Sat.Dec 28, 2024 - Fri.Jan 03, 2025

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How to Optimize Existing Equipment

Automation World

Are you familiar with the key strategies involved in legacy machinery optimization? Find out with this quiz.

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Robot Manufacturing with Single Axis Positioning Systems

Design World

To achieve lower production cost and improve return on investment, manufacturers are adding custom positioning systems to their process. For example, with one IEC 61131-3- compliant automation program running on one processor, manufacturers move robots smoothly along linear track systems while performing several tasks in the same cell. With these new positioning systems, there is… The post Robot Manufacturing with Single Axis Positioning Systems appeared first on Design World.

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Setting Up the Building Blocks for a Digital Factory

Modern Machine Shop

Reeves says that MiConnect has simplified the act of connecting machines to Woodward’s overall digital factory. When recently asked to connect one Colorado facility’s Okuma machines to the digital factory, two of Reeves team members had the machines connected and running within four hours. Images courtesy of Woodward, Inc. Running a digital factory is a tricky task, however you define “digital factory.” At Woodward Inc. , a manufacturing company that tackles energy contro

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Bay Area events note the convergence of AI and robotics

Robotics Business Review

The San Francisco Bay Area is a nexus of AI and robotics. Source: Adobe Stock The San Francisco Bay Area is the nexus of the artificial intelligence revolution in the U.S., anchored by San Francisco, with the renaissance of robotics investment and innovation in Silicon Valley. AI is merging with and embodied by robotics here. For instance, Waymo’s driverless cars are a common sight in San Francisco.

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Smart Tech + Human Expertise = 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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Expandable GPU-accelerated system comes with discrete graphics

Manufacturer's Monthly

Image: BST Backplane Systems Technology has released VECOWs RCX-3750 PEG. The Vecow RCX-3750 PEG is an expandable GPU-accelerated system, built to handle demanding AI, edge computing, and industrial tasks. It is powered by Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 processors from the 14th generation (RPL-S Refresh/RPL-S/ADL-S), offering scalability and performance suited for AI inferencing and high-speed industrial applications.

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Favorite episodes of The Fabricator Podcast from 2024

The Fabricator

Editor-in-Chief Dan Davis of The Fabricator magazine selects his favorite episodes of The Fabricator Podcast from 2024.

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Control.com Wrapped: The Top Content Picks of 2024

Control.com

Take a look back at the fav picks from our editorial team over the past year. Plus, check to see if you were keeping up with the trends: our top-viewed news and tech articles from 2024!

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Partnerships Fuel Moldmaker’s Growth in Technology and Training

Mold Making Technology

Versatile Mold and Design has the capacity to tackle large projects more efficiently than most, recently completing a 25-tool package within 16 weeks. These high-production molds for the electrical industry were designed and produced on-time. Source | Versatile Mold and Design Could you tell us about Versatile Mold and Design’s history and current operations?

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UK must begin 2025 with a winning resolution

SMMT

With global competition only going to heat up in 2025 as countries vie for major new automotive investment, the UK must get on the right track and quickly. Ensuring we have a vibrant domestic market is crucial, which is why industry welcomed governments review published on Christmas Eve – of the end of sale date for cars powered solely by petrol or diesel, as well as possible changes to the flexibilities around the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.

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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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Enhancing Welding Automation with Single and Multi-Axis Weld Positioners

Design World

Incorporating single axis trunnions and multi-axis weld positioners into manufacturing operations significantly expands the possibilities for welding automation. These advanced systems enable manufacturers to maximize throughput, improve weld quality, and save valuable floor space. Positioners provide robots with better access to tooling or parts, optimize workspace by reducing the floor footprint, simplify part removal, and… The post Enhancing Welding Automation with Single and Multi-Axis

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Samsung increases stake in Rainbow Robotics, establishes Future Robotics Office

Robotics Business Review

The RB-Y1 dual-armed mobile manipulator was announced this year. Source: Rainbow Robotics Samsung Electronics Co. today announced that it is increasing its stake in Rainbow Robotics to 35% to accelerate the development of robots such as humanoids. Samsung first acquired a 14.7% stake in its fellow South Korean company for KRW 86.8 billion ($59 million U.S.).

