MADE: Manufacturing, Automation and Data Engineering STC
The Manufacturing, Automation and Data Engineering (MADE) Science and Technology Center is an ASU research and development center supported by the Arizona New Economy Initiative. STCs are responsible for leveraging ASU-industry partnerships to enable research innovation, entrepreneurship and tech transfer in areas key to the future of Arizona’s economy.
The MADE STC seeks to create foundational manufacturing technologies and methods that enable the development of new products and enhance manufacturing competitiveness. The MADE STC has three thrust areas: process science and engineering, robotics and automation, and data analytics, cyber and AI.
Process science and engineering
Focusing on developing and enhancing highly efficient advanced manufacturing processes — including additive manufacturing, nanomanufacturing and semiconductor packaging — using innovative materials and composites that can be recycled, repurposed and remanufactured.
Robotics and automation
Exploring ways to optimize multiagent robotic systems, advance human-robot teaming for increased productivity and improved safety, and promote control, quality and awareness in the workplace using automation and machine learning.
Data analytics, cybersecurity and AI
Improving manufacturing processes using data-driven modeling, monitoring, analysis and visualization, with an emphasis on information security, domain knowledge and simulation data.
Connect with MADE
MADE STC and Atomera: Driving success through ASU’s world-class R&D facilities
Atomera—a publicly listed, California-based company—produces a quantum-engineered film to enhance semiconductor performance and reduce manufacturing costs, and has found a critical partner in ASU’s MADE STC. Scott Bibaud, CEO of Atomera, credits ASU for attracting his company to Arizona, along with numerous microelectronics innovators:
“Phoenix is becoming a really important player in the industry… When you have all the players come together to make a region successful like this, it will ultimately become a very, very attractive investment in the future of semiconductors. ASU has definitely played a big role in helping this to come about.”
Atomera’s partnership with ASU and the MADE STC allows it to benefit from faculty expertise as well as access to MacroTechnology Works, ASU’s world-class microelectronics fabrication facility. “A number of professors here at ASU, and especially associated with MTW, have been helping us to understand how we can best leverage our technology,” says Bibaud. MTW’s advanced tools, as well as its proximity to suppliers and manufacturers, are a game changer for Atomera. In his words, “MacroTechnology works is unique in the nation… I really believe that is something that’s very attractive to bring people out here to Phoenix and start doing more work here.”
PADT: Leveraging ASU talent and technology for innovation and growth
At ASU’s Manufacturing, Automation, and Data Engineering Science and Technology Center, Tempe-based engineering services firm PADT is working with ASU faculty experts and students to develop solutions using machine learning to optimize manufacturability of 3D printed products for high-end applications in aerospace, defense and consumer sectors. Partnership with ASU provides critical resources, infrastructure and expertise necessary for PADT to de-risk early-stage technology innovation through research and development—and provides ample opportunities for PADT to involve ASU students, who are not only the most accessible future employees, but often the most capable.
“We continue to recruit around the country, but we tend to hire from ASU because they tend to come out on top,” says PADT co-founder Eric Miller. Co-founder Rey Chu estimates that about half of PADT’s 90 employees are ASU graduates. “It’s really a win-win situation,” says Chu, “helping the small and medium businesses be able to develop a technology and stimulate the local economy and also help the students get good paying jobs.” Chu is himself an alumnus of ASU who has worked closely with the university since graduating with a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering in 1987 – including nine years of service as a part-time faculty member. PADT’s growth and success since its founding nearly 30 years ago demonstrates how ASU’s commitment to market-relevant educational programs and industry partnership drives innovation, creates opportunities for graduates and positively impacts Arizona’s economy.
MADE STC and Libi Materials: De-risking energy innovation
America is making major investments in clean technology to drive efficient, scalable energy solutions, and Arizona-based Libi Materials is partnering with ASU’s MADE STC to support this national mission and drive high-tech growth in the state. Libi is carrying out work for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Department of Energy to create the next generation of lithium-ion batteries, and ASU’s expertise and facilities are proving critical to enabling the company’s success.
“ASU’s got a great track record of innovation and the students are very accessible,” says Libi Chief Technology Officer Mark George. “Through the MADE STC, we’re going to be able to truncate our path to market by having access to funding through the state legislature.”
Libi is supported by the expertise of Tim Long, a professor at ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences who works with the MADE STC. Long describes the business and economic possibilities unlocked by Libi’s collaboration with MADE:
“What the STC brings to this relationship is the kind of catalysis and nurturing of translational research.
Our goal is to help Libi be successful, to invent and deliver the next generation battery technology that is safer, easier to charge and lasts longer. And the most rewarding aspect of that for me is to help a company in our region, to help the economy of our region.”