MT Magazine May/June 2023

LEARN MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

MANUFACTURING FOR OUR FUTURE

WANT THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE? CREATE IT CONTINENTAL IS MAKING ADVANCED BRAKING SYSTEMS IN MORGANTON, NORTH CAROLINA — AND HELPING BUILD A WORKFORCE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

TRANSFORMATIVE TOOLS AND CREATION CULTURE by Douglas K. Woods | 01

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRE CONTINUOUS LIFE-LEARNING AND MORE by Greg Jones | 27

MINDS BLOWN, DOORS OPENED DURING TRADE MISSON by Travis Egan | 30

by Gary S. Vasilash | 13

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MAY/JUNE 2023 THE WORKFORCE ISSUE VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 9

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AMT provides the tools and resources to capitalize on opportunities. Navigate shifting market conditions with the latest data surveys.Reach your goals with insights from top economic, market, and political analysts and forecasters. Find the insights you need. Learn more about AMT membership at AMTonline.org

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A VIEW FROM THE WOODS

Transformative Tools and Creation Culture

achievable by using these products in the “conventional” ways. These are small companies – now – that may be absorbed into larger companies or cease to exist as the people behind them move on. The idea of limitations doesn’t necessarily occur to them. And while small shops across the country have long created clever, innovative, and even cool things, these new facilities are taking things to a higher level. Consider those four points from Kelly’s list: a small group that has the authority, control, and ability to make changes as needed – and is rewarded for its work. Leverage that with imagination and technology. The results can be incredible. While you may think this is simply a case of small companies that will have limited impact, Tesla has upended the auto industry – and not just because of its electric propulsion system. It is taking entirely different approaches to its manufacturing processes, such as using giga castings that replace multiple stamped-and-welded components (and the attendant tolerance stack-ups). This is not new technology. But because traditional companies just didn’t do it that way, they haven’t. So, Tesla gets an advantage through tech. The results of working in innovative ways with innovative tools are telling. According to a recent analysis by Reuters, Tesla’s net profit per vehicle is $9,574. It is $2,150 for GM and $762 for Ford. Regardless of the industry, there is a need to attract new, younger talent. How this can be done is something that we at AMT work toward accomplishing, something that we have as a top of-mind issue because it is vital. Tech and organization make the difference. It occurs to me that the startups I met do things not incrementally but radically. They are interested in coming up with new, better ways of doing things. Their organizational structures are more aligned with Skunk Works than with a traditional, “this-is-how-we-do-it” operation. Their willingness to take on new manufacturing technologies is not inhibited by past practices. They want to do things that are cool. They want to make a difference. And while that may seem idealistic, Tesla’s profits show it can also be financially successful. It works.

Back in 1943, Ben Rich and Kelly Johnson established what has become known as “Skunk Works” at what is now Lockheed Martin* to rapidly develop aircraft to fight in World War II. The team developed the P-80 Shooting Star, the first operational jet fighter used by the U.S. Air Force during the war,

and it entered production just 143 days after the start of design. Think of that. Under five months – design to production – for a mission-critical fighter aircraft. Something that absolutely had to work as intended. To accomplish this history-making task, Johnson created 14 rules about getting things done. Among them are: • The Skunk Works manager has complete control of the program and reports to a division president or higher. • Restrict the number of people having any connection with the project: 10% to 25% of “normal” systems. • A very simple drawing and drawing release system with great flexibility for making changes must be provided. • Due to the small number of people involved, pay must be rewarded for good performance, not based on the number of personnel supervised. This was all about creating an organization that allows people to do excellent work. It was designed to cut through both the inertia that is characteristic of too many projects and the organizational red tape that can inhibit that work. Or as it is said today, it allows people to create “cool things.” But while the tools Johnson, Rich, and their Skunk Works colleagues could use to create cool things were limited, today’s tool box makes it easier – and even exciting. Additive, robots, digital twins … these and more leverage both the imaginations and capabilities of people in extraordinary ways. So, what happens if the Skunk Works approach were combined with these new technologies? This, I would argue, is already happening at a number of places that you haven’t heard of, as well as places that you have (like Tesla and Blue Origin). As I’ve spent time in Silicon Valley lately, I’ve met young people who have established startups to develop innovative robotics, machining systems, and more. I’ve learned that they aren’t bound by “the way it has always been done” because for them, there isn’t an “always.” Low-cost sensors, automation, and other types of machinery allow them to create things that are digitally powered which can be used to create physical products that aren’t

Douglas K. Woods President AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

* Skunk Works still operates at Lockheed Martin, and the name is a registered trademark. On its website, the aerospace manufacturer describes it: “Just as Kelly intended, Skunk Works operates with a high degree of autonomy where employees are empowered to embrace the seemingly impossible tasks, tackle the toughest challenges and make a real difference for our customers.”

