YKK AP America Inc., based in Atlanta, has opened a research and development (R&D) center situated on the third floor of Mill 19 Building A in Pittsburgh.
The R&D initiatives will be centered around harnessing cutting-edge technologies to create new construction installation techniques, enhancing efficiency, and quality both within YKK AP and the industry at large. The company plans to develop a virtual factory to enhance efficiencies in the production and installation of windows and doors. Additionally, YKK AP plans to improve logistics and global management systems.
“Our goal as an organization is to improve construction productivity and quality through the research and development of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality technologies,” says Fukada Shiori, chief digital officer, YKK AP Technologies Lab Inc. “The advent of new technologies presents an opportunity for true innovation and the ability to fill crucial gaps presented by the ongoing skilled labor shortage.
“Pittsburgh has continued to evolve into a core technology hub in the U.S. We’re excited to be in the center of the innovation taking place at Mill 19 and look forward to bringing continued transformation to the region and to the industry as a whole,” says Shiori.
