Gary Fedder, MFI faculty director and ECE professor

The Digital Bridge, a Catalyst Connection-led initiative, helps manufacturers implement industry 4.0 technologies in robotics and automation, digitization, additive manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Funded by the federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the program provides technical assistance and capital. MFI’s role is to provide access to advanced technology research and demonstration facilities at Mill 19 that can support technology assessments and project identification, vendor selection, and other project analysis and evaluation services.

Many of the more than 100 faculty from six of the seven Carnegie Mellon schools and colleges who are associated with the Manufacturing Futures Institute will have opportunities to participate in these federal projects.

Fedder points out that there is significant mutual benefit that comes with these federal projects.

“Not only does the nation benefit from the collective expertise of Carnegie Mellon engineers and scientists, but Carnegie Mellon students who have the opportunity to participate in research on these initiatives will be better prepared to help solve the manufacturing challenges that face our nation.”