Advanced manufacturing companies utilize innovative and novel technologies to improve manufacturing products and processes. These technologies can encompass 3D printing, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Big Data applications, wearable devices, exoskeletons, augmented and virtual reality applications, enterprise resource planning software, warehouse management and inventory management. Spark Cognition, for example, creates AI/ML software that optimizes operations and finds new solutions to old problems related to analyzing complex data in the fields of defense tech, IoT and finance.