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Norgren helps VinFast to build Vietnam’s first mass-production stamping press

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Automotive start-up VinFast has delivered Vietnam’s first mass-produced stamping parts in less than two years, in part thanks to tooling from Norgren, part of IMI, which is being used to produce the body panels on its flagship models.

To support VinFast’s Hai Phong site, which has the capacity to produce 250,000 cars per year, Norgren sites in China and USA collaborated to create the tooling, including saddles, sensors and tooling arms, which will be used to move panels through the VinFast manufacturing press process.

VinFast unveiled prototypes of its first two car models, a sedan and SUV, at the Paris Motor Show in October 2018, and Norgren was able to successfully deliver its tooling solution to VinFast earlier this year ahead of volume production. [Read more…] about Norgren helps VinFast to build Vietnam’s first mass-production stamping press

ABB says its new 3D inspection robot cell makes quality control testing ‘10 times faster’

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ABB has unveiled a new 3D inspection robot cell which it claims makes quality control testing “10 times faster”.

The industrial automation giant says its 3D quality inspection (3DQI) robot cell is “capable of detecting defects of less than half the width of a human hair and imperceptible to the naked eye”.

It adds that the cell will “dramatically accelerate production by providing fast, accurate testing to make metrology easier and less time consuming”. [Read more…] about ABB says its new 3D inspection robot cell makes quality control testing ‘10 times faster’

Rapid Growth of Autonomous Forklifts

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By Thomas R. Cutler

Autonomously driven forklifts, whether in distribution centers, manufacturing, or some hybrid, are much more cost-effective than manned forklifts for extremely repetitive processes.

They can be integrated into continuous round-the-clock operations covering several shifts. Self-controlling these trucks can coordinate perfectly in terms of routing and speed. This enables material flows to maintain optimal levels and the energy consumption is kept to a minimum.

The additional benefit reported by facilities managers includes substantially less damage to shelving, loads, pallets, and other trucks, as they navigate more accurately and safely than manned forklifts. [Read more…] about Rapid Growth of Autonomous Forklifts

XPO Logistics wins contract to build warehouse and distribution network for Greene King

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XPO Logistics has been selected by pub retailer and brewer Greene King to manage dedicated warehousing and distribution for Greene King’s secondary drinks channel.

XPO will provide innovative logistics services from five warehouses distributing to retail pubs and restaurants, including Pub Partner independent licensees and on-trade trade customers.

UK-based Greene King has a rich heritage of brewing award-winning beers and leading pub brands for 220 years. [Read more…] about XPO Logistics wins contract to build warehouse and distribution network for Greene King

Parrot and Hoverseen offer drone surveillance and inspection solutions

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Drone manufacturer Parrot has agreed a partnership with Hoverseen, an automatic drone solutions provider.

Through this partnership, enterprises can now use Parrot ANAFI drones as an automated, “drone-in-a-box” surveillance solution capable of dispatching and charging itself from a lightweight docking and recharging station.

Parrot’s ANAFI, ANAFI Thermal and new ANAFI USA drones offer an ultra-compact tool to gain new aerial vantage points for security and inspection professionals. [Read more…] about Parrot and Hoverseen offer drone surveillance and inspection solutions

Blue Yonder and Uber Freight partner to develop ‘dynamic pricing discovery solution’

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Blue Yonder and Uber Freight have agreed a partnership designed to help businesses build efficient and transparent global supply chains at a crucial time.

Digital transformation initiatives have accelerated over the last few months, as enterprises that ship goods embrace flexible operations to keep up with shifting demand.

Quickly recovering from supply shortages and creating a resilient business for the long term requires a well-managed, digitized supply chain, including freight transportation. [Read more…] about Blue Yonder and Uber Freight partner to develop ‘dynamic pricing discovery solution’

NGen invests $5 million into manufacturing of disinfection robots

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Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), the industry-led organization leading Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, is co-investing $5 million in projects leading to the development and production in Canada of automated hands-free disinfection technologies to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Five outstanding projects have been selected for funding under NGen’s Disinfection Robot Challenge. With matching contributions from industry, total value of these projects will exceed $10 million.

In April NGen challenged companies to develop innovative robotic solutions that would reduce the number of healthcare associated infections to protect the safety of both patients and healthcare workers, or that would disinfect private spaces and facilities so that businesses could bring employees back to work in a safe and sanitized environment. [Read more…] about NGen invests $5 million into manufacturing of disinfection robots

Robotic camera offers social distancing solution, say its makers

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The makers of the robotic camera Solo Cinebot say their camera can offer a solution to production companies in this new world of social distancing. (See video below.)

Virtually every government in the world has stipulated social distancing rules, where people have to all stay two metres apart – even at work.

The Solo Cinebot system was the brainchild of Josh Shadid and Aaron Grasso and was created as a “response to filming needs at this unpredictable time”. [Read more…] about Robotic camera offers social distancing solution, say its makers

Scallog launches ‘Flexytote’ for its warehouse robots

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Scallog has launched what it calls “Flexytote” – a shelf unit – for its warehouse robots.

The French designer and manufacturer of robotic solutions is expanding its range with a new solution dedicated to multi-bin transfer in warehouse.

Scallog specializes in goods-to-picker robots, and says the Flexytote allows the automation of transfer, loading and unloading of bins and boxes during multi-order preparations. [Read more…] about Scallog launches ‘Flexytote’ for its warehouse robots

Geodis implements Grenzebach AGV solutions for large warehouse operation

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Over the past year, Grenzebach and Geodis, a global supply chain operator, have been engaged in a joint project setting up a Grenzebach Goods-to-Person solution for a large consumer electronics customer.

The Goods-to-Person solution has been installed at Geodis’ Nashville, Tennessee campus. It features Grenzebach L600 automated guided vehicles, mobile storage units and picking stations as well as software.

The project has been run as a pilot program, designed to make the jobs of Geodis teammates easier, safer and more productive. Following the success of the pilot program, Geodis is now introducing Grenzebach AGV solutions to additional clients. [Read more…] about Geodis implements Grenzebach AGV solutions for large warehouse operation