Sources: ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa.
The ASTM Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) will host a January 25-26 workshop to support the development of a “Roadmap for Advanced Technologies for the Digitalization of the Construction Industry.” The National Institute of Standards and Technology-sponsored event will take place at ASTM headquarters outside Philadelphia.
The agenda calls for brainstorming sessions on the current state and desired future state for the construction industry, research & development needs, timelines and action items, plus challenges and opportunities associated with industry digitalization. Officials from construction, government, and research organizations will participate, along with ASTM technical committee representatives. Workshop discussions will contribute to the development of a roadmap for digitalizing the construction sector to improve U.S. manufacturing innovation and competitiveness. Benefits will include increasing productivity and safety; reducing carbon footprint, material waste, and reliance on labor; and, creating a green and sustainable industry. AM CoE officials envision a document focusing on:
• Advanced Technologies: Additive manufacturing, robotics and automation, big data;
• Internet of Things: Artificial intelligence, simulation, augmented reality, and cybersecurity; and,
• Key Applications: Sustainable buildings, smart infrastructures, mass housing, disaster response, pandemic preparedness, and construction in space.
“Digital construction is expected to have a major impact on manufacturing innovation and competitiveness,” notes ASTM International Vice President of Global Manufacturing Programs Mohsen Seifi, Ph.D. “This workshop and related roadmap will play a crucial role in the adoption and implementation of digital construction moving forward.”
Workshop attendance will be limited. To ensure a range of perspectives is included in the roadmap, interested stakeholders are invited to participate in a brief survey, posted along with other workshop details here. AM CoE is a collaborative partnership representing industry, government, and academia to conduct strategic R&D to advance additive manufacturing standardization. The center also aims to accelerate AM development and adoption through training and certification programs, and providing market intelligence, business strategy, and advisory services through ASTM subsidiary Wohlers Associates.
