As the auto capital of the world, Michigan has long been a leader in manufacturing. We have maintained our position by constantly innovating, incorporating new technologies and production methods.
Today, as physical and digital worlds converge on the production floor, Michigan manufacturers must continue this tradition to compete and thrive in today’s global economy. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and its statewide network of partners are ready to help our small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses increase readiness for the next phase in advanced manufacturing automation known as Industry 4.0 – a collective term for innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and 3D printing, that impact and improve the way we make things.
For many small businesses, the day-to-day demands of running a business often come at the cost of deploying new technology that can drive future growth and create new workforce opportunities. At times, the technology and concepts seem daunting and the barriers to entry are many, including high cost and lack of experience and training to run new equipment or technology. The long-term rewards don’t always appear to outweigh the immediate risks – particularly for companies already operating on razor thin margins.
One of MEDC’s priorities is reducing these barriers – both real and perceived – to allow our manufacturers to access new technologies that can improve their organizations. Industry 4.0 isn’t just for big business; we want ALL businesses to benefit from the technological advances available today and in the future. In fact, MEDC is focused on getting 50% of small and medium-sized manufacturers in Michigan ready to adopt Industry 4.0 technology by 2025 through partnerships with Automation Alley, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center and a network of regional partners.
Read more here.
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Dr. Qatu is the Dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology at Eastern Michigan University His College houses about 1800 undergraduate students, 300 graduate students (masters and PhD). The College has ABET accredited programs in mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering technology and cybersecurity. In addition, the college offers construction management, aviation technology and management, and other programs. He served as the Director of the School of Engineering and Technology at Central Michigan University, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University and other schools. He also held senior engineering positions for Dresser Industries, Dana Corporation and mostly at Ford Motor Company for approximately 14 years. He received his MS and PhD from the Ohio State University in 1986 and 1989; respectively. His main research interests are automotive noise vibration and harshness (NVH), composite structures, and engineering mechanics. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration and on the editorial board of several journals. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 research publications, four books and two patents/prior art. He is a recipient of several awards from various international universities as well as industry. He has been a key note speaker in many national and international events. He is a Fellow at both the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).Bia Hamed is an advocate for Girls in STEM. During her time at Eastern Michigan University, she has helped build and continually develop on-campus programming for middle and high school students in various areas of STEM education. One of her programs, the Digital Divas Conference, has served thousands of middle and high school girls from SE Michigan for 12 years. With the support of her corporate partners and donors, she has developed a multitude of outreach programs such as the Digital Dudes Conference, STEM Kits for Kids program, after-school programs, 2 all-girl esports teams located in Ypsilanti and Detroit, and a television program on PBS.org and the Michigan Learning Channel named the Future of Me. In 2020, Bia founded the Office of K-12 STEM Outreach to standardize and magnify programming for students from urban and rural communities on the university’s campus. This office’s mission is to provide an environment of belonging for all students at Eastern Michigan University while familiarizing them with their educational opportunities. Bia earned a doctorate degree in Philosophy of Educational Leadership, researching better ways higher education can recruit and serve minority women in entering STEM majors.
