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The NAM’s creative shop, always on the cutting edge, is bringing you something new: a collaboration with PTC to showcase the digital transformation in manufacturing. Today, the NAM and PTC are launching a series of co-branded videos to show both manufacturers and the public what the future will look like.

Watch: Before we go any further, take a few minutes to watch the first video in this series. In it, robotics company Hirebotics talks about how PTC’s Onshape cloud-based system allows it to design innovative welding robots that can be directed by a smartphone—and hired out to whatever company needs them.

The background: Over the past year, PTC has become a more visible presence to NAM members as a national sponsor of the association, expanding the NAM’s support of manufacturers in the United States and helping companies capitalize on digital technologies.

But the origins of this collaboration go back further than that. This sponsorship is a continuation of NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons’ “2020 Vision,” which he outlined back in 2015. Timmons envisioned turning the NAM into a “one-stop shop” for manufacturers—in advocacy, workforce development, legal action, news and more. Now, with PTC’s help, the NAM is giving voice (and visuals) to the industry’s future in more ways.

And there’s more . . . This series isn’t the only product of the collaboration—PTC President and CEO Jim Heppelmann has lent his expertise to the NAM’s board meetings and Leading Edge events, most recently giving a keynote address at the virtual Leading Edge Supply Chain Forum. Those of you interested in the business implications of the internet of things, augmented reality and the emergence of SaaS-based industrial solutions won’t want to miss his appearances in the future.

PTC says: Mike DiTullio, PTC’s president of SaaS business and an NAM board member, said of the partnership, “By partnering with the NAM on the Makers Series, we hope to inspire manufacturers with stories of how software is empowering manufacturers to transform and drive outcomes never thought imaginable. We are proud to be a member of the NAM, and even more proud to support the manufacturers of America.”

The NAM says: Timmons said of the partnership, “Through the Makers Series, PTC is providing powerful thought leadership, showcasing the incredible technologies that define modern manufacturing. We’re grateful that they are sharing their expertise and sponsoring this exciting initiative. They have created a model that demonstrates what the NAM is capable of producing alongside our members.”