HUNTSVILLE – The University of Alabama in Huntsville and the University of Alabama have partnered in a new initiative: Smart Manufacturing using AI-based Revolutionary Technologies (SMART).
The University of Alabama, the lead partner, and UAH recently received a planning grant for the program from the National Science Foundation Industry University Cooperative Research Center.
SMART aims to help manufacturers incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twins into their production processes. The SMART center will provide a collaborative environment for addressing common, pre-competitive needs of companies to be determined during the planning meeting. By analyzing technological challenges, research teams will create shareable solutions that will benefit companies and the economy.
At UAH, Dr. Judith Schneider – a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; an adjunct in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, and director of the UAH Materials Science Program – leads the team of five faculty members from the departments of Industrial & Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, and Computer Science. Leading the UA team is Dr. Hwan-Sik Yoon, associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, with members from that department.
In the wake of AI/ML and DT advancements, some industries are flourishing, but much of the manufacturing sector has lagged. While many manufacturers acknowledge the vast potential of these technologies, they lack effective methods to integrate them into their organizational strategy, operations and processes.
“What we’re facing with advanced manufacturing is how to incorporate all the new tools coming down the pipeline,” Schneider said. “It can be hard for companies to implement the new tools because they’re not trained to use them.
“While these companies lack the training, universities are currently training their future employees to fill that gap.”
The SMART center will work with companies to collect data from sensors and cameras during representative manufacturing processes and use the information to develop and integrate AI solutions to improve productivity, product quality, factory sustainability and workforce safety.
The general solutions developed by the center will be shared across the industry with the goal of strengthening the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by advancing technological innovation and cultivating a skilled workforce through targeted training programs.
By fostering collaboration among universities, industry partners and government agencies, the SMART center will support national efforts to enhance economic resilience and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing.
The SMART center is seeking companies to join this effort. And Schneider said the UAH team is asking questions and listening to concerns.
“What are your pressing needs? What are potential roadblocks to advancing your company?,” she said. “If your company is going to thrive and succeed, what do you see happening so that, five years down the road, you’ll be where you want to be?”
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
