About Advance Manufacturing & Autonomous Systems
Advance Manufacturing & Autonomous Systems provides hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, robotics, CNC machining, 3D design, and digital production workflows. Developed in partnership with Earth Systems Management (ESM) and Earthstar.ai, the program prepares students and adults for high-demand technical careers on the Eastern Shore and beyond.
Our training combines real equipment, real projects, and industry standards to develop a workforce that is prepared for the future of digital manufacturing.
The National Workforce Gap
Across the United States, manufacturing faces a critical workforce shortage.
Research projects that 2.4 million skilled manufacturing positions may go unfilled by 2028, representing an estimated $2.5 trillion economic impact.
Modern manufacturing requires workers with digital skills in automation, robotics, data, and advanced technologies, skills that traditional classrooms have not always provided.
Advance Manufacturing & Autonomous Systems is designed to help close this gap locally by delivering hands-on, industry-aligned training to students, adults, and employers.
Upskilling & Continuous Learning
Today’s manufacturers require adaptive, lifelong learners.
Upskilling existing workers is proven to be more than three times more cost-effective than recruiting new hires, especially in digital manufacturing fields like:
- Robotics & collaborative automation
- Additive and subtractive manufacturing
- Digital workflows & predictive maintenance
- AI-enabled production processes
- Cybersecurity and integrated data systems
Advance Manufacturing & Autonomous Systems supports continuous learning through scalable, flexible training modules for all ages and experience levels — from high schoolers to mid-career workers.
County & Community Support
Our Mission
Our goal is to expand certificate-level advanced manufacturing training on the Eastern Shore so young adults and emerging workers can access livable-wage careers and create new opportunities in digital manufacturing. By building proficiency in 3D printing, CNC machining, robotics, and modern production technologies, we strengthen the region’s talent pipeline and support the innovative employers who depend on these critical skills. Through continued development of the digital automated manufacturing lab, we aim to empower more students, foster entrepreneurship, and drive the creation of new high-technology businesses on the Shore.
