Manufacturing technical staff, plant managers, and industry leaders explored emerging technologies and high-tech operational solutions that are reshaping modern manufacturing during the inaugural SmartTech MS Technology Conference.
"Industries were willing to share, and they wanted to learn from each other," said Julie Jordan, Vice President of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State University, about the conference held on January 23, 2025, at the NISSAN Training Center in Canton, MS.
Survey data found that most respondents who attended the conference were extremely satisfied and achieved their goals of learning about new technologies and exploring solutions to existing manufacturing challenges.
"One of the most important takeaways is that attendees are using this conference to develop Industry 4.0 strategies that can be implemented in their own manufacturing facilities," said Tonya McCall, Director of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems - Extension at Mississippi State University, emphasizing the conference's practical impact.
With 88 attendees representing 52 companies-both large and small-the conference fostered dynamic discussions on integrating advanced solutions into operations. The event featured four expert-led panels covering:
- The Current State of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing
- Autonomous Technologies in Industry 4.0: Revolutionizing Modern Manufacturing
- Vision Systems in Smart Manufacturing: Enhancing Precision, Quality, and Automation
- AI in Smart Manufacturing: Driving Innovation and Productivity
Beyond panel discussions, breakout sessions delved into specialized topics such as collaborative robots (cobots), digital twins, virtual safety, and AI-driven predictive maintenance. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge advancements, including autonomous mobile robots and the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network's role in workforce development.
The organization operates through an Engines Development Award investment from the National Science Foundation in partnership with the Mississippi State University Advanced Research and Development Corporation.
For more information about this event or Industry 4.0 training and services, contact Tonya McCall at tmccall@cavse.msstate.edu.
