Sat.Sep 16, 2023 - Fri.Sep 22, 2023

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Production Pulse: Real-World Generative AI Applications in Manufacturing

Industry Week

Schneider Electric's Mauricio Casares agrees that most current ChatGPT applications pitched at manufacturers are more about sales than operations, but solid use cases are coming.

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Sevaan Group trials four-day week

Manufacturer's Monthly

Leading parts contract manufacturer, Sevaan Group, announced today it is trialling a four-day week to evaluate improvement in staff well-being, attracting new talent, and increasing productivity. The trial period will run for three months, from 11 th September until the 31 st December. The Group is spreading the normal 38-hour, 5-day work week over four days.

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Trending Sources

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Metal fabricators need a dedicated automation champion

The Fabricator

Even at small metal fabrication businesses, managing the shop’s automation strategy really should be a full-time gig.

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UK manufacturers cut hiring plans amid ‘sharp slowdown’, survey finds

The Guardian Manufacturing

Firms preparing for difficult year as ‘potent cocktail’ of difficulties takes hold, says industry lobby group UK manufacturers are cutting their recruitment plans after being hit by a slowdown in orders as a downturn looms, a new survey shows. Britain’s manufacturers are “battening down the hatches” amid a sharp drop in activity, according to the latest quarterly data from Make UK, which represents manufacturers, and the business advisory firm BDO.

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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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Human ROI: Noting the progress of a Gen Z manufacturing intern

The Fabricator

Watching one Gen Z student progress from doing basic jobs to intern to young professional in the skilled trades shows that real ROI lies in the people you nurture.

More Trending

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Building Machines Humans Can Work With

Automation World

The Industry 5.0 concept is about greater collaboration between humans and machines, but ultimately its success will be based on its centering of workers’ well-being in manufacturing.

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Survey Reports Edge Computing Application Plans

Gary Mintchell

Paul Simon wrote that it’s all happening at the zoo. Today, it’s all happening at the edge. ATT Cybersecurity has released its 2023 AT&T Cybersecurity Insights Report: Edge Ecosystem focusing on manufacturing companies worldwide. It explains how edge computing is changing manufacturing to solve operational issues and reduce costs. This report reveals what your peers are planning and doing to embrace edge computing.

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An 8,000-ton dream for Milacron, 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics

Plastics News

One of the largest injection molding machines ever built in North America — an 8,000-ton Milacron press that's 94 feet long with 38 miles of wiring — is now installed at 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics LLC in Holiday City, Ohio.

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Simplifying complex packaging processes with modular automation platforms

Design World

By Arne Valentin, Technology Manager – Machine Automation, SEW-EURODRIVE Exploring the ways automation platforms — available with modular, preselected sets — promote throughput and efficiency in the packaging industry. Packaging operations are anything but simple. Every day, millions of food items, commodities, and other products must be packaged, sealed, transported, unloaded, mixed, stored,… The post Simplifying complex packaging processes with modular automation platforms appeared

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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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Applying Automation to Reduce Illness

Automation World

CaptiveAire and Danfoss team up to limit indoor spread of COVID-19 viruses.

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Preserving Global Standards

Gary Mintchell

I was invited to a presentation by a wireless technology provider called InterDigital. They wished to discuss the current state of global standard development especially in the wireless communication space. My career has wandered through a maze of standard setting from chairman of the standards and technical committee of a trade association, to ASHRAE and UL committees, to sitting in on meetings of some international technical standard development, not to mention researching and writing about IS

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Material Insights: UAW strike impacts resin market; exports, outages drive up PE prices

Plastics News

The UAW strike against the Detroit 3 is already impacting the resin market. PN 's Sarah Kominek talks with Matt Zessin, global director of automotive for M. Holland, at the Detroit auto show. Also, a surprising price increase for polyethylene, driven by exports to China and supply issues at Chevron Phillips and Nova Chemicals.

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Bosch Rexroth’s new hydraulics training center invests in hydraulics education

Design World

Bosch Rexroth announces the grand opening of its new Hydraulics Training Center, a cutting-edge educational facility set to revolutionize the landscape of skill development. Opened on Sept. 20 at 2315 City Line Road, Bethlehem, PA, this state-of-the-art training center provides a dynamic space for individuals to embark on a journey of learning and growth.

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Accelerate Americas Manufacturing Agility & Supply Chain Resilience

Discover how to accelerate manufacturing agility and build supply chain resilience in our live webinar on February 6, 2025, at 3 PM PST. Explore insights from a former SpaceX leader on scaling hardware production, balancing speed with quality, and leveraging advanced tools like ION Factory OS. Learn from historical examples and modern approaches to innovation while uncovering how AI and real-time data can automate processes, strengthen supply chain operations, and ensure scalability.

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Universal Robots Academy Offers Cobot Training to Registered Users

Automation World

Universal Robots Academy has gained more than 200,000 registered users since 2016.

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New Research Finds Cyberattacks Against Critical Infrastructure on the Rise

Gary Mintchell

State-affiliated Groups Responsible for nearly 60% 60% of incidents result in operational disruption, driving the need for proactive OT defenses and incident response The topics of this time are Cybersecurity, Sustainability, and Workforce with the impact of AI playing on all three. This news from Rockwell Automation focuses on Cybersecurity. It has released a report on an in-depth study of the topic by Cyentia Institute.

