A new Apple Manufacturing Academy has been announced by the company, launching in Detroit on August 19. The iPhone maker says it will offer free training in “smart manufacturing” for small and medium businesses from across the country. The initiative is working in partnership with Michigan State University, and will include Apple engineers among the trainers … The company made the announcement this morning: Apple will open its all-new Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit on Tuesday, August 19, with free programming to train and support American businesses, innovators, and manufacturers. The academy is part of Apple’s pledge to spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, and builds on the company’s long history of investment in American innovation and advanced manufacturing. “We’re thrilled to welcome companies from across the country to the Apple Manufacturing Academy starting next month,” said Sabih Khan, Apple’s chief operating officer. “Apple works with suppliers in all 50 states because we know advanced manufacturing is vital to American innovation and leadership. With this new programming, we’re thrilled to help even more businesses implement smart manufacturing so they can unlock amazing opportunities for their companies and our country.” While the program is hosted in Detroit, it will be open to US businesses across the country. The US manufacturing sector has been in decline for a great many years, as American companies have struggled to compete with cheaper and more efficient production in countries like China. Apple believes that “smart manufacturing” – incorporating AI into the production process – can be part of the solution. Sessions will focus on machine learning and deep learning in manufacturing; automation in the product manufacturing industry; leveraging manufacturing data to improve product quality; applying digital technologies to enhance operations; and more. Companies won’t necessarily need to travel to Detroit to benefit from Apple’s expertise: the company says it is already offering consulting services to US companies, and these include virtual appointments which can take place anywhere. Apple is also helping companies develop other manufacturing skills, with project management and manufacturing process optimization training to follow later in the year. The move is likely in part motivated by trying to appease the Trump administration, which has criticized it for not making iPhones in the US – something experts have said is impossible because the skills don’t exist at the required scale. Companies can register their interest here. Highlighted accessories Photo: Apple