Where Innovation Meets Imagination
Human-robot collaboration-compliant Kuka robots put to work in quality assurance at BMW facility
MRK-Systeme has developed an automation solution with human-robot collaboration capability for the BMW Group using Kuka robots for high payloads.
It enables the factory in Landshut, Bavaria to carry out quality assurance for crankshaft housing in an “ergonomically friendly manner”, says the company. [Read more…] about MRK-Systeme builds Kuka-based automation solution for BMW
Škoda Auto, Matador Group and Kuka have come together in the town of Vrchlabí, Czech Republic, for what they say is “a manufacturing initiative without borders or fences”.
The project is being undertaken in an automobile factory which produces direct-shift-gearbox automatic transmissions.
There, an industrial robot does what industrial robots do best: grow productivity, reduce costs and improve output quality. [Read more…] about ‘Innovative’ Škoda factory introduces human-robot collaboration with Kuka LBR iiwa
SPX Flow claims it has made a technological breakthrough with its new refrigerated air dryer which will enable electricity savings of 30 per cent for robotics and automation applications
SPX Flow has launched a new refrigerated compressed air dryer which it claims can save up to 30 per cent on energy costs.
The Flex Series lowers air system power costs and improves productivity by matching power consumption to compressed air demand. In a typical manufacturing facility utilizing automation and robotics, up to 30 per cent of electricity can be consumed for generating and treating compressed air.
To reduce total cost of operation and qualify for utility company incentive programs, proper air treatment equipment selection and application is required, says the company.
SPX says this is a breakthrough in compressed air drying technology. [Read more…] about SPX Flow claims technical breakthrough which saves 30 per cent energy
Nick Boughton, sales manager at Boulting Technology, discusses best practice for obsolescence management from a systems integrator point of view
The control system in a factory is what a motor is to a car, and when something is amiss, the systems integrator will analyse, design, fit and test, to make sure the system is better than ever and raring to go. However, there’s a topic that we’re finding crops up time and again.
The debate between upgrade vs repair is by no means a new one, but it has become prevalent as most industries look to squeeze margins. Certain sectors have long had to carefully manage obsolescence due to their delicate nature.
For example, pharmaceuticals manufacturing is well known for being heavily regulated and so sourcing spare parts instead of committing to a systems upgrade generally means saving time, money and a whole lot of paperwork. [Read more…] about Dealing with legacy systems in industry
By Edward Tse, Gao Feng Advisory
Donald Trump’s recent appointment of Peter Navarro to head his newly formed White House National Trade Council has sparked controversy.
Navarro is known for his hawkish views on China and many believe that, by appointing him, the US president-elect is signalling that he will play hardball with China on trade when he takes office.
Navarro has written a number of books and filmed a documentary in which he criticised China for unfair trade practices, especially with the US. He has called China “a cheat”, “brutal” and “amoral”.
Instead of launching a trade war, collaboration is the way to go. [Read more…] about Trump policy on China: Playing hardball
Like many other cutting edge technologies – artificial intelligence, big data analytics – additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has been incorporated into daily use at Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing with the help of the team’s Technical Innovation Group.
In this case, TIG partner Renishaw, a global metrology firm which manufactures metal additive manufacturing machines, as well as working with the more familiar 3D printing in plastics for its own prototyping.
TIG project manager, George Sykes of PA Consulting, says: “We use 3D printing at three different levels within the team. The simplest level is as a prototyping and visualisation tool. We manufacture a large number of custom parts and 3D printing allows us to make full size prototypes in-house before we commit to a design.” [Read more…] about Renishaw 3D printing technology increases Land Rover BAR’s performance
David Atkins, projects director at Cressall Resistors, explains why design is essential not only in art, but also in industry, especially when designing equipment such as power resistors for demanding environments like oil and gas
One of the most popular works of Renaissance sculpture is Michelangelo’s David, a piece that has become synonymous with human strength and beauty.
Despite its seemingly perfect proportions, a basic design flaw of the statue has recently been brought to light.
Recurring micro-fractures in the ankles might cause the statue to collapse under its own weight. [Read more…] about Braking resistors that will not break
By Naomi Tajitsu and Paul Lienert, Reuters
Honda and General Motors will jointly produce pollution-free hydrogen fuel cell power systems in the United States from around 2020, despite President Donald Trump’s promises to dismantle US environmental regulations intended to spur green car demand.
At a briefing in Detroit, GM executive Mark Reuss said the fuel cells could be used in autonomous vehicles, as well by ride-sharing companies, such as GM affiliate Lyft. He also said fuel cells could have aerospace and military applications.
The companies on Monday said they will invest $85 million to add a production line at a GM battery plant in Brownstown, Michigan, and create 100 jobs. The fuel cell production line will be partly automated and is designed to be quickly scaled up if demand warrants. [Read more…] about General Motors and Honda to jointly develop hydrogen fuel cell for autonomous vehicles
Company says its new, “multi-million-dollar” European plant enhances process equipment manufacturing capability
SPX Flow has expanded its manufacturing capability in Europe.
The company – which offers an extensive range of hygienic valves, plate heat exchangers, pumps, homogenizers and process systems designed for use in dairy, food, beverage, pharmaceutical and personal care production – says the expansion is part of its “continued commitment to excel in service, quality and delivery”.
The new SPX flow facility in central Europe is designed for “manufacturing excellence” in terms of efficient production of high quality products with reliable and competitive lead times, says the company. [Read more…] about SPX Flow launches ‘multi-million-dollar’ European manufacturing facility
Siemens has been showcasing some of the prestigious projects the company’s product lifecycle management software is being used for – and they include space and maritime projects
Whether it’s space taxis or passenger cars, America’s Cup yachts or Formula 1 race cars, products are more complex, smarter and more connected than ever before. Product Lifecycle Management software helps manufacturers transform their operations into digital enterprises and lead the way – with smarter products and smarter machines making them.
The world’s fastest Space Utility Vehicle will have to be able to withstand a lot.
When plying its standard route between the Earth and the International Space Station, which circles the Earth at an altitude of about 250 miles, transporting cargo there and back, it will do more than merely travel at over 17,000 mph (Mach 25). [Read more…] about From virtual space to outer space: Siemens shows off its PLM client list
