And just like that, the AU International 2019 calendar is up and running. Registration for AU London is now open, and we’re gearing up for our best event yet. It’s time to buy your passes, book your flights, and get ready to explore the future of making June 18-19. The Connect & Construct Summit will be held June 17. Returning to London’s Tobacco Dock, the event will feature more than 120 learning sessions, from mainstage keynotes to industry talks and panels to hands-on labs spanning the AEC, manufacturing, and media industries. Free Certification exams will also be available with your AU... READ MORE >

We’re thrilled to have a guest post from Lorien Barlow, director of the first feature-length documentary about women in construction trades, Hard Hatted Woman, as part of our celebration of Women’s History Month. She led a popular panel at AU 2018 with the workers featured in her film, discussing the realities and possibilities for women in the field of construction. Here’s what she has to say: READ MORE >

For decades, manufacturers have outsourced fabrication of components to smaller companies that specialize in certain processes and technologies. But finding those manufacturing partners has required pushing out product specs to many potential vendors, then vetting their capabilities and their bids to find the right match, a process that often takes weeks or months. ORDERFOX is revolutionizing this process by enabling buyers to post specs for a given component as a 3D model using the Forge cloud-based platform. CNC shops around the world can then search for appropriate projects and submit a bid... READ MORE >

New design processes and advanced materials are rapidly finding a place in transportation. From cars and trains to planes and spacecraft, these innovations are helping to create vehicles that are lighter, faster, stronger, and more efficient. But don’t forget about the boats. Specifically, a new racing vessel being developed by the US Olympic Sailing team. Redshift recently profiled the development process for their latest craft, a variation on a Moth Class boat, or “hydrofoiling dinghy.” READ MORE >

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and honor the women that have blazed a trail in the decades and centuries past. We think it’s also a great time to recognize and honor women who are helping to shape the future of making today, especially those in the AU community. After all, while women comprise only 9% of the workforce in construction (3% on the construction site itself), 13% in engineering, 25% in architecture, and 29% in manufacturing, signs are trending toward greater equity. And with the persistent shortage of skilled labor in construction, it’s more important than ever... READ MORE >