In the rapidly evolving world of manufacturing, embracing digital connectivity and artificial intelligence is crucial for optimizing operations, improving efficiency, and driving innovation. Internet of Things (IoT) is a key pillar of that process, enabling seamless communication and data exchange across the manufacturing process by connecting sensors, equipment, and applications through internet protocols. 

The Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI) recently hosted the 10th annual Internet of Things for Manufacturing (IoTfM) Symposium, a flagship event that continues to set the standard for innovation and collaboration in the manufacturing sector. Held on Nov. 13, the symposium brought together industry leaders, researchers, and practitioners to explore the latest advancements and applications of IoT in manufacturing. 

"The purpose is to bring the voice of manufacturers directly to the university community," explained Andrew Dugenske, a principal research engineer and director of the Factory Information Systems Center at GTMI. "It's about learning from industry to guide our research, education, and knowledge base, which is inherent to Georgia Tech." 

Initiated over a decade ago, the IoTfM Symposium has grown into a premier event that highlights Georgia Tech's commitment to advancing manufacturing technologies. 

"This symposium provides a unique platform to share and learn from cutting-edge advancements in IoT and now AI for manufacturing,” said Dago Mata, regional director of business development at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and one of the event’s speakers. “The opportunity to engage with industry leaders and showcase practical, real-world implementations was highly motivating." 

This year’s symposium welcomed over 100 attendees from across the country. Speakers from TCS, Amazon Web Services, Southwire, and more shared insights on the latest advancements, use cases, current challenges, and future directions for IoT in manufacturing processes. 

“My favorite aspect was the case studies presented by major manufacturers, highlighting successful IoT and AI implementations," said Mata, who has attended the symposium since 2018. "These provided actionable takeaways and inspiration for driving similar innovation in my projects — the blend of exclusive learning from real-world applications and the presence of diverse experts made it a truly practical and inspiring event." 

A distinctive feature of the IoTfM Symposium is its commitment to providing a platform for industry partners to voice their perspectives on powerful manufacturing research, says Dugenske. "We ask our industry partners to tell us about their experiences, challenges, and future predictions. This way, we can guide our research with the real-world needs of the manufacturing sector to form stronger collaborations and better prepare our students." 

This unique format not only enhances the relevance of the symposium but also fosters a collaborative environment where industry leaders can learn from each other and from Georgia Tech's academic community.  

As GTMI looks to the future, the symposium will continue to evolve, incorporating new elements and expanding its reach. Dugenske envisions even greater integration with other GTMI initiatives and broader industry engagement.  

"Our goal is to create an event that highlights our capabilities and builds deeper connections within the manufacturing community.” 

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) proudly hosted U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro during his recent campus visit. Del Toro's visit underscored the critical role of innovation and technology in national security and highlighted Georgia Tech's significant contributions to this effort. 

 “Our Navy-Marine Corps Team remains at the center of global and national security — maintaining freedom of the seas, international security, and global stability,” he explained in his remarks at the John Lewis Student Center. “To win the fight of the future, we must embrace and implement emerging technologies.” 

The Secretary provided an update on science and technology research to the Atlanta Region Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit, comprised of midshipmen from Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. Del Toro has worked to establish a new Naval Science and Technology Strategy to address current and future challenges faced by the Navy and Marine Corps. The strategy serves as a global call to service and innovation for stakeholders in academia, industry, and government.  

 “The Georgia Tech Research Institute has answered this call,” he said. 

A key pillar of the new strategy, says Del Toro, was the establishment of the Department of the Navy’s Science and Technology Board in 2023, “with the intent that the board provide independent advice and counsel to the department on matters and policies relating to scientific, technical, manufacturing, acquisition, logistics, medicine, and business management functions.” 

 The board, which includes Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI) Executive Director Thomas Kurfess, has conducted six studies in its inaugural year to identify new technologies for rapid adoption and provide near-term, practical recommendations for quick implementation by the Navy.  

 “I recently led the team for developing a strategy for integrating additive manufacturing into the Navy’s overall shipbuilding and repair strategy,” says Kurfess. “We just had final approval of our recommendations — we are making a significant impact on the Navy with respect to additive manufacturing.” 

 Del Toro's visit to Georgia Tech reaffirms the Institute's role as a leader in research and innovation, particularly in areas critical to national security. The collaboration between Georgia Tech and the Department of the Navy continues to drive advancements that ensure the safety and effectiveness of the nation's naval forces. 

“Innovation is at the heart of our efforts at Georgia Tech and GTMI,” says Kurfess. “It is an honor to put that effort toward ensuring our country’s safety and national security in partnership with the U.S. Navy.” 

 “As our department continues to reimagine and refocus our innovation efforts,” said Del Toro, “I encourage all of you — our nation’s scientists, engineers, researchers, and inventors — to join us.”  

As automation and AI continue to transform the manufacturing industry, the need for seamless integration across all production stages has reached an all-time high. By digitally designing products, controlling the machinery that builds them, and collecting precise data at each step, digital integration streamlines the entire manufacturing process — cutting down on waste materials, cost, and production time.  

