Fri.Aug 30, 2024

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Rethink Robotics Re-emerges

Gary Mintchell

Remember the cute and ground-breaking collaborative robots that pioneered the space—Baxter and Sawyer? I wrote about Rethink Robotics in March and November of 2015. The company closed in 2018 0r 2019 and many employees wound up at Universal Robotics. The company’s assets wound up in Germany at the HAHN group. Time has passed. The market blossomed and then consolidated.

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1X unveils NEO Beta as it prepares to deploy humanoids into home pilots

Robotics Business Review

When will humanoid robots be ready for household chores? While many robotics experts take a long view on the topic, 1X Technologies AS today unveiled the NEO Beta prototype of its humanoid as it prepares for pilot deployments in select homes later this year. The company has been working on humanoids for more than a decade and has been an innovator since the introduction of the EVE robot, a predecessor to NEO, in 2017.

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Deep Learning-Based Part Detection for Machine Tending Cobots 

Gary Mintchell

Speaking of robotics and collaborative robotics—my last post mentioned Universal Robots. The company is alive and well as a part of a conglomerate since 2017. UR leaps on the AI bandwagon at IMTS announcing an AI-powered machine tending solution. This enables faster batch changeovers by eliminating the need for fixtures. Universal Robots (UR) recently surveyed 1,200 manufacturers across North America and Europe about their use of technology and future investment plans, over 50% of the respondent

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RoboBusiness to discuss autonomy challenges in mobile robotics

Robotics Business Review

It’s predicted that by 2030, over 1 million mobile robots will be in the field. However, implementation is still complex and the cost of robot downtime is estimated to range from $1,000 to $10,000 per minute. With AI and SLAM systems struggling with real-world variability, what are the real challenges in understanding the total cost of ownership? For mobile robots to be feasible and improve operational efficiency, customers need performance in real-world environments at an acceptable cost.

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How To Set Up Innovation So That It Aligns With And Enables Corporate Strategy

Speaker: Paul Heller

Most innovation work proceeds independently from company strategy. As a result, the products that arrive in the market are not well aligned with the company’s goals. This challenge is particularly significant in organizations with transformation-oriented strategies, where innovation must directly support growth, scalability, and strategic pivots. In this session, we will discuss why innovation in large companies is so often not aligned with the company’s strategy and what innovation leaders, pro

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Governments partnering to boost innovation in food mfg. and production

Canadian Manufacturing

TORONTO – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $22.6 million, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), to expand production capacity and boost energy efficiency in the agriculture and food sector. The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative is supporting 319 farming and agri-food businesses to help them invest in innovative technology, equipment or processes that will expand production capacity or enhance efficiency.

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Build A Low-Cost 32-bit PLC | OpenPLC and the ESP32 Microcontroller

Control.com

Besides using a Raspberry Pi or an Arduino Uno, a low-cost PLC can be built using the popular ESP32 microcontroller. The OpenPLC software supports this popular 32-bit platform.

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Intercity battery train starts testing in North of England

Manufacturing Management

Hitachi Rail’s intercity battery train began testing on the national rail network earlier this week, RailUK reported.

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Caster Concepts adds advanced engineering area to Michigan facility

The Fabricator

Caster Concepts, a manufacturer of heavy-duty casters and industrial caster wheels, has expanded operations at its Albion, Mich., facility to include a 3,000-sq.-ft. advanced engineering area.

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OWGP launches new £2m support programme for UK manufacturing facilities

Manufacturing Management

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has launched its new Manufacturing Facility Support Programme (MFSP), targeted at unlocking investments in UK manufacturing facilities to support the growth of the offshore wind sector.

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Guide to Agile Manufacturing and Its Advantages

Forward-thinking manufacturers are recognizing the limitations of traditional project management and quality control methods. For modern companies seeking to accelerate product development cycles and increase their speed to market, adopting agile methodology is becoming increasingly essential.

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Safer, more productive steel handling while optimizing storage with Combilift

The Fabricator

Combilift has been helping businesses enhance safety, and productivity for steel-handling operations while increasing storage since 1998. Visit us at Fabtech (#S26059) for live demonstrations of Combi-AGT, world's first autonomous sideloaderandCombi-CB155E, shortest 15,000lbs counterbalance forklift in the market! More Information.

