Robotics & Automation News

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Manufacturing

Automated precision milling in the medical technology sector

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Fetzer Medical employs tailored yet universally flexible Hermle machining centres in its role as an original equipment manufacturer, partner building a wide range of surgical instruments and medical technology components to customer specifications.

“From the idea to the finished product, or: All-in-one inclusive labelling” – is the mission statement of Fetzer Medical, a medium-sized company based in Tuttlingen, in Germany, established in 2008 by Peter Fetzer.

In order to build further on the family business’ long-standing tradition in the development and manufacture of surgical instruments and medical devices, Peter Fetzer took the decision.  [Read more…] about Automated precision milling in the medical technology sector

General Electric wins $230 million order for Boeing Dreamliner engines from Uzbekistan Airways

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Uzbekistan Airways has selected General Electric’s GEnx-1B engines to power four new Boeing 787-8 aircraft, also known as Dreamliners.

The engine order is valued at more than $230 million, including a custom-ordered spare engine. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2018.

GE Aviation awarded Uzbekistan Airways its TRUEngine designation for the entire GEnx fleet.  [Read more…] about General Electric wins $230 million order for Boeing Dreamliner engines from Uzbekistan Airways

SAS Manufacturing opens advanced aerospace manufacturing facility in Colorado

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SAS Manufacturing has unveiled a new advanced machining facility for design, manufacturing and assembly of aerospace components in Arvada, Colorado, in the US.

SAS Manufacturing expects to more than double the facility’s workforce of skilled machining technicians, managers and apprentices over the next 24 months.

The fully renovated 25,000-square-foot building is equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing systems, including automated 5-axis milling and 3D printing capabilities, to serve a growing government and commercial client base worldwide.  [Read more…] about SAS Manufacturing opens advanced aerospace manufacturing facility in Colorado

Moduform puts Rethink Robotics collaborative robot to work making furniture

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Challenged with a hard-to-find human workforce, family owned company brings in a robot

Family-owned furniture manufacturer Moduform has given a job to Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer collaborative robot at its Fitchburg, Massachusetts facility.

Faced with a shortage of workers, Moduform brought in Sawyer to fill that gap.

The company says utilising the collaborative robot is also helping to improve innovation, create better jobs for existing employees and meet market demands in the furniture manufacturing industry.  [Read more…] about Moduform puts Rethink Robotics collaborative robot to work making furniture

New Apple iPhone could face manufacturing delays

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The new iPhone which Apple is planning to launch tomorrow is likely to face manufacturing delays, according to a report in Wall Street Journal. 

Any new iPhone usually sells out quite quickly so there’s almost always shortages, but this time shortfalls could be due to a lack of new screens.

Apple has chosen organic light emitting diode – OLED – technology for its screens. Previous iPhones used LCD – liquid crystal display.  [Read more…] about New Apple iPhone could face manufacturing delays

Offshore drilling company Nabors acquires Robotic Drilling Systems

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Nabors Industries, an oil and gas drilling company, has acquired Robotic Drilling Systems, a provider of automated tubular and tool handling equipment for the onshore and offshore drilling markets.

This transaction integrates the RDS team and product offering with the technology portfolio of Canrig, Nabors rig equipment subsidiary, and strengthens the development of its drilling automation solutions.

The RDS modular systems are applicable both in onshore and offshore markets, on new builds as well as retrofits.  [Read more…] about Offshore drilling company Nabors acquires Robotic Drilling Systems

HP and Deloitte partner to provide digital technologies for industrial companies

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HP, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computer technology, and Deloitte Consulting have partnered to provide a range of products and services intended to help industrial companies to digitise their operations. 

The idea of digitalisation is still something many industrial companies are getting used to, and it’s something that has yet to be fully realised.

Many large industrials, such as Siemens and GE Digital, have demonstrated various facets of what digitisation means, but the reality may be that it’s too big and complex to even describe in a short time.  [Read more…] about HP and Deloitte partner to provide digital technologies for industrial companies

Siemens to acquire driverless car software developer Tass to strengthen product lifecycle management portfolio

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Siemens has reached an agreement to acquire self-driving software specialist Tass International. 

Siemens is said to be Europe’s largest engineering company and has been on the acquisitions and investments trail for some time.

Earlier this year, Siemens spent $4.5 billion buying Mentor Graphics, a builder of electronic hardware and software solutions. Last year, it invested more than $130 million in Bentley Systems, a developer of software solutions which can show factories in digital form.  [Read more…] about Siemens to acquire driverless car software developer Tass to strengthen product lifecycle management portfolio

Norautron recruits ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot to help with Abax electronics manufacturing

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Norautron, an electronics manufacturer based in Norway, has invested in the ABB YuMi collaborative robot to help the company meet additional demands relating to a manufacturing agreement with Abax, a supplier of electronics for cars and other road vehicles. 

Norautron fully automatic robotic work cell is said to be able to manufacture, assemble, mark and pack four unique products.

With this new cell, hardware can be assembled in Norway at a competitive cost level, says the company.  [Read more…] about Norautron recruits ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot to help with Abax electronics manufacturing

GE Digital launches new version of manufacturing execution system

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GE Digital has launched the latest version of its manufacturing execution system software, Production Manager.

The company says the new version of Production Manager addresses important issues where existing plant floor IT systems are inconsistent across plants and, therefore, managers can’t re-use configurations, leverage expertise, or lower overall MES costs.

The software completely digitizes paper-based processes so companies can increase production output per person, reduce reporting and administration, decrease defects and material required, and ensure up-to-date routes and work instructions.  [Read more…] about GE Digital launches new version of manufacturing execution system