Novel Hardware - MTO Spark Tank

Quick Overview

The U.S. manufacturing sector, particularly in computers and electronics, experienced a significant decline in value from 2000 to 2010, showing a loss of approximately $16 billion in manufacturers' value of shipments, and has only recently begun to recover, indicating a potential long-term challenge to U.S. industrial competitiveness.

Key Points: The value of U.S. manufacturers' shipments for computers and electronic products peaked around $45 billion in 2000, then declined significantly, reaching approximately $29 billion by 2010. This decline represents a loss of roughly $16 billion in the value of U.S. computer and electronic product manufacturing over a decade. While there has been a partial recovery since 2010, reaching around $30 billion by 2020, the sector has not yet returned to its 2000 peak. The data suggests a potential loss of U.S. manufacturing edge in this critical sector, with the recovery being slow and incomplete. The presentation also touches on novel hardware applications, referencing the historical example of "Foxhole Radios" built by soldiers from scrap materials during WWII as an inspiration for resourcefulness and adaptation. Another area discussed is the potential of leveraging existing paper manufacturing infrastructure for micro-system needs, highlighting advanced processes like lamination and micro-perforation. The speaker also briefly mentions the use of sugar-based transfers for microscale gold lettering on human hair as an example of advanced microfabrication capabilities.

Context: This presentation, delivered by Mr. Daniel Ridge, Program Manager at DARPA/MTO, discusses "Novel Hardware" and "U.S. Manufacturing - Losing an Edge?" It uses historical examples like the MacGyver-esque "Foxhole Radios" and contemporary data on U.S. computer and electronic product manufacturing value to explore themes of innovation, resourcefulness, and potential vulnerabilities in American industry. The speaker contrasts past fears about foreign competition with current data, questioning the nation's manufacturing competitiveness.