Blairsville, Pa. — September 9, 2013. The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) proudly announces that it will be co-exhibiting with AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology to promote the MTConnect Challenge 2 at the Design and Manufacturing MidWest Conference’s Design, Manufacturing & Automation (DMA) Seminars at McCormick Place in Chicago on September 10 – 12, 2013. Look for John Wilczynski, NCDMM Program Manager and Hilena Hailu, AMT Manufacturing Technology Project Manager at Booth #1756.
“The DMA seminars are providing a unique opportunity to interact directly with the manufacturing software developer community to promote the MTConnect standard and inform them of the MTConnect Challenge 2,” said Mr. Wilczynski. “It is our hope that by making this audience acutely aware of the challenges faced by manufacturers, it will inspire them to capitalize on this industry need and develop MTConnect-based software that enable manufacturing intelligence breakthroughs for the defense manufacturing industry. By participating in the MTConnect Challenge 2, developers will also have the chance to win three cash prizes, totaling $225,000.”
MTConnect is a set of open-source, royalty-free communications standards intended to foster greater communication and connectivity between manufacturing equipment and devices. To date, harnessing the wealth of available information and data across equipment and devices has been challenging due in large part to the disparate nature of software programs.
The MTConnect Challenge is an Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Defense-wide Manufacturing Science and Technology (DMS&T) sponsored, two-part challenge project to develop manufacturing solutions, using the MTConnect standard. NCDMM, AMT, and the United States Army are overseeing the Challenge to overcome the existing and widespread interconnectability difficulties within manufacturing enterprises. The development of more MTConnect-based applications that can be easily adopted by manufacturing enterprises, especially the lower tier producers, is essential to optimizing manufacturing capabilities and support Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain management goals.
MTConnect Challenge 2 opened for submissions on July 1, 2013, and submissions will be accepted through January 31, 2014. Challenge 2 is for the actual development of functional software applications that use MTConnect to address the objectives of the challenge; whereas Challenge 1 was seeking ambitious yet achievable ideas that harnessed innovation and manufacturing intelligence breakthroughs. It is important to note that participation in the MTConnect Challenge 1 is not a prerequisite for participation in the MTConnect Challenge 2.
As part of the MTConnect Challenge 2, a total of $225,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, including a $100,000 award for first prize. There will be three rounds of judging to down select. The winners will be announced at the [MC]2 2014 Conference in April 2014.
Entry details and rules for the MTConnect Challenge 2 can be found at http://mtconnect2.challenge.gov.
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About NCDMM
The NCDMM delivers optimized manufacturing solutions that enhance the quality, affordability, maintainability, and rapid deployment of existing and yet-to-be developed defense systems. This is accomplished through collaboration with government, industry, and academic organizations to promote the implementation of best practices to key stakeholders through the development and delivery of disciplined training, advanced technologies, and methodologies. For additional information, visit the NCDMM at www.ncdmm.org.
About AMT
AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members—those who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow’s Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. www.AMTonline.org.
About Benét Labs
Benét Labs is a Department of the Army Center of Excellence, supporting the management and execution of life cycle research, development, engineering, design, producibility, and engineering standardization programs for large caliber armaments, mortars, and direct fire systems. A full complement of modern laboratory equipment, along with a highly trained staff of scientist, engineers, and technicians, enables Benét to be a world leader in innovative technology and applications. For more information, visit www.ardec.army.mil/benet/.
About Defense and Manufacturing MidWest
Design & Manufacturing Midwest is the premier event for advanced design and manufacturing professionals. U.S. manufacturing production, technology development, and innovation leads the world and is responsible for more than 70 percent of private sector R&D funding. To help facilitate this growth and development, Design & Manufacturing Midwest features the leading suppliers of the software, raw materials, manufacturing equipment, components, subassemblies, and contract services used to design and produce finished OEM products and components. Top attendee sectors include machinery (industrial, commercial, and agriculture), medical equipment and devices, automotive and transportation, electronics, and more. The show attracts thousands of design engineers, manufacturing and production engineers and managers, and senior executives who arrive at the exhibition with projects in-hand seeking solutions and new suppliers. Design & Manufacturing Midwest bring the Design, Manufacturing & Automation (DMA) Seminars. These six interactive training seminars, each in a bite-size, 2-hour format, will provide a diversity of practical case studies, expert panel discussions and innovation showcases. For more information, visit www.canontradeshows.com/expo/dmmidwest13/conference.html.