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Editorial Team Mary Cecile Neville Director, Content mcneville@AMTonline.org

Executive Team Douglas K. Woods President dwoods@AMTonline.org

Membership & Sales Bill Herman

VP, Sales & Membership bherman@AMTonline.org

Kristin Bartschi Director, Marketing & Communications kbartschi@AMTonline.org

Travis Egan Chief Revenue Officer tegan@AMTonline.org

Technology Benjamin Moses Senior Director, Technology bmoses@AMTonline.org Intelligence Ian Stringer VP, Data Strategy istringer@AMTonline.org Smartforce Greg Jones VP, Smartforce Development gjones@AMTonline.org Advocacy Amber Thomas VP, Advocacy athomas@AMTonline.org International Ed Christopher VP, Global Services echristopher@AMTonline.org

Chris Downs Director, Audience Development cmdowns@AMTonline.org

Peter Eelman Chief Experience Officer peelman@AMTonline.org

Kathy Webster Managing Editor, Content kwebster@AMTonline.org

Pat McGibbon Chief Knowledge Officer pmcgibbon@AMTonline.org

Dan Hong Writer/Editor dhong@AMTonline.org

Becky Stahl Chief Financial Officer bstahl@AMTonline.org

Jacob McCloskey Graphic Designer jmccloskey@AMTonline.org

Tim Shinbara Chief Technology Officer tshinbara@AMTonline.org

Tiffany Kim Graphic Designer tkim@AMTonline.org

Hailey Sarnecki Graphic Designer hsarnecki@AMTonline.org

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Peter R. Eelman Chief Experience Officer peelman@AMTonline.org

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Table of Contents

Click See what’s trending on AMTonline.org

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Manufacturing Matters Get details on the latest industry news

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AMT Upcoming Events Important manufacturing technology dates and events to bookmark

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LEARN MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

MANUFACTURING FOR OUR FUTURE

Want the Workforce of the Future? Create It by Gary S. Vasilash

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The Big Picture Industrial Maintenance Technician Career Pathways

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IMTS 2024 Floor Plan Released — Changes on Tap by Peter Eelman

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But FIRST, Robots

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by Catherine Ross

CAM GPT: Part 1

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by Stephen LaMarca

Emerging Technologies Require Continuous Life-Learning and More by Greg Jones

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Minds Blown, Doors Opened During Trade Mission by Travis Egan

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Automation Helps, but It’s Still a Workers’ Market by Chris Chidzik

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COVER DESIGN Tiffany Kim | Graphic Designer

INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN Industrial Maintenance Technician Career Pathways Hailey Sarnecki | Graphic Designer

MT Manufacturing Technology (ISSN # 2836-2896), May/June 2023, Issue 9, is published bi-monthly by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, 7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean VA 22102. Periodicals Postage Paid at Merrifield, VA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MT Manufacturing Technology at 7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean VA 22102.

To manage your subscription, contact Chris Downs at cmdowns@AMTonline.org.

6 THE WORKFORCE ISSUE WATCH THE LATEST SEASON OF PROFILES IN MANUFACTURING

There are always people who stand out. Profiles in Manufacturing tells the stories of these inspiring individuals, focusing on how they have helped to shape and enhance the manufacturing industry.

Discover the stories behind Andrew Crowe, Courtney Silver, and Rick Kline Sr. as they join their peers this season on Profiles in Manufacturing .

SCAN HERE TO WATCH PROFILES IN MANUFACTURING

CLICK

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Click MT Magazine is more than just paper pulp and ink. Explore our content on AMTonline.org and engage with discussions on a wide array of topics affecting manufacturing technology now.

AMT ‘Tech Trends’ Podcast: Exploring the Latest Manufacturing Technologies and Research Ben and Steve dive into the most cutting-edge advancements in the manufacturing industry. They share their insights on the latest research and technologies transforming the manufacturing landscape and explore the potential impact of these innovations on the future of manufacturing. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in staying up to date on the latest trends in the industry. Tune in on your favorite listening platform to hear from industry experts and stay ahead of the curve. Listen at AMTonline.org/resources

Moving On, Moving Up Thirty percent of the manufacturing workforce is female. And one out of every four manufacturing management positions is held by a woman. Of the women in manufacturing, 75% would recommend a career in the field. And it’s a lucrative career: women in manufacturing earn 16% more than the national median income for women. It’s not just a man’s world, and manufacturing acumen isn’t gender-specific. Meet four young women who are making manufacturing move. Meet them at AMTonline.org/article/movingup

Risk-Takers and Goal Makers The manufacturing industry has no shortage of people with the courage to dream big and the audacity to do more. “Profiles in Manufacturing,” an IMTS+ Original Series, tells the stories of these manufacturing leaders, luminaries, and legends. The third season, which debuted in May, features Rick Kline Sr., chairman and CEO of Gardner Business Media; Andrew Crowe, founder of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance; and Courtney Silver, president and owner of Ketchie Inc. Tune in to IMTS+ to discover the stories behind these leaders and legends in Season Three of “Profiles in Manufacturing.” Watch at IMTS.com/WATCHProfiles

