While visitors come to IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show to solve today’s production issues, often the most memorable portion of their trip is the cutting-edge, forward-looking (and even futuristic) solutions featured in AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC).The ETC at IMTS 2024 showcased technologies aimed at addressing today’s most pressing manufacturing issues, including automation, additive manufacturing, reshoring, the surge in aerospace and defense investment, and raising productivity per worker. Next-Generation Hybrid SystemThe ETC featured an integrated multi-process convergent manufacturing cell developed by a cross-disciplinary team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The cell integrated existing technologies in an innovative configuration:A robotic, wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) system using metal AM technology from Lincoln Electric, Arc Specialties, Open Mind, Yaskawa, Roboris (Eureka Robot.A machining center from Okuma and cutting tools supplied by Kennametal.A Fastems pallet tower for extended periods of unattended operation.A heat-treating system for microstructure enhancement from Ajax Tocco.A 3D laser scanning metrology station from Zeiss.The goal of the project is to develop a system that can cut long lead times, lower costs, and replace castings and forgings to reshore production for such parts as turbine blades, valve bodies, conformal heat exchangers, and propellers.Defense-Based ConversationsBlueForge Alliance (BFA) was a key exhibit within the ETC, where it highlighted collaborative efforts with the U.S. Navy and industry leaders such as Newport News Shipbuilding, Electric Boat, and Austal. The exhibit featured engaging digital content, interviews, and interactive experiences that underscore the collective advancements in naval capabilities.Visitors could immerse themselves in innovative technologies and gain insights into how BFA and partners are pushing the boundaries of submarine construction. The exhibit also showcased the importance of partnerships in sustaining and enhancing the submarine industrial base. By bringing together cutting-edge developments and collaborative efforts, BFA inspired attendees, demonstrating the future of naval manufacturing and the power of partnership in achieving the Navy’s mission. Film on Creating a Model-Based Engineering EnvironmentThe ETC also showcased an exclusive video documentary featuring OEMs, suppliers, and SMEs creating a model-based engineering environment (MBEE). In tandem with the film, live presentations, Q&A sessions, and interviews took place for future documentaries on MBEEs. This project, produced by William Sobel, co-founder of Metalogi and renowned for his role as the chief architect of the MTConnect standard, an international model-based semantic standard for manufacturing equipment, was a highlight. Sobel explains:“MBEE provides a single source of truth and bi-directional flow of information, resolving the current tension and disconnect between defense contractors, OEMs, and contract manufacturers. We need open, standardized information from the top suppliers that is agnostic to the software platform and within the financial means of smaller participating shops.”Meet Apollo, Apptronik's AI-Powered General Purpose Humanoid RobotApollo, unveiled by Apptronik in August 2023, is the first commercial humanoid robot designed for user-friendly operation, mass manufacturability, performance, and safety. Powered by AI, Apollo addresses labor challenges, preventing injuries, improving productivity, and allowing humans to focus on higher-value tasks. Its humanoid form allows easy deployment in existing spaces. Key innovations include Apptronik's patented actuator technology. AMT ETC showed off Apollo's advances and future applications.Meet Apollo, Apptronik's AI-Powered general purpose humanoid robot at AMT's Emerging Technology Center at IMTS 2024.
The AMT ETC showcased automation, additive manufacturing, reshoring, the surge in aerospace and defense investment, and raising productivity per worker.
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