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manufacturing

Teradyne Robotics and Analog Devices agree strategic partnership

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Teradyne Robotics has agreed a strategic partnership with Analog Devices (ADI), one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies, with the aim of accelerating the development and usage of advanced robotics.

Teradyne Robotics, which is the parent company of Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots, will partner with ADI to develop and deploy robots, AI and software in support of ADI’s collaborative automation initiative, which aims to enhance safety, efficiency and optimize fabrication and backend operations through automation.

These solutions will address key challenges facing the semiconductor market, including ergonomic issues due to highly repetitive tasks, manufacturing downtime, insufficient workforce, and real estate constraints. [Read more…] about Teradyne Robotics and Analog Devices agree strategic partnership

Ultimation Industries recommends material handling solutions for a safer 2025

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Manufacturers, distributors and warehouses can ring in a safer new year with material handling solutions that offer product protection, minimize injuries and improve ergonomics, according to Ultimation Industries.

Ultimation is an MCE company that solves productivity challenges with special purpose machinery and industrial automation equipment systems as well as direct-to-consumer solutions for a broad range of end-markets, including energy, automotive, logistics and vertical farming.

Carl Milodrowski, operations manager for Ultimation, says: “The new year is a great time to take stock of potential material handling safety concerns and explore options for making improvements. [Read more…] about Ultimation Industries recommends material handling solutions for a safer 2025

Apple’s main contract manufacturer Foxconn brings in UBTech humanoids to work in its factories

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UBTech Robotics has entered what’s described as “a comprehensive long-term partnership” with Foxconn (also known as Hon Hai), the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer and a primary assembler for Apple.

This is according to various media reports, including on the South China Morning Post website.

This collaboration aims to integrate UBTech’s humanoid robots into Foxconn’s production lines, enhancing efficiency and precision in the assembly of complex electronics and electric vehicles. [Read more…] about Apple’s main contract manufacturer Foxconn brings in UBTech humanoids to work in its factories

What happened to Germany? Manufacturing giant crumbles before our eyes

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Germany, often hailed as Europe’s economic powerhouse, is grappling with a significant downturn in its manufacturing sector. Once the cornerstone of its robust economy, manufacturing is now facing serious challenges that threaten the stability of the wider economy.

Germany is of particular interest to this website for obvious reasons. Apart from Japan, Germany has shown itself – or at least the manufacturing sector has shown itself – to be the most highly proficient at using robotics and automation technologies. That’s our opinion anyway.

And while China may have overloaded the world with manufactured products in every category you can imagine, German products still inspire confidence in people who appreciate precision, quality and originality. [Read more…] about What happened to Germany? Manufacturing giant crumbles before our eyes

Predictions on 3D printing: What does 2025 hold for additive manufacturing?

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Despite the tremendous success of 3D printing – also known as additive manufacturing (AM) – across many industrial sectors, the technology is still, in some ways, in its early days.

Here, a number of senior executives at 3D Systems – whose founder Chuck Hull is credited with inventing 3D printing – share their thoughts on what 2025 holds for additive manufacturing. [Read more…] about Predictions on 3D printing: What does 2025 hold for additive manufacturing?

US manufacturing sector shrinks for 25th time in 26 months

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Economic activity in the American manufacturing sector contracted in December for the ninth consecutive month and the 25th time in the last 26 months, according to a survey of the nation’s supply executives.

The findings have been published in the latest Institute for Supply Management’s Report On Business, the key component of which is the purchase managers’ index, or PMI. The report was issued by Timothy R. Fiore, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

The Manufacturing PMI registered 49.3 percent in December, 0.9 percentage point higher compared to the 48.4 percent recorded in November. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 56th month after one month of contraction in April 2020. [Read more…] about US manufacturing sector shrinks for 25th time in 26 months

How manufacturing leaders can thrive when entering new markets

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By Shinichiro Nakamura, president of one to ONE Holdings

Global expansion accounts for more than half of all corporate growth in the past decade. So, it’s no surprise that manufacturers continue to penetrate new markets.

This wider globalization trend is largely driven by the rise of emerging markets, sustainability efforts, and localizing production based on resources.

However, entering new markets is easier said than done, particularly when facing hurdles such as regulations, tariffs, talent shortages, different cultures, and limited technology. [Read more…] about How manufacturing leaders can thrive when entering new markets

Learning from Apple: Designed in the West, manufactured in the East

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Apple wasn’t always the 3.75 trillion-dollar company it is today. The company was close to bankruptcy in 1997, before Steve Jobs returned to launch newly designed and eye-catching products – like the first multi-coloured iMac range, the iPod and then the iPhone – and put the company on the journey to become the modern corporate phenomenon that it is today.

In today’s globalised economy, Apple could now be said to be the quintessential example of a company that designs its products in the United States while manufacturing them in China and across Asia.

Apple is not, of course, unique in this approach. Many other companies have been doing this for a long time. Such companies used to be called “multinationals” before the internet made the term almost redundant.

[Read more…] about Learning from Apple: Designed in the West, manufactured in the East

Artificial Intelligence Propels Metal Manufacturing Forward

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The earlier decade marked the introduction of Industry 4.0 with digitalization.

Now, that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making waves in all industries, its impact can be felt in metal manufacturing, particularly metal parts machining and precision fabrication.

With AI algorithms, machines, and tools have gotten smarter, quicker, and more efficient. Automation technology has advanced, and access to information has become easier than ever.

[Read more…] about Artificial Intelligence Propels Metal Manufacturing Forward

RealMan Robotics showcases ‘ultra-lightweight humanoid’ robotic arms

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RealMan Robotics, a company specializing in the development, production and sales of “ultra-lightweight humanoid robotic arms”, has unveiled its latest robotic arms, joint model and embodied intelligence platforms at Advanced Manufacturing Madrid 2024 in Spain.

At this year’s event, RealMan showcased its ultra-lightweight humanoid robotic arms, including the ECO series, RM series robotic arms, WHJ series joint modules, RealEye Vision Sensing Platform, Embodied Intelligence Dual-Arm Development Platform, Embodied Dual-Arm elevation Platform, as well as AI physiotherapy Robot, among other technologies.

The ECO65, which is suitable for industrial applications, is the most advanced robotic arm in the world, and is designed to be used in a variety of applications. [Read more…] about RealMan Robotics showcases ‘ultra-lightweight humanoid’ robotic arms