Emerging Technology Center

AMT's Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at IMTS 2024 tackled efficiency, agility, and productivity by showcasing the latest in subtractive and additive manufacturing, automation and robotics, reshoring, and the surge in aerospace and defense investment.

Next-Generation Hybrid System

An integrated multi-process manufacturing cell, developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, integrated existing technologies in an innovative configuration. The cell included:

• A robotic, wire-arc, additive manufacturing (WAAM) system using metal AM technology from Lincoln Electric, Arc Specialties, Open Mind, and Yaskawa Roboris
• A machining center from Okuma and cutting tools supplied by Kennametal A Fastems pallet tower for extended periods of unattended operation.
• A heat-treating system for microstructure enhancement from Ajax Tocco.
• A 3D laser scanning metrology station from Zeiss.

This project helped develop a system to cut long lead times, lower costs, and replace castings and forgings to reshore production for parts such as turbine blades, valve bodies, conformal heat exchangers, and propellers. Read more here.

Defense-Based Conversations

An exhibit by BlueForge Alliance (BFA) highlighted collaborative efforts with the U.S. Navy and industry leaders: Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), Electric Boat (EB), and Austal through digital content, interviews, and interactive experiences – underscoring the collective advancements in naval capabilities.

Meet Apollo, Apptronik's AI-Powered General Purpose Humanoid Robot

Apollo, unveiled by Apptronik in August 2023, is the first commercial humanoid robot designed for user-friendly operation, mass manufacturability, performance, and safety. Powered by AI, Apollo addresses labor challenges, preventing injuries, improving productivity, and allowing humans to focus on higher-value tasks. Its humanoid form allows easy deployment in existing spaces. Key innovations include Apptronik's patented actuator technology. In the AMT ETC, visitors saw how Apollo sorted parts, placing those with defects in a separate bin as well as learned about its payload, machine tending, a.d palletization capabilities.

Model-Based Engineering Environment

This exclusive video documentary featured OEMs, suppliers, and SMEs creating a model-based engineering environment (MBEE). In tandem with the film, live presentations, Q&A sessions, and interviews took place alongside the film for future documentaries on MBEEs. This project was produced by William Sobel, co-founder of Metalogi and renowned for his role as the chief architect of the MTConnect standard, an international model-based semantic standard for manufacturing equipment. Sobel explains, “MBEE provides a single source of truth and bi-directional flow of information, resolving the current tension and disconnect between defense contractors, OEMs, and contract manufacturers. We need open, standardized information from the top suppliers that is agnostic to the software platform and within the financial means of smaller participating shops.”