The Existing Skills Gap and Labor Crisis in US Manufacturing: Where Are We Now? For the first time in the 21st century, there are twice as many job openings as hires in manufacturing. Jacob Ruttenberg, Tinicum Venture Partners; Darnell Epps, Praxis; and AMT’s Catherine Ross discuss the state of the manufacturing workforce and strategies to expand the labor pool. Watch at IMTS.com/WATCHSkillsGap

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MANUFACTURING MATTERS

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

TECHNOLOGY

Growth or Evolution? Why not both? Growth through technology doesn’t occur in isolation. The pace of technology development and adoption is becoming faster and faster, and the only way to keep pace is to evolve the workforce at the same rate as technology. After all, a human worker is involved in each portion of the technology adoption process, which is a workflow of identification, adaption, implementation, and maintenance. And as the market constantly fluctuates based on reshoring efforts, economic drivers, and shifting global competitiveness, advanced manufacturing technologies will show their value by enabling companies to increase output or decrease costs to meet market conditions. Innovation is pivotal for companies to stay competitive – and the key to innovation is people.

INTELLIGENCE

Imagining Industry 6.0 Industry 4.0 introduced the world to advanced automation and human-robot collaboration. Industry 5.0 is characterized by personalized manufacturing and the increased use of co-robots and AI. Industry 6.0 may bring even more advancements and human-technology synergy in fields such as medical and bionic enhancements, robotic automation, and neo-critical manufacturing. The ideological concept of Industry 6.0 encompasses areas such as robotic automation, society and policy, and intelligent manufacturing. However, advancements in several other fields could help us explore and develop new methods of manufacturing and resource gathering, such as renewable energy, total machine independence, interplanetary resource gathering and manufacturing, aerial manufacturing platforms, and quantum control to name a few. In the coming years, in anticipation of Industry 6.0, creating the necessary regulatory and societal frameworks will be essential for these technological advancements. Read more about Industry 6.0 at AMTonline.org/article/industry-6.

SMARTFORCE

The First AMT Tech Invitational Competition In March, AMT held its first-ever Tech Invitational competition at its headquarters in McLean, Virginia. Fresh off the 2023 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Mid-Atlantic Competition, three FTC robotics teams from the Washington, D.C., region showcased their innovative robots, problem-solving abilities, and business models in a Shark Tank-style contest. As a result, AMT awarded $1,000 cash prizes to FTC Team 19458 Equilibrium.exe, Team 7393 electron Volts, and Team 6417 Blu Cru to support their upcoming trips to the 2023 FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas. Teams are fully responsible for all operational, manufacturing, and competition expenses, such as materials, contest registration, and travel. Watch for an upcoming roadmap from AMT’s Smartforce Development team on how to connect with local robotics organizations to organize your own event to gain exposure and build relationships in your community while supporting local STEM students on their journeys to engineering careers. For more on the AMT Tech Invitational, go to Page 22.

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MANUFACTURING MATTERS

ADVOCACY

AMT Supports Death Tax Repeal Act AMT recently joined over 150 small business organizations in support of a permanent death tax repeal. Business groups from every sector of the economy signed the coalition letter released by the Family Business Coalition. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act nearly doubled the estate tax exemption. But only temporarily. If action isn’t taken by Dec. 31, 2025, the exemption could be cut in half, increasing the number of manufacturers subject to estate taxes and the number of jobs lost. Extending the deadline won’t help the millions of small businesses subject to the tax. Only a permanent solution provides the certainty necessary for growing and hiring.

The coalition letter states: “Far too often, this tax is paid by selling family assets like farms and businesses. Other times, employees of the family business must be laid off and payrolls slashed.” To learn more, visit AMTonline.org/article/death-tax-repeal.

INTERNATIONAL

Workforce Development: A Universal Language Everyone is familiar with the challenges facing manufacturing in attracting and retaining a workforce. The skills gap, the need for competitive compensation and benefits, creating a positive work culture, embracing technology and innovation, and promoting career development opportunities are the most obvious. Countries worldwide are investing in solutions to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable workforce for the future. Examples include Germany’s well-developed system of vocational education and training, Singapore’s emphasis on skills training and lifelong learning, South Korea’s investment in education and vocational training, Switzerland’s apprenticeship programs, and the United States’ range of workforce development programs. Global private and public investments are critical in these areas of training and development if we are to equip the next-generation workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the changing demands of the industry.

The Manufacturing Technology Series connects decision-makers from diverse industries with leading suppliers of advanced manufacturing technology, equipment and tooling. The Manufacturing Technology Series 2023: Four Regions . One Mission .

