Robotics & Automation News

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Manufacturing

Comau implements high-volume, automated assembly line for HYCET

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Comau has designed and deployed a high-volume, automated assembly line for HYCET, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Wall Motor and a leading manufacturer of DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) technology.

The L.E.M.O.N. hybrid DHT is a next-generation transmission system that allows for the simultaneous use of gasoline engines and electric motors, enabling efficient power sharing between them.

To meet the customer’s large-scale manufacturing targets, Comau’s end-to-end solution features a total of 12 robots across 6 lines to deliver an annual production capacity of 150,000 units per line with a cycle time of less than 2 minutes. [Read more…] about Comau implements high-volume, automated assembly line for HYCET

Falling Demand is Undermining Government Investment in Battery and Semiconductor Tech

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Improvements in battery and semiconductor technology are essential for automation. Physically instantiated AI systems need power cells that can fuel them for work. Tethering them to long cables is impractical in most situations.

Unfortunately, demand for these ancillary technologies is drying up, despite billions of dollars in direct U.S. government funding. Slowing growth in electric vehicle sales is partly to blame.

Still, pundits are also anticipating Donald Trump’s return to the Whitehouse, dampening sentiment in the science and technology sector’s long-term investment plans. [Read more…] about Falling Demand is Undermining Government Investment in Battery and Semiconductor Tech

The Impact of CNC Machining Across Industries

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In the realm of modern manufacturing, few technologies have been as transformative as computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

This method, where computer programming guides the movement of factory tools and machinery, has revolutionized how we produce everything from everyday items to complex components.

Its journey from the earliest numerical control systems to today’s sophisticated multi-axis CNC machines encapsulates a saga of innovation and technological advancement.

As industries from aerospace to healthcare continuously evolve, CNC machining stands as a pivotal force driving this change, enabling unparalleled precision, efficiency, and versatility in production. [Read more…] about The Impact of CNC Machining Across Industries

The Rise of Automation in Manufacturing

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Manufacturing operations across the globe have experienced a great deal of turbulence in recent years.

From disruptions to production lines and supply chains brought about by both the pandemic and geopolitical disturbances, to an increased focus on sustainable practices intended to reduce energy consumption and make more appropriate use of finite resources.

In an effort to address these pressures, organizations around the world are working to find actionable ways to improve productivity without incurring avoidable expenses. [Read more…] about The Rise of Automation in Manufacturing

Understanding PCB Materials: A Comparison of FR4 and High-Frequency Materials

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When you first start learning about PCBs and their manufacturing, things seem to be extremely complicated. At some point, you might think, “It’s not for me.”

But as soon as you keep learning, complexities start getting untangled quite easily. And today, we’ll untangle one of the biggest debates about PCB. [Read more…] about Understanding PCB Materials: A Comparison of FR4 and High-Frequency Materials

How to Reduce Chatter in Robotic Milling Applications

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Have you optimized the performance of your robotic arm as it performs milling operations? Machining with articulated robot arms is an attractive alternative to machine tools because they offer ease of set-up, repeatability, a large workspace, and versatility.

However, machine tools are as much as 50 times stiffer than robotic arms. This lack of stiffness in robots makes it challenging to produce the desired performance. Minimizing chatter is a frequent concern and should not be overlooked to ensure the right results the first time.

In this article, we explore some best practices for reducing chatter with a focus on the spindle and tooling. [Read more…] about How to Reduce Chatter in Robotic Milling Applications

ABB and Tenova supply technology to Hasçelik for making ‘special steel’

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ABB has partnered with Tenova, a developer and provider of sustainable solutions for the green transition of the metals industry, to install and commission equipment in a new Hasçelik steel plant in Osmaneli, Turkey, about 200 km south-east of Istanbul.

Hasçelik is one of Turkey’s leading manufacturers of “special steel” with a total of five manufacturing plants and other locations worldwide.

The new line will comprise Consteel Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) equipped with Consteerrer electromagnetic liquid steel stirring system, a ladle furnace and a twin vacuum degasser. [Read more…] about ABB and Tenova supply technology to Hasçelik for making ‘special steel’

How automation and AI ‘enrich’ online print industry

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Robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are “enriching the online print industry”, according to industry association Initiative Online Print.

The IOP welcomed three new members (see below) to its ranks at its Autumn conference, where robotics, automation and artificial intelligence were the main subjects of conversation and debate.

Thematically, everything at the IOP Autumn conference revolved around the topics of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. [Read more…] about How automation and AI ‘enrich’ online print industry

Renault facility with 648 robots celebrates manufacturing ‘100 million engines and gear boxes’

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Automaker Renault’s Cléon factory, which specialises in manufacturing engines and components for both electric and internal combustion vehicles, could never be mistaken for a mere production plant.

It is first and foremost a “symbol of human ingenuity and technological innovation”, says the company. Since the iconic factory founded in 1958, it has shaped the landscape of the automotive industry, recently hitting the impressive milestone of 100 million engines and gear boxes manufactured.

Dive into this fascinating industrial arena, where the past meets the future. Welcome to the Cléon Megafactory. [Read more…] about Renault facility with 648 robots celebrates manufacturing ‘100 million engines and gear boxes’