HARRISBURG, PA – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) and its Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (STORMWERX), along with primary sponsor Phillips, will once again host the Joint-Defense Advanced Manufacturing Meeting for Innovation and Transition Summit, better known as J-DAMMIT, on September 17–19.
J-DAMMIT brings together experts from industry, academia, government, and the armed forces to explore and demonstrate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies that support defense needs. The event includes hands-on demonstrations in areas such as robotics, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, hybrid manufacturing (CNC and DED), augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR), and smart factory technologies. The event draws hundreds of attendees from a broad spectrum of industries and experiences.
“It is a profound honor to host J-DAMMIT again,” said LJ Holmes, Executive Director for STORMWERX. “In the current global landscape, the challenge of maintaining national security is immense. Gatherings like J-DAMMIT let us not just glimpse the future but define it and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
One area with a greater focus this time around is immersive technology and its impact on the defense industry and advanced manufacturing. Organized by Harrisburg University’s eXtended Reality (XR) Taskforce, the immersive tech demos at J-DAMMIT 2024 will showcase the transformative power of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in real-world applications, including those most applicable to the defense industry who will be attending this second-annual conference.
“We’re not just showing what’s possible with immersive tech – we’re training the next generation of engineers and warfighters. The applications we see here today are being driven by real-world needs and are actively utilized by our students and faculty,” said Matthew Rissler, Corporate Faculty at HU for Advanced Manufacturing.
Underscoring the educational potential, Jennifer Mowery, Project Management Faculty, added, “Immersive technology is bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application. Our students are using these tools to build critical skills in decision-making, collaboration, and problem-solving – skills that are directly transferable to military and industrial settings.”
The XR demonstrations being offered at J-DAMMIT 2024 include:
3D Printing Lab & Exhibit Hall
Meta Quest 3
- Creative Command Station for Live Streaming and Collaboration. Showcasing 3D printing with live footage from Ukraine, Moldova, and Philippines, Gettysburg (KVG HQ) PA, USA, and Harrisburg University. Printing small trophies that will include the logos of KVG, J-DAMMIT, and Harrisburg University. Use Case: The goal is to advocate the provision of additive solutions for geographically dispersed customers through immersive technologies.
Robotics Lab: Autonomous Logistics & Support Operations
- Mimic System with Mobile UR Robot. Use Case: Autonomous robots completing logistical tasks such as resupply or reconnaissance in hazardous zones, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in the field.
Auditorium
Meta Quest 3
- The Virtual Command Hub with VR Labs by Tooling U-SME. Use Case: Military personnel can undergo immersive technical training for equipment repair and operational procedures, reducing the risk and cost of physical training environments.
- Tactical Ops Training with Engage/VictoryXR (VXRLabs). Use Case: A collaborative virtual space where military teams can run mission simulations or training exercises, no matter their geographic location, enhancing readiness and collaboration.
- Rapid Design Suite with ShapesXR. Use Case: Engineers can prototype and refine military equipment designs in real time, ensuring the swift development and adaptation of mission-critical assets.
- First Steps in Immersive Trainings with First Encounters/First Steps. Use Case: An introduction to VR training for new recruits, providing a safe environment for soldiers to familiarize themselves with immersive tech before mission-specific training.
Bigscreen Beyond
- Aerial Ops VR with VTOL VR. Use Case: Pilots can experience full flight simulations, ideal for training drone operators and fighter jet pilots in military operations.
Valve Index
- Urban Combat Simulator with Half-Life: Alyx. Use Case: Advanced VR combat training for soldiers preparing for urban operations, improving tactical decision-making in high-pressure environments.
- Mechanic Simulation Hub with VR Car Mechanic Simulator. Use Case: Military mechanics can learn complex vehicle repair techniques virtually, reducing downtime for mission-critical machinery and ensuring rapid deployment.
Vive Pro 2
- Virtual Reconnaissance Explorer with Brink Traveler. Use Case: Virtual exploration of geographic landscapes to aid in reconnaissance missions, allowing soldiers to explore potential mission environments without leaving base.
Vive Pro 2 and AR-15 Controller
- Tactical Weapons Training Arena with Contractors Showdown/Zero Caliber. Use Case: Simulated weapons training where soldiers can practice handling and teamwork in combat scenarios, critical for real-world battlefield preparedness.
Vive XR Elite
- Creative Command Station for MR Art and Streaming. Use Case: Real-time creation and streaming of military communications, maps, or mission briefings, aiding in strategic planning and public affairs.
Ultimately, this year’s J-DAMMIT event is poised to be a game-changer, offering attendees a firsthand look at the future of immersive technology while highlighting the essential role students play in its development. Hosted in Harrisburg University’s state-of-the-art research tower, this event is an opportunity to explore new technologies and see how education is shaping the future of defense, manufacturing, and scientific exploration. For more information about J-DAMMIT 2024, visit HarrisburgU.edu.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
