Once upon a time, bigger was better when it came to automation in manufacturing. Systems were expensive and took months to install and program. Tasks were specific. Robots lived in cages to ensure human safety. That time is over and the robots have been freed from their cages. The future of manufacturing is nimble. A new generation of automation is playing an important role in the transformation, enabling companies to think big without necessarily being big. ZDNet recently featured a piece on the topic of automation for small and medium-sized businesses. "A radical transformation in indus... READ MORE >

It’s a time of rapid change for all the industries that make our world, but perhaps nowhere is the pace of change felt more than in the field of construction. Construction Dive recently looked at the trends that will have the biggest impact on construction in 2019, driving greater efficiency, improved safety, and more innovation. Take a look at a few of their observations—then build your skills with some related AU 2018 classes. Modular construction on the rise Prefabrication has been around for a while, but it’s bigger than ever—literally. Now, 18-story buildings made with modular approa... READ MORE >

In June, thousands of industry professionals will gather at Tobacco Dock for AU London 2019. For 2 action-packed days, participants will share knowledge and insight and experience what it means to learn through community. What will they learn? That’s where you come in. The AU London Call for Proposals ends January 18. It’s time to get your ideas together, create your class proposal, and submit. Did you pioneer or perfect a new process or workflow? Can you offer help for those new to your industry, or new to a certain technology? Did you overcome a professional challenge and come out looking li... READ MORE >

2018? It’s over. Done. History. 2019 is just getting started. And it brings new possibilities—not only for what we make, but how we make it. These emerging technologies and approaches mean new roles for the people who make our built world—people like you, most likely. And it’s a good thing, because our greatest era of challenge and change still lies ahead. A growing global population, accelerating urbanization, and an ever-larger middle class mean that we can’t continue creating and building in the ways we have in the past. We need to find ways to make more and build better while reducing our ... READ MORE >

Well, what do you know? Another year of making, learning, and moving forward together draws to a close. For us here at AU, it’s been a year of growth. The best and biggest AU Las Vegas ever. The continued development of the AU International program. And of course the launch of the new AU web experience that enables the AU community to connect all year long. We couldn’t do it without you, the AU community. You are AU. So as we celebrate the blessings of the holiday season, we just want to say thanks for being part of it. Thanks for adding your voice and your insight. For engaging with your coll... READ MORE >