Mclean, VA (PRWEB) December 21, 2015
The MTConnect Student Challenge is extending the deadlines for both its Idea Creation and Application Development competitions. The new deadline for the ideas competition is March 15, 2016; the new deadline to submit applications is July 15, 2016.
MTConnect is an open, XML- and HTTP-based communications standard that works as the building block of the Industrial Internet of Things for manufacturing. The MTConnect Student Challenge is an innovation competition that taps into students’ creativity and technical skills by asking them to create and develop ideas and applications that utilize MTConnect, which enables communication between and data collection from manufacturing equipment and devices.
The challenge is open to all U.S.-based college students at any level of study – graduate or undergraduate, university or community college.
The goal of the MTConnect Student Challenge is to improve manufacturing intelligence through student-created ideas and applications. As the manufacturing industry has increasingly moved toward the digital enterprise, small and medium-sized manufacturers have struggled to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by this technological revolution. MTConnect Student Challenge submissions will be judged on their ingenuity, ease of deployment, impact on industry, and overall quality. Students also benefit through their participation by potentially connecting with future employers, and also coming away with a project that demonstrates their knowledge and skill, and can be included in a professional portfolio.
The MTConnect Student Challenge encompasses two distinct competitions:
Idea Creation
Students are tasked with creating an idea for using MTConnect and writing a five-page paper that explains the idea. Students are encouraged to interview a manufacturer to learn about their specific issues, but it is not a requirement. Students are welcome to submit previously completed classwork that could be applicable to the use of MTConnect. Winners will be invited to attend the [MC]2 Conference in Dallas, April 19-21, 2016.
Full rules and details can be found at https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/mtconnectstudentideas/
Application Development
Ideas become reality in this competition, where contestants will be required to develop a working software application that utilizes MTConnect. Entrants will need to submit a written summary of the application, a video demonstrating the application in action, and an icon that represents the application. As with the Idea Creation competition, students can submit non-commercial projects previously completed, provided they utilize data in the MTConnect standard. Winners will be invited to attend IMTS-The International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, September 12-17, 2016.
Full rules and details can be found at https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/mtconnectstudentapps/
The MTConnect Student Challenge is sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Defense-wide Manufacturing Science and Technology (DMS&T) and executed by AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the U.S. Army Benét Labs, the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), and the MTConnect Institute, in partnership with SME and the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA).
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About MTConnect
MTConnect is an open, royalty-free standard that fosters greater interoperability between devices and software applications. By establishing an open and extensible channel of communication between devices, equipment, and systems, MTConnect enables applications aimed at providing more efficient operations, improved production optimization, and increased productivity.
The MTConnect Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization established to further the development and adoption of the MTConnect standard and is a subsidiary of AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology. The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is the avenue for input from industry via working groups and quarterly meetings. The Technical Steering Committee authors the MTConnect standard. The Institute’s activities are overseen by a Board of Trustees. Membership in the MTConnect Institute is free. http://www.mtconnect.org
About AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
AMT represents U.S.-based builders and distributors of manufacturing technology – the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive. Located in McLean, VA, near the nation’s capital, AMT acts as the industry’s voice to speed the pace of innovation, increase global competitiveness and develop manufacturing’s advanced workforce of tomorrow. With extensive expertise in industry data and intelligence, as well as a full complement of international business operations, AMT offers its members an unparalleled level of support. AMT also produces IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. http://www.AMTonline.org
About Benét Labs
Benét Labs is a Department of the Army Center of Excellence supporting the management and execution of life cycle research, development, engineering, design, producibility, and engineering standardization programs for large caliber armaments, mortars and direct fire systems. A full complement of modern laboratory equipment, along with a highly trained staff of scientist, engineers, and technicians, enables Benét to be a world leader in innovative technology and applications.
About IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show
The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. IMTS 2016 will run Sept. 12-17. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the world’s preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts more than 114,000 visitors from every level of industry and more than 112 countries. IMTS is owned and managed by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. http://www.IMTS.com
About [MC]2 Conference
The [MC]2 Conference is a three-day conference designed for end users, equipment and device suppliers, software developers, distributors, integrators, students, and professors interested in the advancement of data-driven manufacturing. The conference, April 19-21, 2016, in Dallas, Texas, will be packed with timely insights, strategic views, and actionable items. For more information about the [MC]2 Conference, visit MC2Conference.com.
About NCDMM
NCDMM delivers optimized manufacturing solutions that enhance the quality, affordability, maintainability, and rapid deployment of existing and yet-to-be developed defense systems. This is accomplished through collaboration with government, industry, and academic organizations to promote the implementation of best practices to key stakeholders through the development and delivery of disciplined training, advanced technologies, and methodologies. NCDMM also manages the national accelerator for additive manufacturing (AM) and 3DP printing (3DP), America Makes—the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. For additional information, visit NCDMM at ncdmm.org.
About Office of the Secretary of Defense
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is the principal staff element of the Secretary of Defense in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal, and program evaluation responsibilities. OSD includes the immediate offices of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, Under Secretaries of Defense, Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Assistant Secretaries of Defense, General Counsel, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Assistants to the Secretary of Defense, Director of Administration and Management, and such other staff offices as the Secretary establishes to assist in carrying out assigned responsibilities.