Tue.Sep 05, 2023

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Reinventing heuristics for design and risk management

Design World

By Jeff Morang | Director of Human Factors Engineering • BlackHӓgen Design Incorporating Human Factors Engineering and Usability Engineering (HFE/UE) processes during medical device development greatly increases the chances that devices will be safe and effective for intended users in the intended use environments and meet the expectations and requirements of regulatory authorities.

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What Happened to Microfinance, or Is It Time to Reevaluate Your Processes?

Gary Mintchell

I bought into the microfinance system almost 20 years ago. An avid reader at the time of Leo Babauta’s Zen Habits blog, I joined his group lending $25 to people around the world to support their nascent businesses. We used Kiva. For many years, repayments came in regularly, and I would re-loan the money. I don’t know when I first noticed that the loans were not going to people but to organizations.

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Problem-solving in space and life

Design World

United States Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut Eileen Collins is the first woman to pilot and command a space shuttle mission. She launched her illustrious career under a glass ceiling, navigating destiny with focus and determination. “I did not know what an engineer was when I was in high school,” said Collins. “Back in… The post Problem-solving in space and life appeared first on Design World.

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August boost for EV market but regulatory uncertainty threatens future ambitions

SMMT

New car market enters second year of growth as August registrations rise 24.4%. Battery electric cars take highest monthly market share for the year, accounting for 20.1% of new cars reaching the road. Industry warns delay on Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate details puts decarbonisation goals at risk. SEE CAR REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE The new car market grew 24.4% in August with 85,657 new vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Mo

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The Manufacturing Edge: Five Strategies to Outpace the Competition

The world of manufacturing is evolving—and so must the factories that drive it. This eBook reveals five transformative strategies that can help manufacturers gain a lasting competitive edge. Through insights from aerospace leaders, energy innovators, and the factories of tomorrow, we show how manufacturers are moving beyond traditional approaches. From building smarter, adaptable systems to embracing iterative design and fostering resilient cultures, these strategies are shaping the future of pr

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New medical 3D-printing facility brings custom implants closer to US patients

Design World

Materialise is opening a new 3D printing facility in Plymouth, Michigan, to accelerate the delivery of custom medical implants to U.S. patients. Surgeons increasingly embrace 3D printing solutions as they recognize the added value it brings to personalized patient care, including more predictable and accurate surgical outcomes and time savings during surgery.

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WEG electric IEC safety contactors and motor controls from AutomationDirect

Design World

AutomationDirect has added a wide assortment of quality WEG Electric contactors and motor control devices to their lineup of motor controls and safety equipment. The CWBS series IEC safety contactors provide a safe and reliable way to control electrical power in industrial and commercial applications. Available in ratings up to 80A, these contactors comply with… The post WEG electric IEC safety contactors and motor controls from AutomationDirect appeared first on Design World.

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Change from manufacturing to distribution at Berry site will cost 82 jobs

Plastics News

The Evansville, Ind.-based company said the Woodstock, Ill., facility will no longer make closures and overcaps.

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Digital field of vision solutions for mobile machines

Design World

Tailor-made solutions for field of vision enhancement are an important component of modern machines. Strict standards apply to the robustness and image quality as well as integration and handling. In light of this, HYDAC is expanding its existing product portfolio to include digital Ethernet cameras from the HVT 1000 product range for the off-highway market.

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3D Systems Partners with Clarkson College to Establish 3D Printing Center of Excellence

Plastics Today

The partnership enables Clarkson College to manufacture FDA-cleared, 3D-printed, patient-specific devices onsite and make them accessible to healthcare facilities across the region.

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Are You Over-Complicating Your Linear Motion or Leaving It Out Altogether?

As automation continues to evolve, the demand for smarter, more integrated solutions will only grow. The Accuride FULLELECTRIC® is a new approach to powered linear motion that represents the next evolution in system design. By integrating compact electric actuators directly into Accuride's industry leading drawer slides, this approach addresses the pain points of traditional systems while delivering reliable performance.

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UK falls behind on green hydrogen race, trade bodies warn

E&T

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) and Hydrogen UK urged the government to “regain the momentum” in the low-carbon hydrogen industry after being overtaken by leading economies. The two organisations have published the International Hydrogen Progress Index, a report that measures how attractive national markets are for hydrogen generation and infrastructure.

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Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts return home after historic scientific mission to space

Robotics Automation News

Astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni arrived in Saudi Arabia amidst celebrations and an official welcome home. They have accomplished the country’s successful and historic scientific mission to space aboard the ISS. They have finished their quarantine and conducted all the medical tests required to evaluate the effects of microgravity on the human body.

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What is Continuous Production? A Simple Guide

MRPEasy

Continuous production has been a buzzword in the manufacturing sector for years. In this simple guide, we unpack its meaning, weigh its pros and cons, and explore whether it’s a viable option for small and medium enterprises. What is continuous production? Continuous production is a manufacturing process designed to produce finished goods in a continuous […] The post What is Continuous Production?

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Carnegie Mellon builds killer robot to save economy

Robotics Automation News

A team from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute has developed an autonomous robot to find and kill dangerously spotted lanternflies before they’re even born. Spotted lanternflies are invasive insects known to destroy economically important crops. (See video below.

