Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Manufacturing

Global spending on semiconductor fabrication equipment forecast to reach ‘all-time high’ of almost $100 billion in 2022

by

Global fabrication equipment spending for front-end facilities is expected to increase approximately 9 percent year-over-year to a new “all-time high” of $99 billion in 2022, according to SEMI.

The industry association revealed its prediction in its latest quarterly World Fab Forecast report. The report also shows the global fab equipment industry increasing capacity this year and again in 2023.

Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO, says: “After achieving a record level in 2022, the global fab equipment market is projected to remain healthy next year driven by new fabs and upgrade activity.” [Read more…] about Global spending on semiconductor fabrication equipment forecast to reach ‘all-time high’ of almost $100 billion in 2022

Changing of the Guard: MES or Not?

by

By Karan Talati, First Resonance

Innovation and operational changes are essential to maintaining your competitive edge in any industry. This is no different for manufacturing. Times are changing, and today’s manufacturers are re-evaluating their production processes.

Machine efficiency is necessary. It is important to the bottom line but doesn’t drive innovation. MES has been the go-to solution for manufacturers for decades, but it has lagged behind modern challenges facing today’s manufacturers.

Visionary entrepreneurs, startups, and incumbent companies with a new generation of engineers are looking to transform products of the physical world. To that, they need flexible and iterative workflows – not static efficiency measurements. Organizations across industries are rethinking legacy tools’ role in their operations. [Read more…] about Changing of the Guard: MES or Not?

Liminal launches automated system for battery inspection in manufacturing

by

Liminal, a specialist in electric vehicle battery manufacturing intelligence, has launched its EchoStat platform, a fully-automated commercial-ready manufacturing inspection solution based on ultrasound and machine learning.

Scheduled to be fully operational in 2023, this in-process inspection innovation is a groundbreaking, critical advancement toward helping EV battery manufacturers achieve the accelerated production ramp rates and cost reduction required to catalyze EV adoption at scale.

EchoStat’s core technology has been validated across 50 different cell types by six EV OEMs and seven cell manufacturers.

Anders Thor, director of communications at Northvolt, says: “We see potential in the automated EchoStat platform, enabling in-process control of saturation quality and prediction of cell performance and cycle life. The in-line inspection solution provides opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, saving resource, cost and time.” [Read more…] about Liminal launches automated system for battery inspection in manufacturing

Bosch to invest a further €3 billion in chip manufacturing business

by

From cars and e-bikes to household appliances and wearables – semiconductors are an integral part of all electronic systems. They are the motor that drives the modern world of technology.

Bosch recognized their growing significance early on and has now announced investment of further billions of euros in order to strengthen its own semiconductor business. By 2026, Bosch plans to invest another €3 billion in its semiconductor division as part of the IPCEI funding program on microelectronics and communications technology.

Dr Stefan Hartung, chairman of Bosch, says: “Microelectronics is the future and is vital to the success of all areas of Bosch business. With it, we hold a master key to tomorrow’s mobility, the internet of things, and to what we at Bosch call technology that is ‘Invented for life’.” [Read more…] about Bosch to invest a further €3 billion in chip manufacturing business

Columbia/Okura celebrates shipping 1,000th palletizing system

by

Columbia/Okura marked the milestone of shipping its 1,000th robotic palletizer. We’ve designed and commissioned many successful palletizing systems, handling a massive range of products across dozens of industries worldwide.

From bag palletizing systems in abusive and harsh environments to high-speed, multi-robot, multi-picking case applications, Columbia/Okura has handled almost any type of product packaging in virtually any application.

To celebrate the occasion and thank employees for their hard work, Columbia/Okura supplied lunch from Smokin’ Oak, a local barbeque restaurant in Vancouver, Canada. [Read more…] about Columbia/Okura celebrates shipping 1,000th palletizing system

Choosing the Right Machining Service Provider for Your Business

by

When starting up your new business, you need to consider all the options at your disposal. When it comes to CNC machining services, you have several options, but not all of them are created equal.

You’ll want to ensure that you have the right solution to meet your needs and that you aren’t overpaying or underpaying for the services you receive. This guide will help you find the right machining service provider for your business, saving time and money. [Read more…] about Choosing the Right Machining Service Provider for Your Business

3 Capabilities of an Electronic Manufacturing Services Company

by

The process of manufacturing in-demand gadgets like phones and TVs follows several phases. In effect, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has to research and develop a design that meets current consumer needs.

Because of these current demands, most manufacturers build their products in-house or outsource related tasks. The latter has become a standard option for most OEMs as they focus on researching possible product improvements.

The subcontractors who handle these tasks do so in what’s referred to as electronic manufacturing services (EMS). Specialized engineering experts like Nortech Systems help OEMs attain their project goals.

The cost will depend on the complexity of the tasks and the current stage of product development. [Read more…] about 3 Capabilities of an Electronic Manufacturing Services Company

Dual Extruder 3D Printing Advantages How to Use

by

A dual extruder allows people to print things in two colors, and it helps to make the printing process a little faster, or perhaps a little more efficient, and as yet may prove to offer a broader range of printing options as we advance the technology behind 3D printing.  [Read more…] about Dual Extruder 3D Printing Advantages How to Use

Plastic Injection Molding Machines: Types and Benefits

by

Injection molding is a manufacturing process for producing parts from both thermoplastic and thermoset materials.

Injection molding machines are used to inject molten plastic into a mold cavity, where it cools and hardens to the shape of the cavity.

There are many different types of injection molding machines, each with its own set of benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the three most common types of injection molding machines: hydraulic, electric, and servo-electric. We will also discuss the benefits of each type of machine.

Plastic Injection Molding provides a versatile manufacturing process that can be used to produce parts from a wide variety of materials. Injection molding machines are available in a variety of different types, each with its own set of benefits. [Read more…] about Plastic Injection Molding Machines: Types and Benefits

Will Automated Pre Roll Machines Boost Your Revenue?

by

In the rapidly growing cannabis industry, there’s a lot to keep up with. And if you want to stay on top of your game, you must choose only the best. There aren’t many things in this business that are better than automated joint rolling machines.

That’s why you should consider introducing one into your process, as it will automate your work and generate more products. But will these automated machines help you boost your revenue? Let’s find out! [Read more…] about Will Automated Pre Roll Machines Boost Your Revenue?