"This project will encourage manufacturers to explore what is possible with smarter manufacturing, thanks to the MEDC and Siemens." Siemens joined LIFT as a Platinum-level member in 2020, and provided the institute with its Xcelerator portfolio, Factory Automation technology and Digital Enterprise solutions. Siemens and LIFT work together to address the current skills gaps between industry needs, academic-enabled capability and solution-awareness-adeptness inhibiting business optimization. " Siemens is a natural partner to enable LIFT's important mission at this time of rapid renewal in U.S. manufacturing. This Digital Twin Smart Factory showcase puts real-world technologies into the hands of manufacturers as they look for smart ways to expand their digital transformation on the plant floor," said Raj Batra, President of Digital Industries at Siemens USA. "And for students, LIFT offers a great lab to develop practical skills using the same software and tools used by manufacturers globally."