Archives for August 29, 2016

Nasa to send solar-powered robotic spacecraft on mission to look for alien life on asteroid

August 29, 2016 by David Edwards

Nasa is preparing to launch a solar-powered robotic spacecraft on the agency’s first mission to return a sample of an asteroid to Earth.

The mission will help scientists investigate how planets formed and how life began, as well as improve understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth. It will also help establish the possible existence of alien life forms in outer space.

The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft will travel to the near-Earth asteroid Bennu and bring a sample back to Earth for intensive study.

Launch is scheduled for 7:05 pm EDT Thursday, September 8 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. [Read more…] about Nasa to send solar-powered robotic spacecraft on mission to look for alien life on asteroid

Adidas to open robotics-intensive facility to make shoes in America

August 29, 2016 by David Edwards

Adidas will open a robotics-intensive, advanced manufacturing facility to make footwear in the Atlanta, US in 2017.

The “industry-defining, state-of-the-art facility” as the company describes it, called adidas SpeedFactory, will allow adidas to create product more quickly and closer to US consumers.

Adidas’ SpeedFactory concept features high levels of robotics and automation systems as well as advanced manufacturing technology, such as 3D printing.

Adidas Group executive board member Eric Liedtke, responsible for global brands, says: “For years our industry has been playing by the same rules manufacturing product remotely in Asia.

“As the creator brand that challenges convention and looks to co-create the future with our consumers, we are obsessed with bringing all steps of the creation process home to America. We’re fueling design at the ground level of creativity in Brooklyn and reinventing manufacturing with the first adidas SpeedFactory in Atlanta.

“This allows us to make product for the consumer, with the consumer, where the consumer lives in real time, unleashing unparalleled creativity and endless opportunities for customization in America.” [Read more…] about Adidas to open robotics-intensive facility to make shoes in America

HMS Industrial Networks acquires Intesis Software

August 29, 2016 by David Edwards

HMS Industrial Networks has acquired all shares of the Spain-based company Intesis Software – a provider of gateway solutions for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system integration within building automation.

Intesis was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Igualada, Spain, close to Barcelona. Intesis offers advanced communication gateway solutions and interfaces within the building automation field.

The major part of Intesis’ sales comes from the successful “IntesisBox” building automation communication solution. Intesis works closely with many major manufacturers of air conditioning and building automation systems globally. At present, the company has 30 employees. [Read more…] about HMS Industrial Networks acquires Intesis Software

Control Techniques launches ‘high power’ modular drives for industrial internet

August 29, 2016 by David Edwards

Control Techniques, an Emerson Industrial Automation business, has extended its range of high power modular drives.

Both its Unidrive M and Powerdrive F300 variable speed drive ranges are now available in the larger frame size 11, providing a flexible method of building compact, reliable high-power solutions.

Paralleled together, Unidrive M can control asynchronous and permanent magnet motors in systems up to 2.8 MW (4,200 hp), according to the company. The new frame 11 is a 250 kW (400 hp) module that allows system builders to create high power solutions with the smallest number of components, keeping both footprint and costs to a minimum. [Read more…] about Control Techniques launches ‘high power’ modular drives for industrial internet

Delta launches new range of automation solutions for industrial internet

August 29, 2016 by David Edwards

Delta says it has strengthened its portfolio of industrial automation solutions and is aiming at smart manufacturing.

Delta has launched what it says is a “strengthened and highly diversified” set of industrial automation solutions. manufacturing and industrial enterprises not only achieve higher productivity and energy

The company says its solutions will help manufacturers and industrial enterprises achieve higher productivity and energy savings, and realize the concept of smart manufacturing. [Read more…] about Delta launches new range of automation solutions for industrial internet

Fischer flash drive now ‘five times faster’ with USB 3.0

August 29, 2016 by David Edwards

Fischer Connectors has launched the USB 3.0 version of its “ultra-portable, miniature, lightweight and extremely tough Fischer Rugged Flash Drive”.

This memory stick has been specially designed for the safe transportation and storage of sensitive data in harsh environments, such as industrial settings.

The company says the USB 3.0 Fischer Rugged Flash Drive is even faster, smaller and more user-friendly than the USB 2.0 product introduced to the market in 2011. [Read more…] about Fischer flash drive now ‘five times faster’ with USB 3.0

Continuous compliance: The growing role of PLM in compliance management

August 29, 2016 by David Edwards

Adam Bannaghan, technical director of product lifecycle management (PLM) provider, Design Rule, discusses the growing role of PLM in managing quality and compliance

The advantages of PLM software are widely understood; improved product quality, lower development costs, valuable design data and a significant reduction in waste. However, one benefit that does not get as much attention is PLM’s support of regulatory compliance.

Nobody would dispute the necessity of regulatory compliance, but in the product development realm it certainly isn’t the most interesting topic. Regardless of its lack of glamour, failure to comply with industry regulations can render the more exciting advantages of PLM redundant. [Read more…] about Continuous compliance: The growing role of PLM in compliance management