quality

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

Elementary Robotics raises $13 million for its machine learning and computer vision offerings to industry

July 1, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Elementary Robotics, a Los Angeles-based robotics startup, has raised $12.7 million in its Series A funding round led by Threshold Ventures, an early-stage investor in technology companies.

Founded in 2017, Elementary has built a hardware and software platform for applying machine learning and computer vision to the industrial world for intelligent automation of quality and traceability workflows.

The new capital, which also had participation from existing investors Fika Ventures, Fathom Capital and Toyota AI Ventures, is being used to allow Elementary Robotics to continue developing and installing its automation products at scale. [Read more…] about Elementary Robotics raises $13 million for its machine learning and computer vision offerings to industry

Arctic pollution: Air quality monitoring at 40°C below zero

June 12, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

Most people think of the Arctic as a highly pristine clean environment, but this is not always the case. During the long dark Arctic winter, the urban atmosphere can become extremely polluted.

Indeed, at some point during the year, the remote Alaskan city of Fairbanks turns into the most polluted city in the whole of the US.

This is due to the very cold Arctic winter when emissions of gases and particles (such as from wood-burning stoves, traffic, power stations) can become trapped locally at ground level due to the very stable meteorological conditions, with poor vertical mixing. [Read more…] about Arctic pollution: Air quality monitoring at 40°C below zero

BMW applies AI dust particle analysis to ‘increase paint shop quality’

June 9, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

BMW says it uses an “ongoing algorithm-based analysis” of dust content in vehicle paint booths and compares them to a database to predict the quality of coating it applies to cars

Artificial intelligence can bring even greater precision to controlling highly sensitive systems in automotive production, as a pilot project in the paint shop of the BMW’s Munich plant has demonstrated.

Despite state-of-the-art filtration technology, the content of finest dust particles in paint lines varies depending on the ambient air drawn in. If the dust content exceeded the threshold, the still wet paint could trap particles, thus visually impairing the painted surface.

AI specialists from what BMW calls its “central planning” and the Munich plant have now found a way to avoid this situation altogether: every freshly painted car body must undergo an automatic surface inspection in the paint shop. [Read more…] about BMW applies AI dust particle analysis to ‘increase paint shop quality’

ASM Assembly Systems uses Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer robot for quality control checks

June 2, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer robot has been carrying out the automated quality control of components at ASM Assembly Solutions.

Rethink, now part of the Hahn Group, says the ASM setup was simple and the operation enabled Sawyer to “quickly achieve high levels of acceptance among employees”.

The task of the SMT Solutions business segment in the ASM Pacific Technology group is to support, implement and realize the SMT Smart Factory for electronics manufacturers worldwide. [Read more…] about ASM Assembly Systems uses Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer robot for quality control checks

Considerations in Designing an Effective Air Quality Control Strategy

May 28, 2020 by Polly Leave a Comment

The industrial section plays a central role in air quality management following the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its amendments.

Therefore, a re-evaluation of the effectiveness of the strategies must be done before implementing air quality to meet federal, state, and local government agencies’ requirements.

Also, it is crucial to develop further techniques that will allow strengthening the company’s air quality management systems. [Read more…] about Considerations in Designing an Effective Air Quality Control Strategy

Machine builder Fill becomes first to upgrade to TTTech’s Nerve Blue IIoT edge network

May 8, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Machine and plant manufacturing company Fill is the first to upgrade to the latest version of TTTech Industrial’s Nerve Blue internet of things network, released in April 2020.

Nerve Blue software enables users to gain insights into industrial processes and make decisions based on data gathered from machines around the world.

With Nerve Blue, data is accessed directly from the machine, and then stored, processed and analyzed either at the device, on a local server or in the cloud. [Read more…] about Machine builder Fill becomes first to upgrade to TTTech’s Nerve Blue IIoT edge network

IDS releases cameras with ‘extremely high-resolution sensors’

May 8, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

Imaging Development Systems has release camera systems with “extremely high-resolution sensors”.

IDS says its cameras perform well “when even finest details matter”.

The uEye SE cameras with 20 MP Sony sensor¤uEye SE camera variants now with 20 MP sensor available. [Read more…] about IDS releases cameras with ‘extremely high-resolution sensors’

WellPCB Offers One-Stop PCB Assembly Service

April 15, 2020 by Polly Leave a Comment

There are several reasons for the popularity of the China PCB Assembly service. One of the most worthy of mentioning is its low cost with super quality.

WellPCB is providing One-Stop PCB Assembly Turnkey Services to meet almost any needs you may require. This page will help you to know more about our PCBA services and capabilities. [Read more…] about WellPCB Offers One-Stop PCB Assembly Service

RapidFit uses new horizontal arm device to measure components for automotive sector

April 13, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Materialise Group spin-off RapidFit has implemented a horizontal-arm co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) manufactured by LK Metrology in Derbyshire, UK to check the accuracy of bespoke gaging and holding fixtures produced for the automotive industry.

Based in Leuven, Belgium, RapidFit has reduced costs and lead-times by making use of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, to produce workpiece locators that are added to standard fixture components.

The technology enables vehicle production to be streamlined, as innovative fixtures can be constructed with enhanced functionality and better repeatability. [Read more…] about RapidFit uses new horizontal arm device to measure components for automotive sector