September 30, 2021 – MxD announced today the release of $1.5 million in funding for solutions in dynamic production scheduling and optimization, cybersecurity solutions for operational technology (OT) factory equipment, and digital twins for supply chain.
“These projects reflect the diversity of tactical approaches and technical advancement needed for a digital manufacturing and cybersecurity revolution,” said Chandra Brown. “By combining the support of the Department of Defense with the ingenuity of MxD’s industry and academic partners, we’ll make significant leaps forward in addressing the challenges manufacturers face today when making the jump to digital.”
Ongoing modernization efforts in manufacturing are critical to bolster the position of the United States as a global manufacturing leader. Funding digital solutions will fill technological gaps and further the MxD mission to equip manufacturers with the tools and expertise needed to remain competitive.
Dynamic Production Scheduling and Optimization
This project seeks to fund the implementation and validation of a real-time, dynamic scheduling and optimization solution that can provide manufacturers with actionable insights into plant scheduling. Through this investment, this project will advance manufacturing domain knowledge around real-time scheduling tools and build manufacturers’ confidence about what to expect when pursuing the implementation of tools that address and optimize scheduling.
Security Solutions for OT Factory Equipment
With this project, MxD will fund the development of an easily understood step-by-step guide for achieving proper cybersecurity measures on a connected manufacturing floor. This project will accelerate the availability and adoption of cybersecurity tools in the manufacturing OT environment to protect both new and legacy factory equipment.
Virtual Interaction with Supply Chain Using Digital Twins
This project will fund a solution that demonstrates the interaction of digital twins across two distinct parts of the supply chain to determine what challenges implementations will face as they roll out this new technology platform. The solution will allow for real-time sharing and collaboration of digital twins across organizations within a supply chain.
Each project opportunity has up to $500,000 in funding available. Submission deadlines and more information on these projects can be found at mxdusa.org/projects.
About MxD
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) is where innovative manufacturers go to forge their futures. In partnership with the Department of Defense, MxD equips U.S. factories with the digital tools, cybersecurity, and workforce expertise needed to begin building every part better than the last. As a result, our more than 300 partners increase their productivity, win more business, and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD.