“Vitality in the Valley is bringing new energy to the Mohawk Valley business community.”

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Incodema3D to add further 14 EOS metal AM machines

“The investment is expected to support Incodema3D’s expansion across defence, energy and other industrial markets as it continues to scale production of metal Additive Manufacturing components.”

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Officials aim to uplift Broome County by reinvigorating the industry that defined its past

“New York is gearing up to become a global semiconductor hub.”

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Norsk Titanium earns Nadcap accreditation for additive manufacturing

“Nadcap is the industry’s benchmark for special-process accreditation and allows OEMs and their Tier 1 suppliers to fast-track supplier audits.”

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When a small-to-medium sized manufacturer decides to automate operations, there’s an important question to ask and answer.  What type of automation is the best fit? For many companies, the choice looks like a fork in the road.

One path takes you to collaborative robots, or cobots. They’re flexible, easy-to-deploy, and are designed to work safely beside people. The other path is traditional industrial automation. It’s built for speed, precision, and high-volume output.

Both can transform a production line, but they solve different problems and require different levels of commitment. This article from FuzeHub is designed to help guide your decision making, and we encourage you to contact our Manufacturer Solutions Program to discuss your specific situation.

The Case for Cobots

Collaborative robots have surged in popularity because they lower the barrier to entry for automation. They’re designed to be approachable – literally. Cobots are lighter and slower than traditional automation, but they’re equipped with force‑limiting joints and sensors that allow them to operate safely near human workers.

For manufacturers with high‑mix, low‑volume production, this flexibility can be a game‑changer. For example, a cobot can tend a CNC machine in the morning and pack finished parts in the afternoon. Often, programming is performed through hand‑guiding or teach pendants. That means you don’t need a full-time robotics specialist to keep a cobot running.

Do you need automation that can be installed quickly, adapted easily, or operated safely in a tight space? Then a cobot might be a practical and cost‑effective investment. They aren’t built for speed, but cobots excel at consistency, reliability, and filling labor gaps that are hard-to-staff. Plus, they’re a great choice for ergonomically risky operations.

Where Traditional Automation Wins

Traditional industrial automation remains the backbone of high‑volume manufacturing. That’s because systems like six-axis industrial robots are engineered for speed, payload capacity, and precision. They require cages, machine guarding, and more complex integration, but they can provide unmatched throughput in return.

Does your plan run the same part or product for years at a time? Is cycle-time the main driver of your profitability? Then a traditional robot is probably a better investment. Industrial robots can lift hundreds of pounds and repeat the same motion with near‑perfect accuracy. Plus, they integrate into automated work cells with conveyors, vision systems, and computer-controlled tooling.

For stamping, injection molding, palletizing, welding, and other heavy‑duty industrial applications, traditional automation is still the gold standard. The upfront costs are higher, and deployment takes longer, but the long‑term return on investment (ROI) is often better for stable, high‑volume operations.

Finding the Right Fit

Cobots vs. traditional automation doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. In fact, many manufacturers use both. Cobots handle the flexible, operator‑adjacent tasks that benefit from human oversight, while traditional robots handle the high‑volume, high‑speed parts of the line. You need the right tool for the job, and automation can be a layered strategy instead of a single decision.

As automation continues to evolve, the question isn’t whether to automate, but how to do it in a way that aligns with your production mix, workforce strategy, and long‑term goals. Whether you choose cobots, traditional automation, or a hybrid approach, the right solution is the one that helps your plant run safer, faster, and more competitively in a demanding manufacturing landscape.

As the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NYMEP) center, FuzeHub can put you in touch with automation experts who are ready to help. Don’t wait to take the first step.  Request a consultation with our Manufacturer Solutions Program today.

“The research conducted at the complex covers a range of emerging semiconductor technologies, such as advanced logic processes, advanced packaging, memory, heterogeneous integration, quantum-integrated photonics and more.”

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Barilla expanding New York facility

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GlobalFoundries to expand manufacturing in Vermont, New York

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“Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated National Small Business Month, which occurs each May, by highlighting New York State’s ongoing commitment to supporting its small business community.”

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USDA ISO9001 and AS9100 Certification Assistance Grants

Train, Develop, Optimize (TDO), the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) center for Central New York, can help rural-based, New York State companies with ISO9001 and AS9100 certification. TDO is administering funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and qualifying companies can receive $3000 toward offsetting the costs associated with certification.