Recently, the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI) teamed up with OPEN MIND Technologies to host an immersive, weeklong training session on hyperMILL, an advanced manufacturing software enabling this digital integration.   

OPEN MIND, the developer of hyperMILL, has been a longtime supporter of research operations in Georgia Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF). “Our adoption of their software solutions has allowed us to explore the full potential of machines and to make sure we keep forging new paths,” said Steven Ferguson, a principal research scientist at GTMI. 

Software like hyperMILL helps plan the most efficient and accurate way to cut, shape, or 3D print materials on different machines, making the process faster and easier. Hosted at the AMPF, the immersive training offered 10 staff members and students a hands-on platform to use the software while practicing machining and additive manufacturing techniques. 

“The number of new features and tricks that the software has every year makes it advantageous to stay current and get a refresher course,” said Alan Burl, a Ph.D. student in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering who attended the training session. “More advanced users can learn new tips and tricks while simultaneously exposing new users to the power of a fully featured, computer-aided manufacturing software.” 

OPEN MIND Technologies has partnered with Georgia Tech for over five years to support digital manufacturing research, offering biannual training in their latest software to faculty and students. 

“Meeting the new graduate students each fall is something that I look forward to,” said Brad Rooks, an application engineer at OPEN MIND and one of the co-leaders of the training session. “This particular group posed questions that were intuitive and challenging to me as a trainer — their inquisitive nature drove me to look at our software from fresh perspectives.” 

The company is also a member of GTMI’s Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium, a membership-based group that unites industry, academia, and government to develop and implement advanced manufacturing technologies and train the workforce for the market. 

“The strong reputation of GTMI in the manufacturing industry, and more importantly, the reputation of the students, faculty, and researchers who support research within our facilities, enables us to forge strategic partnerships with companies like OPEN MIND,” says Ferguson, who also serves as executive director of the consortium. “These relationships are what makes working with and within GTMI so special.” 

In a significant step towards fostering international collaboration and advancing cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing, Georgia Tech recently signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) and the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH). Facilitated by the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI), this landmark event underscores Georgia Tech’s commitment to global partnerships and innovation in manufacturing and automotive technologies. 

“This is a great fit for the institute, the state of Georgia, and the United States, enhancing international cooperation,” said Thomas Kurfess, GTMI executive director and Regents’ Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering (ME). “An MoU like this really gives us an opportunity to bring together a larger team to tackle international problems.” 

“An MoU signing between Georgia Tech and entities like KITECH and KATECH signifies a formal agreement to pursue shared goals and explore collaborative opportunities, including joint research projects, academic exchanges, and technological advancements,” said Seung-Kyum Choi, an associate professor in ME and a major contributor in facilitating both partnerships. “Partnering with these influential institutions positions Georgia Tech to expand its global footprint and enhance its impact, particularly in areas like AI-driven manufacturing and automotive technologies.” 

The state of Georgia has seen significant growth in investments from Korean companies. Over the past decade, approximately 140 Korean companies have committed around $23 billion to various projects in Georgia, creating over 12,000 new jobs in 2023 alone. This influx of investment underscores the strong economic ties between Georgia and South Korea, further bolstered by partnerships like those with KITECH and KATECH. 

“These partnerships not only provide access to new resources and advanced technologies,” says Choi, “but create opportunities for joint innovation, furthering GTMI’s mission to drive transformative breakthroughs in manufacturing on a global scale.”  

The MoUs with KITECH and KATECH are expected to facilitate a wide range of collaborative activities, including joint research projects that leverage the strengths of both institutions, academic exchanges that enrich the educational experiences of students and faculty, and technological advancements that push the boundaries of current manufacturing and automotive technologies. 

“My hopes for the future of Georgia Tech’s partnerships with KITECH and KATECH are centered on fostering long-term, impactful collaborations that drive innovation in manufacturing and automotive technologies,” Choi noted. “These partnerships do not just expand our reach; they solidify our leadership in shaping the future of manufacturing, keeping Georgia Tech at the forefront of industry breakthroughs worldwide.” 

Georgia Tech has a history of successful collaborations with Korean companies, including a multidecade partnership with Hyundai. Recently, the Institute joined forces with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) to establish the KIAT-Georgia Tech Semiconductor Electronics Center to advance semiconductor research, fostering sustainable partnerships between Korean companies and Georgia Tech researchers. 

“Partnering with KATECH and KITECH goes beyond just technological innovation,” said Kurfess, “it really enhances international cooperation, strengthens local industry, drives job creation, and boosts Georgia’s economy.” 

Georgia AIM (Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing) was recently awarded the 'Tech for Good' award from the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state’s largest tech organization.

The accolade was presented at the annual TAG Technology Awards ceremony on Nov. 6 at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. The TAG Technology Awards promote inclusive technology throughout Georgia, and any state company, organization, or leader is eligible to apply.

