LIFT, a DoD Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII), highlighted its Learning Labs with a digital virtual welding trainer at the Pentagon, July 8, 2025. The trainer and collaborative robot (cobot) aims to engage students and inspire them to pursue advanced manufacturing careers. The display was part of the DoD Manufacturing Technology Program’s (DoD ManTech) annual event, which includes exhibits and demonstrations across its portfolio. Under DoD ManTech, the MIIs work with public and private entities to provide a crucial link between research, development and the U.S. defense manufacturing sector.