Learn About Technologies That May Disrupt Manufacturing
MPMA Emerging Technology Committees bring together engineers, technical specialists, and industry leaders to identify, investigate, and inform members on emerging technologies that may disrupt or significantly impact the mechanical power transmission manufacturing industry.
From electrification and additive manufacturing to AI, robotics, and automation, these committees help members stay ahead of innovation while contributing to industry standards, best practices, and workforce readiness.
Our Emerging Technology Sub-Committees
Metal 3D Printing
Chair: Josh Hopkins, Star SU
The MPMA 3D Printing Committee was established to watch this growing technology. We have a focus on metal 3D printing and watching this space for the printing of gears and bearings. But we watch the whole space for things that may improve or disrupt our members. Currently, our members have found success in printing housings, gear adjacent parts, spare parts, and a lot of prototyping.
2026 Focus: This year it is all about monitoring new material development.
Meetings: Virtual via Teams, Eastern Time
- Thursday, Apr 17 – 2:00 PM | Post RAPID
- Tuesday, June 22 – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday, Nov 18 – 2:00 PM
Face-to-Face Events:
- April 9 – Detroit, MI | Curated Tour at RAPID
- June 4–6 – Greenville, SC | SNL Presentation on 3D Printing
- August 27 – Detroit, MI | Emerging Tech Day, LIFT tour
Electric Vehicle Technology
Chair: Scott Miller, Caterpillar
This committee continues to monitor and discuss the mechanical developments in vehicle technology. In 2024, this committee aided in the creation of a standards project under the AGMA Gear Applications Committee to develop an information sheet, AGMA 948-AXX, Electrified Vehicle Drivetrains.
2026 Focus: There continues to be volatility in the EV space as consumer demand, tariff discussions, and new technology advances in battery and new fuels continue. We hope to bring experts to our meetings to provide the latest information.
Meetings: Virtual via Teams, Eastern Time
- Wednesday, April 8 – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday, June 9 – 3:00 PM | Post CTI Conference
- Tuesday, Aug 14 – 2:00 PM
- Thursday, Nov 13 – 3:00 PM
Face-to-Face Events:
- June 11–12 – Hartford, CT | Joint Technology Event with AMT and NTMA; automotive and power transmission speakers
- August 27 – Detroit, MI | Emerging Tech Day, including LIFT tour of new powder creation facility
eVTOL *New in 2026
Chair: TBD
Drone technology has taken off in recent years. But smaller drones do not have gear and bearing requirements – it is the larger vehicles that are important to our membership. This committee will get a baseline on the technology used in unmanned craft. Additionally, the first air taxi companies are building vehicles in the US. What are they doing, what are the regulations surrounding this new industry, how can gear and bearing manufacturers capitalize on these new supply chain needs?
2026 Focus: What is the trajectory for larger vehicles that use gears and bearings.
Meetings: Virtual via Teams, Eastern Time
- Wednesday, June 10 – 11:00 AM | Post NAAMCE and Drone Show
Face-to-Face Events:
- Coming Soon
IIoT/AI
Chair: Akshat Thirani, Founder, Amper
Data is flowing so much faster and more than ever. Successful digital transformation requires more than a good strategy and adequate funding; it takes focus on process.
The MPMA IIoT Committee works to bring information to the gear and bearing industries on use cases for the successful implementation of solutions. They are also working to bring information on cybersecurity, one of the most pressing topics in manufacturing today. Finally, the committee will work to bring members information on the new CMMC compliance for those who are working on defense or related contracts.
2026 Focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI) – We will be looking at the new AI applications in manufacturing
Meetings: Virtual via Teams, Eastern Time
- Tuesday, April 7 – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday, Jun 24 – 2:00 PM
- Thursday, Oct 9 – 1:00 PM
- Thursday, Dec 11 – 3:00 PM
Face-to-Face Events:
- June 11–12 – Hartford, CT | Joint Technology Event
- August 27 – Detroit, MI | Emerging Tech Day
Robotics
Chair: Robert Kufner, Designatronics
Big advancements in robots and automation are making implementation more affordable for low-volume, high changeover situations that are common in our industry.
The committee is specifically looking into three areas:
- How are gears incorporated into the production of robotics?
- How can our members best use robotics and automation technology in their plants?
- How are robots being used in new and different ways in manufacturing?
2026 Focus: The trajectory for the robot market is high. What is needed from gear and bearing manufacturers to continue to help keep the supply chain growing?
Meetings: Virtual via Teams, Eastern Time
- Tuesday, April 2 – 3:00 PM
- Friday, June 5 – 2:00 PM
- Thursday, Jun 12 – 1:00 PM | Post-show review
- Tuesday, Sep 23 – 2:00 PM | Special guest TBD
Face-to-Face Events:
- June 11–12 – Hartford, CT | Joint Technology Event
- August 27 – Detroit, MI | Emerging Tech Day