Last week, the Plyable team attended CAMX 2024 in San Diego, and it was bigger and better than ever. With a focus on the future of composite manufacturing and the role of AI, the event offered insights into where the industry is heading. Here’s a recap of our experience, the highlights from the event, and the exciting developments we saw there.
CAMX 2024 Was Bigger and More Diverse
CAMX 2024 was significantly larger than last year, with more exhibitors, attendees, and sessions. One clear shift was the decreased focus on 3D printing. The initial buzz surrounding it has calmed down, and it’s now seen as just another tool in the broader manufacturing process.
Another noticeable theme was the growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials and processes. Many exhibitors showcased innovations like flax fibres and recyclable epoxy resins. These developments reflect the industry’s desire to create more environmentally friendly products, with some new resins designed to break down over time. It’s encouraging to see sustainability efforts advancing, though these remain complementary to the overall focus on performance and durability.
Keynote on the Future of AI and the Augmented Age
The event kicked off with a thought-provoking keynote from Maurice Conti, a futurist and AI strategist. His presentation revolved around the growing role of artificial intelligence in our lives and how it will become as essential to businesses as electricity. He outlined a future where AI not only supports but augments human capabilities.
Conti highlighted three key components to thrive in what he calls the “Augmented Age”: the toolset, the skillset, and the mindset. He explained that AI would soon handle tasks autonomously, like sending emails or negotiating deals, allowing people to focus on higher-level challenges. His message was clear – the companies that embrace AI now will be the ones that survive and thrive in the coming years. This resonated strongly with our mission at Plyable, where we’re using AI to reshape composite tooling and parts manufacturing.
Plyable at the Forefront of AI-Driven Innovations
At our booth, we had the opportunity to showcase our AI-driven technology, which automates the design and manufacture of composite tools and parts. Attendees were keen to learn how our platform can reduce lead times and costs, while ensuring the highest quality standards are still met.
While we didn’t take home the CAMX award we were nominated for, we’re still proud to have been recognised in the Combined Strength Award category. Our submission, focusing on automating composite manufacturing with AI and computer vision, demonstrates how committed we are to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Being a finalist is an achievement in itself and reflects the hard work and innovation happening at Plyable.
Themes and Trends at CAMX 2024
Several key themes emerged during the event, many of which align with the advancements we’re working on as a company. AI was the star of the show, not just in the keynote but also with many sessions focussing on its role in the future of composites. From smart manufacturing to AI-driven innovations in materials development, it’s clear that AI is set to drive the next wave of innovation in the industry.
Another significant trend was the focus on sustainability. There were numerous discussions around how the industry can become more environmentally conscious. For example, sessions covered the use of sustainable materials in transportation infrastructure and new approaches to reducing waste in manufacturing processes.
A Changing Landscape for 3D Printing
While 3D printing was once the buzzword of the composite manufacturing industry, its initial excitement has passed. It’s now seen as another mainstream tool in the toolbox. This shift in perception was evident across many of the discussions at CAMX. Instead of being the focus, 3D printing is now integrated into broader conversations about automation and innovation.
At Plyable, we’ve seen this evolution firsthand. While 3D printing remains a valuable tool for prototyping and small-scale production, it’s our AI-driven approach to composite manufacturing that’s works better for scale.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Composite Manufacturing
CAMX 2024 left us with plenty to be excited about. The future of composite manufacturing is exciting, with AI leading the charge towards more efficient, scalable, and sustainable processes. From the keynote on AI to the emphasis on cutting-edge technology, the themes of the event align with the values we hold at Plyable – innovation, efficiency, and progress.
As we reflect on the event, it’s clear that Plyable is well-positioned to play a leading role in the future of composite manufacturing. We’re eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, using AI to transform how composite tools and parts are made. While we may not have won an award this time, the recognition of our technology as a finalist is a testament to our commitment to innovation.
We look forward to continuing the conversations we started at CAMX 2024 and to further showcasing how Plyable’s AI-driven solutions can revolutionise composite manufacturing. Until next year!