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Nail It the First Time: Your Roadmap to Intelligent Contact Center Automation

Frost & Sullivan Manufacturing

In the last article, we explored automation’s potential to deliver swift query resolution while carving out multi-million-dollar savings for contact centers. Companies know this and are investing heavily in AI and automation solutions. Yet many consumers are not happy with the state of affairs. Why is it that most automation projects fail to deliver on expectations?

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Kollmorgen introduces the P80360 stepper drive with closed-loop position control

Design World

Kollmorgen, a maker of motion control systems, has introduced the P80360 stepper drive, the newest addition to the company’s flagship P8000 stepper platform. Like other drives in the series, the P80360 incorporates innovative stepless control technology to deliver smooth, quiet motion and optimal performance across the full speed range. Additionally, the P80360 stepper drive offers… The post Kollmorgen introduces the P80360 stepper drive with closed-loop position control appeared first on

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Unmasking Energy Waste: Manufacturing’s Hidden Inefficiencies and Costly Impacts

Energy inefficiencies are silent thieves eroding manufacturing profits and sustainability efforts. From overworked pumps to leaky compressed air systems, these hidden drains often go unnoticed without advanced energy monitoring. Panoramic Power empowers manufacturers with granular, device level energy visibility, and real-time insights to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, transforming waste into savings.

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Korean researchers develop AI-based pothole inspection tool

E&T

The system is designed to review primary pothole information detected by the pothole detection program operated by the Land Management Office. This is a mobile-based application used for detecting potholes. However, due to limitations in device performance, high-specification programmes cannot run on mobile devices. This means that what is flagged as a pothole by the systems is often not so, and instead correlates with shadows, lane markings and tires – a mistake that the new system aims to addr

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Yokogawa to Supply Energy Management System for Yuri Green Hydrogen Project 

Gary Mintchell

While politicians blather about various aspects of sustainability and climate, businesses have discovered it’s simply good business. The world searches for better, more plentiful, and safer fuels. Hydrogen is a good bet. Generating hydrogen turns out not to be so simple. However, process automation companies have focused engineering teams on viable ways to produce green hydrogen (hydrogen produced without negative inputs).

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Hemp, plastics and new opportunities for farmers

Plastics News

Founded in 2018, the agricultural technology business with farming roots going back to the end of the Civil War, successfully produced two parts for Volvo Trucks at one of its "cluster partners," Core Technology Molding Corp., in Greensboro, N.C.

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EXAIR engineer achieves CCASS certification for compressed air system management

Design World

Understanding how to optimize compressed air usage requires extensive knowledge and understanding of the utility. Calling on years of experience while working directly with customers and their requirements, EXAIR application engineers work diligently to provide proper guidance on how to get the most out of their applications. To complement this established effort, EXAIR is proud… The post EXAIR engineer achieves CCASS certification for compressed air system management appeared first on Des

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CNC Design Guide: Enhance Machining for Precision, Efficiency, and Cost Reduction

Unlock the full potential of CNC machining with our comprehensive design guide. Learn how to optimize your designs for precision, efficiency, and cost savings. Gain key insights on part complexity, tolerances, materials, finishes, and much more. Whether you’re developing prototypes or production parts, our guide offers practical tips to streamline your process and ensure high-quality results.

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Key Trends Driving Digital Transformation in the Freight Industry

Robotics Automation News

The freight and shipping industry is going through some major changes lately as new technologies shake up the old way of doing things.

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Recruitment plans on hold as UK manufacturers experience sharp downturn

E&T

According to Make UK, despite a positive picture in the first half of the year, the sector is going into reverse. In March, it was reported that manufacturers were seeing a rebound in activity despite ongoing inflationary pressure. But Make UK, which represents 20,000 manufacturers across the country, has now cut its forecast for growth for 2023, with output set to fall this year as recruitment plans are reversed amid slowing orders.

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5 Bioplastics That Meet Today’s Food Packaging Needs

Plastics Today

Three drop-in bio-derived replacements for fossil-fuel-sourced polymers and two enhanced-barrier polymers made from biomass provide brands with responsible packaging options.

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Mitsubishi Electric Automation launches next iteration of MELSERVO-J5 servo product platform

Design World

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. has expanded its MELESRVO-J5 product family to include more options for OEMs and end-users. Cutting-edge technology, industry-leading performance, and advanced servo features allow users to unlock unused potential in their machines and factories. Compatible with CC-Link IE TSN, these products are ideal for high-speed, high-precision applications to reduce the total cost […] The post Mitsubishi Electric Automation launches next iteration of MELSERVO-J5 s

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The Key to Sustainable Energy Optimization: A Data-Driven Approach for Manufacturing

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. ♻️ Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets. 📊 Join us for a practical webinar hosted by Kevin Kai Wong of Emergent Ene

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Cloud, IoT, and AI: NERC-CIP Compliance and Emerging Technologies

Robotics Automation News

What do you think our future is going to look like? Most of us will say AI and cloud computing. It is like a forest fire, spreading rapidly in our world.

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UK council’s trial smart street lamps equipped with 5G and EV chargers

E&T

The £4m pilot study will receive £1.3m in central government funding alongside extra money from local authorities including Cambridgeshire, Tees Valley, Kingston upon Thames, Westminster, Oxfordshire and North Ayrshire. In addition to connectivity and EV charging, the lampposts can be equipped with technology to monitor air quality and display public information.

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Additive Manufacturing Can Be a Superpower, If You Know How to Use It

Plastics Today

Additive manufacturing can be a transformative production resource if you apply calculated intentionality and consider its use early in the design cycle.