Trends in Advanced Manufacturing Technology Innovation

Abstract

This chapter explores how innovation in manufacturing process technologies and associated product design affects the prospects for manufacturing in the near future. Using technology scans and interviews with innovators, the chapter aggregates promising manufacturing technology areas into seven categories: nanoengineering of materials and surfaces, additive and precision manufacturing, robotics and adaptive automation, design and management of supply chains, green sustainable manufacturing, next-generation electronics, and continuous manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and biomanufacturing. The chapter goes on to provide examples of these technologies and come to a definition of advanced manufacturing as less linear and more integrated with products and services than traditional manufacturing.