Factors like reshoring and the expansion of the defense, medical, and space sectors drive manufacturing's adoption of emerging technologies like automation, additive manufacturing, generative AI, and digital twins. What are the barriers – or accelerators?

A deeply disruptive AI has entered the chat. Cobot vs. robot — who wins? IFR's 2025 robot trends. Should you 'can' your old CAM software? JDC-Miller partners with Hexagon.

Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.

Please, Taiwain, I want some more. Underrated: exoskeletons. AI-decisions-making-explained. McCormick place saves (bird) lives. Don’t mess with 3DBenchy!

Robots in the wild. Path to lights-out. War games and advanced manufacturing. Roll your own 3D printer. New metals.

Manufacturers are doers—always building, innovating, and transforming. It’s no surprise that the most-read articles on AMTonline.org this year spotlighted the driving forces of the industry: automation, innovation, and transformation.

With demand for manufactured goods surging after 2020 and high rates of job openings persisting due to a labor shortfall, more manufacturers are turning toward automation – and reversing the post-recessionary trend of declining manufacturing productivity.

With skilled workers in short supply, fewer young people interested in on-site work, boomers retiring, and demand remaining elevated, manufacturers could invest in automation for multiple returns.

The ARM Institute held a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities for automation in aerospace manufacturing. They tackled efficiency and production; economic, technical, and human challenges; management support; workforce development; and more.

At IMTS 2024, Barbara Humpton and Tim Shinbara highlighted how automation, AI, and digital twins empower manufacturers and drive local production, innovation, and sustainability.