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Cyber Defense Company Acquisition

Gary Mintchell

OPSWAT Acquires Leader in Advanced Data Diode Technology to Strengthen Cyber Defenses for Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity was a top topic for the past couple of years. I anticipate it being a top topic for the foreseeable future. One sub-trend has been market consolidation through acquisition. This news concerns OPSWAT acquiring Fend Inc. to broaden their offering in the Data Diode technology space.

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CME survey reveals U.S. tariffs will devastate Canadian manufacturers, with 90 per cent facing severe impact

Canadian Manufacturing

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) recently conducted a survey to gauge the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports. Results revealed thatnearly nine in ten Canadian manufacturers would face significant or very severe impacts on their business. CME shared in a press statement that the survey of more than 300 manufacturers conducted between December 11 and 18 highlights the major economic threat that tariffs pose to Canadas manufacturing sector a key driver of the Canadian economy,

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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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Rotary Cam Indexers for Automated Positioning Applications

Design World

For decades cam indexers have been used in automated lines to provide high precision location and sometimes in multiple stations for a process to be performed very accurately. Today cam indexing can be used in a variety of ways and provides superior accuracy to other technologies. Traditional gear positioners suffice for manual operations where an… The post Rotary Cam Indexers for Automated Positioning Applications appeared first on Design World.

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The state of AI, robotics heading into 2025

Robotics Business Review

This image was created with Adobe Firefly’s AI image generator. Editor’s Note: Join us on January 21, 2025 for a free State of the Robotics Industry webinar. Erik Nieves (Plus One Robotics), Ken Goldberg (UC Berkeley), Aaron Prather (ASTM), and Mike Oitzman (The Robot Report) will examine the latest market trends, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging applications shaping the future of robotics.

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Schaeffler Group Invests in Agility Robotics

Automation World

In addition to making a minority investment in Agility Robotics, Schaeffler has agreed to purchase Agilitys humanoid robots for use across Schaefflers global plant network.

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Tech uptake can help productivity woes if we get workforce and regulation right

Manufacturer's Monthly

The enthusiasm for technology investment from Australian industry is one of the keys to turning around our poor productivity performance. Image: Kampan/stock.adobe.com Of our economic challenges, our productivity performance of recent years is arguably the most pernicious. Association Comment Innes Willox, Chief Executive, The Australian Industry Group Australia has worryingly seen low growth in labour productivity over the five years since the pandemic.

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Emergent Energy Optimizes Steam Systems with Panoramic Power’s Technology

Manufacturers face increasing pressure to curb energy waste and emissions. Emergent Energy specializes in optimizing industrial steam systems, leveraging Panoramic Power’s real-time energy intelligence to drive efficiency. By analyzing steam system performance, Emergent Energy pinpoints inefficiencies and implements targeted improvements. This article explores how data-driven steam optimization transforms wasted energy into measurable savings, ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations.

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VTMF Series: Vertical Rotary Indexers for Heavy-Duty Applications

Design World

Motion Index Drives introduces the VTMF series, a range of rotary indexers meticulously designed for vertical mounting orientations. Ideal for heavy automated robotic weld cells, robotic inspection cells, or robotic assembly applications, the VTMF series stands as Motion Index Drives flagship for precision and adaptability. Key Features of the VTMF Series Vertical Mounting Expertise: Engineered… The post VTMF Series: Vertical Rotary Indexers for Heavy-Duty Applications appeared first on De

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Voyant Photonics launches Carbon FMCW lidar sensor

Robotics Business Review

The Carbon FMCW lidar sensor weighs just 250g. | Source: Voyant Photonics Voyant Photonics this week launched the Carbon FMCW lidar sensor, which it claimed offers effective and affordable lidar on a chip with solid-state beam steering. The company said it developed the low-cost lidar sensor to advance machine perception capabilities in industrial, robotics, and security applications.

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UK factory output falls at fastest rate since February amid tax rise fears

The Guardian Manufacturing

Manufacturing PMI in December at 11-month low as government policy dampens confidence and raises costs Business live latest updates Manufacturers in the UK cut back output last month at the fastest rate since February, compounding the gloomy picture for the British economy, according to a closely watched survey. The purchasing managers index for manufacturing fell to 47, down from 48 in November the weakest for 11 months.