Visit NY MEP to learn more about this program, or click here to apply. If you’re not sure whether your company is eligible, use USDA’s Rural Development Eligibility Lookup Tool. Your business doesn’t have to be in Central New York, but you must be rural-based and in New York State. DLS Quality Management of Liverpool, New York will provide the ISO9001 and AS9100 certification services.

Why ISO 9001 and AS9100 Certification Matter

For small-to-medium manufacturers who are serious about growth, proof of operational excellence isn’t optional. ISO 9001 is the world’s most widely recognized quality management standard and applies to every industry. AS9100 builds on ISO9001 but adds strict requirements specific to aerospace manufacturing. It also applies to the defense supply chain.

Certification isn’t just about winning new business. The right quality management system (QMS) improves your internal efficiency. Companies that achieve ISO9001 or AS9100 certification don’t just hang certificates on the wall and update their marketing materials. They report stronger communication, fewer production bottlenecks, and a significant reduction in operational errors.

Apply Today

Grant programs like this are designed to keep small-to-medium manufacturers competitive. If you’re delaying ISO9001 or AS9100 certification when an award opportunity like this is available, you’re leaving money on the table. Visit NY MEP to learn more about the USDA ISO9001 and AS9100 Certification Assistance Grants, and click here to apply.

“Regional Council Capital Fund Award Supports 15,000-Square-Foot Expansion in Ulster County.”

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Alstom opens $75m manufacturing plant in Hornell, New York

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Pasta Giant to Expand Western New York Plant

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Rudin’s career didn’t start in the medical sector. When the pandemic began, she was manufacturing a hemp-blend fabric diaper that Sandy Beck, her mother and the founder of Tidy Tots Diapers, had invented. But when New York State issued a call for help, Rudin answered. What she saw shocked her. Materials that were used as PPE “didn’t look to me like they should work as PPE,” she recalls.

This sparked her deeper investigation into the market for medical isolation gowns, protective garments worn by healthcare workers to prevent exposure to fluids, droplets, and contaminants during patient care. These gowns are made from fluid-resistant or fluid-impermeable materials, come in disposable and reusable forms, and are classified by performance levels.

As people around the world grappled with gravest pandemic since the “Spanish flu” of 1918 – 1920, Rudin learned that medical isolation gowns had remained largely unchanged since the 1960s. She also discovered a system in crisis – and a market that was ripe for reinvention.

Understanding The Problem

Most disposable gowns are made of thin, non-breathable plastic that’s subject to tearing and causes worker discomfort from overheating. Many of these gowns fail basic performance standards such as AAMI PB70, which evaluates liquid barrier performance. The Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI), an independent non-profit organization, found that over half the gowns they tested failed.

Later, the ECRI listed isolation gowns as one of the top four hazards in healthcare. Subsequently, Scientific American and Kaiser Health News reported that disposable gowns were leaking 400% to 1400% more fluid than allowed. Rudin studied this research, but she also performed her own in-depth customer discovery through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) I-Corps program.

Nurses and doctors told her how they felt unsafe. One said they’d “rather be wearing a garbage bag” than their hospital-issued gown. Nearly 90% of registered nurses are women, but most isolation gowns were designed for men. Ill-fitting gowns are uncomfortable, but they’re also less effective for protection. Plus, the thin plastic that’s used requires disposal, a cost that hospitals would prefer to avoid.

Creating a better gown wasn’t just an opportunity. It was also a responsibility. Drawing upon her experience with textiles, Rudin adapted Tidy Tots’ diaper material into a reusable, breathable, lab-certified isolation gown that can withstand 300 industrial washes. “IsoGuardian is a revolutionary product redefining safety, savings, and comfort for medical professionals,” she explains.

Overcoming Adversity and Getting “Explosive” Results

IsoGuardian’s early days weren’t exactly easy. The company contended with a fraudulent lease and a landlord who didn’t really own the building. There were also a series of unfortunate events, including a catastrophic roof failure that flooded the facility, destroying equipment and inventory. Pipes froze. The county condemned the building and locked its doors. Rudin’s team couldn’t even recover their materials. “COVID was a nightmare,” she says.

Yet amid the chaos, she secured small grants, refined her manufacturing process, and developed a proprietary three‑step seam‑construction method. The seam is so advanced that the machine needed to make it doesn’t exist yet. IsoGuardian has since filed patents on both the seam and the process. In overcoming adversity, the company also forged valuable relationships.