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Hyundai unveils plan to launch 21 fully electric vehicles by 2030

E&T

During its CEO Investor Day on Wednesday, Hyundai Motor Company revealed how it plans to launch 21 electric vehicle (EV) models by 2030, ranging from affordable to luxury and high-performance models.

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Paul Mueller Co. plans $22 million expansion in Missouri

The Fabricator

Paul Mueller Co., a manufacturer of stainless steel tanks, components, and equipment, will expand in Springfield, Mo., investing $22 million and creating 133 jobs.

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Polyurethane Vehicle Battery Cover Slashes Weight

Plastics Today

Covestro and Chinese Tier 1 collaborate in development of cost-effective battery pack that reduces weight by more than half compared with conventional metal-based products.

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A Journey to Efficiency & Excellence in Manufacturing

Foundation Wellness, an orthotic and foot care product leader, transformed its manufacturing by implementing the Manufacturing Execution System FORCE MES FLEX from FORCAM ENISCO. Previously hindered by manual data collection, the company needed more efficiency and a proactive approach. Adopting an MES enhanced data visibility and enabled data-driven decision-making.

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UK’s first intercity battery-powered train begins passenger testing

E&T

The first battery-powered train to run on UK tracks has begun testing on routes from York to Manchester Airport and Leeds to Liverpool Lime Street.

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CME warns TFW program changes could exacerbate Canada’s manufacturing labour shortage

Automation Mag

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) released a statement sharing its concerns about the changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Program announced by the federal government recently. CME notes that by restricting access to TFWs, the government risks exacerbating the labour shortages facing Canada’s industrial economy. As recently as May 2024, there were 37,600 unfilled positions in Canada’s manufacturing sector.

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Mantle Stainless Steel Enables 3D Printing of Precision Tooling

Modern Machine Shop

Source: Mantle Inc. Mantle has announced the release of its 420 Stainless Steel material. This material addition improves toolmaking processes, enhancing speed and efficiency while reducing labor requirements, which is beneficial in industries such as medical that require corrosion-resistant tooling. Mantle’s 420 Stainless Steel is chemically equivalent to traditional 420 stainless steel, which is known for its high strength, hardness, corrosion resistance and polishability.

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PrairiesCan allocates $15.6M to 16 Alberta projects for business growth and technological advancement

Automation Mag

The Government of Canada, through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is investing $15.6 million in 16 projects across Alberta to support businesses to innovate, grow and compete globally. According to a PrairiesCan press statement, the funds will allow innovators access to specialized equipment and knowledge to test, refine, and commercialize their advanced products and technologies.

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Advanced Traceability: Implementing Reliable, Compliant Tracking in Manufacturing

The rising complexity of today’s complex hardware products, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing processes has introduced an increased risk for companies. In the event of a defect, recall, or customer complaint, manufacturers must quickly identify and trace the affected parts and components, including their maintenance, installation, and purchase history – back to the purchase order.

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Industry First: AI, Machine Learning Computer Vision for Arc Welding of Pipe

Fabricating & Metal Work

Novarc Technologies Inc., a full-stack robotics company specializing in the design and manufacturing of cobots and computer vision AI for automated welding applications, announced today the company has launched NovEye Autonomy (Gen 2) , a real-time vision processing system that constantly improves weld quality based on data collection and model enhancement to fully automate the pipe welding process while maximizing productivity and delivering the highest quality welds.

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Merck Canada appoints David D. Jones as new President and Managing Director

Canadian Manufacturing

David D. Jones (CNW Group/Merck Canada Inc.) KIRKLAND — Merck Canada appoints David D. Jones as president and Managing Director, effective September 1, 2024. Jones is succeeding Marwan A. Akar, who has held the position since June 2021. Before his appointment at Merck Canada, Jones was VP and executive officer of primary care, specialty medicines, vaccines and rare disease for MSD Japan.

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FANUC’s New Control Series with 5-axis Integrated Technology to Support Modern Machining

Fabricating & Metal Work

Global industrial automation leader FANUC America takes the machining world to the next level with the new FANUC Series 500 i -A CNC. This new control series advances machine performance with 5-axis integrated technology and supports both machine tool builders and CNC users with their evolving needs including easier operations, more security and optimized efficiency.

