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transformation

Hitachi launches new industrial edge computer

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Hitachi has launched a new industrial edge computer. The “Hitachi Industrial Edge Computer CE series Embedded AI model” was developed in collaboration with Intel.

The product, an integration of Intel’s artificial intelligence technology and Hitachi’s control system design and manufacturing technologies, is a new model that incorporates an image analysis execution platform using AI and deep learning.

Through providing this product, Hitachi contributes to the expansion of digital transformation, such as streamlining and automating tasks that rely on visual checks (the inspection process for finished products in the manufacturing industry) and solving management challenges using on-site data. [Read more…] about Hitachi launches new industrial edge computer

Wikifactory raises $4.5 million to expand its new design collaboration software

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Wikifactory, an online collaboration platform for physical product design and development, has completed a “total upgrade” that it says will enable users the ability to make anything with nothing but a laptop and an internet connection.

Wikifactory says its new Collaborative CAD Tool with in-built chat will “transform the way products are made”, enabling designers, engineers, manufacturers and enterprise to collaborate remotely on virtually any CAD model, from concept through to finished prototype.

The new Collaborative CAD Tool allows product developers of all skill levels in virtually any industry to explore, review and discuss 3D models in over 30 file formats in real-time. [Read more…] about Wikifactory raises $4.5 million to expand its new design collaboration software

The Digital Transformation of Small Businesses

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Digital transformation in the form of technologies, marketing, and data is necessary for businesses to remain relevant in the competitive and ever-changing market.

Recently, word out there is that digital processes override traditional processes. For most small-scale businesses, digitizing their companies can seem intimidating given that most of them operate with a small budget.

When expanding internationally, it can be challenging for small businesses to hire and manage employees abroad. [Read more…] about The Digital Transformation of Small Businesses

Rockwell Automation partners with PTC to add new capabilities to FactoryTalk

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Rockwell Automation has added a set of new capabilities for FactoryTalk InnovationSuite, powered by software company PTC to “simplify, scale and accelerate digital transformation for industrial organizations”.

This news follows the recent announcement that the two companies are extending and expanding the scope of their strategic alliance following strong market momentum and widespread industry recognition of InnovationSuite.

Since its original launch in 2018, InnovationSuite has successfully delivered a range of high-value solutions for the world’s largest automotive, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals companies across 21 countries. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation partners with PTC to add new capabilities to FactoryTalk

ThyssenKrupp sells its elevator business for more than $17 billion

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Giant industrial conglomerate ThyssenKrupp says it has successfully completed the sale of its elevator business, marking a further important milestone in the transformation of the company.

The transaction closed after all the responsible authorities had approved the sale to a bidding consortium led by Advent International and Cinven.

ThyssenKrupp had reached an agreement with the consortium on the purchase of the elevator business earlier this year. With the closing, the company has received the contractually agreed purchase price, which was reported to be $17.2 billion. [Read more…] about ThyssenKrupp sells its elevator business for more than $17 billion

Opinion: ‘Scale’ is the magic word for digital transformation in 2020

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By Keith Higgins, vice president of digital transformation for Rockwell Automation

In 2019, we saw a 400 percent growth in digital transformation projects moving through the post-implementation stage, according to a recent study by Rockwell Automation.

The maturation of digitization projects will continue throughout 2020, and with this trend, the industry will evolve from exploring the primary benefits of data-driven solutions to understanding how these projects can be used as a resource to help scale smart factory initiatives.

Digital transformation has reached its inflection point. As organizations move their initiatives from project roll-out to continuous process improvement in 2020, scaling becomes a key topic of conversation. [Read more…] about Opinion: ‘Scale’ is the magic word for digital transformation in 2020

Scania teams up with Combient network to tap into ‘huge potential’ of automation and AI

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Scania says its partnership with the Combient Foundry is intended to tap into the “huge potential” of automation and artificial intelligence in the transportation industry.

The Combient network, which Scania is part of, is a cross-Nordic industry collaboration that aims to accelerate transformation in areas like automation, artificial intelligence, analytics and open innovation.

A part of Combient is the Foundry which connects startups with Nordic industry leaders, enabling the co-creation of new services and solutions. [Read more…] about Scania teams up with Combient network to tap into ‘huge potential’ of automation and AI

Senseye extends automotive footprint with new US installations

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Senseye, the industrial software company, is rolling out its suite of technologies and methodologies in automotive manufacturing facilities in the US.

Senseye’s technology suite, Senseye PdM, is used by global automotive manufacturers to monitor the condition of machinery in real time.

It spots emerging problems with monitored assets and identifies when they are most likely to fail by using machine learning algorithms to analyse data relating to key condition indicators such as vibration, pressure, temperature and torque levels. [Read more…] about Senseye extends automotive footprint with new US installations

Global industry ‘in midst of major change’ because of ‘megatrends’

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Hannover Messe 2020 will coincide with a period of rapid technological change and political and economic uncertainty, according to its organisers.

Sporting its 2020-season lead theme of “Industrial Transformation” and featuring some 6,000 exhibitors, the world’s top trade show for industrial technology will shine a light on the opportunities arising from new technologies, changing buyer behavior and a growing awareness of climate protection.

Experts at Deutsche Messe, one of the world’s largest industrial trade show companies and the owner of Hannover Messe, the global industrial sector is “in the midst of a period of major change”, driven primarily by the “megatrends” of digitization, individualization and climate protection.

At the same time, it is grappling with some very challenging economic and political fundamentals.

Dr Jochen Köckler, chairman of Deutsche Messe, says: “The world is embarking on a period of change, the likes of which we haven’t seen for a long time. [Read more…] about Global industry ‘in midst of major change’ because of ‘megatrends’

Volkswagen has already built 200 pre-production vehicles of its new electric car ID.3

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Volkswagen has already built 200 pre-production vehicles of the new electric car ID.3, although none are for sale yet.

The initiative involved the conversion of VW’s vehicle factory in Zwickau, which the company says will eventually be “the largest facility for electric mobility in Europe”.

The members of Volkswagen’s group and brand boards of management, as well as the group works council, were able to see that for themselves at today’s site symposium for all three locations in Saxony held at Zwickau. [Read more…] about Volkswagen has already built 200 pre-production vehicles of its new electric car ID.3