After its early struggles, IsoGuardian found a home at the STEAM Garden, a business incubator in Albany, New York with maker spaces. The company also became part of the incubator at Albany Medical Center. There, IsoGuardian learned to navigate the complexities of entering a regulated medical market. A two-week clinical pilot provided what Rudin calls “explosive” results.

IsoGuardian collected 148 surveys about its isolation gown across four departments at Albany Medical Center. Nearly all the respondents said they felt safe while wearing it. Moreover, 91% said the gown was easy to use and 88% said it was comfortable. The strong, positive feedback from the pilot study led to IsoGuardian and Albany Med to bypass the second pilot phase and move towards conversations about potential use on a larger scale.

Connecting with FuzeHub to Scale Growth

IsoGuardian also connected with FuzeHub, the statewide center for the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP). In 2024, the company participated in FuzeHub’s prestigious Commercialization Competition, which is part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund. IsoGuardian was awarded $50,000 to scale production and bring its medical isolation gown to market.

In the United States, the market for reusable gowns is valued at over $2B. At FuzeHub’s Commercialization Competition, the judges were impressed by how IsoGuardian’s gown combined a substantial cost savings with superior safety and environmental responsibility. Healthcare providers want innovative solutions, but the startups that create them also need assistance.

“I am a solo entrepreneur,” Rudin explained. “I move mountains, but I would be nowhere without community support – and especially FuzeHub.”

A Gown That Performs Where Others Fail

IsoGuardian’s performance data proves the value of its solution. For example, the gown’s rated water penetration is 0.01 g. That’s time times better than the 0.1 g minimum. Competing reusable gowns can withstand ~1 pound of hydrostatic pressure, but the IsoGuardian gown withstands a whopping 67+ pounds of pressure. It has significantly greater tear and burst strength and is also breathable.

Hospital purchasing departments like the return on investment (ROI). An IsoGuardian gown costs $45, but it lasts for 300 uses. That makes the all in per-use cost just $0.38 to $0.88, depending on the laundering method. By contrast, single-use disposable plastic gowns of the same level cost $1.46 to $2.97 each. For a large hospital system using 60,000 gowns per month, the savings can exceed $100,000 monthly.

The environmental impact is also dramatic. A single IsoGuardian gown can replace 300 disposable plastic products. Over the course of five years, this reduces hospital waste by 65,000 tons. To put that amount in perspective, consider that this projected waste reduction is equivalent to 289 Statues of Liberty by weight and volume.

That’s an appropriate analogy for the Empire State, and Rudin seeks to supply most of New York State’s medical isolation gowns within the next two years. Long-term, she envisions expanding the business into Level 4 gowns, the highest level of protective apparel for healthcare professionals. IsoGuardian is also aiming for FDA Class II medical device compliance for using the gown in surgery.

“We’re laying the foundation of a house we think is going to be massive and long‑standing,” she explains. “It’s not just about today—it’s about tomorrow.”

“The tech center will help usher in a new era for hands-on engineering education.”

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NYCEDC Announces New Tenants at Brooklyn Army Terminal and MADE Bush Terminal, further Cementing Sunset Park as Hub for Manufacturing, Innovation, And Jobs

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This article distills an in-depth interview with Dr. Satyavolu “Pops” Papa Rao, Senior Director of Emerging Technologies and Research at NY Creates in Albany, New York. Pops holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and leads work on fabrication of quantum devices at NY Creates, a non-profit organization that owns and operates the Albany NanoTech Complex – North America’s largest, most advanced public-private semiconductor research R&D facility, conducting R&D in areas ranging from semiconductors, quantum technologies, advanced memory, integrated photonics, devices for neuromorphic computing and AI, advanced packaging and Heterogeneous Integration (HI), and more.

The goals for this article are simple: explain what quantum computing is, why it matters, and where it might realistically impact manufacturing in the coming decade. FuzeHub would like to thank Pops for making this possible.

What Makes Quantum Computing Different?

To understand quantum computing, it helps to start with how today’s computers work. Classical computers, as they’re known, use transistors to process data as binary digits (bits). In turn, each bit is set to either 0 (off) or 1 (on) to align with the physical, two-state nature of electronic hardware. From CNC controllers to shop floor PCs, today’s digital devices depend on this binary system.

Quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) instead. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in multiple states. In other words, qubits can exist not just as 0s or 1s, but also as a mixture of both. “A coin toss provides an analogy,” Pops says. A coin lying flat is like a classical bit with heads (0) on one side and or tails (1) on the other. A coin spinning in the air is temporarily both heads and tails.

