February, 2025

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Empowering Plant Floor Operators with LLMs Using Unified Namespace and On-Prem AI

Automation World

Its not about deploying new technology for technologys sake, its about getting advanced tools into the hands of the people to create smarter operations and transform manufacturing from the ground up.

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Hands-On with the Arduino Opta Using OpenPLC

Control.com

Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment, automation control concepts can be built on your own test bench.

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Critical Industrial AI Tech Distinctions

Automation World

Do you know the difference between generative AI and AI for data analytics? If all the AI tech introductions over the past couple of years have left you confused, read this to understand the key differentiators.

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Motion Agrees to Acquire Texas-Based M.B. KcKee

Automation World

With the continuity of M.B. McKees leadership and sales team post-acquisition, customers can expect consistency in technical support and application expertise from Motion.

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Speeding Robotics Automation with AI

The $53 trillion manufacturing economy in the US is undergoing a major automation paradigm shift due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Thanks to new practical frameworks, automation projects that were once impossible or inefficient to implement are now being fast-tracked, and robotics automation is becoming increasingly relevant to a growing number of users and scenarios.

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Last day at MD&M West 2025, what you don’t want to miss

Design World

The MD&M West 2025 event has been showcasing innovative technologies, automated solutions, precision motion control systems, advanced materials, and more solutions for worldwide manufacturers. If you haven’t already followed Executive Editor Lisa Eitel on LinkedIn, you’ll want to keep tabs on her posts and look out for her full post-event coverage report.

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Unions call for £200m from government to keep two Scunthorpe steel furnaces open

The Guardian Manufacturing

They say the support for British Steels transition to electric replacement is needed to prevent immediate job losses British Steel should get an extra 200m from the government to support it in keeping the UKs two remaining blast furnaces open until electric replacements are built, according to a proposal put forward by unions. Chinese-owned British Steel has said it will replace its polluting blast furnaces at Scunthorpe with electric arc furnaces, which can be used to make much cleaner, recycle

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Foxit Releases Upgraded SDKs for Desktop and PDF Conversion

Gary Mintchell

Foxit develops PDF and eSignature products and services. Ever since they signed on a PR person who knows me, Ive been fed a steady stream of updates. Im using Foxit as my main PDF reader/editor. So far, Im happy using it. I like the interface and speed. The upgraded Software Development Kits (SDKs) are said to save developer time, reduce frustration, and enable creation of more efficient, compliant, and tailored PDF solutions.

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Vention launches turnkey robotic sanding solution

Canadian Manufacturing

Vention Rapid Sanding Solution (CNW Group/Vention) MONTREAL Vention, creator of a full-stack automation platform and hardware ecosystem, launches its first turnkey robotic sanding solution in response to the demand for robot work cells for sanding applications, especially in cabinetmaking. Vention’s Rapid Sanding Solution (RSS) comes standard with a FANUC CRX-30iA, a robot with safety features for working alongside humans.

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The Federal and SA Governments to save Whyalla steelworks with $2.4 billion package

Manufacturer's Monthly

Image: ABCDstock/stock.adobe.com The Federal Government and South Australian Government are working together on a multi-billion-dollar package to save Whyalla Steelworks, support local jobs and encourage more investment into Australian made iron and steel. Prime minister Anthony Albanese, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic announced the package on the ground in Whyalla today. “Whyalla steel has forged some of our countrys biggest proje

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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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February 2025 Issue: Robotic micro-factories tackle data center e-waste

Design World

27,300 engineers are missing from the future The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) predicts that 114,800 new jobs will be created in the U.S. semiconductor industry by 2030. However, it expects more than half of those jobs to go unfilled. Of the 67,000 vacancies, nearly 27,300 are pegged for engineers at the bachelors, masters, and… The post February 2025 Issue: Robotic micro-factories tackle data center e-waste appeared first on Design World.

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Odense Robotics identifies 4 trends shaping robotics in 2025

Robotics Business Review

Source: Danish Technological Institute Odense Robotics and the Danish Technological Institute have identified key technological trends that they said will shape robotics and automation in 2025. In a time characterized by high uncertainty and rapid technological development, more companies will turn to automation as the path to greater resilience, the organizations said.

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Certifying Manufacturing Student Programs and Parts

Modern Machine Shop

Van Buren Tech is a rural CTE school where 11th and 12th graders from 15 schools attend career programs for half the school day. Kooyers runs morning and afternoon sections of the Advanced Manufacturing course, both of which have a maximum of 18 students. All images courtesy of Verisurf. A manufacturing program is much like a part in one key aspect: It doesn’t matter how well either is made unless there’s a way to check the results.

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Zebra Technologies Expands SymmetryFulfillment Solution

Gary Mintchell

Manufacturing and process automation news has become sparse. News from the warehouse and fulfillment sector continues to grow. These items typically combine software, autonomous mobile robots, communications devices for connected workers, and (of course) a dollop of AI. This news comes from Zebra Technologies. This companys acquisitions has rendered it as a completely different company from the one whose products I recommended and sold earlier in my career.

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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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3D Printing Accelerates R&D Process For Prototyping Molds

Mold Making Technology

LSI Solutions , a medical equipment manufacturer based in upstate New York, utilized Axtra3D Inc. ’s additive manufacturing (AM) technology to create molds for medical device prototyping and production. Image depicts Axtra3D’s technology, the Lumia X1, being prepared for a mold build. Source (All images) | LSI Solutions The collaboration between LSI Solutions and Axtra3D came about when LSI Solutions began searching for an avenue to accelerate its R&D cycle.

