NOTTINGHAM, England—A team of Nottingham Trent University researchers are 3D printing replica human vertebrae that can act and feel like real bone tissue to help train spinal surgeons before they go into live operations.

FRANKFURT—Volkswagen is reportedly planning to sell an entry-level electric vehicle for less than 20,000 euros, or approximately $23,000. At a board meeting scheduled for November 16, executives will gather to discuss the automaker's plans to manufacture its I.D.-branded electric vehicles in place of its internal combustion offerings.

GENEVA, Switzerland—Details about watchmaker Tudor's manufacturing operations are scant. However, the company recently allowed a writer from GQ magazine inside one section of its campus to see how Tudor assembles its watches.

TROY, NY—A lot has changed since Hudson Valley Community College built its original manufacturing training center here in 1953. Now, the college is creating a $17 million center where students will learn to use the latest, computer-controlled equipment expected to power American factories into the future.

MERRIMACK, NH—For the first time in almost two decades, manufacturing skill assessment scores are improving. It indicates that the skills gap could be closing.

ARGONNE, IL—Engineers at Argonne National Laboratory plan to use high-performance computers to develop new types of manufacturing technology.

DEARBORN, MI—Engineers at Ford Motor Co. are developing car parts made out of graphene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial. Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel and one of the most conductive materials in the world.

CHICAGO—Manufacturers around the United States recently hosted open houses as part of National Manufacturing Day. The seventh annual event allowed students to get an inside look at how products are designed and built.

DULLES, VA—Airbus and Northrop Grumman Corp are partnering to develop next-generation composite manufacturing technology. The three-year Wing of Tomorrow program will explore complex composite wing stiffener forming automation and out-of-autoclave material systems.

ZUFFENHAUSEN, Germany—Engineers at Porsche are setting up a new type of assembly line at its factory here to build a new type of sports car. The all-electric Taycan will be assembled in a “factory within a factory” as part of the Porsche Production 4.0 initiative.