Feb. 21-23, 2023

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Don’t miss the most important manufacturing technology events in the U.S. in 2023.

Visit mtseries.com to learn more.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

AMT Upcoming Events Learn more or register at AMTonline.org/events. Your datebook will thank you.

CMTSE Exams SMARTFORCE

MTForecast 2023 October 4-6, 2023 | Detroit, Michigan INTELLIGENCE

The Certified Manufacturing Technology Sales Engineer (CMTSE) Program is the only nationally recognized program to measure and celebrate the skills, knowledge, and ability of sales engineers to perform effectively.

MTForecast brings the latest economic news, forecasts, and industry trends straight to you. Industry leaders, executives, and key decision-makers will connect and learn better business strategies through customer industry insights, economic forecasting, and deep dives into market data.

June 14, 2023 October 11, 2023 UPCOMING EXAM DATES

MFG 2024 April 24-26, 2024 | Orlando, Florida TECHNOLOGY

Formnext Forum Austin August 28-30, 2023 | Austin, Texas FORMNEXT

The Manufacturing For Growth (MFG) Meeting is the ultimate gathering of manufacturing technology minds, bringing together a community of solutions and solvers. Learn how to keep pace with growing demand, make lifelong connections, and see what opportunities lie on the horizon.

This is the first in a series of Formnext events to drive industrial 3D printing innovation and growth in the Americas. Created from a partnership between AM industry leaders Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT, and Gardner Business Media, Formnext Forum Austin will feature top-notch speakers, high value attendees, and ample networking. The Formnext family is growing in the United States

IMTS 2024 IMTS September 9-14, 2024 | Chicago, Illinois

Find new equipment, software, and products to move your business forward, connect with industry experts and peers, and attend conference sessions to boost your industry knowledge.

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Want the Workforce of the Future? Create It Morganton, North Carolina, is one of those places along I-40 that history could have passed by. But automotive supplier Continental is making some of its most advanced braking systems there – and is helping build a workforce for the 21st century. Morganton, North Carolina – about an hour east of Asheville and an hour and 20 minutes northwest of Charlotte – is one of those small towns (population approximately 17,500) where textile mills and furniture factories came … and went. Back in 1992 global automotive supplier Continental came to Morganton … and stayed. And expanded. And is now instrumental in the production of what is known by the company as its “Future Brake System,” FBS 2, a semi-dry automotive brake system that deploys a second-generation brake-by-wire system (MK C2) with electromechanical brakes on the rear axle (these brakes are “dry” – as in they don’t use brake fluid) and conventional hydraulic brakes (“wet”) on the front. Last fall Continental (or Conti as it is colloquially known) received an order valued at about 1.5 billion euros (approximately the same in U.S. dollars at the time due to the exchange rate) for the FBS 2 system that will go into series production with a North American OEM and be introduced in 2025. BY GARY S. VASILASH CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

FEATURE STORY

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The MK C2 system is a sophisticated piece of automotive mechatronics. People often describe something as “state of the art.” Arguably this is. Eric Childers, manager, manufacturing engineering, at the Morganton plant, says that some of the local people thought that brake pads or brake rotors were being produced at the factory, not state-of-the-art (yes, I said it) braking systems. The Program Childers, who has been with Continental since 1992, helped establish an apprenticeship program at Morganton in 2014. Brad Silver, who has been at the factory for 23 years and is also in manufacturing engineering, works with Childers on organizing and recruiting for the program. Childers says that the program is focused on, not surprisingly, mechatronics: mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, robotics, automation, programming. The goal is to develop people who are multicraft-capable, multiskilled. The factory is chock full of robots and lasers, material handling, and servocontrols. The environment is clean and bright. It is a far cry from the local garage cluttered with fugitive unmounted tires and shop rags whose red is long forgotten. As is the case with apprenticeship programs throughout the United States, Childers and Silver worked with the state of North Carolina to establish the program (initially, the North Carolina Department of Commerce managed the state’s apprenticeship program; now it is handled by the North Carolina Community College System: www.apprenticeshipnc.com), which combines both on-the-job training and classes that lead to a two-year degree in applied science with a specialization in areas like mechatronics or industrial systems technology. In the case at Conti, there are 5,200 hours of on-the-job training. Silver says that most of the students carry 16 credit hours per semester,

The Morganton plant – a 210,000-square-foot facility where some 500 people work – has long produced the MK C1 brake system. And now it is going on to the MK C2, which is a sophisticated system Conti developed with BMW that combines the master cylinder, brake booster, and control systems into a single 4.3-liter system. What’s more, it is based on Conti’s Multilogic Architecture and provides features including 100%-efficient regenerative braking. Yes, the FBS 2 approach is about facilitating the stopping of electrified vehicles that can include levels of autonomy. It has over-the-air (OTA) update capability.

