processes

Intelligent image processing supports production workers in Industry 4.0 applications

July 3, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Automation plays a major role in Industry 4.0. Cost reduction, increased productivity and zero-defect quality are factors that are increasingly prompting companies to digitise their processes.

But often full automation also means high investments. At the same time, the focus will continue to be on the human being in the interaction between man and machine.

Given the prevailing shortage of skilled workers and high standards of industrial safety, this is no easy task for companies. [Read more…] about Intelligent image processing supports production workers in Industry 4.0 applications

Mazak launches new laser processing machine for small and medium diameter tube

June 25, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Yamazaki Mazak is launching a new high-productivity laser processing machine specifically designed for the high-speed, large lot cutting of small and medium diameter tube.

The new FT-150 FIBER is a compact laser processing machine that benefits from an ergonomic design, with the operator area, loading station and unloading station all located on the same side.

Equipped with a 3.0kW fiber resonator, the FT-150 FIBER can process single workpieces up to 6,500mm in length and 150kg in weight, with a maximum tube diameter of 152.4mm. 8,000mm and 180kg options are also available. [Read more…] about Mazak launches new laser processing machine for small and medium diameter tube

ForwardX Robotics launches robots-as-a-service for its warehouse automation solutions

June 23, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

ForwardX Robotics, a provider of artificial intelligence and robotics solutions, says it will now offer Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) options for its collaborative mobile robots.

Whilst also offering outright sale and renting options, the RaaS subscription-based model aims to encourage supply chain operations to invest in innovation by allowing them to upgrade their facilities without the large upfront investment usually associated with automation projects.

Paul Qian, VP of sales at ForwardX Robotics, says: “The pressure on supply chains to deliver is growing with every day that passes and we know how much of an impact our solutions can have on facilities and their processes. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics launches robots-as-a-service for its warehouse automation solutions

SICK to present webinar on customizing machine vision

May 13, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Register Now at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__CwjopTiQ6uCbgYAB5rgbA
Customized Machine Vision Solutions to Improve Your Processes
June 1, 2020, 11am Eastern Time (US and Canada)

SICK is partnering with Robotics and Automation News to present a webinar on customizing machine vision, which has become absolutely critical to a vast number of industrial automation processes.

In this webinar, Sourabh Banerjee, Product Marketing Manager for Software and Systems at SICK, Inc., guides you through how you can customize your machine vision solutions using SICK AppSpace.

SICK AppSpace is an engineering framework for your individual sensor applications that enables a manufacturer to easily integrate customizable 2D and 3D vision solutions tailored to your business. [Read more…] about SICK to present webinar on customizing machine vision

How to simplify the control architecture of cartesian coordinate robots

April 27, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

By Barry Weller, product manager at Mitsubishi Electric

In order to remain competitive, it is generally accepted that industries should adopt lean manufacturing strategies to improve process efficiency.

A key action can be to reduce part count, that is to say the number of components in an assembly or system. This is particularly challenging when it comes to highly accurate cartesian coordinate (linear) motion applications.

In these cases, machine builders would often need to use both PLCs and computer numerical controllers (CNCs) in order to fully manage movement within the machine – until now. [Read more…] about How to simplify the control architecture of cartesian coordinate robots

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

ATI Industrial Automation launches new orbital sander for robots

February 21, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

ATI Industrial Automation has introduced the AOV-10 Axially-Compliant Orbital Sander, specifically designed for robotic surface preparation and finishing.

With built-in compliance, the AOV-10 is well-suited for many different robotic applications—even those that require a light touch.

A pneumatically-actuated compliance mechanism allows for dynamic control of contact forces and ensures an ideal result every time. [Read more…] about ATI Industrial Automation launches new orbital sander for robots

How to Outsource the Enterprise Application Management Processes

February 10, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Going digital is not a unique thing anymore. Instead, it is a crucial step for any business. Almost all organizations have their websites and online platforms.

Another step further, organizations now have their applications that can be easily accessed, and their services easily availed from.

However, having an app would mean running it too. That is why companies tend to outsource application management processes to help them run the app smoothly. [Read more…] about How to Outsource the Enterprise Application Management Processes

Understanding Swiss-Type Machining

February 3, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

The CNC market is undergoing tremendous growth. One estimate shows that it will be worth $129 billion by the end of 2026.

A number of factors are contributing to the strong growth this industry is experiencing, but one of the biggest factors is the proliferation of new types of machining.

There is an entire segment of the industry known as Swiss type machining. This is a growing field that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. [Read more…] about Understanding Swiss-Type Machining

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