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Austal Australiasia awarded $270 million ferry contract

Manufacturer's Monthly

Image: Austal Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract valued between $265 and $275 million by Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden, for the design and construction of a 130-metre combined cycle, hydrogen-ready vehicle passenger ferry. Part of Gotlandsbolagets Horizon X program, the high-speed ROPAX catamaran will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal, and feature a combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines a first for high-speed craft, worldwide.

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Hannover Messe preview looks toward solutions

Design World

More than 100 international journalists assembled in Hannover, Germany today to learn about Hannover Messe 2025, which is roughly six weeks away. More than 130,000 attendees and 4,000 exhibitors are expected at the 2025 event. Dr. Jochen Kckler, the Chairperson of the Managing Board, Deutsche Messe AG, Hannover, explained that Hannover Messe is looking ahead… The post Hannover Messe preview looks toward solutions appeared first on Design World.

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Stial Technologies unveils humanoid robot for polishing

Robotics Business Review

Toronto-based Stial Technologies Inc. last week said it has acquired STFcore, or ZhongQing Technology, a 6D force sensor company. It also introduced Stial Steven, its first humanoid robot specifically designed for polishing applications. Stial manufactures polishing robots using artificial intelligence and following a research-and-development principle of anthropomorphism.

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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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How I Made It: Craig Cegielski

Modern Machine Shop

Source: Craig Cegielski I grew up in rural Wisconsin. I had the minibike, the snowmobile and the three-wheeler and I enjoyed tinkering. So, in school, I naturally enjoyed hands-on courses and found myself taking machining, welding, automotive, all that stuff. When I was in career planning, I decided I should be a tech ed teacher. I could teach and I could be around all the stuff I like.

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ACE 2025 Conference

Gary Mintchell

I missed the last industry conference. There are several interviews in queue for me to finish writing and a couple of interviews pending. But here is one conference I will be attending. If you are in Boston April 1-2, let me know. Aras invited me to their conference last year. The speakers and interviews taught me much about whats important and coming in the world of manufacturing software.

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A Guide to Supplier Management for Small Manufacturers

MRPEasy

Effective supplier management can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving in today’s competitive market. Yet many struggle with this crucial aspect of operations, often relying on outdated spreadsheets or, worse, to track their supplier relationships. What is supplier management? Supplier management is a systematic process for collecting, organizing, and maintaining information about the […] The post A Guide to Supplier Management for Small Manufacturers appeared fi

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CSIRO offering R&D training for QLD SMEs

Manufacturer's Monthly

Image: Pixel-Shot/stock.adobe.com CSIRO is calling for expressions of interest for Innovate to Grow: Queensland , a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program, aimed at helping Queensland small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transform innovative ideas into research-ready projects. This R&D training program delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program is aimed at guiding businesses through devel

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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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icotek introduces Modular Interface System

Design World

The new Modular Interface System (MIS) from icotek is a solution for connecting cable management and industrial connectors. The system combines a split cable entry with the option of integrating 3A or 4A connectors directly into the frame. Suitable for this are 3A and 4A inserts from icotek and many other manufacturers. The cable entry… The post icotek introduces Modular Interface System appeared first on Design World.

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Boston Dynamics CTO to discuss Atlas redesign in Robotics Summit keynote

Robotics Business Review

The fully electric Atlas humanoid builds on decades of research. | Source: Boston Dynamics Last year, Boston Dynamics made waves in the robotics industry by retiring its hydraulic Atlas and announcing its new, electric Atlas. Now, the company will be giving an inside look at its robot at the Robotics Summit & Expo. While the new version doesn’t have the power for parkour , it’s already shown off its ability to do pushups , handle automotive struts, and more.

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A journey through the hyper-political world of microchips

The Guardian Manufacturing

From the raw materials required to the machines that make them, every part of the chip supply chain is fiercely contested in the global race for tech supremacy A small town in the Netherlands hosts the only factory that produces the only chip-making machines that generate a type of light found nowhere naturally on Earth: extreme ultraviolet, a light emitted by young stars in outer space.

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Strategic Partnership to Deliver Visual AI-Powered Technology to SMT Production Lines 

Gary Mintchell

You call it Visual AI; I call it AI-powered vision systems. Which I find interesting since industrial vision systems have had embedded AI ever since I played with them in the mid-90s. Technology does advance, and AI means something different today. Plus, it, like partnerships, are all the rage right now. This news reveals a partnership between Fuji America and Cybord to provide vision inspection systems at a new level for surface-mount technology printed circuit board manufacturing.

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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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Gate Driver Manufacturer Completely Eliminates Component Shortages

MRPEasy

English power electronics company Poweronics implemented software to get control over their inventory and improve the customer experience. Weve never had a material shortage after adopting MRPeasy, says Colin Hart, Managing Director. Producing gate drivers for high-power applications Poweronics is a power electronics company based in St. Neots, England, dedicated to designing and manufacturing gate […] The post Gate Driver Manufacturer Completely Eliminates Component Shortages appeared fir

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Robotic Innovation and Entegra clear span design propels Truss Manufacturing to new heights

Manufacturer's Monthly

Image: Entegra How CQ Building Supplies Achieved a 275 per cent Productivity Boost. A regional Queensland manufacturer is proving that strategic infrastructure investment and automation can level the playing fieldeven against national competitors. By combining robotic manufacturing technology with a purpose-built Entegra clear span facility , CQ Building Supplies has increased its daily output by 275 per cent , reshaped its labour requirements, and future-proofed its operations.

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Custom Engineered Robot Transfer Units

Design World

The low cost and versatility of robotic arms have made Robot Transfer Units a staple in the manufacturing industry. These units are widely used in repetitive assembly tasks like drilling, fastening, welding, composite layup, routing, painting, and trimming. The appeal lies in their high flexibility and efficiency. However, robotic arms are typically mounted in fixed… The post Custom Engineered Robot Transfer Units appeared first on Design World.

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