Deutsche Messe Technology Academy initiates first facility for industrial knowledge transfer in the U.S.

Deutsche Messe Technology Academy has opened the Smart Factory Institute in Chattanooga, Tenn. This industrial knowledge transfer facility is designed to stimulate innovation in industrial companies in the southeastern U.S.

The project brings together the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, the human resources development company Peak Performance Inc., and the Volkswagen Academy. VW's Chattanooga plant is providing the infrastructure for the academy, which is located next to the assembly plant. The Engineering and Information Technologies Division at Chattanooga State Community College, a local Volkswagen Academy partner, also is contributing to the institute.

“The technologies presented in the facility cover all aspects of Industry 4.0,” said Denise Rice, president/CEO of Peak Performance Inc. and director of the institute. She said the institute aims to focus on seven main categories: systems integration, cloud computing, collaborative robotics, additive manufacturing, augmented and virtual reality, Big Data and analytics, and cyber physical systems. “We will also offer workshops and training on new ways of working such as SMART TPM and agile working,” she explained.

Both face-to-face and online events are planned.