US Smart machine project moves to next phase

Smart machines (see also page 14) act on data and information about their own operation in a closed-loop manner to maintain production and quality, for example. Established by the US’ National Center of Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) in 2004, the Smart Machine Initiative is a collaborative effort between several commercial firms, government agencies and military maintenance facilities to demonstrate the viability of functional Smart Machine applications on a variety of machine tools and special process equipment. In the Smart Machine Pilot Project, NCMS members Cincinnati Machine, Caterpillar Incorporated, and Advanced Technology Services collaborated with the Red River Army Depot and Cherry Point Naval Depot in implementing four proof-of concept “Smart Machine” installations focused on maintenance support functions. In the next phase, Cincinnati Machine will provide overall project co-ordination and lead the deployment of technology at the project partner sites and contracts worth $2.4 million have been awarded by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) to fund the phase. The Smart Machine Phase 2 Project will expand the prior pilot project’s original four sites to nine depot and industrial partner sites within 12 months, culminating in September 2006. Joining the original project partners are Sikorsky Aircraft and Vought Aircraft, together with four additional military depot facilities.