Whether it’s typing an email or guiding travel from one destination to the next, artificial intelligence (AI) already plays a role in simplifying daily tasks.

But what if it could also help people live more efficiently — that is, more sustainably, with less waste?

It’s a concept that often runs through the mind of Iesha Baldwin, the inaugural Georgia AIM Fellow with the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN) at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Enterprise Innovation Institute. Born out of the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, the Georgia AIM (Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing) project works with PIN fellows to advance the project's mission of equitably developing and deploying talent and innovation in AI for manufacturing throughout the state of Georgia.

When she accepted the PIN Fellowship for 2023, she saw an opportunity to learn more about the nexus of artificial intelligence, manufacturing, waste, and education. With a background in environmental studies and science, Baldwin studied methods for waste reduction, environmental protection, and science education.

“I took an interest in AI technology because I wanted to learn how it can be harnessed to solve the waste problem and create better science education opportunities for K-12 and higher education students,” said Baldwin.

This type of unique problem-solving is what defines the PIN Fellowship programs. Every year, a cohort of recent college graduates is selected, and each is paired with an industry that aligns with their expertise and career goals — specifically, cleantech, AI manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and cybersecurity/information technology. Fellowships are one year, with fellows spending six months with a private company and then six months with a public organization.

Through the experience, fellows expand their professional network and drive connections between the public and private sectors. They also use the opportunity to work on special projects that involve using new technologies in their area of interest.

With a focus on artificial intelligence in manufacturing, Baldwin led an inventory management project at the Georgia manufacturer Freudenberg-NOK, where the objective was to create an inventory management system that reduced manufacturing downtime and, as a result, increased efficiency, and reduced waste.

She also worked in several capacities at Georgia Tech: supporting K-12 outreach programs at the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility, assisting with energy research at the Marcus Nanotechnology Research Center, and auditing the infamous mechanical engineering course ME2110 to improve her design thinking and engineering skills.

“Learning about artificial intelligence is a process, and the knowledge gained was worth the academic adventure,” she said. “Because of the wonderful support at Georgia Tech, Freudenberg NOK, PIN, and Georgia AIM, I feel confident about connecting environmental sustainability and technology in a way that makes communities more resilient and sustainable.”

Since leaving the PIN Fellowship, Baldwin connected her love for education, science, and environmental sustainability through her new role as the inaugural sustainability coordinator for Spelman College, her alma mater.  In this role, she is responsible for supporting campus sustainability initiatives.

Two faculty members in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering will receive achievement awards from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Shreyes Melkote, who holds the Morris M. Bryan, Jr. Professorship in Mechanical Engineering, will receive the 2024 Milton C. Shaw Manufacturing Research Medal, and Professor Jerry Qi will receive the 2024 Warner T. Koiter Medal.

The Milton C. Shaw Manufacturing Research Medal, established in 2009, recognizes significant fundamental contributions to the science and technology of manufacturing processes.

"I am honored to receive this prestigious award. Milton C. Shaw was a giant in the manufacturing field, and to be recognized by an award named after him is very humbling," said Melkote, who also serves as the associate director for the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute.

The Warner T. Koiter Medal was established in 1996 and recognizes distinguished contributions to the field of solid mechanics with special emphasis on the effective blending of theoretical and applied elements of the discipline, as well as leadership in the international solid mechanics community.

Qi expressed his appreciation for his team upon learning of the award. “This award is really for my current and former students and postdoctoral scholars. It recognizes their work and innovations in a very special way," he said.

Qi's research is focused on the mechanics and 3D printing of soft active materials to enable 4D printing methods and the recycling of thermosetting polymers. He has developed several material models to describe the multiphysics and chemomechanical behaviors of soft active materials. He also pioneered several multimaterial 3D printing approaches that allow the integration of different polymers and functional materials into one system.

Melkote's primary area of research is manufacturing, and his secondary area of research is tribology, specifically in the science of precision material removal processes, new manufacturing process development including novel surface modification methods, the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to solve complex problems in manufacturing, and advanced industrial robotics for precision manufacturing.

