The Future Is Here

Through conversations and industry reading in the past few years, I’ve noticed several companies establish working relationships with universities. Whether it’s at the local, regional or even global level, there are benefits to be had for companies, universities and the fenestration and manufacturing industries. 

I’m fortunate to live in the greater Pittsburgh area, home to Carnegie Mellon University, a preeminent institution particularly in the sciences and robotics. YKK AP has been conducting research with CMU since 2019. In part because of this relationship, YKK AP Technologies Lab chose Pittsburgh as its home for the xTech Lab, the research and development center of YKK AP Technologies Lab. 

I had the opportunity to visit it in September and speak with Shiori Fukada, senior vice president, CIO and CDO of YKK AP, about the virtual factory, goals of the lab and various technologies at play.

LC: What is the virtual factory? 

SF: The virtual factory is a digital twin of a physical production environment. It replicates every aspect of the factory, from machinery and materials to workflows and data, enabling us to simulate, analyze and optimize manufacturing processes in a virtual space. This approach allows us to test changes, identify inefficiencies and enhance productivity without disrupting actual operations. It’s also a tool for training and collaboration across different teams and locations.

LC: What are the ultimate goals of the lab?

SF: The ultimate goal is to drive innovation in the manufacturing and construction industries by integrating advanced digital technologies such as AI, machine learning and immersive realities. We aim to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability and product development processes while fostering collaboration between industry, academia and technology leaders. The lab also serves as a research hub where new ideas and technologies are explored before they are implemented at scale.

LC: What technologies are you exploring? 

SF: We are exploring how virtual, augmented and mixed reality can revolutionize product design, project management and on-site operations within YKK AP and the broader construction industry. 

LC: How is CMU involved?

SF: CMU plays a pivotal role as our research partner. They bring cutting-edge expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics and human-computer interaction, which are crucial to our exploration of virtual and augmented realities. Through this collaboration, we leverage CMU’s academic research to advance our projects, particularly in the areas of digital twins, machine learning algorithms and immersive environments for industrial applications.

This lab is just one example of what can come out of a relationship with a university. Read A Window Into Higher Ed for more stories of companies that work with universities.