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Say you’re a junior or senior at Draughn High, East Burke, or one of the other high schools in Burke County, North Carolina. Say you’re pretty good at basketball or another sport. Maybe not great, but good. And you see on social media young women and men who seem just like you being lauded for declaring for a college. You’re going to feel envious. Childers says that when they make the final decision on the next class of apprentices, it isn’t simply a matter of sending an email or making a phone call. Silver points out that when a student athlete achieves something, the local papers acknowledge it. So Childers, Silver, and the people with whom they work internally and externally hold a signing ceremony. They make sure that those who have achieved the opportunity get public acknowledgment for it. The people who are accepted into the program are likely to see their names in The McDowell News or the Morganton News Herald. Not only is this good for the young people who have been accepted, but it is good for the younger people in the area who may hear about the Continental program through the signings. Silver says that there is an emphasis at the plant to get young people – ninth graders, for example – to tour the facility. And Childers notes that they even

so when they are not in class, they are accumulating 24 hours in the plant. And the thing that is initially quite surprising to the people in the program – and their parents – is that there is a paycheck for 40 hours. Getting There Silver says that each year in February, he and Childers visit local high schools to talk to students and teachers. He acknowledges something that plenty of people don’t want to admit: a four year degree isn’t right for everyone. There are some people who are good with their hands and like working that way. In March they bring in students for tours of the Morganton facility. And, importantly, they ask teachers to take the tour as well. Those who express an interest participate in a weeklong orientation program in April. Then Childers and Silver look through the documentation they’ve accumulated through these preliminaries to determine who will be asked to participate in a six-week internship program that occurs in June and July. Based on that, they decide who will be asked to join the apprenticeship program at Continental. While a lot of that may sound familiar – after all, there are plenty of companies of varying types that have apprenticeship programs at their organizations – there is something that makes what is happening at Continental Morganton somewhat different. A Difference Duke. The University of North Carolina. NC State. Wake Forest. One of the things that the state of North Carolina is renowned for is college basketball, and to say that being recruited out of high school to play college ball is a big deal is to understate the case.

hear from parents who want to know about the availability of openings in the program. It isn’t enough for an organization to think what it is doing is special – the people must make sure that others see that it really is special.

FEATURE STORY

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What young person wouldn’t want to stand on stage and get their picture taken for their decision to pursue a career in manufacturing? Nowadays Since Childers and Silver have been at this for more than a decade, the question arises: How is it different today than when they began? One of the differences is a result of letting people see the inside of the facility to understand that this isn’t a dark, dank, and dirty factory from days gone by. Actually seeing robots and rows of touch-screen controls and the like can make a big difference. And then there are programs like “How It’s Made” that show that manufacturing is interesting and not repetitious or dull as was once the case, such as in high volume industries like automotive. Childers says there is an array of YouTube videos showing how operations are performed that are readily accessible. What’s more, today’s young people are essentially digital natives; a 16-year-old was born the same year as the iPhone. The Downside That Isn’t Some people are reticent to make the investment in an apprenticeship program – and it is an investment of time, commitment, resources, and more – because they think that at the end of the program, when the journeyman certification is granted, the newly minted employee will leave. And while most of the people who have been through the Continental Morganton program stay, Silver says that if someone decides to leave, they congratulate that person. That is worth repeating: They congratulate the person who has decided to move on. Part of this goes to the commitment that the company has to the community: The program isn’t just about achieving a highly skilled workforce to make advanced technology braking systems but rather about advancing the entire area and the people who live there. Part of this is knowing that those who leave will always remember where they came from and how they were treated. Some who have moved on have recommended to people at other companies that they might want to work at Continental Morganton, and the organization has gained some good employees as a result. Coda You talk with Childers and Silver for just a few minutes, and their belief becomes evident that what they are doing, what Continental is empowering them to do, has benefits that can make a huge difference to individuals, their families, and their community. The pride is palpable.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Gary at vasilash@gmail.com.

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TECH TRENDS PODCAST Take a listen at AMTonline.org/resources

TUNE IN FOR THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON TRANSFORMATIVE TECHNOLOGIES.

INDUSTRY MARKETS Aerospace, defense, watches, energy, and more. SUPPLY CHAIN Silicon shortages, gas pipelines, reinforcing supply chains from the ground up. TRANSFORMATIVE TECH Machine vision, augmented reality, artificial intelligence. ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING AM advancements impacting everything from food production to automotive. ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION Industrial robots, cobots, and lights out manufacturing.

