U.S. Invests $285 Million in SMART Institute to Strengthen Semiconductor Manufacturing with Digital Twins

Here’s the translation of the provided text into American English:

The Biden-Harris Administration, through the CHIPS for America program, has awarded $285 million to the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) to establish and operate the new SMART USA institute. This center, dedicated to the development of digital twins for the semiconductor industry, will be located in Durham, North Carolina, and will become a key pillar in strengthening manufacturing and technological innovation in the United States.

A Strategic Step Toward Technological Sovereignty

With a total investment exceeding $1 billion, SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA) aims to leverage digital twins to enhance design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and testing processes in the semiconductor industry. These technologies, which allow for the creation of virtual models of physical objects, such as chips or machinery, optimize industrial processes, reduce costs, and shorten development cycles.

Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, emphasized:
“Digital twin technology opens unprecedented opportunities for manufacturers to collaborate with researchers and develop revolutionary technological advancements in the semiconductor industry. SMART USA will foster collaboration in the semiconductor ecosystem while expanding training opportunities for the growing workforce in the sector.”

SMART USA’s Ambitious Goals

Within the next five years, SMART USA aims to achieve:

  • Reduce development and manufacturing costs for chips by more than 40% through optimizing planning, production, and facility upgrades.
  • Shorten development cycles by 35% for semiconductors and related technologies.
  • Decrease carbon emissions by 30% associated with semiconductor manufacturing.
  • Train more than 110,000 workers and students in digital twin technologies.

Impact on Industry and Sustainability

SMART USA joins an existing network of 17 Manufacturing USA institutes, consolidating a national ecosystem that fosters competitiveness and leadership in advanced manufacturing. The institute collaborates with over 150 partners from industry, academia, and the supply chain, in addition to national laboratories, economic agencies, and labor groups.

Todd Younkin, Executive Director of SMART USA, stated:
“This award represents the importance of collaboration, ambitious research, and disciplined education. Together, we can tackle future challenges and push the boundaries of what is possible.”

Driving the Digital Transition

Digital twins enable the testing and optimization of designs and processes in simulated environments before deploying them in the real world, accelerating innovation, reducing costly adjustments, and utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize design and production.

CHIPS for America: Reindustrializing the U.S.

The CHIPS for America program, part of President Biden’s economic plan, aims to revitalize manufacturing in the U.S., stimulate private investment, and create well-paying jobs. SMART USA is a tangible example of how public-private investment can position the United States as a global leader in advanced technology and sustainable manufacturing.

With this move, the United States strengthens its competitiveness in the global semiconductor market and lays the foundation for a more efficient, sustainable, and innovative industrial ecosystem.

via: Nist

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