Fabtech showcased new 3D printing technology as well as quality tools. In the smart manufacturing hub,  companies such as Microsoft, Stratasys, SLM Solutions, Desktop Metal and Memex made the case for data-driven manufacturing and described how companies can get there. As Microsoft said, “AI is ready. Are you?”

It’s time to work toward a smarter factory. One that’s more efficient. Faster. More cost-effective. And enables seamless collaboration between people and machines.

Smart manufacturing is enabling the best decisions in the shortest time based on the most accurate and actual real-time data—whether those decisions are made by people, automated machines or cyber-physical systems.

The convergence of the widespread availability of low-cost sensors, cloud and greater computing power has brought together a multitude of connected devices which can deliver information on manufacturing operations like never before. 

IMTS bringing technology partners to demonstrate advances in additive manufacturing.

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, CESMII brings over $140 million in public-private investment to enable smart manufacturing technologies and systems to become the driving, sustainable engine that delivers real-time business and energy improvements in U.S. manufacturing.

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) is moving from a future promise to real-world strategy as manufacturers seek to transform sensor data into actionable insights. In fact, research firm MarketsandMarkets predicts that the worldwide IIoT market will grow to $195.47 billion by 2022.

Registration for 2018 event opens following return to Las Vegas, Nevada.

The new site, which primarily will produce metrology systems for the MI division, will utilize Hexagon’s smart manufacturing technologies to produce and calibrate the systems, as well as house software development and customer support teams covering the wider Hexagon portfolio.

Orders surged 61 percent in assembly applications while food and consumer goods orders increased 32 percent.