"New Training Program Will Make Advanced Manufacturing More Secure"

A project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by faculty members at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences will provide critical training in Cyber-Infrastructure (CI) technologies for the next generation of advanced manufacturing researchers. The project's principal investigator is Wenyao Xu, professor and associate department chair in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. It will use CI-enabled cybersecurity tools and knowledge to address emerging needs in Industry 4.0. According to Xu, this new training program has the potential to transform the state of the advanced manufacturing research workforce for advanced CI-centered research ecosystems. This project addresses CI needs in Industry 4.0, also known as cyber-manufacturing, a revolution in advanced manufacturing that incorporates disruptive technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and edge/cloud computing into the typical manufacturing factory. While Industry 4.0 has increased efficiency, productivity, and reliability, the benefits have created new risks, particularly in the area of security. The digital tools associated with Industry 4.0 enable remote and connected production tracking and control at any location and platform by connecting previously isolated Operational Technology (OT) in factories to the rest of the manufacturing company via IT networks. Xu says the unprecedented complexity of Industry 4.0 makes every aspect, including employees, partners, electronic devices, machinery, or finished products, a potential cyber risk. The training program will go beyond cybersecurity fundamentals to develop student expertise in all aspects of advanced manufacturing. This article continues to discuss the new project aimed at bolstering the security of advanced manufacturing. 

UB reports "New Training Program Will Make Advanced Manufacturing More Secure"