Building the Manufacturing Workforce of Tomorrow
The Manufacturing Innovation & Learning Lab (MILL) at Penn State Berks partners with industry to develop a skilled, adaptable manufacturing workforce. Informed by employer feedback and delivered by faculty experts, the MILL offers hands-on, skills-based training aligned with real-world manufacturing challenges—supporting employers in upskilling and reskilling talent for growth, strengthening workforce pipelines, and remaining competitive while preparing learners to advance in modern manufacturing careers.
Workforce development at the MILL includes:
- Short-term, noncredit training and certifications
- Hands-on learning using modern manufacturing tools and technologies
- Industry-aligned curriculum informed by employer needs
- Opportunities for incumbent worker training and career pathway development
Course and Program Offerings
AI in Manufacturing Summit
The AI in Manufacturing Summit brings together faculty members, industry leaders, and technology vendors to encourage collaboration and the sharing of practical knowledge among small and medium-sized manufacturers. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, exchange resources, and explore partnerships that can accelerate innovation without requiring significant investments. The summit will feature interactive demonstrations of real-world AI applications, showcasing best practices and measurable results. Designed as a hub for actionable ideas and valuable connections, the summit empowers participants to adopt cost-effective AI-driven strategies to transform manufacturing operations.
This event is offered in partnership with Penn State Berks AIMS Lab, Flemming CEED Center, and the MILL at Penn State Berks.
Tentative Agenda
- 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.: Registration and Refreshments
- 9:00 - 9:25 a.m.: Welcome
- 9:30 - 10:20 a.m.: Keynote
- 10:20 - 11:05 a.m.: Roundtable Discussions
- 11:05 - 11:15 a.m.: Break
- 11:15 a.m. - Noon: Keynote
- Noon - 12:30 p.m.: Lunch
- 12:30 - 1:15 p.m.: Lunch Panel
- 1:15 - 1:30 p.m.: Move to Gaige Building
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Parallel Workshops
- 2:30 - 3:00 p.m.: Manufacturing Innovation and Learning Lab (MILL) Demo
- 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Networking Reception
Registration Information
- Date: Friday, February 6, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Penn State Berks
- Cost: $30
Register for the AI in Manufacturing Summit
Introduction to Smart Manufacturing Workshop
This program offers a practical introduction to smart manufacturing and modern industrial automation. Participants will explore core concepts, technology building blocks, and applications that drive business value. Through interactive, hands-on activities with our portable training stations, participants will gain firsthand experience with the tools and systems essential for smart manufacturing. The course is designed to build foundational knowledge, highlight opportunities for business impact, and prepare participants to engage with smart manufacturing initiatives confidently.
This workshop is offered in partnership with SMART-PA, the Digital Foundry at New Kensington, and the MILL at Penn State Berks.
This program is built for:
- Technical professionals – Manufacturing engineers, technologists, maintenance, and IT/OT professionals seeking to understand and apply smart manufacturing technologies.
- Operations and quality leaders – Plant managers, supervisors, and process improvement professionals focused on how technologies can drive efficiency, reliability, and performance.
- Leaders and functional managers – Organizational and project leaders evaluating the strategic and business value of automation and digital transformation.
Learning Objectives
- Foundations of Smart Manufacturing – Gain a clear understanding of core concepts, terminology, and principles.
- Technology Building Blocks – Explore essential tools and systems, beginning with practical applications on the shop floor.
- Data as the Backbone – Learn how to capture, monitor, and analyze the right data to drive informed decisions.
- Designing for Success – Understand how to architect smart manufacturing solutions that deliver business impact.
Topics Covered
- Smart manufacturing introduction and basics
- Sensors, IIoT devices and data collection
- Machine control and PLCs
- Human machine interfaces
- Supervisory control and data monitoring
- Manufacturing operations management
- Architecting a smart manufacturing solution
Registration Information
- Date: Thursday, February, 26, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
- Location: Penn State Berks, 105 Gaige Building
- Cost: No fee, this workshop is offered through the SMART-PA program