Tech for Good, one of TAG’s five award categories, honors a program or project that uses technology to promote inclusiveness and equity by serving Georgia communities and individuals who are underrepresented in the tech space.

Georgia AIM is comprised of 16 projects across the state that connect smart technology to manufacturing through K-12 education, workforce development, and manufacturer outreach. The federally funded program is a collaborative project administered through Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute and the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute.

TAG is a Georgia AIM partner and provides workforce development programs that train people and assist them in making successful transitions into tech careers.

Donna Ennis, Georgia AIM’s co-director, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

“Georgia AIM’s mission is to equitably develop and deploy talent and innovation for AI in manufacturing, and the Tech for Good Award reinforces our focus on revolutionizing the manufacturing economy for Georgia and the entire country,” Ennis said in her acceptance speech.

She cited the organization’s many coalition members across the state: the Technical College System of Georgia; Spelman College; the Georgia AIM Mobile Studio team at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs and the University of Georgia; the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission; the Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center; and TAG and Georgia AIM’s partners in the Middle Georgia Innovation corridor, including 21st Century Partnership and the Houston Development Authority.

Ennis also acknowledged the U.S. Economic Development Administration for funding the project and helping to bring it to fruition. “But most of all,” she said, “I want to thank our manufacturers and communities across Georgia who are at the forefront of creating a new economy through AI in manufacturing. It is a privilege to assist you on this journey of technology and discovery.”

Between revitalized investments in America’s manufacturing infrastructure and an increased focus on AI and automation, the U.S. is experiencing a manufacturing renaissance. A key focus of this resurgence lies in improving the resiliency of supply chains in the U.S., particularly in crucial sectors like defense.

“If we were to suddenly have a seismic shift in defense manufacturing needs,” asks Aaron Stebner, professor and Eugene C. Gwaltney Jr. Chair in Manufacturing in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, “do we have the supply chain and manufacturers who could meet that sudden increase in demand? How do we do that in a way that’s sustainable for long periods of time as a nation if that need arises?”

The Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI) officially launched the Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium in 2023 to address that need. Designed to form a network of engaged manufacturers from across the country, the Consortium serves as a key connection point between Georgia Tech and industry partners — and as fertile ground for collaborative innovation.

“By bringing us all together,” says Stebner, who serves on the board of the Consortium, “we can do bigger, more meaningful things and find unique ways and opportunities to get money flowing back to the companies and Georgia Tech.”

With over 25 founding company members, the Consortium celebrated its first official year of operation in August. 

Creating a Resilient Network 

The Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium originally grew out of an 18-month pilot project funded by the Department of Defense Office of Local Community Cooperation aiming to increase defense supply chain resilience, assist Georgia manufacturers in adopting new technologies, and foster collaboration by connecting manufacturers across Georgia. 

Those goals and more are tackled by the Consortium’s focus on “networking, engagement, and collaboration,” says Stebner. “It's not just a consortium for Georgia Tech to take money from industry and do stuff with their money — the goal is to create new resources that enable us to collaborate in bigger ways than we could otherwise.” 

To join the Consortium, industry members pay up to $10,000 annually to access its network, intellectual property, and facilities. With a 10% membership discount for Georgia businesses and a 75% discount for small businesses, the Consortium especially aims to promote growth for small Georgia manufacturers. 

“Memberships come with time at the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility, which we’re expanding to be this test bed for autonomous maturation of research and development,” says Stebner. “The fact that we have what’s going to be an almost $60 million facility behind us as a mechanism and a playground for all these companies is unique.” 

“Having a shared use facility that is fully equipped to solve manufacturing’s most interesting challenges is not only a perk of Consortium memberships,” said Executive Director Steven Ferguson, “but it also serves as a hub for innovation in manufacturing.” 

Industry Innovation 

Many consortiums founded by academic institutions are primarily focused on academic research. 

“The Manufacturing 4.0 consortium has an industry focus,” said Branden Kappes, founder and president of Consortium member company Contextualize LLC. “It's more about how we take this capability that, at the moment, is trapped in a lab and transition from a wonderful concept into a wonderful product.” 

The Consortium achieves that translation through shared intellectual property agreements, collaborative research initiatives, and an emphasis on creating an engaged and open network of members.  

“I see camaraderie inside the Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium,” says Kappes. “I see companies that overlap and compete in some areas, are complementary in others, and are willing to build a bridge to advance the capabilities of both sides and the community as a whole. That type of mentality is very exciting.” 

“This is one of the most highly engaged groups I have interacted with in a professional setting,” said John Flynn, vice president of Sales at Consortium member company Endeavor 3D. “It is an incredibly dynamic melting pot of all the different facets of industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing, bringing everyone together from that part of the supply chain to create what I know will be important and value-added projects, ultimately resulting in intellectual property.” 

“We are able to connect Consortium members with subject matter experts at Georgia Tech and within the Consortium who have ‘been there and done that,’” said Ferguson. “At the same time, we are working with manufacturers to create novel solutions to complex problems through research engagements. Blending all of those activities into one organization is part of the magic that is the Consortium.”