NSF-Future Manufacturing Data Challenge 

Predicting Laser Track Variation from Thermal Imaging

About

In modern manufacturing, the quality of a component is often shaped by real-time events during production. With advanced cameras and sensors, we can monitor these events as they unfold. The key challenge is turning these real-time observations into accurate predictions of a product’s final shape and quality.

The Challenge

This challenge explores whether we can predict the final quality of manufactured parts by watching them as they're made. It asks participants to connect thermal images showing heat patterns during a laser-etching process to the final shape and variations in the resulting product. 

In this two-week data challenge, participants are given a challenge prompt and a dataset, then asked to conduct their analysis, write a report, and submit it by the submission deadline. Selected finalists will be invited to present to a panel of judges during the virtual Final Event.

Start Date: July 13, 2026 

Submission Deadline: July 27, 2026

Finalist Presentations and Awarding  Event: July 31, 2026, 5 pm - 7 pm Central Time

Prize Money

• First Place: $1000

• Second Place: $500

• Third Place: $300

• Special Prizes:

  • Best Presentation: $100

  • Most Innovative Approach: $100

Registration

The registration deadline is July 10, 2026. Use the form below to submit your registration.

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