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smart manufacturing

MES & Industry 4.0 Summit kicks off in Porto with global manufacturing leaders

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The MES & Industry 4.0 International Summit, hosted by Critical Manufacturing, officially opened its doors yesterday at the iconic Alfândega Congress Centre in Porto, Portugal.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Douro River, the two-day summit is welcoming manufacturing and technology leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, uncover strategies, and engage in deep conversations around digital transformation.

This year’s edition, themed “Connecting Global Manufacturing Champions”, features two dynamic days of thought leadership, live demonstrations, collaborative workshops, and practical insights. [Read more…] about MES & Industry 4.0 Summit kicks off in Porto with global manufacturing leaders

Dürr and GROB showcase new concept factory for battery cell production

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Dürr to adopt new brand name as it aims for ‘more innovation in 50 percent less production space’ 

Less space and energy requirements, but more performance and the highest battery cell quality – that is the approach taken by engineering companies Dürr and GROB for their new concept factory for the production of lithium-ion battery cells. 

At this year’s Battery Show Europe trade fair in Stuttgart, the two partners will be the largest exhibitors, showcasing the technical innovations that make this possible.

Key technologies include dry coating of the electrodes, which does not require a drying process, and powerful Z-folder technology for cell assembly with integrated notching. [Read more…] about Dürr and GROB showcase new concept factory for battery cell production

NTN Europe invests €30 million in aerospace site and plans 100 new hires

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NTN Europe, one of the world leaders in bearings, has announced a major investment to develop its Argonay production site in France, dedicated to the aerospace industry.

The aim is to meet the growing demand in this sector, and to enable this strategic division, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, to grow by 40 percent by 2030.

Transforming industrial facilities to meet changing demand The aeronautics industry is facing new challenges: sharply rising demand, accelerating production rates, securing the supply chain. [Read more…] about NTN Europe invests €30 million in aerospace site and plans 100 new hires

Chery Auto installs 98 robots from ForwardX into its final assembly workshop

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Building on its successful collaboration at the Super One Factory, Chery Automobile, one of China’s largest brands in the automobile industry, has again partnered with ForwardX Robotics, a vision-based AMR provider, to install 98 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at its Kaifeng Factory’s final automobile assembly workshop.

The deployment supports Chery Automobile’s broader vision of fully automated automotive manufacturing and digital transformation in the smart mobility era. [Read more…] about Chery Auto installs 98 robots from ForwardX into its final assembly workshop

Why Rockwell Automation’s share price has surged more than 30 percent since April

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Earnings surprise, strategic loans, and smart manufacturing innovations fuel investor confidence

Since hitting a low point in early April 2025, Rockwell Automation’s share price has surged more than 30 percent, reaching new highs and catching the attention of analysts and institutional investors.

The rally comes on the back of a strong earnings report, a major financing move, and a series of product announcements that reinforce the company’s position at the forefront of industrial digital transformation. [Read more…] about Why Rockwell Automation’s share price has surged more than 30 percent since April

Smart manufacturing delivers ‘20 percent productivity gains’, but challenges remain, says Deloitte

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Smart manufacturing is delivering measurable value, with manufacturers reporting productivity gains of up to 20 percent in both production output and workforce efficiency, according to a new report from Deloitte.

The findings come from Deloitte’s latest Smart Manufacturing and Operations study, Navigating Challenges to Implementation, which shows that while many companies are beginning to reap the rewards of digital transformation, they still face major hurdles related to operational complexity, labor shortages, and cybersecurity. [Read more…] about Smart manufacturing delivers ‘20 percent productivity gains’, but challenges remain, says Deloitte

B&R unveils ‘AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines’

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B&R Industrial Automation has unveiled what it describes as “AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines” – or a new artificial intelligence-based system that monitors the health of industrial machines, aiming to help manufacturers prevent costly breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan.

The system functions much like a fitness tracker, continuously collecting performance data from machines and analyzing it in real time. By identifying subtle changes in vibration, temperature, and other indicators, the software can detect early signs of wear or failure – before they disrupt production.

Designed to integrate with B&R’s existing automation platforms, the system uses machine learning to adapt to each machine’s unique operating patterns. This allows it to improve diagnostic accuracy over time, tailoring maintenance recommendations to the actual usage and condition of the equipment. [Read more…] about B&R unveils ‘AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines’

Fanuc to showcase ‘cutting-edge’ robotics and automation solutions at Automate 2025

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Fanuc America, a global industrial automation company, will showcase its latest industrial and collaborative robotic innovations at Automate 2025.

The event, held in Detroit from May 12-15, will feature several all-new applications designed to enhance efficiency and unlock increased productivity.

Mike Cicco, president and CEO of Fanuc America, says: “Today, more than ever, automation is the key to reaching production targets, boosting efficiency, and ensuring employee satisfaction.

“From start-ups to large-scale manufacturers, Fanuc provides industry-leading, dependable, and cost-effective automation solutions that help companies overcome their greatest challenges.” [Read more…] about Fanuc to showcase ‘cutting-edge’ robotics and automation solutions at Automate 2025

Taiwan to promote 15 ‘advanced technology brands’ at Automate 2025

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Taiwan Excellence, a government-backed industrial trade organization, is planning to introduce 15 leading Taiwanese brands at Automate 2025, the largest automation exhibition in North America, scheduled from May 12-15 at Huntington Place in Detroit.

Taiwan Excellence is an annual award program for innovative Taiwanese products. Incorporating the theme of “Advancing Robotics with Taiwanese Precision”, the Taiwan Excellence exhibit in Hall B, Booth 2646, will showcase the latest product innovations in robots and AloT solutions to provide a competitive edge and to shape the future of robotics technology.

On Monday, May 12, at 1 pm, Taiwan Excellence will host an hour-long Product Launch in its exhibit, introducing executives from five of the 15 Taiwanese brands on display. [Read more…] about Taiwan to promote 15 ‘advanced technology brands’ at Automate 2025

Top 20 industrial software suppliers: There’s an app for that

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As the manufacturing sector transforms under the weight of digitalisation, software has become just as critical as machines on the factory floor.

Industrial companies are increasingly reshaping themselves as software-driven organizations, not only offering physical products but also integrated digital solutions that optimize everything from design and planning to execution and maintenance.

This trend is far from new, but it is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. The growing reliance on software platforms such as PLM, MES, SCADA, ERP, and factory automation systems is fueling the evolution of smart factories and the wider Industry 4.0 movement. [Read more…] about Top 20 industrial software suppliers: There’s an app for that