Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 refers to a new phase in the Industrial Revolution that focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data. Industry 4.0, which encompasses IIoT and smart manufacturing, marries physical production and operations with smart digital technology, machine learning, and big data to create a more holistic and better-connected ecosystem for companies that focus on manufacturing and supply chain management.

LIFT Launches Three Programs For Military’s Advanced Materials Challenge

DETROIT – LIFT, the national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, announced it has launched three initiatives as part of the Advanced Materials Challenge. The Advanced Materials Challenge was designed for industry and academia from across the nation to accelerate the delivery of innovative material solutions for

By |2025-12-04T16:27:16-05:00December 4th, 2025|Featured, Industry 4.0|

Tribally Owned Company Acquires Grand Rapids Manufacturing Plant

OTEGO, MI – Safari Circuits, a subsidiary of Waséyabek, announced it has acquired the former LaCroix Grand Rapids manufacturing plant. The acquisition reverses a decision by the previous owner to close the plant and lay off all salaried and hourly workers. Terms were not disclosed. Safari is an advanced electronics manufacturer founded in Otsego in

By |2025-12-04T16:26:46-05:00December 4th, 2025|Industry 4.0|

Automation Alley 2026 Integr8 Roundtable Series Focus On Industry 4.0

TROY – Automation Alley, a statewide consortium of thousands of Michigan manufacturers, announced its 2026 Integr8 Series featuring six thought-provoking roundtables focused on the technologies, strategies and global forces shaping the future of digital transformation. Building on the success of prior years, the 2026 Integr8 Series will convene global leaders and innovators from manufacturing, technology,

By |2025-11-28T13:15:46-05:00November 27th, 2025|Industry 4.0|

Washtenaw County Gets $7 Billion Open AI Stargate Center

ANN ARBOR - The OpenAI Stargate facility, developed by Oracle and Related Digital, will be one of the most advanced AI infrastructure sites in the country. It represents the next generation of 21st-century infrastructure—powering artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced manufacturing. As part of Oracle and OpenAI’s 4.5-gigawatt Stargate expansion, which includes six other U.S.

By |2025-11-04T17:24:47-05:00November 4th, 2025|Artificial Intelligence, Featured, Industry 4.0|

MI Hub Helps 100 Plus Michigan Manufacturers Apply for $17 Million In Grants And Loans

LANSING — In June, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Community & Worker Economic Transition Office launched the MI Hub for Manufacturers, a dynamic online platform designed to help local businesses grow, access funding and stay competitive. Today, more than 100 manufacturers across Michigan are using the platform to apply for $17 million

By |2025-10-13T19:34:52-04:00October 12th, 2025|Industry 4.0|

US Doesn’t Have Enough Skilled Workers To Build AI Data Centers And Factories

DEARBORN - With AI predicted to balloon to a $4.8 trillion market by 2033, Farley warned the U.S. has overlooked the labor needed to build and sustain data centers and manufacturing facilities. While President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs to revive factory jobs, there continues to be recruitment and retention problems in U.S. manufacturing. “I think the

By |2025-09-30T12:49:07-04:00September 30th, 2025|Industry 4.0|

Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD Launches Peer-to-Peer Marketplace for Distributed 3D Printing

TROY– Project DIAMOnD has launched its new additive manufacturing marketplace – a secure, peer-to-peer platform where companies can submit 3D printing jobs at scale, and participating small manufacturers across Michigan can fulfill those jobs collaboratively. The marketplace is designed to leverage the full network of printers for secure commercial transactions, while also protecting intellectual property

By |2025-09-26T16:52:48-04:00September 25th, 2025|ESD, Industry 4.0|

LIFT To Launch Advanced Critical Materials Program, Strengthening U.S. Manufacturing And National Security

DETROIT – LIFT, the Department of Defense-supported national advanced materials and manufacturing innovation institute, has been awarded a contract to accelerate the development of ceramic-based materials for use in industrial and defense applications. This new four-year, $9 million “Critical Materials Processing” program, which was supported by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (MI) in the FY2024 federal

By |2025-09-24T17:58:36-04:00September 23rd, 2025|Industry 4.0|

Michigan Is Projected to Lose More Manufacturing Jobs

NEW YORK - The United States is undergoing a manufacturing revival, driven by efforts to reshore critical industries, strengthen supply chain resilience, and expand domestic employment. Yet how many jobs this resurgence will actually create remains unclear. A 2024 study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute projected demand for up to 3.8 million new manufacturing

By |2025-09-18T09:58:06-04:00September 18th, 2025|Industry 4.0|

JR Automation To Build Global Headquarters In Zeeland, Add 150 New Jobs

ZEELAND — JR Automation on Sept. 3, announced plans to build a new $72.8 million global headquarters in Zeeland. The company plans to officially break ground on Sept. 17 with construction expected to be completed by late Fall 2026. The 286,000-square-foot facility will include 76,000 square feet of office space and 210,000 square feet dedicated

By |2025-09-07T11:36:01-04:00September 7th, 2025|Industry 4.0|