Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manufacturing Initiatives and Activities with the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing
- Marco Taverner
- 9 hours ago
- 8 min read
The National Science Foundation funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) is committed to advancing the manufacturing workforce by partnering with community colleges and their educators across the country, ensuring their curricula stay current with industry developments. This includes partnerships with organizations focused on artificial intelligence, attending conferences and events focused on artificial intelligence, and providing resources on artificial intelligence. A key finding the Center has encountered is that, while there are many resources for AI literacy, large language models (LLMs), and generative AI, there is a gap in understanding their applications in the manufacturing sector. The NCNGM, alongside its partners and industry recommendations, aims to bridge this gap by providing community colleges with the resources needed to train the next generation of the workforce to apply artificial intelligence in advanced manufacturing.
NCNGM AI in Manufacturing Website Section
In response to the growing demand for AI literacy, institution-wide policies, and industry applications, the NCNGM has taken a proactive approach by creating a comprehensive new section on its website dedicated to AI resources in manufacturing. Recognizing the role that artificial intelligence plays in transforming manufacturing processes and enhancing operational efficiency, the NCNGM aims to equip advanced manufacturing stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary for the workforce.
The newly developed section comprises five distinct pages, each tailored to address specific aspects of AI in the manufacturing sector. These pages are as follows:
This page serves as a central hub for a variety of resources that provide insights into how AI technologies are being integrated into manufacturing practices. It includes case studies, white papers, and research articles that highlight successful implementations of AI solutions across different manufacturing environments. Additionally, it offers links to industry reports and market analyses that underscore the benefits and challenges associated with adopting AI technologies.
Understanding AI is crucial for all stakeholders involved in manufacturing, from engineers to management. The AI Literacy page is designed to enhance knowledge and competency in artificial intelligence. It offers educational materials, tutorials, and interactive learning modules that cover fundamental concepts of AI, machine learning, and data analytics. This resource is particularly valuable for those who may not have a technical background but wish to understand how AI can impact their work and the industry as a whole.
To cater to diverse learning preferences, the AI Informational Videos page provides a collection of engaging video content that explains various AI concepts and applications in manufacturing. These videos include expert interviews, animated explanations, and real-world industry demonstrations of AI technologies in action. By utilizing visual storytelling, this resource aims to make complex topics more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, the concept of Industry 5.0 has emerged, emphasizing the collaboration between humans and machines. This page delves into the principles of Industry 5.0, showcasing how AI can enhance human capabilities and promote sustainable practices.
The National AI Initiatives page provides an overview of programs and policies aimed at fostering AI development and integration within education and the manufacturing sector. It highlights strategic partnerships between public and private entities, as well as initiatives designed to build a skilled workforce proficient in AI technologies. This resource serves as a valuable guide for organizations looking to align their efforts with national goals and leverage available support.
Recognizing the importance of education in building a future-ready workforce, the AI Curriculum Resources page offers a compilation of educational frameworks and curriculum guides that institutions can adopt to teach AI concepts effectively. It provides examples of successful materials that educators can use to prepare students for careers in AI and manufacturing.
AI in Manufacturing Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSA's)
The NCNGM is currently compiling and addressing the Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSA's) for AI in Manufacturing curriculum through our Industry Engagement Director Dr. Ann Beheler. Earlier this year, the NCNGM had a virtual convening of the Business and Industry Leadership Team to gauge the demands and perceptions of the applications of AI in Manufacturing.
In 2025, the NCNGM welcomed Dr. Suj Chandrasekhar, Founder of Strategic Insights Inc., as the Business and Industry Leadership Team Chair. With data from an official industry survey conducted by Strategic Insights Inc., the NCNGM has insights from both industry and educators on the next steps for implementing AI in manufacturing curriculum guidelines.
Stay tuned as the NCNGM and the Business and Industry Leadership Team finalize the first phase of the AI in Manufacturing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, which will be posted to the NCNGM website.
NCNGM Industry-led Projects for Students
The NCNGM supported the 2026 Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Manufacturing Engineering Technologies (MET²) cohort and noted an increased interest in AI applications in manufacturing. There was a general AI policy drafted by the students and instructors during the program regarding academic integrity, which is becoming an increasingly common practice in higher education institutions. The students aren't only working with generative AI and large language models (LLMs), but are also exposed to real applications of AI in the manufacturing sector.
For example, the student project team Uptime set out to develop an artificial intelligence algorithm to classify and predict the remaining lifespans of CNC bits. The team used machine learning algorithms to analyze the collected data. This allows for precise and accurate estimates on the parts, indicating how certain processes or materials could further degrade or extend lifespan. The purpose of this program is to enable accurate predictions of required maintenance before problems occur, thereby eliminating maintenance downtime. Uptime created a variety of programs to achieve this, going through several algorithms and iterations, all in the hopes of creating maintenance uptime.
To learn more about the MET² program, visit www.met2program.org
You can also refer to the 2026 ASEE Conference paper submission about this specific project for further details. If you are not an ASEE member, access to the paper will be available to the public after July 30th, 2026.