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THE BIG PICTURE

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Connect with manufacturing technology industry leaders to address key business challenges and provide actionable solutions. Sessions cover a wide range of topics, including workforce, supply chain, leadership, politics, and more. APRIL 24-26 | ORLANDO

IMTS

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IMTS 2024 Floor Plan Released — Changes on Tap

1,815 EXHIBITING COMPANIES

86,307 IMTS 2022 REGISTRANTS BY PETER EELMAN CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER

NFL coaching legend Vince Lombardi once said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” With the unveiling of the IMTS 2024 floor plan, I can confidently state that IMTS and the manufacturing industry are catching excellence in many ways. First, the exhibition space rebooking rate is as high as it has ever been, outpacing even IMTS 2018 or the dot-com boom years. Prominent exhibitors are expanding their footprint, and companies that had paused their marketing plans (even prior to the pandemic) have recommitted to IMTS 2024. IMTS: One of a Kind Several factors contribute to this fantastic news, starting with the resilience of our manufacturing companies. Simply put, IMTS is a unique, in-person event. Our friend Andy Snow, senior vice president at EOS North America and a member of the IMTS Show Committee, summarized the benefits powerfully in recent correspondence when he said, “As an exhibitor at IMTS, I can confidently say that it is one of the most valuable trade shows in the manufacturing industry.” Changes to the Floor Plan Catching excellence demands change and growth. In that spirit, the IMTS 2024 floor plan features some big updates. To start, you’ll notice that we replaced the term “pavilions” with technology “sectors.” Organizing IMTS by manufacturing sectors enables visitors to compare capabilities, prices, service – basically everything they need to know from the world’s elite suppliers. A great place to start exploring the sectors at IMTS 2024 is in the new Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS – Smart Production Solutions, which will occupy the North Building. This prominent location reflects the fact that the general public has caught on to the importance of manufacturing (supply chain disruptions and pervasive staff shortages tend to do that). People want to make products in North America, and that means implementing more automation. IMTS has been organically growing as an automation destination, and we have amplified that growth through a new collaboration with the Mesago Messe Frankfurt Group, producers of SPS – Smart Production Solutions (read the news

exhibits throughout all sectors, featuring robotics, advanced

motion systems, vision and imaging, data analytics, systems integration, artificial intelligence, and connected technologies. Locating the Automation Sector in the North Building frees more

space in the East Building for the fast-growing Quality Assurance Sector and the Controls & CAD-CAM Sector, as well as relocating the Fabricating & Laser Sector. All these sectors occupy the main floor (third level) of McCormick Place. An additional change in the East Building to note is the Smartforce Student Summit will relocate to the second level, reducing the distance between the bus drop-off/pickup location and the summit, offering visitors a more convenient experience. More Big Moves; AM Expands As more businesses integrate additive manufacturing (AM) into their operations, they will want to plan more time in the Additive Manufacturing Sector, accelerated by Formnext (another new collaboration; read the news release at IMTS.com/ Formnext). AM, automation, and digital manufacturing are inherently intertwined, which will be reflected in their growing prominence at IMTS 2024. While these technology sectors are being enhanced, one thing will remain the same: Visitors and exhibitors can count on IMTS 2024 being the industry epicenter for discovering ideas, exploring innovations, and reaffirming the value of personal connections. A limited amount of exhibit space remains for IMTS 2024. To learn more, visit IMTS.com/exhibitor. Stay connected with IMTS+, our multi-media content destination. If you have any questions about this information, please contact Peter at peelman@IMTS.com.

release at IMTS.com/AutomationSector). As a result, IMTS 2024 will have even more

IMTS

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But FIRST, Robots BY CATHERINE ROSS DIRECTOR, SMARTFORCE DEVELOPMENT

This spring, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology hosted its first-ever Tech Invitational competition at its McLean, Virginia, headquarters. It was such a success, weʻve reprinted the article here. If youʻre interested in checking the pulse of your communityʻs local talent, consider hosting an event like this with your local FIRST or other STEM programs. Please reach out to Cat for tips on hosting a competition. Enjoy her article!

Hours of planning. Weeks of practice. Trial and error. And error. Finally, success. That’s a cycle that’s familiar to everyone from elite athletes to successful entrepreneurs. The young people who participate in FIRST Tech Challenge robotics

competitions follow this same cycle as they face new challenges and build innovative robots. FIRST inspires future science and technology leaders through a mentor-based program that builds practical skills and promotes self-confidence. The AMT Tech Invitational competition – held at AMT’s McLean, Virginia, headquarters – showcased the work of three FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teams from the Washington, D.C., region. The teams competed in a “Shark Tank”-style contest for a $1,000 cash prize. During their pitches, the students addressed the unique capabilities of their robots, as well as their approach to problem solving and teamwork. Ultimately, AMT could not pick a winner from among the three impressive teams and awarded $1,000 to each. The teams will use the winnings to help fund their trips to the 2023 FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas. The winning teams included: Equilibrium.exe 19458, a team from Potomac,