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The Case for Hardware-Agnostic AI in Industrial Automation

Automation World

To democratize robotics, AI for industrial applications need to be accessible to any engineer to customize, enhance and program without the need for expensive specialist consultants or extensive retraining on proprietary systems.

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The Supply Chain in 2025: What to Expect

In 2025, the Supply Chain continues its evolution toward “Logistics 4.0,” inspired by Industry 4.0. Two major characteristics define this transformation: automation, driven by robotic solutions, and prediction, paving the way for an era of planning and simulation powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

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New TPSMB Asymmetrical TVS Diodes provide gate driver protection

Design World

Littelfuse, Inc.has announcedthe launch of itsTPSMB Asymmetrical TVS Diode Series, the first-to-market asymmetrical transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode specifically designed for the protection of Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET gate drivers in automotive applications. This innovative product addresses the increasing demand for reliable overvoltage protection in next-generation electric vehicle (EV) systems, delivering a compact, single-component solution… The post New TPSMB Asymmetrical

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Zebra Technologies to acquire vision unit from Photoneo Brightpick Group

Robotics Business Review

The founders of Photoneo Brightpick Group, which is separating its vision and robotics units. Source: Photoneo Photoneo Brightpick Group today announced that it has agreed to Zebra Technologies Corp.s acquisition of its Photoneo s.r.o. unit, which provides vision sensors and artificial intelligence for robotics. Zebra is the perfect partner to support Photoneo in its next chapter as a company, stated Jan Zizka, co-founder and CEO of Photoneo Brightpick Group.

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Volvo begins autonomous truck operations for DHL Supply Chain in Texas

Robotics Automation News

Volvo Autonomous Solutions (VAS) and DHL Supply Chain have taken a significant step towards transforming freight transportation with the launch of autonomous operations in the United States. The operations will be enabled by the purpose-built, production-ready Volvo VNL Autonomous which is powered by the Aurora Driver.

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The Case for Hardware-Agnostic AI in Industrial Automation

Automation World

To democratize robotics, AI for industrial applications need to be accessible to any engineer to customize, enhance and program without the need for expensive specialist consultants or extensive retraining on proprietary systems.

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Agility Amid Tariffs & Supply Chain Disruptions

Speaker: Karan Talati: CEO and Co-Founder of First Resonance

The rules of manufacturing are shifting—are you ready? Tariffs, automation, and supply chain disruptions are forcing manufacturers to adapt fast or fall behind. Join Karan Talati, CEO of First Resonance and former SpaceX Manufacturing Engineer, in this on-demand webinar to learn how leading manufacturers are: Navigating tariffs with data-driven supply chain strategies Leveraging automation and AI to eliminate bottlenecks Building resilience with predictive supplier management Adapting flexible s

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The Guardian view on a carbon-free economy: no just transition in sight – yet

The Guardian Manufacturing

Factory closures highlight the turbulent shift to a green economy, exposing political challenges and the urgent need for a equitable move to net zero One of the biggest political battles of the future began to take shape in 2024, yet it did not centre on Westminster. Instead, try Grangemouth in central Scotland, Port Talbot in south Wales and Luton in the south of England.

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LimX Dynamics demonstrates latest humanoid robot motions

Robotics Business Review

Humanoid robots are getting more agile and potentially more useful. LimX Dynamics Inc. today released a video (see above). It shows a full-sized humanoid lying down, doing parallel squats, rotating at the waist, and lifting itself into a standing position by rotating its legs in a way that human hips cannot. “With ongoing advancements in system engineering, @LimXDynamics full-size humanoid robot features a hollow actuator design and high torque-density actuators, enabling full-body balanc

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What’s Holding Back Aluminum Recycling?

21st Century Tech

Please welcome back Ellie Gabel to the 21st Century Tech Blog. From childhood, she fell in love with science by reading magazines covering everything from astronomy to zoology. She is a big fan of Richard Dawkins. You can find more of her writing on her website. In this, her fourth offering, she writes about aluminum. Aluminum, steel and concrete are the most widely used materials in construction and the building of infrastructure.