March, 2023

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A new dimension of manufacturing

Design World

With ACOPOS 6D, B&R heralds a new era of manufacturing. Shuttles carry individual products freely through the machine, powered by magnetic levitation. Gone are the days when conventional transport systems imposed rigidly defined timing on the production process. ACOPOS 6D enables economical small-batch production with frequent changeover between products of different designs and dimensions.

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Workforce Technology Boosts Manufacturing Metrics

Gary Mintchell

I had an opportunity to speak with Ken Fisher, SVP of Product Management & Solutions Consulting at QAD Redzone, about ways the US can maintain continued manufacturing through the use of technology. Redzone is a leading workforce collaboration and connectivity solution company acquired by enterprise and MES software company QAD. Fisher told me that MES is primarily a management tool.

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Sarah Dvorak: Manufacturing is for Anyone Who Wants to Solve Problems and Serve Customers

NIST

This blog is part of a series for Women’s History Month to highlight women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry. Sarah Dvorak didn’t originally plan on a career in manufacturing, but her first career was not a good fit. Luckily, the opportunity to be part of a volunteer focus team brainstorming ways to reduce scrap and rework at a manufacturing plant led her in a new direction, and she’s been in manufacturing ever since.

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Cybersecurity and Social Engineering Awareness

Automation World

Being aware of social engineering practices is the first step in protecting you, your team and network, as well as being a good starting point for a holistic cybersecurity approach.

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AI-Enabled Robotics Software for Manufacturing Automation: Speeding Time-to-Value

Robots are a cornerstone of a smart factory, automating a wide range of manufacturing tasks that are monotonous, physically straining, or even hazardous. However, real-world robotics deployments have not lived up to the revolutionary potential the industrial sector had originally envisioned. Robot implementations are typically confined to specific applications, carry high costs, and are time-consuming.

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The Lean Toolbox Sixth Edition: A Sourcebook for Process Improvement

Chris Hohmann

The Lean Toolbox Sixth Edition: A Sourcebook for Process Improvement by John Bicheno and Matthias Holweg is out. Published by Picsie Books on the very first days of January 2023, the new book counts 360 pages compared to the 342 pages of the previous edition and weighs 617 grams (1.

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Top industrial connectivity and digital-transformation trends: Part 1 of 2

Design World

Discrete automation’s edge devices include actuators, sensors, and connectivity components such as gateways and motor-mounted controllers. Many of these components feature computational capabilities to minimize data bandwidth and latency issues associated with legacy versions of centralized control. Their installation at the furthest reaches of automated equipment means their processing power is situated to filter and… The post Top industrial connectivity and digital-transformation trends:

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UK new car market posts seventh straight month of growth

SMMT

Britain’s new car market rises 26.2% in February, in seventh consecutive month of growth. Battery electric deliveries rise 18.2%, with all plug-in cars taking almost a quarter market share. Plug-in uptake set to near half a million units in 2023, but Spring Budget measures needed to ensure a fair net zero transition for UK motorists. SEE CAR REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE UK new car registrations grew by 26.2% in February as 74,441 new cars joined Britain’s roads, a

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9 Ways in Which Innovation is Changing ERP Technology

Robotics Automation News

The most appealing aspect of innovation is the thrilling possibilities that it brings. For many years, ERP software appeared to be stable, but cloud, mobile, and Big Data have upended the business.

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Guide Wheel Use in Linear Motion Applications

Automation World

One of the most common motion applications in automated machinery is linear motion due to its precision capabilities. Guide wheels are often critical to the dependability of such systems, especially in harsh environments.

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Why Smart Factories Are the Only Path to Successful Onshoring

The golden age of offshoring is over, and simply bringing production home isn’t enough. This eBook breaks down why smart factories are the essential path to successful onshoring in a volatile global economy. You'll explore a shift from nostalgia to reinvention: how digital-first systems, real-time feedback loops, and empowered frontline teams make onshore production faster, more adaptive, and more resilient.

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Achieving sharp bends in aluminum with the right tooling

The Fabricator

Fabricating aluminum brings with it a few challenges unique to bending and forming—getting sharp bends without cracking, reducing or eliminating galling, and preventing marking. Three press brake bending experts offer their assistance.

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Antarctica has lost over 3000 billion tonnes of ice since 1996

E&T

University of Leeds scientists have found that West Antarctica lost 3,331 billion tonnes of ice between 1996 and 2021, contributing over nine millimetres to global sea levels.   Changes in ocean temperature and currents are thought to have been the most important factors driving the loss of ice.  In order to estimate the calculated the amount of ice lost in the region, the researchers calculated the 'mass balance' of the Amundsen Sea Embayment, using climate models that show how air currents mo

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The automation best addressing supply-chain and labor issues

Design World

In its wake, the COVID pandemic left lingering supply-chain issues that are still affecting manufacturing and other automated industries. Now some slowdowns at least have cleared. By Lisa Eitel | Executive editor The last few years’ supply-chain issues have featured container ships waiting weeks for cargo unloading; empty shelves at stores; year-long waits for appliances;… The post The automation best addressing supply-chain and labor issues appeared first on Design World.