ASEE 2026 NSF Grantees Poster Session
NCNGM AI in Manufacturing Community of Practices
The NCNGM has collaborated with the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC) to deliver a joint Community of Practice. This took place on November 7th, 2026, in partnership with FANUC America Corporation. The first half of the session discussed the resources provided by the NCNGM and the NAAIC to community college educators. Cynthia Pereda, Grant Director of the NAAIC at Miami Dade College, described the resources available to educators on the NAAIC website and their partnerships, which include Intel, Google.org, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft.
The second half was a presentation delivered by Joe Baldiga, the National Account Manager of CNC Education & Workforce Development at FANUC America Corporation. He provided an overview of how AI is applied in manufacturing technologies and introduced FANUC's emerging Physical AI initiatives. This offered educators exclusive insight into the importance of industry partnerships and the investment in artificial intelligence for the future workforce.
In 2026, the NCNGM, in collaboration with the NAAIC and the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), agreed to collaborate on 2 additional joint Community of Practice with an emphasis on educator perspectives alongside industry.
During part one, the panel discussed the current state and future of AI adoption in the manufacturing sector. Paul Lavoie, Vice President of Innovation & Applied Technology at the University of New Haven, Connecticut, highlighted the disparity between large manufacturers that are adopting AI and small and medium enterprises that are struggling with it. Dr. Ryan Hall, the Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Lead at Owensboro Community & Technical College, Kentucky, emphasized the need for AI literacy across all levels, from technicians to executives. Finally, Dr. Sachin Koshy, the Artificial Intelligence & Automation Practice Lead at World Wide Technology, noted the importance of understanding AI's role in organizational processes.
Part Two of this discussion features Erika Guerra, the Program Chair for Advanced Manufacturing & Mechatronics Technology at South Texas College; Mehrdäd Fäézi, a professor of Manufacturing Engineering Technology in the Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science Department at Connecticut State Community College; and Bryan Sellars, the Manager of Strategy & Business Exploration at SICK Sensor Intelligence. They will delve into the applications of AI in advanced manufacturing curriculum and educational tools and resources. Both panels are moderated by Dr. Ann Beheler, the NCNGM Industry Engagement Director. Join the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing's Community of Practice today:
NCNGM AI Conferences and Events Participation
The National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC) AI Summit, titled "Building the AI Workforce through Community Colleges," was a key event addressing AI workforce development within community colleges. Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, NCNGM Director and Principal Investigator, along with Paul S. Lavoie, delivered a presentation titled "AI in Advanced Manufacturing: Educating the Technician Workforce." Their talk stressed the importance of incorporating AI technologies into technical program curricula, ensuring that future technicians are proficient with the tools and methodologies that will shape the manufacturing sector. The discussion highlighted the necessity for educational institutions to adapt and update their curricula to meet the demands of an industry increasingly reliant on AI and automation.
The NCNGM, through its partnership with EdAdvance, attends the annual Spring AI in Education Conference. This conference provides a space for K-12 educators to collaborate and examine the role of artificial intelligence in schools. The event emphasizes not only the integration of AI into curricula but also how these technologies can boost student engagement and improve learning outcomes.
The 2026 conference featured a student panel that provided firsthand perspectives on learners' experiences in higher education. These panels were particularly valuable as they brought together a range of students who shared their insights on various aspects of their academic journey with AI. The NCNGM offers acknowledgments to zSpace, Inc., for its sponsorship of the 2026 event and insights into how to effectively engage students in career technician education. Visit their website for more comprehensive information on what zSpace can offer your institution.
The NCNGM participated in the Third International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIM-2026), held from April 27 to 29, 2026, in San Francisco, USA. The AIM Conference is a premier global event that brings together leading experts in AI research, development, and application. This conference provided an active environment for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of innovative ideas.
NCNGM representatives also participated in the Miami Dade College AI for Impact program on May 1st, 2026. IBM SkillsBuild provides free resources to help faculty, students, and adult learners. The platform offers over 1,000 courses in AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and essential technical and workplace skills.
On the same day, the first "Evening of Innovation" was held at the Artificial Intelligence Center at Miami Dade College, coinciding with the Formula One weekend. It brought together a close-knit group from industry, education, government, and motorsports. The event highlighted the exciting ways advanced technology, manufacturing, and motorsports are coming together to shape the future of artificial intelligence across fields such as engineering, technology, and technician training.
Intel served as the keynote speaker, sharing insights on "Artificial Intelligence in Performance Analytics". Levil Technologies and FANUC showcased a user-friendly desktop CNC machine, making manufacturing education more accessible. Eric Flynn, a professor from Connecticut State Community College Gateway, participated in a fireside chat with Katherine Solomon, Head of Education at the Atlassian Williams F1 Team, who shared inspiring new STEM education initiatives. Additionally, the NCNGM presented on "Upskilling Technicians through Technology" with our Assistant Director, Wendy Robicheau.
The NCNGM looks forward to continuing to provide resources for community college educators and advanced manufacturing stakeholders. While Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic, we strive to provide high-quality information rather than simply ride the buzzword bandwagon. There are many current applications of AI in the advanced manufacturing sector, and the NCNGM aims to be a leader in equipping career technical educators and technicians with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to thrive in advanced manufacturing careers. Remember to keep up to date on all the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing's initiatives by following us on social media and by joining our Community of Practice distribution list. Join our Community of Practice
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram