Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD Keeps Michigan’s Manufacturing Agile
Michigan is known for being an economic leader. Our history is based on our ability to create the rules and lead manufacturing into the future. But COVID-19 shed light on limits to manufacturing agility in Michigan.
Automation Alley, partnered with Oakland County and Macomb County, created a Project DIAMOnD to keep Michigan at the forefront of innovation, at no cost.
What Is Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD
Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD is described as a way to “address the urgent need to move companies into the digital manufacturing age of Industry 4.0 as fast as possible to help improve our region’s manufacturing agility and response to future disruptions.” It brings Industry 4.0 to Oakland and Macomb counties at no cost through the Personal Protection Equipment Resilience Grant Program, which is funded by Oakland County and Macomb County.
The project applies to small to medium-sized manufacturing companies (Small being 49 or fewer employees and medium being between 50 and 249 employees according to OECD Data) that reside in Oakland or Macomb county. In those areas, there are over 300 companies eligible for the grant.
Automation Alley notes that “Manufacturers accepted into the program will receive:
- Industry 4.0 Equipment: participating companies will have a choice of a Light Guide System—a projected augmented reality work instructions system—or a production part capable 3D printer at no-cost.
- Strategic Guidance: on how to transform from legacy operations to digital manufacturing.
- An Industry 4.0 Assessment: outlining where their business stands today and what digital opportunities best fit their needs.
- Connections and introductions: to state-of-the-art vendors and applied research that can help them along their path to Industry 4.0.
- A financial investment: will be granted to purchase Industry 4.0 and state-of-the-art digital technologies
Along with these benefits, adopting digital manufacturing technology ensures jobs are kept and created in Michigan. The current workforce needs upskill and learn new processes to keep up with the increasingly data-driven environment. New workers won’t be limited by their skillset. Technologies like augmented reality work instructions ensure a more efficient training environment where employees can immediately begin performing a new job without errors.
Deploying Industry 4.0 through the DIAMonD project —at no cost—increases agility across all aspects of our economy and keeps Michigan a leader in manufacturing.
Apply now while funding is still available.
To apply, or find out more information about the program, go to automationalley.com/ppegrant.
To find out how to request Light Guide Systems products as a part of the program, or find out more about Light Guide Systems in general, please contact us.
“PPE.” Automation Alley, Automation Alley, 2020, automationalley.com/ppegrant.
