Wayne State and Kyndryl Team Up to Revolutionize AI in Manufacturing for Detroit's Workforce

Wayne State University and Kyndryl Join Forces

In an exciting development for the Detroit manufacturing sector, Wayne State University has officially partnered with Kyndryl, one of the leading providers in enterprise technology services. This collaboration, announced on January 13, 2026, will lead to the establishment of the IntelliMake research hub at Wayne State’s James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering. The goal is to pioneer advancements in AI-driven manufacturing and workforce innovation in the heart of Detroit.

The IntelliMake initiative is poised to create a pilot-scale factory on campus where intelligent and autonomous AI manufacturing technologies will be tested and demonstrated. Both Wayne State and Kyndryl plan to co-develop AI demonstrations and projects that will not only enhance manufacturing capabilities but also prepare the next generation of skilled workers equipped to handle the complexities of modern industries.

The Importance of AI in Industrial Transformation

As highlighted in Kyndryl's 2025 Readiness Report, the majority of industry leaders recognize that AI will significantly transform job roles in the near future. However, only a fraction of the current workforce feels adequately prepared for these changes. This partnership aims to bridge that gap by providing hands-on experience and specialized training in agentic AI for manufacturing processes. This practical training will allow participants to address common customer challenges and explore real-world solutions that extend beyond mere prototypes.

Onofrio Pirrotta, Kyndryl’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director, emphasized the need for innovation in manufacturing processes, noting that many operations remain stuck in rigid, outdated practices. The IntelliMake project seeks to replace these obsolete systems by creating resilient, people-centered models that integrate human expertise alongside technology. This approach not only aims to empower workers and enhance production efficiencies but also showcases the potential of the next generation of technologies.

A Vision for the Future

As an R1 research institution, Wayne State is situated in a region rich in manufacturing history and is uniquely positioned to address challenges facing both the industry and its workforce. Dr. Ali Abolmaali, dean of the engineering college, commented on how IntelliMake reflects the university's commitment to advancing education and engineering practices. The endeavor plans to harness advanced computing and modular orchestration to show how intelligent agents can help detect, adapt to, and recover from disruptions in manufacturing processes.

During the initial phase of the project, the autonomous assembly line is expected to demonstrate significant benefits, including reduced waste and improved product quality. With platforms like Kyndryl Bridge integrated into the infrastructure, monitoring and management of the assembly line will be streamlined, showcasing efficient operations in real time.

Positioning Detroit at the Forefront of Smart Manufacturing

The overarching mission of IntelliMake is to elevate Detroit’s status in the rapidly evolving landscape of smart manufacturing, projected to be a $10 trillion industry. Artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital twins will play key roles in creating the optimized, reconfigurable factories of the future, allowing Michigan to remain competitive, innovative, and a leader in manufacturing advancements.

This partnership ultimately highlights a crucial shift in industrial practices, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that combines research, industry collaboration, and workforce development. With efforts coordinated across various departments at Wayne State, including the Office of the Provost and the Division of Research and Innovation, the foundation for impactful discoveries and their translation into practical industrial applications is firmly established.

For further insights into the collaboration between Wayne State University and Kyndryl, visit the university's official website at wayne.edu and learn how this transformative initiative is setting the stage for the next generation of manufacturers and innovators in Detroit and beyond.