— Michelle Edmonson Vice President – Exhibitions

Maryland; electron Volts, a community FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team located in Silver Spring, Maryland; and FIRST Tech Challenge Team 6417 Blu Cru, based in Rockville, Maryland. “FIRST competitions are so important because teenagers need something to define themselves,” said Jon Vandegriff, the coach for the electron Volts. “If they choose FIRST to be the thing that defines them, it transforms them. They start thinking of themselves as STEM students and as engineers.” Beyond hands-on STEM education, students also gain new problem-solving abilities. “The FIRST team members are learning to think critically and problem solve within a team,” explained Blu Cru Coach Neil Perkins. “In school, homework and tests are done individually. In the real world, that is rarely the case. We are usually solving problems as part of a team, so this is a valuable technical and interpersonal experience.” Seelig Sinton, the team coach for Equilibrium.exe, emphasized the mutual benefits of connecting FIRST teams with local manufacturers. “Programs like FIRST are an investment in the future of manufacturing. STEM is a challenging field, and the love for it needs to be fostered at a young age,” he explained. “Any company that wants to recruit knowledgeable and dedicated future employees would be wise to sponsor programs like FIRST.” Watch. Read. Experience more on IMTS+ at IMTS.com. To learn more about making connections with the future workforce, visit IMTS.com/smartforce or reach out to Catherine “Cat” Ross at cross@AMTonline.org.

Blue Cru’s robot and presentation.

Equilibrium.exe’s robot and presentation.

Electron Volts’ robot and presentation.

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IMTS

Each of the super-talented FIRST Robotics teams received prizes for their awesome robots.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS, IMPORTANT CONNECTIONS WORKING WITH ROBOTICS TEAMS IN YOUR AREA

By building relationships with FIRST Robotics teams, manufacturers can nurture the next generation of STEM superstars — and may just meet their next programmer or machinist.

FIRST coaches recommend the following approaches for connecting with teams

1. Volunteer. Become a judge or a volunteer for a FIRST event. You’ll get to meet the participants and see their abilities up close.

2. Sponsor. Offer to provide a sponsorship for a local team.

3. Support. Provide parts, tools, or technology for a local team. Parts you can quickly make from scrap materials may be extremely valuable for a robot build.

4. Open Your Doors. Find local teams through the FIRST website or a simple Google search. Invite the team to tour your shop or facility to show them your technology and capabilities and learn more about their interests.

LEARN MORE AT FIRSTINSPIRES.ORG

LAMARKABLES

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CAM GPT: Part 1 BY STEPHEN LAMARCA TECHNOLOGY ANALYST

Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, there’s been a ton of hubbub around artificial intelligence (AI), the AI chatbot ChatGPT, and the AI language model GPT4, as well as discussions regarding accessible AIs (read: web-based and open to public use) after recent “hello world” debuts.

machine tool manufacturer (Pocket NC, now Penta

Machine) used clunky software. I don’t want to put the actual company on blast, but they promised their product was the easiest all-in-one CAD/CAM solution ever. Long story short: After seven years in the industry, the polygraph test determined that was a lie. Over the years, I’ve spoken to a ton of software developers and startups dedicated to making the CAM process less aneurysm-inducing. Not much luck. Enter ChatGPT. Lo and behold, after

People use this tech for everything – doing their homework, programming PLCs, writing their wedding vows … My fiancee even used ChatGPT to negotiate a raise via email – and it worked! Some of the buzz is positive, and some is negative – like really negative. When it comes to AI, there will always be detractors who think “Terminator” machines will come for us. As far as I know (at least since starting this project in February), nobody’s attempted to use ChatGPT to program a machine tool, much less arm it with plasma weapons. So, since I hadn’t used ChatGPT yet, I figured: Why not try? (The machine tool part, not the arming it part.) What’s Going On? You see, Millennials like me Google everything. If my car throws a check engine light, I’ll Google the OBDII fault code. If Google says the mass air flow sensor is probably just dirty, I’m going to YouTube to see how to clean it. Sure, everybody does this now, but we were the first, and we’re exceptional at it. Why? Because our teachers told us, “You won’t always have a calculator!” How’d that work out? Not only do I always have a calculator, I can also access almost every piece of music ever created (and its misheard lyrics) in fractions of a second in high fidelity! My point is that no matter where you are, you’ll always have a calculator – and now it can access AI!

just two dialogs with OpenAI’s Chat (that’s what I call it), this image to the right is what I got back. What Kind of Feedback Have You Received? Well, I tell you what, I got a few doubters and a few supporters. But I will say this: Contrary to what some skeptics might think, I’m not going to blindly upload this to

a machine and run it. No machinist worth their salt would do that. Ever. No matter the source of the program. Seriously, have you ever heard a production machine tool operator speak highly of their CAM/manufacturing engineer? They trust them about as far as they can throw them. You sim first; then, if it doesn’t go back to engineering with immediate issues to resolve, you upload it for an “air cut” (no tools, workholding, or stock material). If by some miracle the program makes it that far on the first draft, then the machinist may cut wax to cover their bum and be sure. The planets would have to align for that to happen, though, and I don’t foresee a CAM engineer tearing space-time any time soon. What Can We Expect Next? As I stated above, I’d be dumb to just throw this program into the machine and press play. That’s begging for an “epic machine crash.” Anyway, next step: simulation. A keen eye might see that this program gets bounced faster than a new version of anything by Microsoft needing to be patched. See you next time! If you have any questions about this information, please contact Stephen at slamarca@AMTonline.org. For more LaMarkable content, stream Seasons One and Two of “Road Trippin’ with Steve” now on IMTS.com/plus.

