Summary
Automation Alley is a World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB) for North America and a nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus. We facilitate public-private partnerships by connecting industry, education and government to fuel Michigan's economy.
Automotive manufacturers are under increasing pressure to move faster, but many are still operating within development cycles that were designed for a different era. And despite investments in engineering, manufacturing and digital capabilities, it can still be a...
Cast iron production is a demanding environment for traceability. Identification may be applied cleanly at the start of the line, but after molten metal pouring, cooling shrinkage, shot blasting, thermal cycles, and coating, conventional marks often degrade or become...
In the last few weeks, the major OEMs have all released their Q4 2025 earnings reports. What do they reveal about key auto industry trends? OEMs continue to face significant challenges. Industry performance has been mixed, with many OEMs reporting some degree of...
Automotive manufacturers can accelerate product development by addressing foundational issues—such as fragmented data, disconnected systems and unclear governance—before investing in new technology, enabling faster, more predictable product releases.
See how Eku Brakes achieved full part-level traceability in cast iron production with CDOT Code starting from green sand molding. CDOT Code kept each disc identifiable through pouring, shot blasting, heat treatment, and coating—improving visibility, defect tracking, and quality control.
OEM financial results from late 2025 indicate moderating growth in the auto industry, with profitability pressured by pricing normalization, EV investment costs, and shifting consumer demand, while efficiency and cost control remain central to maintaining margins.
