Design World
MARCH 5, 2024
I’m going to veer off the normal engineering focus of this column for a month to dabble in a scientific field that’s close to my heart: astronomy. We’re a month out from this year’s big heavenly spectacle in the U.S., the total solar eclipse on April 8th. This eclipse will sweep across the country from… The post Solar eclipses: When 99% is simply not good enough appeared first on Design World.
Gary Mintchell
MARCH 8, 2024
I have begun receiving enough press announcements from the MODEX 2024 show that I am beginning to think I should have made plans for Atlanta next week (March 11-14, 2024). It’s material handling, so lots of robotics news. This one from Kawasaki Robotics and Olis Robotics. Partnerships are how things get moved forward these days. Olis Robotics, a leader in the remote error recovery for industrial robots, announces a new partnership with Kawasaki Robotics Inc., a leading supplier of industrial rob
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Control.com
MARCH 6, 2024
Omron has launched its MD-650 and MD-900 medium-payload AMRs as an out-of-the-box solution with lifter top and top roller modules from ROEQ, offering customers efficient and cost-effective material transportation.
SMMT
MARCH 5, 2024
New car registrations rise 14.0% to 84,886 units – best performance for the month since 2004. Battery electric vehicle share grows during traditionally low-volume, pre-new number plate month. Industry calls for fairer EV taxation as fleets continue to drive growth, while private EV uptake declines. SEE CAR REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE The UK new car market has recorded its best February performance for two decades as registrations rose 14.0% to 84,886 units, accor
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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.
Design World
MARCH 7, 2024
Siemens is extending its drive portfolio in the extra-low-voltage range for 24–48 V EC motors with its new SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE. The new product line with UL and CE-marked components consists of the PDC (Profidrive Control) servo drive in conjunction with a flexible range of motors and connecting cables from product partners, along with the TM… The post Siemens expands its SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE for extra-low-voltage applications appeared first on Design World.
Gary Mintchell
MARCH 8, 2024
I just released a podcast where I thought about standards, interoperability, and open technologies. This news came my way, speaking of open, that Shell Information Technology International has become a platinum member of The Open Group. Shell has been a Member of The Open Group since 1997, and has contributed to its numerous Forums which enable collaboration to develop open technology standards and certifications.
Manufacturing Technology Today brings together the best content for manufacturing technology professionals from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Manufacturer's Monthly
MARCH 3, 2024
Toyota Australia has announced Thiess is set to be the first customer to take delivery of its locally-assembled EODev GEH2 hydrogen fuel cell stationary power generator. Toyota Australia president and chief executive officer Matthew Callachor made the announcement at a ceremony to celebrate the completion of the first GEH2 generator assembled at the company’s site at Altona in Victoria.
Design World
MARCH 8, 2024
Today, every large event includes an elaborate laser show. Laser projections are used at trade fairs, in advertising, art, and at architectural events. The magically glowing light patterns are made possible by highly complex technology, and at many of the most spectacular installations, this technology is provided by Berlin-based LaserAnimation Sollinger.
Gary Mintchell
MARCH 5, 2024
We all know that the Industrial Internet of Things and other wireless devices are straining the wireless spectrum. Spectrum turns out to be a scarce resource. With continually growing communication requirements, both data and voice, this is a problem searching for a solution. (Unlike many things floating around these days that are solutions searching for a problem.
Robotics Business Review
MARCH 6, 2024
Robotics investments totaled $578 million in January 2024 as the result of 46 funding rounds. This figure was substantially lower than the trailing twelve-month average, but in line with January 2023’s figure of $523 million. The largest robotics investment in January 2024 was a $100 million round secured by Norway-based 1X , a developer of humanoids (See Table 1 below).
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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
E&T
MARCH 6, 2024
Of the top five western European economies – France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK – the UK government has invested the least in green spending, and also comes out worst in terms of per capita green energy investment.
Design World
MARCH 6, 2024
By Mark Jones My initials were visible on the structure protruding from the roof of the white Jaguar as it approached. The car pulled up and the app signaled I could unlock the door. With a tap, the door handles extended. I entered for my first ride in a fully autonomous vehicle. I found myself… The post Technical thinking: Experimental vehicles appeared first on Design World.
Gary Mintchell
MARCH 5, 2024
Two things. First, I cannot believe that ten years ago I lost interest in robotics thinking the whole genre was mature and not interesting. Second, I’m still getting executive visions for 2024. This news combines the two. Marc Segura, President ABB Robotics Division, identifies three drivers for robotics-driven AI solutions in 2024. The impetus relates to ABB’s continued expansion into new segments not previously served by robotic automation.
Robotics Business Review
MARCH 2, 2024
Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot (center) and Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoid at the 2023 Robotics Summit & Expo. Behavior trees are a mechanism for representing and abstracting complex behavior for robots. While they originated in the video game industry, they have been steadily gaining popularity in robotics over the past several years.
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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.
