Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

operational

Digital Visual Management: Integration of Human-Centricity and Automation

by

By Nicola Olivetti, Lean and Industry 4.0 Program Director, iObeya

Recently, a leading industrial journalist asked for an explanation about the pragmatic integration of human-centricity and automation. Below are my responses.

Question: How can you preserve a human-centric approach to collegial work in a highly automated environment?

Answer: Companies with an authentic Lean culture leverage automation to expand the scope of teams by granting real-time access to valuable information. This allows for important activity and relevant people (experts, partners, suppliers, customers) to co-operate in a horizontal and agile manner. [Read more…] about Digital Visual Management: Integration of Human-Centricity and Automation

First JAL A350-900 rolls out of Airbus paint shop

by

The first A350 XWB for Japan Airlines (JAL) has rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France.

The A350-900 is the first ever Airbus aircraft to be produced directly for JAL and features a special A350 XWB red logo on the fuselage.

The aircraft will now proceed to ground and flight tests, before delivery to JAL in early summer.

[Read more…] about First JAL A350-900 rolls out of Airbus paint shop

Sony and Docomo to test driverless concept vehicle via 5G trial network in Guam

by

Sony Corporation and NTT Docomo, Inc. will jointly trial Sony’s conceptual driverless vehicle, the New Concept Cart SC-1, which uses 5G mobile technologies for various remotely controlled functions.

The test will be conducted using the trial network in Docomo 5G Open Lab Guam, which will provide test facilities and an outdoor verification environment constructed by Docomo.

The test will verify data transmission and operational performance required to remotely control the cart from a long distance via the extra-high speed, large capacity, low latency and massive-device connectivity.

[Read more…] about Sony and Docomo to test driverless concept vehicle via 5G trial network in Guam

Swisslog wins two large orders in Scandinavia and Southeast Asia

by

Swisslog has been commissioned to carry out the comprehensive automation of the Coop warehouse in Langhus.

The delivery includes a high-bay pallet warehouse with six Vectura stacker cranes and a conveyor system, which are controlled by the intelligent Swisslog software SynQ.

 The new distribution centre will be in full operation at the beginning of 2021.

[Read more…] about Swisslog wins two large orders in Scandinavia and Southeast Asia

Milacron launches new RoboShot SI-20A injection molding unit

by

fanuc roboshot

Milacron, an industrial technology company serving the plastics processing industry, has launched the Milacron-Fanuc RoboShot SI-20A, a vertically mounted secondary injection unit for RoboShot machines.

The new Fanuc RoboShot SI-20A secondary injection unit was designed and developed by Fanuc in Japan. The SI-20A continues to offer the same high quality, high technology and precision synonymous with the RoboShot name.

The RoboShot SI-20A is a high precision, compact, all electric vertically mounted secondary injection unit equipped with Fanuc’s latest HMI Control and provides high molding performance, high sustainability, and ease of use. [Read more…] about Milacron launches new RoboShot SI-20A injection molding unit

Rewriting the rules: The benefits and challenges of IT/OT convergence

by

copa-data-zenon-csm_automated_engineering

Martyn Williams, managing director of Copa-Data UK, explains the changing responsibilities of IT and OT

The convergence of industrial automation and communication is an integral part of the growing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In the modern industrial realm, automation should provide a consistent way of executing tasks and processes – including those usually associated with information technology (IT).

As a result, the operational technology (OT) used to support manufacturing processes is experiencing significant changes.

IT and OT convergence describes the integration of IT systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications, with OT systems, such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).

Traditionally, IT and OT have remained two separate silos, maintaining independent protocols, standards and governance models. However, for companies pursuing operational effectiveness, increased profits and growth, the convergence of these two systems is a no brainer.  [Read more…] about Rewriting the rules: The benefits and challenges of IT/OT convergence