Economists find evidence for famous hypothesis of ‘comparative advantage’
Why do nations trade goods instead of producing more themselves? An old theory, that countries specialize in the products they make well, may be on the money.
Robotic assistants may adapt to humans in the factory
New algorithm allows robots and humans to work side by side.
Exploding the myths of manufacturing
MIT conference explores the complex state of an industry showing signs of revival.
The secrets of the system
MIT’s venerable Beer Game, a table contest, sheds light on the mysteries of manufacturing and the difficulties of running a business.
Clean energy could lead to scarce materials
Rising demand for wind turbines and electric vehicles could strain supplies of some rare earth metals.
How to corner the MEMS market
Government investment in the manufacture of micromachines could pay huge dividends, but in the meantime, MIT researchers are developing new fabrication techniques.
Moving microfluidics from the lab bench to the factory floor
The Center for Polymer Microfabrication designs manufacturing processes for a new generation of diagnostic tools.
Calculating the cost of advanced manufacturing
The Environmentally Benign Manufacturing group studies the life cycle of new technologies.
Continuous drug manufacturing offers speed, lower costs
New system developed by MIT researchers could help transform the pharmaceutical industry.
Transistors promise more powerful logic, more logical power
Research could affect U.S. manufacturing indirectly, by helping introduce products difficult to build elsewhere, and directly, by reducing production costs.
Preventing contamination in recycling
New study examines ways to prevent accumulation of impurities in recycling aluminum.
They’re mastering manufacturing
A distinctive MIT program trains engineers and managers who want to build careers on the leading edge of industrial production.
When (and where) work disappears
Study: Overseas manufacturing competition hits U.S. regions hard, leaving workers unemployed for years and local economies struggling.