New Standardization Center of Excellence

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently awarded $15 million to establish a groundbreaking Standardization Center of Excellence focused on critical and emerging technologies (CETs). With the support of multiple partners from across the standards development ecosystem, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), this center will shape the future of standards for rapidly advancing fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated manufacturing.  

The Center of Excellence, led by ASTM International, aims to ensure the best industry standards remain at the forefront of global development. By emphasizing the importance of trustworthy, scientifically sound standards, the center aligns with the administration’s National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology. 

ASME’s participation in the center will ensure the best engineering practices are incorporated into the CET standards of the future. With a long history of setting the highest industry standards, ASME brings valuable expertise to the platform. ASME’s role as an initial partner at the Standardization Center of Excellence will help guarantee that future CET products are made with the highest standards of quality, safety, and interoperability.  

A key feature of the new center is its data-sharing hub, a centralized information resource that will provide ASME members with real-time access to the latest standards-related data. Streamlined access to CET standards setting data can help accelerate the standards-setting process and reduce the time needed to bring new standards to market. 

The new Standardization Center of Excellence will have far-reaching impacts across industries, including mechanical engineering. By ensuring clear, scientifically sound standards, new technologies can be safely incorporated into everyday life. Through the collaborative efforts of standards setting organizations like ASME and ASTM, the Standardization Center of Excellence is positioned to set a high bar in technology standards that promote an innovative and interconnected world.