Come Out of the Fever Dream, Please. Sorry. All I’m saying is I think AI is going to be bigger than the

internet. It’s more on the magnitude of discovering fire. Let me show you what I asked ChatGPT. The image to the right was my first interaction with ChatGPT. I nearly teared up. When I started at AMT, one of the first things I attempted was to program our 5-axis CNC (with zero manufacturing background, mind you). Unfortunately, the

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26 THE WORKFORCE ISSUE CMTSE

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Emerging Technologies Require Continuous Life-Learning and More BY GREG JONES VICE PRESIDENT, SMARTFORCE DEVELOPMENT Many of you have probably heard me say that in the year that I was born, my dad was

an apprentice at a small tool and die manufacturing shop in small town Ohio. Our family eventually had four children, and so when it came time to make a career change, Dad went to work at what used to be known as Fisher Body at the GM assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio.

Dad would go on to enter GM’s management program for tool and die supervisors at what is now

FEATURE STORY

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(HMI); and digital twin and generative design. Gary Vasilach’s cover article in this edition of MT Magazine explores how the changeover to new braking systems for EVs is changing workforce needs at Continental in North Carolina. Together with the state government, Continental addresses these needs with an apprenticeship program. In an era of continuous life-learning, the workers who graduate from those apprenticeships will be educated on and learn new skills to address the next disruption in emerging technologies. Just one example of the impact of smart innovation in facility design and management occurred last month, when BMW announced the launch of a virtual factory. BMW will leverage Nvidia’s Omniverse platform to build and operate industrial metaverse applications across its global production network, allowing the German carmaker to plan, test, and optimize scenarios for smart, connected factories that feature new robotics and state of the art logistics systems before they

known as Kettering University in Michigan. As a result of Dad’s continuous life-learning and work ethic, the Jones family had the opportunity to lead a nice, middle-class lifestyle, and Dad would go on to eventually retire when GM offered salaried employees an incentive for early retirement when he was 62 years old. I was reminded of Dad’s story when I read in early March that GM was offering early retirement packages again this year to its salaried employees as a cost-cutting move. This need to reduce salaried employees is not just for the sake of cutting costs but also part of GM and other vehicle manufacturers’ preparation to tool up and switch their facilities over from vehicles powered by fossil fuels to electric vehicles (EVs). My dad is still with us at age 86, but the Fisher Body brand is no more, and the GM Lordstown Assembly plant is now owned by Foxconn.

How Emerging Technologies Disrupt The changeover from current vehicle powertrains to EVs is just one example of an emerging technology causing disruptions across U.S. manufacturing in go-to-market strategies, facility makeovers, and workforce recruiting and education needs. A few years ago when we

are rolled out commercially. Another example is a more personal, more simplistic one. I was recently issued a new AMT Dell laptop because my old laptop had reached the end of its life cycle. Talk about teaching an old dog new tricks. I had to learn a new, more updated, and advanced Microsoft operating system

[New technologies] are changing evermore rapidly these days as smart, digital manufacturing technologies become more widely adopted.”

among other things. Interfaces that I had been used to for years had suddenly and unexpectedly changed. Some of them for the better. Initially, of course, I lost a bit of personal and professional productivity as I learned and adjusted to the new interfaces and tools. One can find plenty of help in the applications, and I had Google for help as well. Don’t Forget the Teachers That brings me to another important Smartforce Development recommendation in the AMT Manufacturing Mandate. Currently in the United States, there is a nationwide shortage of teachers, and this shortage is especially prevalent in career and technical education (CTE). Attracting, recruiting, educating, accrediting, and retaining CTE teachers is as important as

updated AMT’s Manufacturing Mandate regarding Smartforce Development, we identified the need for continuous life learning to keep pace with emerging technologies as a key policy recommendation. During our lifetimes, technologies evolve or change completely, and they are changing evermore rapidly these days as smart, digital manufacturing technologies become more widely adopted. As a result, it is now more important than ever that humans working in manufacturing be educated on and learn new knowledge and skills in order to keep pace with technologies like additive manufacturing (AM); artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning; augmented reality/ virtual reality (AR/VR); automation, especially robotics, collaborative robots (cobots), and human-machine interfaces