The Department of Defense, specifically the Navy, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop a hybrid digital twin framework aimed at enhancing the automated fiber placement (AFP) process for manufacturing composite structures. The primary objective is to create a physics-based and AI-driven digital twin system that improves manufacturing rates and quality while reducing the need for manual intervention in defect management. This initiative is critical for the aerospace industry, where efficient and high-quality composite manufacturing is essential for producing low-cost airframes. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on April 23, 2025, with applications due by May 21, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.