ABQ Times

A $7 million research initiative is set to bring together four universities in New Mexico, focusing on the development of intelligent additive manufacturing. This project, named the "Research Center for Distributed Resilient and Emergent-Intelligence-Based Additive Manufacturing (DREAM)," is funded by the National Science Foundation's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

The DREAM Center involves The University of New Mexico, Navajo Technical University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, with leadership from New Mexico State University (NMSU). The collaboration aims to advance automated 3D printing technology alongside cybersecurity improvements. The University of New Mexico will receive $2 million as part of this project.

"The nature of the technology is such that it can operate quite remotely and independently, quite autonomously. If you were to be in a rural or less populated part of the state and you wanted to place a facility there, now you can do that," said Michael Devetsikiotis, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Devetsikiotis and Assistant Professor Xiang Sun are co-principal investigators for the project. They will lead explorations into enhanced cybersecurity within the DREAM Center. Notably, Devetsikiotis expressed enthusiasm about working with Navajo Technical University due to its capabilities in printing metallic machinery like rocket parts and car components. Researchers aim for this technology to stimulate economic growth in less populated regions and elevate New Mexico's role in space tech manufacturing.

"This collaborative project is significant as it establishes a robust distributed intelligent additive manufacturing infrastructure in New Mexico, integrating AI/ML and advanced wireless networks to optimize manufacturing processes," stated Xiang Sun. "By positioning the state as a competitive player in the $13 trillion global manufacturing sector, the project fosters a diverse, well-trained workforce and addresses critical challenges in machine learning, wireless communications, security, and verifiability."

There is an established history of collaboration among these institutions. "There is a very positive history of the schools working together," noted Devetsikiotis. "At the end of last year we finished another five-year collaboration funded by NSF EPSCoR focused on renewable energy and smart grid systems."

Throughout this four-year endeavor, each university will concentrate on different facets related to advancing automated additive manufacturing. The team at UNM will focus on developing new architectures for connecting remote manufacturing systems with an emphasis on cybersecurity. NMSU will work on networking aspects; New Mexico Tech will delve into cyber elements; while Navajo Technical University will implement much hands-on infrastructure.

Additionally, workforce development forms a crucial component of this project. The DREAM Center plans to establish college-level credentials focusing on security and IoT while also providing training for K-12 teachers across rural areas.

The NSF EPSCoR Program aims at enhancing research competitiveness within specific states through sustained investments centered around STEM fields at research universities statewide. Meanwhile, New Mexico EPSCoR focuses on building scientific research capacity while fostering a qualified STEM workforce.