Melkote also credited the efforts and support of his students and colleagues. "This recognition would not have been possible without the high level of creativity and outstanding efforts of my graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, the support of my colleagues and mentors at Georgia Tech and beyond, and the opportunities and resources provided to me by the Woodruff School. I am truly grateful to all of them."

Both will be presented with their awards at upcoming ASME events. Melkote will receive his award at the ASME Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference, June 17-21, in Knoxville, TN, and Qi will receive his at the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, November 17-21, in Portland, OR.

Four industry leaders have been named to the new board of the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium, cementing the first full year of the organization that works to build industry and research partnerships.

The Georgia Tech Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium is a membership-based organization connecting manufacturers, academia and government institutions at the university’s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility in Midtown Atlanta. Members have unique opportunities to conduct research, develop and pilot new manufacturing systems and collaborate with students and other consortium members.

Members of the consortium’s board, announced earlier this month, include:

• Chuck Boyles (vice president, Factory Automation Systems)
• Branden Kappes (founder and president, Contextualize)

Additionally, the board has formed an industry membership committee led by:

• John Flynn (vice president of sales at Endeavor 3D, serving as Industry Membership chair)
• John Arroues (vice president of marketing at TRAK Machine Tools, serving as Industry Membership co-chair)

Consortium board members assist in fostering business relationships among the organization’s members, develop short- and long-term plans to align projects with emerging industry needs, work to make connections across industries, and advocate for consortium members to ensure the organization is meeting their needs and aligning with industry trends.

“The addition of these board members to the Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium cements this organization as a premier industry-academic partnership,” said Steven Ferguson, managing director of Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM). Georgia AIM, a 4-year, $65 million federal grant program, serves as a catalyst for the consortium.

The grant is supporting an expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility into a fully formed smart manufacturing space. As the facility expands to include new manufacturing technologies, members of the Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium will be able to access and test these systems for their own manufacturing needs.

“This is an exciting time at the facility. The expansion of the manufacturing space allows us to expand research into new projects that incorporate artificial intelligence and smart technologies,” added Ferguson. “And, with our consortium board members in place, it increases our ability to serve the manufacturing community.”

Launched in 2023, the Georgia Tech Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium aims to develop and deploy manufacturing technologies and workforce development opportunities. Consortium members gain the opportunity to accelerate product development, adopt and deploy industry 4.0 technologies, train the future workforce ad become global leaders using i4.0 solutions.

For more information on memberships, research opportunities, and the smart technologies planned for Georgia Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facilities, visit ampf.research.gatech.edu or contact Ferguson at sferguson@gatech.edu.

On April 12, 2024, Georgia Tech's Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL) hosted a productive meeting of its Industry Advisory Board (IAB), bringing together key stakeholders from industry and academia to shape the future of supply chain education and research. The agenda commenced with a pre-meeting social, fostering networking opportunities among IAB members, faculty, and industry guests. Following a welcome by Professor Benoit Montreuil (SCL Executive Director), the SCL leadership team provided updates on the institute's progress and addressed common questions, setting the stage for dynamic discussions.

Representatives from leading companies joined the meeting, reflecting the broad industry interest in shaping the future of supply chain education and research. Attending companies included: Amazon, Americold, Cisco, Coca-Cola, Dematic, Georgia Center of Innovation in Logistics, Graphic Packaging International, The Home Depot, Georgia Ports Authority, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Michelin North America, MiTek, Newell Brands, Steelcase, UPS.

Professors Frederick Benaben and Chris Gaffney (SCL Managing Director) led a session on professional and lifelong supply chain education, seeking input on future strategies. Participants, including representatives from The Home Depot and Steelcase, emphasized the importance of practical application and cohesive program structures to maximize learning outcomes. This emphasis resonates with SCL's mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that educational offerings are not only rigorous but also relevant and applicable to real-world scenarios.

