During the last edition of MECSPE Bologna (5-7 March), reference event for the manufacturing industry, AITEM’s Sezioni ADAPT, M4A, and SIMPCo held thematic workshops on their areas of specialization.
ADAPT (ADAptive manufacturing processes for elongated Profiles and seam welded Tubes) addressed the topic "Innovating Manufacturing: AI and Digital Twin for Forming Process Control – Challenges and Opportunities". The first part of the presentation focused on the role and importance of process control in manufacturing, highlighting the potential contribution of Artificial Intelligence models and Digital Twin approaches, and examining both the expected benefits and related challenges. The second part, structured as a roundtable discussion and coordinated by Profs. Matteo Strano and Enrico Simonetto, involved representatives from four companies: BLM Group, Marposs, Dynext, and One-Off Solution. The debate emphasized how, over the past two years, the manufacturing industry's interest in AI technologies and their industrial applications has grown significantly, also driven by the spread of Large Language Models. This trend, combined with the growing difficulty in finding qualified personnel due to shifts in required and available skill sets, is accelerating the adoption of new control and automation technologies in production processes. However, it clearly emerged that the availability and processing of data, the development of advanced models, and the effective integration of these solutions require the acquisition of new skills as well as a cultural shift. Manufacturing companies are therefore called upon to rethink their approach to technological development and process innovation.
The M4A (Machining for Aerospace) workshop, titled “Machining in the Aerospace Sector: Innovations and Technologies for the Future”, provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the challenges and advancements in the aerospace industry. The event was organized in two phases: an initial introductory session, during which the Coordinator presented the Association, and academic and industrial members showcased their expertise and activities, followed by a roundtable discussion moderated by Prof. Gianni Campatelli. Representatives from the companies Pietro Rosa, Laboratorio B.S., and Com.Stamp, along with Professors Giovanni Totis and Luigi Nele, participated in the discussion, sharing insights and strategies for the future of the sector. The roundtable addressed key industry topics, including geopolitical uncertainties, emerging technological requirements, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on manufacturing processes. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and academia to ensure up-to-date skills and effectively tackle future challenges.
The workshop held by SIMPCo (Sustainable and Innovative Manufacturing Processes for Composites) was titled "The Composites of Tomorrow: A Challenge Between Technology, Performance, and Sustainability". The event, with a dissemination-oriented approach, provided an overview of the current landscape of composite materials and the related future challenges. Particular attention was given to recycling technologies for CFRPs (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics) and to the use of green composites, with a view toward sustainable production in the transportation sector. The various presentations shared a common thread: the analysis of industrial challenges in the manufacturing sector and the innovative solutions that can arise from collaboration between companies and universities. In particular, the results of research projects were presented, highlighting the key role of synergy between the academic and industrial worlds. It was testified by the participation of speakers from both fields. Among them: the academic coordinator of SIMPCo, Luca Boccarusso (Università di Napoli Federico II), Prof. Massimo Durante (Università di Napoli Federico II), Leandro Iorio (Universitas Mercatorum), Alice Proietti (Università di Roma Tor Vergata), Prof. Luca Sorrentino (Università di Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale), and Guido Fini (Fini Marine srl). The event represented an important opportunity for dialogue among industry experts, contributing to shaping the future of composite materials in terms of innovation, performance, and sustainability.
English 
Italian