E&T
MARCH 7, 2024
NatPower has announced plans to build over £10bn worth of battery storage amounting to around 15-20% of the UK’s needs by 2040.
Design World
MARCH 4, 2024
Manufacturers are under pressure to take on a digital transformation that will add flexibility on the plant floor while increasing productivity. Key drivers of this technology step change include the need to reduce operating expenses and improve efficiency, all while facing a skills shortage and a lack of visibility across the supply chain. Recognizing this… The post Design World launches the Digital Transformation Forum appeared first on Design World.
Gary Mintchell
MARCH 7, 2024
The first trip I made as a new editor many years ago was to Microsoft to talk with a manufacturing software/PLM developer. PLM being Product Lifecycle Management—that layer of software used to translate CAD into manufacturing. When I covered automation, we didn’t cover this area often. These software companies seldom advertise, so the pressure from sales to cover them was, shall we say, less intense.
Robotics Business Review
MARCH 4, 2024
Sikorsky’s Optionally Piloted Black Hawk helicopter equipped with MATRIX and Rain autonomy systems during fire localization and targeting demos at Sikorsky HQ in Stratford, Connecticut. | Source: Rain Rain, a developer of aerial wildfire containment technology, and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company specializing in advanced rotorcraft, are researching how to fight wildfires autonomously.
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
E&T
MARCH 5, 2024
From 2026, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) will introduce new testing rules that will require vehicles to have physical controls for basic functions like turn signals and windscreen wipers to earn a full five-star safety rating.
Design World
MARCH 8, 2024
Vision Research, a manufacturer of digital high-speed imaging systems, announces the release of its Phantom Miro C321 Air high-speed camera for airborne testing applications. This 2-megapixel camera leverages the rugged and field-proven design of the Phantom Miro C321 vehicle crash test camera to meet manned and unmanned airborne testing requirements.
Gary Mintchell
MARCH 6, 2024
Some of the increased activity in industrial robots came from the collaborative (cobot) work in Denmark. There is also work with chips and software and safety. Another area of robotic innovation comes from the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology. This is news from Omron and Danish company ROEQ. These mobile robots require innovative top modules performing much the same function of the well known grippers.
Robotics Business Review
MARCH 3, 2024
SMC recently introduced a series of electric grippers designed to be used with collaborative robot arms (cobots) from Universal Robots (UR). Available in basic and longitudinal types, SMC said the LEHR series can be adapted to different industrial environments like narrow spaces. The new series offers gripping forces between 60 to 140 N and have M8, 8-pin plug-and-play connectors.
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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
Plastics Today
MARCH 8, 2024
Polyethylene resin prices also rose last week, but not as much.
Design World
MARCH 7, 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), more than 72,130 wind turbines and 210,000 blades were deployed as of July 2022. The DOE expects up to 9,000 blades to be retired annually through 2026, and up to 20,000 will be retired annually by 2040. Blade waste could reach up to 370,000 tons per year… The post Recycled wind turbine blades make artful furniture for public spaces appeared first on Design World.
Gary Mintchell
MARCH 6, 2024
I have published a new podcast thinking about standards and interoperability. I’ve seen successes of industry standards. I’ve also seen industrial standards struggle to break through the logjam of large companies drive to lock customers into their ecosystem. What is the latest of OPAF and what is the meaning of Schneider Electric’s announcement of a product built with with Red Hat and IBM and development of a new computer communication standard?
Robotics Business Review
MARCH 3, 2024
MIRA features a small, self-contained surgical device that can perform abdominal surgeries. | Source: Virtual Incision Virtual Incision announced that the FDA granted marketing authorization to its MIRA miniaturized surgical robotic system. The FDA gave the nod for the use of the miniRAS (robotic-assisted surgery) system in adults undergoing colectomy procedures.
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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.
Control.com
MARCH 6, 2024
We know what a circuit breaker is meant to do: stop the flow of electricity in case of a fault or failure. But just like fuses, breakers and overloads respond differently depending on the load.
Design World
MARCH 8, 2024
AutomationDirect has added AchieVe PSA series value power supplies which offer prices well below the competition and are suitable for price-sensitive users who require basic yet reliable DC power for general industrial applications. Their overcurrent protection is designed to operate in constant current mode, making the PSA series appropriate for inductive and capacitive loads.
Gary Mintchell
MARCH 4, 2024
Many companies have found solid reasons for attempting to achieve a net-negative CO2 future. The business value continues to grow. I told my typically conservative boss early on at Automation World that the next issue’s topic was Green (as it was known then). He gave me “that” look. I told him think green as in the color of American dollar bills. What’s good for the environment is also good for business.
Robotics Business Review
MARCH 5, 2024
Cogniteam provides a unified way to develop, deploy, and manage robot fleets. Source: Cogniteam Real-Time Innovations, or RTI, today announced that Cogniteam has chosen RTI Connext to provide commercially supported communications to its unified cloud-based platform for robot design, development, and testing. Developers can use Connext , which is based on the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, to monitor incoming data in real time from robots to the cloud, said RTI.
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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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