Jabil Inc., a U.S.-based global manufacturing services company with electronics design, supply chain, production and product management capabilities, is investing heavily in metal additive manufacturing.

General Electric envisions a big future for metal additive manufacturing technology.

The era of digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and smart factories is here. It promises to improve productivity, drive operating efficiencies and transform the way many types of products are mass-produced. Benefits include optimized efficiency and reduced assembly line errors.

Rechargeable batteries are used in everything from consumer electronics and medical devices to power tools and electric vehicles. But, the ubiquitous devices can be a pain to constantly charge.

Most people associate additive manufacturing with plastics. However, a slew of new materials and processes are now available that enable engineers to print a variety of metal components.

By 2030, electronics content will account for 50 percent of an automobile’s total production cost. Earlier this decade, it was only 30 percent.

The popularity of cordless tools on the assembly line continues to grow. Battery-operated devices allow assemblers to more easily work on platforms or inside car interiors, tractor cabs, aircraft wings and other tight spaces.

For decades, many people have fantasized about flying cars and roadworthy aircraft. While several successful prototypes have been built in the past, the idea has never gotten off the ground. But, that may finally be about to change.