Workers with specialized skills in additive manufacturing, robotics programming, artificial intelligence and data science will work together to reshape the future of manufacturing, according to Purdue Polytechnic’s Nathan Hartman.

Soft actuators, components in mechanical devices that enable movement, are inspired by biological systems but can’t yet replicate the complexity of the human body. Purdue Polytechnic’s David Gonzalez Rodriguez is researching the creation of 3D-printed flexible structures that can function as soft actuators and sensors.

Sascha Harrell, director of workforce development and education for Purdue’s Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), and Purdue Polytechnic’s Greg Strimel are collaborating on the creation of a long-term research project intended to study how industry and education can work together to change children’s perceptions about careers in manufacturing.

Numerous faculty from Purdue Polytechnic who participate in research and programs at the Indiana Manufacturing Institute will be able to use the new Manufacturing Design Laboratory, a research space that will focus on infusing Purdue resources and statewide manufacturing expertise into digital manufacturing technology.

Nathan Hartman, Dauch Family Professor for Advanced Manufacturing and associate head of the Department of Computer Graphics Technology, has been named a Discovery Park Big Idea Challenge winner.