To strengthen small manufacturing for the defense industry
Cutting-Edge Research
Emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and robotics, industrial internet of things (IIoT), quantum computing, and virtual reality and augmented reality (XR) hold tremendous potential to remake the American manufacturing base. However, fulfilling the potential of these technologies requires collaboration with key stakeholders; policy research; and workforce development.
The Knudsen Institute was founded on the idea that technology and policy must be developed in an integrated fashion. That will enable a truly resilient domestic manufacturing industrial base capable of meeting surge requirements.
Current Programs
The Data Mine
The Knudsen Institute is sponsoring two projects in the upcoming 2023-2024 semesters at The Data Mine at Purdue University. One project will examine supply chain trends on industrial parts procurement in the automotive industry. The other project will identify interchangeable and non-interchangeable manufacturing capacities for emerging EV production.
Autonomous Data Engine
The Knudsen Institute is committed to having up-to-date, detailed, and accurate knowledge of the supply chain. To this end, we are supporting the development of an autonomous data engine that is continuously collecting data from a variety of sources.
Project 81
Project 81 focuses on workforce development for small manufacturers. The effort is named after historic U.S. Highway 81 running through Oklahoma, south from Enid through Chickasha and down to Duncan. This region encompasses most of western Oklahoma, including critical military bases such as Vance Air Force Base, Fort Sill Army Installation, and Altus Air Force Base.