Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

AIA POSITION STATEMENTLook Toward the Future

The speed at which industry can manufacture products and bring them to market is increasing every day. With the realization of Industry 4.0 manufacturers can integrate technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, automation and more into their processes enabling them to make smarter, faster decisions about their products based on real-time data and insights. This provides a huge added benefit to the aerospace and defense industry in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and safety. Additionally, new entrants to A&D markets will be able to gain just as much insight into their manufacturing operations as current manufacturers which will spur innovation and empower their success.

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To ensure the United States continues to be a leader in manufacturing and technological development regulators need to work with industry to determine the needed information to make policy that maintains safety and increases efficiency surrounding the areas of materials, manufacturing operations, and environmental health and safety. Additionally, industry and key policymakers need to collaboratively ensure there is a sustainable supply of a diverse, qualified workforce that can withstand the demands of innovative technology.

AIA’s Role

AIA comprehensively engages with policymakers and regulators to advocate for programs like the Manufacturing USA Program, U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative. Looking to the future AIA is also working to help industry develop a qualified and diverse workforce that will be prepared to implement upcoming technologies and develop new ones to advance the manufacturing base that is the lifeblood of the aerospace and defense industry.