Manufacturers stand to benefit from cloud computing as they pursue digital transformation, but they should also be aware of some downsides, writes Willem Sundblad, who suggests manufacturers should use edge computing, or on-site software, for crucial applications.

Aerosport Modeling and Design has expanded its additive manufacturing business over the past four years in response to growing customer demand. 3D printing enables Aerosport to build more complex parts.

Once artificial intelligence becomes virtually universal, human interactions, work and even morality will look different, writes Alex Bates. "There's an essential 'unlocking' waiting for humanity right around the corner, and AI is going to help us get there," he writes.

Manufacturers can increase efficiency with logistics by placing distribution hubs in strategic locations, researching greener packaging options and creating a database of information on what products are most popular where, writes Mark Howard of EU Automation. Staying updated and sharing that information with colleagues is also vital, he writes.

Dell has used 100 million pounds of recovered materials since 2014 to manufacture its products, the majority of which has been recycled plastic, according to a company announcement. Last year, Dell used 7.7 million pounds of post-consumer plastics and over 18,000 pounds of high-density polyethylene that was likely to otherwise end up in the sea.

Environmental engineering will be one of the most important ways the world addresses sustainability and problems posed by changing climate. Michael Gigante explores what environmental engineers do as well as their positive contributions to society and the market for their services.

Teenagers in Michigan are learning mechanical technology skills in a "You Can Build It" manufacturing camp. The two-week program teaches students skills in welding, design, fabrication and more.

A shortage of technology workers and the growing prominence of remote work mean companies must offer that option to get the best people, writes Roberto Torres. Nearly half of software developers in a Digital Ocean survey said being able to work remotely was their top criteria for choosing a job.

The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte report in their 2018 Skills Gap in Manufacturing Study the skills shortage could risk $2.5 trillion in manufacturing GPD over the next decade. This is a major issue the manufacturing industry can expect to face if changes aren't implemented soon enough to combat the skills gap. The Manufacturing Institute drives programs and research to promote modern manufacturing and jumpstart new approaches to growing manufacturing talent through a series of initiatives--including MFG Day, STEP Women's initiative, and Heroes Make America -- to close that existing gap.