The recent announcement of a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to Cal Poly Pomona marks a significant milestone in advancing artificial intelligence applications in smart manufacturing. The establishment of the Center for Research Advancement in Smart Manufacturing (CREST-RASM) aims to equip the next generation of engineers and scientists with essential skills in robotics, digital twin technology, and cybersecurity, thereby enhancing the academic pipeline for STEM education.