Infrastructure and logistics at a societal level took center stage, with discussions ranging from state-level initiatives in Georgia to novel ideas under ARPA-I. By exploring state-level initiatives, such as responses to the GA Senate Infrastructure Ask and collaborations with organizations like the Georgia Center of Innovation and the Atlanta Regional Commission, participants delved into how strategic partnerships and policy decisions can drive positive outcomes at scale.

Professor Alejandro Toriello (SCL Scientific Director) provided insights into ongoing research efforts, followed by faculty spotlights on AI and machine learning by Assistant Professor Tuo Zhao, shedding light on breakthroughs in natural language AI. Research students Dipayan Banerjee (Topic: Tactical Planning for Same-Day Delivery) and Lacy Greening (Topic: E-Commerce Fulfillment Network Planning) gave excellent presentations on innovative approaches to last-mile delivery and e-commerce network design, respectively, garnering interest from practitioners in attendance.

Chris Gaffney led discussions on the future of partnerships, seeking input on enhancing collaboration between academia and industry. Attendees emphasized the need for deeper engagement and a clearer understanding of the institute's capabilities. White space discussions highlighted areas for further exploration, including cybersecurity, sustainability, and diversity in the supply chain space. Attendee feedback underscored the importance of diverse perspectives and thought leadership in driving innovation.

The meeting concluded with plans for future engagement and reaffirming Georgia Tech's commitment to serving as a catalyst for industry advancements.

On Tuesday, April 16th, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL) Managing Director Chris Gaffney joined SVP Stephanie Smith and Director Gonzalo Cordova from The Home Depot along with Emilie Schario, Founder and CEO of Turbine, and Georgia Tech Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) Supply Chain Catalyst Alex Rhodeen for a dynamic panel discussion on the state of Supply Chain, the role of AI, and where we're headed next. As part of the discussion, the panel addressed issues on globalization, geopolitical tensions, sustainability concerns, and the impact of natural disasters on supply chains. The panelists also provided examples of how AI technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and robotic process automation are being used to optimize various aspects of the supply chain, from demand forecasting to inventory management to logistics. The group stressed the role of AI and how it will be pivotal in shaping the future of supply chain management through fostering agility, sustainability, and competitive advantage. In addition to the panel, more than 20 ATDC companies participated in a showcase to present their solutions to the Georgia Tech startup ecosystem.

This event was part of ATDC's Supply Chain vertical, generously supported by The Home Depot. As a key component of this collaboration, Home Depot executives mentor program participants and offer guidance and expertise as they build, test, and bring new products and services to market. The initiative aims to drive innovation and nurture the growth of startups in the supply chain and logistics sector, leveraging the robust expertise and infrastructure available in Georgia. Given the evolving landscape of supply chain and logistics, partnerships with program participants are increasingly vital for early-stage companies, facilitating customer acquisition and business model development. The Supply Chain vertical is the sixth of its kind at ATDC, a globally recognized technology incubator, and follows other targeted programs in health, retail, and financial technologies. Through collaboration with SCL, ATDC fosters the innovation of Georgia-grown supply chain solutions.

ABOUT ATDC
The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), a program of the Georgia Institute of Technology, is the state of Georgia’s technology startup incubator. Founded in 1980 by the Georgia General Assembly which funds it each year, ATDC’s mission is to work with entrepreneurs in Georgia to help them learn, launch, scale, and succeed in the creation of viable, disruptive technology companies. Since its founding, ATDC has grown to become the longest running and one of the most successful university-affiliated incubators in the United States, with its graduate startup companies raising $3 billion in investment financing and generating more than $12 billion in revenue in the state of Georgia. ATDC brings a unique framework that combines its startup curriculum, coaching, connections, and community, as well as direct access to Georgia Tech resources, research expertise, and student talent, to help entrepreneurs learn, launch, scale, and succeed. In this effort, ATDC will offer programming, recruit and evaluate startups, and hire staff to manage the vertical. Learn more at atdc.org.

The University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents honored 12 Georgia Tech faculty members across campus with Regents’ appointments at its April meeting.

