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A digital skills crisis is looming in manufacturing – but there could be a game-changing solution

April 20, 2020 by Polly Leave a Comment

According to recent research, there’s an escalating talent shortage in the manufacturing industry. As the sector benefits from advances in technology, including implementation of automated processes and robotics – the digital skills gap has only widened.

In the 2018 Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute skills gap and future of work study, researchers predicted a potential shortage of around 2.4 million workers over the next 10 years.
The study was US-based, but the findings are likely to resonate with manufacturing firms worldwide. Job openings have been growing at rapid rates, but employers are struggling to find the skilled talent needed to fill them. [Read more…] about A digital skills crisis is looming in manufacturing – but there could be a game-changing solution

NXP launches new ‘multi-gigabit’ automotive Ethernet switch for time-sensitive networking

February 3, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

NXP, one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive semiconductors, has launched a “multi-gigabit Ethernet switch” designed to help automakers deliver the high-speed networks required for evolving connected vehicles.

NXP says its SJA1110 is “the first automotive Ethernet switch with safety capabilities built in”, offering integrated 100BASE-T1 PHYs, hardware-assisted security as well as multi-gigabit interfaces.

Optimized for integration with NXP’s S32G vehicle network processor, the SJA1110 switch is also part of an overall networking solution which includes the VR5510 power management integrated circuit. [Read more…] about NXP launches new ‘multi-gigabit’ automotive Ethernet switch for time-sensitive networking

How Automation and Artificial Intelligence Can Boost Cybersecurity

January 20, 2020 by Liv Leave a Comment

Cybercriminals are always evolving their efforts and coming up with more advanced ways to target their victims. And while there are many tools available to stop them, there is a lot of space for improvement. Especially if you take automation into account.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are playing a significant role in cybersecurity. Automation tools can prevent, detect, and deal with tons of cyber threats way more efficiently and faster than humans. And it will continue to expand down the road. To that end, here’s a quick look at the significant differences AI/ML technologies can make to corporate cybersecurity approaches.

Mitigating the risks posed by omnipresent technology

Technology has permeated every facet of personal and work lives. Above anything else, it increased their attack surface. And it has become a massive problem for companies in recent years – they have to account for many applications and devices. [Read more…] about How Automation and Artificial Intelligence Can Boost Cybersecurity

OnRobot launches ‘compact, highly customizable’ electric vacuum gripper

January 2, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

OnRobot, a provider of robotic end-of-arm tooling, has launched the VGC10 compact electric vacuum gripper that addresses customer demand for a small but powerful and highly configurable gripper for nearly any application.

Based on the design of the award-winning OnRobot VG10 electric vacuum gripper, the compact VGC10 is smaller and lighter than its larger cousin, so is ideal for constrained environments and smaller robot arms, but offers the same impressive payload of 15 kg (35 lb).

The VGC10 provides fast out-of-the-box deployment but also offers unlimited customization, with easily changeable suction cup options and the ability to add or replace arms to fit highly specific application needs. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches ‘compact, highly customizable’ electric vacuum gripper

OnRobot launches ‘small but powerful’ new gripper

December 18, 2019 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

OnRobot, a manufacturer of robotic end-of-arm tooling, has launched a new gripper which it describes as “small but powerful”.

OnRobot says the VGC10 compact electric vacuum gripper addresses customer demand for a small, powerful and highly configurable gripper for nearly any application.

The new gripper has no compressor and requires no air supply, which eliminates the cost, noise, space, and maintenance of producing compressed air, says OnRobot, adding that the compact electrical gripper is “easy to implement and move”. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches ‘small but powerful’ new gripper

ZF joins Mobility as a Service Alliance group

November 15, 2019 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

The automotive components and systems supplier ZF has become the first major automotive supplier to participate in the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Alliance.

The objective of this special interest group that spans Europe is to bring about a paradigm shift in urban mobility, promote networked mobility concepts, and create uniform standards for technologies and legislation.

ZF says traffic jams, lack of parking, and air pollution mean that better mobility concepts are needed to avert the threat of complete gridlock in many city centers. [Read more…] about ZF joins Mobility as a Service Alliance group

Material advancements allow creation of ‘perfect products’

November 12, 2019 by Liv Leave a Comment

Since the turn of the 17th century, the planet has undergone a huge period of industrialization. Although the manufacturing companies operating today bear little resemblance to the factories of decades past, many of the processes we use today can trace their lineage to those earlier times.

Stated by polyurethane manufacturers, as many industries have increased the demand for manufactured goods, the market has needed to constantly adapt and improve. Material advancements have allowed us to create complex processes that were impossible just a few decades ago.

One material that has become indispensable in manufacturing in recent years is polyurethane. Let’s dive into how urethane has been able to meet these ever-changing demands in the manufacturing industry. [Read more…] about Material advancements allow creation of ‘perfect products’

Laser interferometer verifies Trumpf Trumatic faster and more accurately

August 28, 2019 by David Edwards

When Trumpf saw API’s XD Laser at a trade show, they immediately recognized that it could measure the three degrees of freedom needed for production of their TruMatic 7000 punch laser machine in only a single measurement process.

A subsequent demo at Trumpf’s factory in Ditzingen, Germany, however, revealed more benefits than Trumpf was anticipating. [Read more…] about Laser interferometer verifies Trumpf Trumatic faster and more accurately

Atoun begins trial of Powered Wear with new arm support function

May 31, 2019 by Anna

Atoun Inc. is beginning a work-site trial of Powered Wear with arm support function at the end of May, 2019.

The prototype to be tested is the Powered Wear “Atoun Model Y” for the waist-attached arms support part.

By adding the arms support function to the previous waist support function, work efficiency increases up to 37.7% compared to when Powered Wear is not used.

‘Snow-how’: Finns develop autonomous snow removal vehicles

May 17, 2019 by Anna

Robotic vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers are already reality, but can the same idea be applied to a 7-ton machine clearing snow from an airstrip?

To show it can, Valtra and Nokian Tyres partnered up with three other Finnish companies in March 2019 for a joint proof-of-concept project at the European Union’s northernmost airport.

Two Valtra T254 Versu equipped with Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tyres and each pulling a 4.5 m wide sweeper blower autonomously cleared the runway at Ivalo airport in Finnish Lapland.

[Read more…]