The "D" word has become one of the hottest trends in the manufacturing world. State-of-the-art sensors attached to assembly tools and production equipment are capable of collecting a constant stream of data.

Schneider Electric's factory in Lexington, KY, has been mass-producing electrical equipment for more than 60 years. But, the low-mix, high-volume assembly plant is not sitting back and living in the past. Instead, it has become a state-of-the-art showcase for the future of digital manufacturing.

Traditionally, aircraft manufacturers have been reluctant to adopt robots and other types of automation. One of the main challenges is that large plane parts come with relatively high geometry deviations, so robots need sensor guidance.

For decades, the University of Michigan has been at the forefront of robotics engineering. That's why Ford Motor Co. recently partnered with the school to build a new robotics research facility on campus.

The bicycle industry has emerged as one of the few beneficiaries of the coronavirus pandemic, as people search for ways to stay active, entertain children and commute to work. By some estimates, bicycle sales nationwide surged by 50 percent last year.

Traditionally, robots have worked alone inside safety cages or fences. But, more applications on assembly lines today require humans and machines to work in close proximity.

Numerous companies are developing electric pickup trucks. But, Atlis Motor Vehicles Inc. thinks it has a better idea than its competitors. The start-up company is developing an EV pickup that features a 500-mile range and a battery that recharges in less than 15 minutes.

Traditionally, early summer is when the motor sports world shifts into high gear. May is the month when some of the crown jewels on the annual motor racing calendar take place, including the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. And during June, speed enthusiasts annually anticipate classic events such as the LeMans 24-hour sports car race and the Isle of Man motorcycle road race.