Among those recognized is Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI) Executive Director Thomas Kurfess, who was named Regents' Professor. The highest distinction awarded by the USG, Regents' distinctions recognize faculty members for academic, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence.

About Kurfess

Thomas Kurfess

Regents’ Professor, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
HUSCO/Ramirez Distinguished Chair in Fluid Power and Motion Control

Kurfess researches advanced manufacturing systems, designing, developing, and optimizing new approaches for complex production systems. He helps lead a $65 million effort to use artificial intelligence in manufacturing and transform Georgia’s industrial economy. The Georgia AI Manufacturing (GA-AIM) Technology Corridor is creating and deploying new AI innovations across all manufacturing sectors while training the necessary talent and workforce.

In addition to his role as executive director of GTMI, Kurfess is the 2023-24 president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). 

He served as chief manufacturing officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory from 2019 to 2021, overseeing strategic planning in advanced manufacturing. Kurfess also previously led the advanced manufacturing team at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during the Obama administration from 2012 to 2013.

Kurfess is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, ASME, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

When U.S. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter from Georgia’s 1st District visited Atlanta recently, one of his top priorities was meeting with the experts at Georgia Tech’s 20,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF).

Carter was recently named the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s chair of the Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee, a group that concerns itself primarily with contamination of soil, air, noise, and water, as well as emergency environmental response, whether physical or cybersecurity.

Because AMPF’s focus dovetails with subcommittee interests, the facility was a fitting stop for Carter, who was welcomed for an afternoon tour and series of live demonstrations. Programs within Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute — specifically the Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM) and Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) — were well represented.

“Innovation is extremely important,” Carter said during his April 1 visit. “In order to handle some of our problems, we’ve got to have adaptation, mitigation, and innovation. I’ve always said that the greatest innovators, the greatest scientists in the world, are right here in the United States. I’m so proud of Georgia Tech and what they do for our state and for our nation.”

Carter’s AMPF visit began with an introduction by Thomas Kurfess, Regents' Professor and HUSCO/Ramirez Distinguished Chair in Fluid Power and Motion Control in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and executive director of the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute; Steven Ferguson, principal research scientist and managing director at Georgia AIM; research engineer Kyle Saleeby; and Donna Ennis, the Enterprise Innovation Institute’s director of community engagement and program development, and co-director of Georgia AIM.

Ennis provided an overview of Georgia AIM, while Ferguson spoke on the Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium and Kurfess detailed the AMPF origin story, before introducing four live demonstrations.

The first of these featured Chuck Easley, Professor of the Practice in the Scheller College of Business, who elaborated on supply chain issues. Afterward, Alan Burl of EPICS: Enhanced Preparation for Intelligent Cybermanufacturing Systems and mechanical engineer Melissa Foley led a brief information session on hybrid turbine blade repair.

Finally, GaMEP project manager Michael Barker expounded on GaMEP’s cybersecurity services, and Deryk Stoops of Central Georgia Technical College detailed the Georgia AIM-sponsored AI robotics training program at the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center, which offers training and assistance to those making the transition from military to civilian life.

The topic of artificial intelligence, in all its subtlety and nuance, was of particular interest to Carter.

“AI is the buzz in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “Whether it be healthcare, energy, [or] science, we on the Energy and Commerce Committee look at it from a sense [that there’s] a very delicate balance, and we understand the responsibility. But we want to try to benefit from this as much as we can.”

“I heard something today I haven’t heard before," Carter continued, "and that is instead of calling it artificial intelligence, we refer to it as ‘augmented intelligence.’ I think that’s a great term, and certainly something I’m going to take back to Washington with me.”

“It was a pleasure to host Rep. Carter for a firsthand look at AMPF," shared Ennis, "which is uniquely positioned to offer businesses the opportunity to collaborate with Georgia Tech researchers and students and to hear about Georgia AIM.

“At Georgia AIM, we’re committed to making the state a leader in artificial intelligence-assisted manufacturing, and we’re grateful for Congressman Carter’s interest and support of our efforts."