That’s also a good way to visualize superposition, a principle of quantum mechanics that describes how subatomic particles like electrons can exist in multiple states or locations simultaneously. Quantum computers also use quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where two qubits become linked so tightly that changing one instantly affects the other, regardless of space. “These two qubits are joined together as one entangled object.” Pops explains, “even if they’re far apart.”

Why is Quantum Computing a Breakthrough?

Superposition and entanglement give quantum computing its power and access to much greater computational capabilities. That’s why these computers have the potential to solve certain problems far more quickly than classical systems. Yet quantum computing isn’t “faster” in the traditional sense. Rather, it’s a fundamentally different way of processing information that still involves algorithms: sequences of rules or instructions for solving a problem or completing a task.

Quantum computing’s most famous algorithm is Shor’s algorithm, which can factor very large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers. Shor’s algorithm matters because today’s encryption techniques depend on how classical computers would need millions of years to crack the encryption. Other quantum algorithms offer polynomial speedups, computational improvements with potential applications such as logistics resource and financial portfolio risk optimization or the modeling of physical processes.

Quantum Computing Today: Real Machines, Real Progress

Quantum computing is not hypothetical. In fact, there’s a machine in the Capital Region. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, has an IBM Q System One. IBM debuted the world’s first integrated quantum system for commercial and scientific use at the CES Show back in 2019. But that doesn’t mean this technology is ready to solve the thorniest problems facing small-to-medium manufacturers.

“It’s been said that people always underestimate the impact of technology in the long term and overestimate it over the near term,” Pops notes. Today, IBM is joined by Google, and a host of smaller players and startups who are advancing competing quantum technologies. There isn’t a clear winner yet, but the impact in the next decade or two could be profound. Just as silicon carbide (SiC) was once a niche research topic, SiC semiconductors now power electric vehicles and LED lighting.

Where Quantum Computing Could Impact Manufacturing

There are four principal areas where quantum computing could eventually improve manufacturing:

• Process optimization
• Fluid dynamics and aerodynamics
• Materials discovery and simulation
• Energy efficiency

Quantum computers are well-suited to solving optimization problems because they can explore many possible solutions simultaneously. That’s why Wall Street firms are using them to explore portfolio optimization. For example, Goldman Sachs has developed and deployed quantum algorithms that could allow the firm to price financial instruments at quantum speeds. In financial markets, computing speed is a tremendous advantage.

Someday, small-to-medium manufacturers could use quantum computers to solve problems such as how to route parts, schedule production, minimize downtime, and allocate limited resources. Simulating fluid flow is another potential application. Aerospace, automotive, turbomachinery, chemical processing, and semiconductor crystal manufacturers could all benefit since even small improvements in simulation accuracy can lead to major gains in performance and efficiency.

Materials discovery and simulation may be the most transformative long-term application. Quantum computers are inherently suited to simulating things like the behavior of electrons in materials. That could accelerate the discovery of new alloys and high-performance polymers. It could also lead to stronger composites, better magnets, more efficient catalysts, and advanced battery chemistries. “You need a quantum computer in order to simulate nature,” Pops explains.

Today’s quantum computers are too small to simulate anything beyond simple molecules like water and lithium hydride, but there’s steady progress on multiple fronts. That includes reducing the energy footprint of data centers that use artificial intelligence (AI) for applications like automation and simulation. Pops cautions against the “hype” surrounding quantum computing, but he foresees advances that could help manufacturers of all sizes in the 10 years.

What Can Manufacturers Expect in the Next Decade?

There are three main areas were manufacturers can expect to see progress in the shorter-term.

• Early quantum-inspired optimization tools that run on classical computing hardware but borrow ideas from quantum algorithms.
• Hybrid-quantum-classical workflows where certain steps of a simulation or optimization problem are offloaded to small quantum processors.
• Improvements in materials R&D pipelines that use quantum-enhanced simulation.

There are also three areas where major advances won’t happen in the next decade.

• Fully quantum-driven factories
• Large-scale materials simulation
• Real-time quantum control of manufacturing equipment

“Those require systems that are larger and more stable than what exists today,” Pops says. “The most likely future,” he adds, “are hybrid systems that combine multiple qubit types for functions such as memory, communication, or computation.”

What Should Manufacturers Do Now?

