Tariffs, AI, & Robotics: Future Trends in Additive Manufacturing

In a compelling episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with Doug Woods, President of The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

The discussion traversed Woods' extensive background in manufacturing, the transformative potential of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, the innovative concept of the Omniverse, and the shifting global landscape of supply chains and reshoring.

From Family Roots to Industry Leadership: Doug Woods' Manufacturing Journey

Doug Woods' immersion in the manufacturing world was almost predestined, a path "picked for him" rather than one he actively sought. His family history is deeply embedded in the tool and die space, with his grandfather emigrating from Germany's Black Forest region in the early 1920s and co-founding a tool and die company in Rochester, New York, in 1947. This company flourished in Rochester's manufacturing hotbed, home to giants like Kodak and Xerox, growing to 1,200 employees and $150 million in revenue by 1977.

Woods spent time in various divisions of the family business, including precision machining, machine rebuilding, mold making, metal stamping, leak testing systems, and an automation company. His formal entry began at age 15 in tooling, a strategic move by his grandfather that allowed him to learn the vernacular of manufacturing – from taps and cap head screws to inserts – and connect with the workforce. This hands-on experience continued through the summers during school and college. This early and comprehensive exposure to all facets of manufacturing shaped his perspective and leadership.

The Workforce Challenge and the Power of Upskilling

A recurring theme in Woods' experience, from his grandfather's time to the present day, is the persistent challenge of finding skilled, trained employees in manufacturing. He stressed that companies cannot wait for external solutions but must take initiative in developing their workforce through apprenticeship programs, co-oping, or leveraging online learning platforms.

Woods believes that the tools available for upskilling are more advanced than ever, with online resources, augmented reality, gaming, and AI offering new avenues for credentialing and qualifying individuals. He championed the "maker movement," spurred by additive manufacturing (AM), as a significant force in bringing new talent into the manufacturing space. The accessibility of 3D printers in educational institutions exposes students to innovative manufacturing methods and design thinking from an early stage.

AI in Manufacturing: From Generative to Agentic

Woods shared insights from his visits to Nvidia's GTC conference, where the direct connection between advanced AI development and manufacturing became evident. He pointed to Nvidia's Blackwell chip as a game-changer, enabling the processing power needed for complex AI applications.

Two key AI concepts discussed were generative AI and agentic AI. In AM, generative AI could analyze thousands of variables from sensors (temperature, humidity, power consumption) to suggest process improvements. Agentic AI could empower the machine to self-adjust based on this data, optimizing parameters on the fly without pre-programmed algorithms for every scenario. This capability is crucial as manufacturers seek to optimize complex processes with numerous interdependent variables, potentially leading to new alloy development and material compositions.

The Omniverse: Simulating and Optimizing Complex Manufacturing

Woods discussed Nvidia's Omniverse as an environment for integrating digital twins of machines, equipment, and entire factories, allowing them to operate together in a virtual world with accurate physics, kinematics, and chemistry. This enables the running of millions of cycles of synthetic data to optimize processes, develop new materials (like novel powders for AM), and design factory layouts before significant capital investment.

For example, a company like Kebo in Canada leverages AI and automated test beds to discover new elements; these test beds can be scaled virtually in the Omniverse to accelerate research dramatically. This allows for rapid prototyping and problem-solving, such as simulating engine failure points under specific conditions without costly physical trials. Woods foresees such capabilities becoming more commonplace within a two to three-year window.

Robotics: From Industrial to Humanoid

Woods categorized robotics into traditional industrial robots and the emerging field of humanoid robotics. While industrial robots are already integral to manufacturing, undergoing their own AI-driven enhancements, humanoid robotics captures significant attention due to its potential to emulate human dexterity and operate in human-centric environments.

The development of humanoid robots drives innovation in sensor technology, miniaturization of components (motors, drives), energy efficiency, and battery technology. These advancements have collateral benefits, including medical applications like prosthetics. While widespread adoption of humanoid robots in manufacturing is further out, the investment in this area is accelerating progress across multiple related industries. AM plays a key role here, enabling the creation of complex, lightweight components, customized form factors, and multi-material parts essential for robotic development.

Reshoring and the Democratization of Technology

The discussion also touched upon the global trend of reshoring and the localization of production. Woods argued that reshoring was underway even before COVID-19, driven by the logic of producing goods closer to the primary consumption market – the US. Geopolitical issues and supply chain vulnerabilities have only accelerated this trend. Government incentives (like the CHIPS Act) and disincentives (tariffs) aim to further encourage domestic production.

The democratization of technology – lower costs for sensors, robots, machine tools, additive systems, and software platforms – makes localized, resilient manufacturing increasingly viable. This allows for the establishment of advanced manufacturing facilities that can compete with low-cost labor models, fostering regional manufacturing hubs. AM is a key enabler in this shift, allowing for on-demand production, reducing reliance on traditional casting houses, and even enabling production in remote locations like naval ships or space stations.

Navigating the Future: Advice for Manufacturers

Woods offered practical advice for companies and individuals looking to navigate this evolving landscape. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning through trade associations, universities, and innovation centers. When adopting new technology, he advised against "boiling the ocean." Instead, companies should identify their top three problems and apply targeted technology to solve them, perhaps starting with a passionate champion on the shop floor. He also recommended dedicating a small portion of capital expenditure (around 10%) to "push the envelope" with more experimental technologies that could offer a competitive advantage.

Doug Woods' insights paint a picture of a manufacturing industry on the cusp of profound change, driven by intelligent technologies and a strategic realignment of global production. For those willing to learn, adapt, and invest, the opportunities are immense.

To hear more from Doug Woods and his perspectives on the future of manufacturing, listen to the full Additive Snack Podcast episode.