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How to Modernize Manufacturing Without Losing Control

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

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Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Hilux pick-up truck to be manufactured in the UK

E&T

The Japanese carmaker unveiled a prototype vehicle at its Burnaston car plant in Derby, where it has been developed in a joint project with consortium partners, supported by taxpayer funding. The vehicle’s new powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric saloon, which has been produced in limited quantities commercially over the last decade.

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South Korean robot maker takes part in supermassive Saudi development Neom

Robotics Automation News

Neubility, a South Korean developer of indoor-outdoor autonomous mobile robots, says it will take part in Oxagon X McLaren Accelerator, a global program co-hosted by Oxagon, a futuristic eco-friendly industrial complex in Neom, a massive futuristic property development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and UK supercar maker McLaren.

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Does Microwaving Plastics Make Microplastics? Maybe Not

Plastics Today

New research claims to show that microwaving plastic containers releases billions of microplastic and nano-plastic particles. But how do we know they are, in fact, plastic particles?

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What reviewing scholarships taught me about future manufacturing professionals

The Fabricator

The WELDER editor Rafael Guerrero shares his experience reviewing Nuts, BoltsandThingamajigs (NBT) scholarship applications and what the process says about future manufacturing professionals.

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Build & Own Scale-Ready Industrial IoT Solution on Flex83 Middleware

Your Industrial IoT software is never ready to scale unless your platform can handle multiple assets at enterprise-level, deploy on any cloud, and provide a modern tech stack for rapid application development with complete IP Ownership, all while reducing cloud operations costs by 90% per connected device. In the technical paper developed with the product team behind Flex83, find how you can build & own your custom IoT platform on the Flex83 Middleware that: Is Scale-ready for 65M+ Connected Ass

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Einride goes live in Norway to lead electric deployment of freight mobility

Robotics Automation News

Einride, a freight mobility company that provides digital, electric and autonomous technology, has launched its solutions in Norway, the country with the highest number of electric vehicles per person.

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Small fuel cells could power nuclear reactors on the Moon

E&T

The team of researchers, based in north Wales, have been working in partnership with Rolls Royce to develop a source of energy that could sustain long stays on the Earth’s satellite. Using TRISO particles, they designed Trisofuel, a small nuclear cell that could power the carmakers’ micro nuclear generator. The generator is a portable device the size of a small car and “something you can stick on a rocket,” said the university’s Professor Simon Middleburgh, from the Nuclear Futures Institute.

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In the future, buying cars will ‘feel more like buying a laptop computer’

Robotics Automation News

By Dr James Jeffs, senior technology analyst at IDTechEx Computer chips have been part of cars for a long time, but no one really cares about them until they stop working or they are late to the production line, grinding manufacturing to an industry-shaking halt.

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Major data breach leaks passwords of seven million Freecycle users

E&T

The breach included usernames, user IDs, email addresses and passwords, and the firm has asked registered members to change their passwords. Freecycle is a non-profit organisation that coordinates a worldwide network of ‘gifting’ groups in a bid to divert reusable goods from landfills. The firm said the breach has been closed and it has been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK and authorities in the US.

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Retrofits Are Falling Short: Here’s Why You Need MES + ERP Together

Manufacturing today requires both agility and precision. Traditional ERP systems provide enterprise-wide management but lack real-time execution power needed on the shop floor. ION Factory OS by First Resonance bridges this gap, combining the strengths of ERP and MES for seamless integration. While ERP handles long-term strategic oversight, ION Factory OS delivers real-time production control, ensuring speed, flexibility, and precision.

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European e-grocer Rohlik to install Brightpick robots at ‘multiple warehouses’

Robotics Automation News

Brightpick, a provider of warehouse automation solutions for order fulfillment, has completed a nine-month pilot of its robotic solution in the Prague fulfillment center of Rohlik Group, one of the largest e-grocers in Europe.

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Design effective loading & conveying systems: 12 dos and don’ts

Plastics News

When manufacturers need to design a loading and conveying system for their facility, they may not know where to start. Conair can help by sharing the 12 dos and don’ts of designing an effective loading and conveying system.

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Delivery robots company Starship Technologies and mobility app Bolt form new partnership

Robotics Automation News

Starship Technologies, a provider of autonomous delivery services, has agreed a new partnership with Bolt, the first European mobility “super-app”, as the two companies call it.

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'Zero Draft’ for Global Plastics Treaty Released

Plastics Today

Document outlines options for combating plastic pollution and reducing plastic production during forthcoming negotiations in Nairobi.

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6 Common Production Scheduling Mistakes Manufacturers Make

Effective shop floor production planning and execution can be challenging. Despite technological advancements and methodologies, many manufacturing production managers still encounter issues that result in late orders, cash flow difficulties, and dissatisfied customers. These challenges can disrupt operations, reduce efficiency, and impact overall profitability.

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ATI Industrial Automation introduces new robotic angle grinder

Robotics Automation News

ATI Industrial Automation has introduced the CGV-900 Compliant Angle Grinder to provide an automated alternative to grinding and finishing by hand. The company says the tool brings “versatility to robotic grinding processes while reducing employee safety concerns”.

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PLC Programming: Best Practices for Function Block Diagrams

Control.com

Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of function block diagram (FBD) programming.

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Kivnon partners with TAP for warehouse robot distribution

Robotics Automation News

Kivnon, a producer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), has announced that TAP Group, a provider of industrial solutions, will be distributing Kivnon AGVs and AMRs. Kivnon designs, manufactures, and implements automated guided vehicles (AGVs/AMRs) for a wide range of markets, including automotive, food, aerospace, and retail applications.

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