About the Center

NC State’s SMIC facilities, including the pilot paper plant, are available for industry members to try smart manufacturing solutions and to drive their use of tools such as machine learning, energy productivity and asset performance management. 

On Tuesday, November 14th, the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center (SMIC) at NC State hosted a workshop, inviting participants to explore the realm of Smart Manufacturing and its potential to enhance organizational competitiveness. The event, held at NC State’s SMIC, aimed to unlock the power of intelligent manufacturing by delving into the applications of advanced technologies such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The Center, funded through the nonprofit Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), which is supported by the U.S. government, provided a platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts to discover how Smart Manufacturing can optimize performance scheduling, reduce costs, and leverage inherent intelligence in manufacturing processes.

The workshop featured industry-renowned speakers who shared smart manufacturing best practices specifically tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. Attendees had the opportunity to meet industry experts, engage with NCSU students and faculty, and gain insights into cutting-edge technologies transforming the manufacturing landscape.

Smart manufacturing, with its focus on utilizing advanced technologies, was emphasized for its potential to improve efficiency and increase competitiveness. The adoption of big data analytics, AI, and IoT in manufacturing processes was highlighted as a means to enhance productivity and enable intelligent manufacturing.

The event facilitated discussions with industry experts, showcasing technologies in action, and offering hands-on demonstrations to expand participants’ knowledge of SMART Manufacturing/Industry 4.0. The overarching goal of the workshop was to empower individuals and organizations to make Smart Manufacturing work for them, leveraging the latest technological advancements for enhanced operational efficiency and competitiveness.