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Siemens and HP’s Aruba partner on integrated networks

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Siemens and Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, have announced a strategic partnership focused on bridging the Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) worlds.

Siemens is as a provider of industrial Ethernet network components and Aruba offers wired and wireless LAN infrastructure.

Digitisation, Industrie 4.0 and Industrial IoT are raising new challenges because now data increasingly must cross the boundary separating OT and IT.

[Read more…] about Siemens and HP’s Aruba partner on integrated networks

Heidenhain opens new office on US West Coast

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Industrial robotic components manufacturer Heidenhain has opened a new office on the West Coast of the US to provide “specialized motion systems” with ETEL, a company which specialises in motion control solutions.

As the Silicon Valley in California and the West Coast continue to be the hub of the semiconductor manufacturing in the US, Heidenhain has expanded its motion systems support by establishing an ETEL facility in Fremont, CA.

This new 2018 office will provide product, service and support of its ETEL motion systems designed specifically for that industry and others.  [Read more…] about Heidenhain opens new office on US West Coast

SIAF Guangzhou to feature sensor technologies and machine vision in the same hall for the first time

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With over 500 exhibitors confirmed to participate in the 2019 fair, SIAF has been receiving a positive response from industry peers, with the number of booths sold surpassing the previous edition at the same time of the year.

SPS – Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou (SIAF) will return to the China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou on 10-12 March 2019.

Backed by steadfast support of the industry professionals, SIAF will continue to showcase state-of-the-art industrial automation solutions revolving around six themes.  [Read more…] about SIAF Guangzhou to feature sensor technologies and machine vision in the same hall for the first time

AI, edge computing and AR/VR are ‘key enablers’ of future automation, says Frost

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Artificial intelligence, edge computing and augmented and virtual reality are “key enablers” for the future of automation and smart factories, according to new white papers by Frost & Sullivan.

“The world of manufacturing has never been as dynamic as it is today,” says the research consultancy.

Automation powered by AI, edge computing, and augmented and virtual reality are “driving a new chapter in the industrial revolution”, says the company.  [Read more…] about AI, edge computing and AR/VR are ‘key enablers’ of future automation, says Frost

JD.com and Intel launch new research lab for smart retail

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JD.com, one of the largest online retailers in China, and chipmaker Intel have launched a joint lab that will explore the use of Internet of Things in smart retail solutions.

The “Digitized Retail Joint Lab” will develop next-generation vending machines, media and advertising solutions, and technologies to be used in the stores of the future, based on Intel architecture.

The new lab marks the extension of the robust existing partnership between Intel and China’s largest retailer.  [Read more…] about JD.com and Intel launch new research lab for smart retail

ATS acquires intellectual property assets of Transformix for $10 million

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Automation Tooling Systems, an industrial automation solutions provider, says it has acquired “substantially all” of the intellectual property assets of Transformix Engineering.

Transformix’s CNCAssembly system, based on its patented Rapid Speed Matching technology, provides a method of linking and synchronizing the movements of devices and tooling to enable faster and more efficient assembly systems.

This enhanced capability is expected to provide higher speed, lower cost, energy efficient and more flexible assembly solutions for ATS’ customers, while utilizing a smaller footprint.  [Read more…] about ATS acquires intellectual property assets of Transformix for $10 million

Why investing in robotic packaging automation is right for your business

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Robotics packaging is being applied to an increasing number of industries as the advantages of robotics in packaging automation have become evident and identified as the future of production line packaging.

Production line automation allows companies to create efficiencies without sacrificing craftsmanship or quality. Using robotic package automation will reducing staff injury and provide the scope for expanding operations with accuracy and consistency.

Packaging robots are easily integrated into a workspace and perhaps the greatest benefit is that by using robotic packaging automation it reduces packaging time, it has the ability to lift larger items, automation means reduced labour costs and staff are free from time-consuming, repetitive and often dangerous manual tasks.  [Read more…] about Why investing in robotic packaging automation is right for your business

TCGRx and Parata Systems merge to create pharmacy automation giant

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Pharmacy packaging and automation provider TCGRx, a portfolio company of Frazier Healthcare Partners, has acquired Parata Systems.

Established leaders in medication adherence packaging and high speed automated robotic dispensing technologies, TCGRx and Parata have combined to create a new market leader focused on providing pharmacy technology solutions that support business growth, better health outcomes and lower medical costs.

Together, TCGRx and Parata currently have more than 4,500 medication adherence packagers, inspection systems and vial-filling robots installed in retail, long-term care, hospital, government and mail order pharmacies throughout North America.  [Read more…] about TCGRx and Parata Systems merge to create pharmacy automation giant

Nidec to showcase latest robotic components and haptic devices

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Leading components supplier gearing up for CES 2019

Autonomous machines are set to play an indispensable role in the future – not only in factories and warehouses, but also in people’s homes.

In addition to improving the efficiency of manufacturing lines, robots also have the potential to make our lives more comfortable by taking care of menial tasks, or augmenting human capabilities through technologies like powered exoskeletons.

Highly sophisticated robots use dozens – sometimes even hundreds – of motors and gearboxes.  [Read more…] about Nidec to showcase latest robotic components and haptic devices

Occupational safety: Where workers fear to tread

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Even now, after decades of government-directed safety regulations, factories and industrial environments can still be extremely dangerous places for humans to work in.

Despite the current trend towards collaborative robots and the largely conceptual framework of all-pervasive cyber-physical systems, where previously dangerous machines – such as industrial robotic arms and autonomous mobile vehicles – are increasingly designed to be inherently safe for humans to work directly with, thousands of deaths and injuries still occur in workshops and on the shop floor.

Statistics released by the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration show that more than 5,000 workers were killed on the job over the course of 2016 in the US alone, although this figure includes data from many different sectors, not just manufacturing, logistics and industry.  [Read more…] about Occupational safety: Where workers fear to tread