processes

How does automation within the UK compare to the German industry?

In a world where everything we do and the majority of the processes for the products we produce are automated, is the UK lagging behind when compared to its German counterpart?

With other countries advancing far quicker than the UK, and robotics and automation swiftly being rolled out within many businesses, it’s time Britain changed its mindset and got involved in what is being known as, the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”.

Studies found that in 2015 the UK had 10 robots for every million hours worked, compared with 133 in Germany, and by 2017 the UK represented a mere 0.6 per cent of industrial robotics shipments. [Read more…] about How does automation within the UK compare to the German industry?

SICK launches new superfast camera system for industrial processes

SICK has launched a new superfast camera system for industrial environments.

The sensor specialist says the new “EventCam” can eliminate spontaneous errors in the manufacturing process.

This industrial-grade 2D camera brings clarity when unexplained gripping, handling, and positioning problems arise or when unreproducible installation errors or machine downtimes occur. [Read more…] about SICK launches new superfast camera system for industrial processes

Universal Robots ‘future-proofs’ production processes at Vietnamese manufacturer with collaborative robots

Universal Robots has helped Vietnam-based Vinacomin Motor Industry Joint Stock Company “future-proof” its production processes with collaborative robots.

VMIC is a subsidiary of the Vinacomin Group, a state-owned coal and mining giant.

VMIC, one of the first state-owned manufacturers to deploy cobots, has seen productivity increase two to three times, with improved product quality, leading to a 50 to 60 percent rise in orders. [Read more…] about Universal Robots ‘future-proofs’ production processes at Vietnamese manufacturer with collaborative robots

Controlling complexity: Powerful new tech tools are bringing lean manufacturing principles to life

By Dan McKiernan, president of eFlex Systems

Lean manufacturing principles and practices aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing productivity, have been shaping the manufacturing sector for decades now.

The necessary end-goal for manufacturers is to ensure that products are built correctly, every time, even when changes are made in-process.

While this goal is nothing new, the rise of complexity and customization challenges presents a constant counterpressure against the continuing push for improved consistency and quality. [Read more…] about Controlling complexity: Powerful new tech tools are bringing lean manufacturing principles to life

All Axis Robotics manufactures custom robot arm end-effectors with MakerBot 3D printer

MakerBot, a 3D printing equipment supplier, says All Axis Robotics is implementing the MakerBot “Method” manufacturing workstation – or 3D printer – into its automation processes to produce custom tooling parts for its legacy machines as well as customers.

All Axis Robotics is a Dallas, Texas-based machine shop and a leader in turnkey custom robot solutions for other machine shops and manufacturing facilities in need of automated machine tending.

Customers enlist the expertise of All Axis Robotics’ mechanical and manufacturing engineers to streamline their manufacturing operations with robotic arms and custom end-effectors, including those for CNC machine tending, automated part sanding, and brake press machine tending, among others. [Read more…] about All Axis Robotics manufactures custom robot arm end-effectors with MakerBot 3D printer

SICK showcases new monitoring system for packaging operations

SICK is showcasing a new monitoring system for packaging operations at Pack Expo.

The company describes it as “a revolutionary way to improve packaging processes”, and says it’s part of what it sees as a “smart moonitoring kit”.

Called “4.0 NOW Factory”, the sensor technology and dashboard represents how SICK can provide manufacturers greater visibility to their production processes, making it easier to implement improvements and new innovations. [Read more…] about SICK showcases new monitoring system for packaging operations

Comau features its exoskeleton in Pack Expo robotics showcase

Comau, an industrial automation company and part of the Fiat Chrysler Group, is presenting its Muscular Aiding Tech Exoskeleton (Mate) in the all new Robotic Zone (booth N-850G) at Pack Expo Las Vegas.

Visitors to Comau’s interactive booth will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the benefit of incorporating exoskeletons into material handling processes by wearing a Mate in a typical pick and place operation.

Mate has been designed to improve work quality in an efficient and highly ergonomic manner by providing consistent and advanced movement assistance during prolonged overhead, as well as daily tasks. [Read more…] about Comau features its exoskeleton in Pack Expo robotics showcase

Comau ‘Mate’ exoskeleton used in CC Jensen’s manufacturing processes

Danish company CC Jensen is using exoskeletons from Comau in its manufacturing processes.

Comau calls its exoskeleton ‘Mate’ and has been supplying it to the market for around a year.

CC Jensen specialises in the design and manufacturing of oil filtration solutions, and says it uses Mate to better support workers in carrying out their daily activities. [Read more…] about Comau ‘Mate’ exoskeleton used in CC Jensen’s manufacturing processes

Metalworking event EMO opens amid news of greater investment

One of Germany’s leading metal-working events, EMO, has opened today amid news of greater investment in the sector, as well as a greater emphasis on “smart” technologies – which usually refers to higher levels of automation and digitalisation.

Organisers claim EMO to be “the world’s leading metalworking trade fair”, and had a line-up of prominent figures for the launch, including: