Apple-And-Microsoft-Computers

DARPA Begins Transition of Adaptive Vehicle Make Technologies Earlier than Planned

Feb. 12, 2014
The group will move the AVM portfolio into the defense and commercial industry through the new Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), one of the three institutes within President Obama's National Network for Manufacturing and Innovation planned for launch in 2014.

With the goal of shortening development timelines by five times or more, DARPA’s Adaptive Vehicle Make (AVM) portfolio of programs is working to develop new approaches for the design, testing and manufacturing of complex defense systems.

Last week, thanks to strong early test results and a new opportunity to transition the technology, DARPA has decided to speed its current AVM successes to the defense industrial base in 2014—years earlier than originally planned.

Since the group  announced the winners of AVM’s Fast, Adaptable, Next-Generation Ground Vehicle (FANG) 1 Challenge last April, initial test results show that AVM’s prototype design tools can produce viable designs and its manufacturing tools and processes can build those designs correctly and rapidly.

“AVM is at a critical threshold,” said Army Lt. Col. Nathan Wiedenman, DARPA program manager. “The FANG 1 design and build experience reduced the adoption risk of the most-developed AVM technology enough for DARPA to feel confident that these elements were ready to transition outside the agency. In addition, current AVM performers will continue development of several research areas this year – involving system behavior verification tools, manufacturability analysis and design completeness – before transitioning these as well.”

DARPA intends to transition the AVM portfolio into the defense and commercial industry through the new Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), one of the three institutes within President Obama’s National Network for Manufacturing and Innovation planned for launch in 2014.

DMDII is designed to be a national resource for the U.S. industrial base and increase U.S. competitiveness by accelerating innovation in digital manufacturing. The Institute will focus on the development of novel model-based design methodologies, virtual manufacturing tools and sensor- and robotics-based manufacturing networks.

“Working with DMDII can expand the number of active participants in AVM technology development and help extend the potential application of AVM research to non-military domains,” Wiedenman said. “Sitting at the crossroads of government, industry and academia, DMDII offers the best possible chance for AVM technology to successfully transition to industry—to the ultimate benefit of warfighters—as quickly as possible.”

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor - MH&L, IW, & EHS Today

Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with Endeavor Business Media and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank.

She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics, EHS Today, and IndustryWeek. 

Editorial Mission Statement:

Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes, and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I Find Manufacturing Interesting: 

On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated, and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.