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Best February in quarter of a century for UK van market

SMMT

Light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations grow 8.5% in best February performance since 1998. Rising deliveries driven by demand for large vans, increasing by 14.0%, and small vans, up by 5.2%. Second month of growth in 2023 drives year-to-date market up 17.5% as supply chain constraints ease. SEE LCV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew for the second consecutive month in February, rising by 8.5% to 17,540 units, ac

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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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7 Tools that One Should Search for in Knowledge Management Software

Robotics Automation News

Knowledge management is the process through which an organization collects, organizes, shares, and analyzes its knowledge to make it simple for employees to access and use. This knowledge encompasses a variety of domains, such as training papers, commonly asked questions, technological resources, and people skills.

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Testa Center Automates Pharmaceutical Innovation

Automation World

A collaborative project between Rockwell Automation and Cytiva combines biomanufacturing and automation to create a scalable platform for the pharmaceutical industry’s digital transformation.

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GreenPower delivers electric EV Star Refrigerated Box Trucks

Canadian Manufacturing

Fraser Atkinson, CEO and Brendan Riley, President with the EV Star refrigerated box truck LOS ANGELES — GreenPower Motor Company Inc., announced the delivery of its first refrigerated box trucks to the University of California San Diego. “GreenPower has expanded its offering of purpose-built, all-electric commercial vehicles with the addition of the best-in-class, EV Star Refrigerated Box Truck,” said GreenPower Vice-President of Medium Duty & Commercial Vehicle Sales Claus Tritt

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How to track the protests posing a risk to your company’s assets with Feedly AI

Canadian Metalworking Magazine

Market Intelligence Keep up with protests, riots, and strikes across the Web Tracking the ever-changing nature of protests can be a daunting task. Today, we are excited to release two new Feedly AI models: Protests and Violent Protests. They help security analysts track riots, strikes, and rallies that pose a risk to a company’s assets and employees.

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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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Automation propels trends in motors and drives

Design World

As automation continues to expand in existing as well as newer applications, the enabling automation technology is evolving to keep pace with these changes. Motors and drives are no exception. In particular, motors have gotten smaller to accommodate space and size restrictions in new, unique applications. There have also been changes to how motors are… The post Automation propels trends in motors and drives appeared first on Design World.

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Motorists back safety and year three MOT over 23p a week saving

SMMT

67% of UK car owners support keeping first MOT test at three years rather than extending to four. 74% say typical MOT cost of £35-£45 is a price worth paying for peace of mind with nine in 10 preferring other ways to save money. Automotive industry calls on government to maintain MOT frequency in its current format. Sector supports measures to bring MOT up to date with revised emissions and ADAS checks.

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How robots can reduce aerospace workplace hazards

Robotics Business Review

The aerospace industry has begun paying more attention to the hazards of humans working closely with hazardous chemicals. The post How robots can reduce aerospace workplace hazards appeared first on Robotics Business Review.

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Delivering Analytics to the Workforce

Automation World

The new Process Health component of Seeq Workbench applies analytics and machine learning to complex production, quality and optimization procedures in process manufacturing.

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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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Victoria rolls out updated strategy to boost offshore wind industry

AU Manufacturing

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio has released the Victorian Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement 2, which outlines how Victoria will leverage industry-led investment in offshore wind for the first tranche of projects that will deliver at least 2 gigawatts (GW) by 2032. The Andrews Labor Government said the strategy formally establishes the Port of Hastings as the site of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal.

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AI and the future of metal manufacturing

The Fabricator

Artificial intelligence could be used to enhance our existing knowledge or prevent us from needing to learn anything in the first place. The latter is the nightmare scenario for the future of metal manufacturing.

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ABB to expand robotics factory in U.S.

Design World

ABB has announced that construction is starting on the expansion of its existing North American robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Mich. The project is expected to be completed in November 2023 and represents an investment of $20 million. The expansion will create 72 highly skilled new jobs in the area and is… The post ABB to expand robotics factory in U.S. appeared first on Design World.

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Engineering students mostly white men despite diversity efforts, report finds

E&T

EngineeringUK has released a new report – 'Engineering in higher education' – which shows that just 18.5 per cent of engineering undergraduates are female students. The report describes this as an “exceptionally low” figure compared to the 56.5 per cent representation seen across all subjects. The issue is mirrored across the engineering and technology workforce.

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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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Kickstart: A record draw

Plastics News

At the space draw for NPE2024, set for May 6-10, 2024, in Orlando, Fla., more than 1,100 exhibitors snapped up 1.02 million square feet of space for 1,259 booths for the event from the Plastics Industry Association.

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Shallow Labor Pool Forces Industrial Technology Change

Automation World

To maintain uptime, ensure compliance, and maximize the use of skilled labor, more facilities than ever are centralizing production control and monitoring.

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AI, ChatGPT and Manufacturing

Gary Mintchell

I write a column for an Italian magazine called Automazione Oggi. The column is called News from America. The editor and I met in Shanghai at a computer supplier user conference when I was editor at Automation World. We traded columns. I left AW behind 10 years ago. She’s still there. I’m still writing. This month as I looked for what was happening around the country, I couldn’t escape the conversations around AI and ChatGPT.