Quantum computing isn’t ready for prime-time, but manufacturers who wait to start learning, experimenting, and preparing risk falling behind the competition. “Now is the time to build internal expertise,” Pops suggests. Practical steps include:

• Identifying optimization problems that could benefit from quantum approaches
• Partnering with R&D centers, universities, or national labs
• Exploring quantum‑inspired algorithms
• Training engineers in quantum fundamentals
• Monitoring developments in materials simulation

Quantum computing may never replace classical computing, but examining a new tool that will eventually sit alongside today’s systems could give you an edge.

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As a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing manufacturing and technology innovation, FuzeHub helps small and mid-sized manufacturers move forward at every stage of growth. From startups developing their first prototype to established manufacturers scaling operations, FuzeHub connects companies with the funding, expertise, partnerships, and resources that they need to succeed.

But what truly drives FuzeHub goes beyond programs and services.

Manufacturing Has the Power to Transform Communities

At FuzeHub, we believe manufacturing is one of the strongest catalysts for long-term economic growth and community impact.

Our purpose is simple but powerful: to empower, guide, and connect New York State manufacturers — especially those just starting out — so that bold ideas become businesses, jobs are created, and economic strength endures for generations.

Every company supported, every partnership formed, and every innovation accelerated contributes to something larger: a stronger, more resilient manufacturing ecosystem across New York State.

Turning Ideas Into Growth

FuzeHub acts as a lightning rod for New York’s innovation ecosystem, bringing together manufacturers, researchers, investors, technology experts, and support organizations to help companies overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities.

Through high-impact programs, funding opportunities, industry events, and strategic connections, FuzeHub helps businesses navigate critical stages of growth, including:

• Product development, design, and engineering
• Prototyping, testing, and materials selection
• Research and technology development
• Scaling from prototype to production
• Sales, marketing, and commercialization strategies
• Access to funding opportunities
• Strategic partnerships and technical expertise

Whether a company is developing an advanced material, launching a hardware-enabled startup, or modernizing manufacturing operations, FuzeHub helps turn ambition into measurable success. Learn more about FuzeHub’s programs here.

A Trusted Partner Across New York’s Innovation Ecosystem

What makes FuzeHub unique is not just what we do — it’s how we do it.

FuzeHub combines deep ecosystem knowledge with a highly responsive statewide network and hands-on support that manufacturers can trust. Years of experience working directly with New York State manufacturers and innovation assets have allowed us to build meaningful relationships and practical expertise that deliver real results.

FuzeHub’s approach is rooted in three core values:

• Leading with good faith, responsiveness, and hard work
• Guiding with expertise, innovation, and adaptability
• Connecting people to the right resources at the right time

These principles shape every program, event, and interaction.

Creating Opportunities Through Programs and Events

FuzeHub is also known for developing innovative programs and industry-focused initiatives that create meaningful connections and accelerate emerging technologies.

From manufacturing grants and commercialization competitions to industry-specific solutions forums and annual events like the NYS Innovation Summit, FuzeHub creates opportunities for collaboration and growth throughout the state.

As Dr. Everton H. Henriques, Director of Manufacturing and Technology Initiatives at FuzeHub, explains:

“FuzeHub helps small to medium sized NY manufacturers grow and succeed by providing them with the technology and innovative solutions they need. We do this through connections to NYS’ vast network of technology, funding and innovation assets. In addition, we create programs and targeted events that provide one-on-one access to needed resources. We promote and lead bold new technology ideas for tomorrow’s products, such as our Advanced Materials initiative, Innovation Challenge, Commercialization Competition and upcoming Glass4Chips Summit, just to name a few. Such is the power of FuzeHub to enhance economic development in NYS through manufacturing and innovation! https://fuzehub.com/manufacturing-services/ is your gateway to success!”

FuzeHub continues to position New York State at the forefront of emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing.

Building the Future of Manufacturing in New York

FuzeHub envisions a future where manufacturing leads New York State’s next era of innovation and prosperity — where bold ideas are supported by the right resources, expertise, and connections to create thriving communities for generations to come.

For startups, manufacturers, technology companies, and ecosystem partners alike, FuzeHub serves as both a guide and a connector — helping companies move from concept to commercialization while strengthening the state’s manufacturing economy.

At the heart of it all is a simple belief: when manufacturers succeed, communities thrive.

To learn more about FuzeHub’s programs, services, and upcoming opportunities, visit FuzeHub Manufacturing Services.