Automation Alley

Last week, Automation Alley had the pleasure of welcoming delegates from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, as part of their executive mission to Michigan.

The visit provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore shared interests in advanced manufacturing and technology, and discuss opportunities for international collaboration and economic growth.

Thank you to the delegation for visiting and engaging with Michigan's innovation ecosystem!

Washtenaw Community College is expanding semiconductor workforce training with a new Advanced Manufacturing Clean Room and $200,000 in NSF-supported funding for hands-on AI and semiconductor manufacturing workshops, strengthening pathways into Michigan’s growing microelectronics sector.

Read more here: https://automationalley.com/2026/10/02/wcc-expands-microelectronics-and-semiconductor-workforce-training-with-new-classroom-nsf-grant/

As more businesses embrace cloud-based systems and AI to stay competitive, they become exposed to new technology risks including failed implementations, data security, shadow AI and vendor issues.

Read more from Wipfli: https://automationalley.com/2026/10/01/technology-risk-management-how-to-modernize-while-successfully-managing-risk-2/

Fraunhofer will present its behind-the-scenes research and precision engineering driving real-world battery manufacturing at The Battery Show 2026 in Detroit (Booth #4429).

Read more here: https://automationalley.com/2026/09/30/from-lab-to-production-fraunhofer-brings-battery-manufacturing-research-to-detroit/

Supply chain resilience requires leaders to look beyond immediate suppliers, systematically assess vulnerabilities, diversify operations, and combine skilled people with technologies such as AI to better anticipate and manage interconnected risks.

Read more: https://automationalley.com/2026/09/30/effective-supply-chain-risk-management-an-imperative-for-todays-executives-and-leaders/

Aerospace 3D printing is moving from prototyping toward mission-critical production, enabling lighter, more complex aircraft and spacecraft components while reducing material waste, lead times, part counts, and supply-chain dependencies, though cost and certification remain key barriers.

Read more from Markforged here: https://automationalley.com/2026/09/28/3d-printing-in-aerospace-applications-materials-and-industry-trends/

SOC reports are increasingly becoming a competitive differentiator, helping organizations demonstrate strong security, controls, compliance readiness, and operational resilience while building customer trust.

Read more from UHY here: https://automationalley.com/2026/09/24/trust-is-the-new-competitive-advantage-how-security-readiness-can-help-win-and-retain-customers/

Please join us in welcoming Giggso to Automation Alley!

Giggso is a Michigan-based AI engineering company helping manufacturing and supply chain enterprises turn AI ideas into real-world solutions. By developing secure, production-ready AI solutions, Giggso helps organizations improve productivity, automate workflows and unlock the full potential of their enterprise data.

We're excited to welcome Giggso to our growing network of innovators shaping the future of advanced manufacturing!

MAST-P opens access to manufacturers in all 83 counties seeking to strengthen operations and pursue opportunities in aerospace, defense, electric vehicles and advanced energy

Read more here: https://automationalley.com/2026/09/22/michigan-auto-supplier-transition-program-expands-eligibility-to-small-manufacturers-across-michigan/

MAST-P is expanding statewide.

The Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) is now available to eligible small manufacturers across Michigan, providing no-cost resources to help businesses diversify, strengthen operations and explore new market opportunities.

Through expert guidance, technical assistance and financial support resources, MAST-P helps Michigan manufacturers prepare for growth in industries ranging from aerospace and defense to electric vehicles and advanced energy.

Ready to explore what’s next for your business? Learn more and get started: https://automationalley.com/mast-p/