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Carlsberg launches a rosé beer

Canadian Manufacturing

TORONTO — Carlsberg announces the launch of a new product in the Canadian market with their rosé beer. In what they call the season of pink drinks, 1664 Rosé is a wheat beer that reportedly has hints of citrus, peach, and subtle notes of coriander. This beer is an iteration of their 1664 Blanc. “It’s the best of two beloved and sophisticated libations: a beautiful glass of rosé and a refreshing, premium beer.

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Provide Real Value in Your Applications with Data and Analytics

The complexity of financial data, the need for real-time insight, and the demand for user-friendly visualizations can seem daunting when it comes to analytics - but there is an easier way. With Logi Symphony, we aim to turn these challenges into opportunities. Our platform empowers you to seamlessly integrate advanced data analytics, generative AI, data visualization, and pixel-perfect reporting into your applications, transforming raw data into actionable insights.

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KUKA Robotics to Showcase Advanced Solutions for Packaging and Processing at Pack Expo International

Fabricating & Metal Work

Automation solution provider Technica International will use a KR IONTEC in the booth to demonstrate depalletizing open-top cardboard can trays. The cell’s KR 70 R2100 IONTEC has a maximum reach of 2,101 mm and a rated payload of 70 kg that can subsequently be adjusted even after mounting. Highlighting speed, versatility and flexibility for the packaging and processing industry, KUKA Robotics will feature four innovative robotics cells at PACK EXPO International, Nov. 3-6, at McCormick Place in

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The Beer Store unveils new partnerships and investments

Canadian Manufacturing

BOLTON — The Beer Store unveils partnerships and investments in response to evolving regulations in Ontario’s beverage alcohol marketplace. The company has expanded its distribution network to accommodate increasing grocery and convenience store customers. Currently, nearly 4,000 convenience store locations have been integrated, with plans to add up to 10,000 new points of sale soon.

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How Cisco AACPC Partner IP Consulting Transformed IT for Lowell Light and Power

Cisco Smart Manufacturing

Lowell Light & Power combats cyber threats with Cisco and Cisco AACPC Partner IP Consulting's help, upgrading to secure VoIP systems and robust UCaaS solutions, resulting in cost savings and enhanced trust in their cybersecurity partnership.

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Fitness World Canada partners with supplement manufacturer

Canadian Manufacturing

VANCOUVER — Fitness World Canada announced its new partnership with ATP Lab, a Quebec-based natural supplement provider. This partnership marks a milestone as ATP Lab becomes Fitness World’s first Canadian supplement partner, advancing Fitness World’s mission to enhance holistic wellness offerings for its members, providing access to Canadian-made health products in their gyms.

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The Project Clinic: Assessing Project Health, Planning, and Execution

Speaker: Ketan Jahagirdar

Picture your projects as patients, each with its own unique rhythm and pulse, thriving under your care 🥼 🩺 Step into the role of an innovative project doctor in our upcoming webinar! This session is your guide to evaluating the health of your projects through Waterfall and Agile practices like Scrum and Kanban. We’ll explore the vital signs of project success through the lens of the “iron triangle” metrics, using deliverables as tracers.

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Is Your Organization Ready to Harness the Transformative Potential of Mechanical Energy Storage Technologies?

Frost & Sullivan Manufacturing

Mechanical energy storage (MES) technologies have become crucial for ensuring grid stability, energy reliability, and sustainability. As the global shift towards decarbonization accelerates, the need for long-duration energy storage solutions is growing. MES technologies, such as liquid air energy storage (LAES), gravity-based energy storage (GES), and geomechanical pumped storage are leading this energy revolution, offering innovative solutions to meet the increasing demands of the energy stora

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POET Technologies reorganizes its engineering team to focus on AI

Canadian Manufacturing

TORONTO — POET Technologies Inc., the designer and developer of the POET Optical Interposer , Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and light sources for the data center, tele-communication and artificial intelligence markets, announced a reorganization of its engineering team to streamline design, component engineering and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities globally, in response to active customer demand for 800G and higher products directed at the AI systems and hyperscale data cent

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Pay tribunal ruling will drive even greater uptake of automated handling technology, say Rainbow Dynamics

Manufacturing Management

According to UK-based robotic and automated materials handling solutions specialist Rainbow Dynamics, the economic case for automating the key processes within a typical warehouse or fulfilment centre has been made even more compelling following the recent ruling that high street retailer Next must pay its shop assistants the same rate as its warehouse workers.