Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

workforce

US government awards Fanuc and Rockwell apprenticeship programs

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Fanuc, the world’s largest manufacturer of industrial robots, has been named a Standards Recognition Entity (SRE) by the US government’s Department of Labor.

Fanuc shares this achievement in collaboration with industry partners including Rockwell Automation, APT Manufacturing Solutions and the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI).

An official signing ceremony hosted by US DOL Secretary Eugene Scalia named 18 SRE organizations. [Read more…] about US government awards Fanuc and Rockwell apprenticeship programs

Opinion: Automation as a complement, not a replacement of the human workforce

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By Dr Paul Rivers, CEO, Guidance Automation

Smart automation has the potential to deliver great economic benefits, but there remain many concerns that the use of AI and robotics could displace many existing jobs.

With the desire for automation increasing and more sectors looking to deploy the technology, particularly within manufacturing, logistics and distribution, it’s important to understand how automation can augment the workforce, rather than replacing it. [Read more…] about Opinion: Automation as a complement, not a replacement of the human workforce

Opinion: How will people respond when automation changes their roles?

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Dr Paul Rivers, CEO, Guidance Automation

There has been much written about the benefits that automation can unlock for businesses, but too often businesses think they need to jump in at the deep end and deploy automation technology straight away, hoping it will solve the problems they are experiencing.

But how will a process optimised for a manual workforce perform with automation – such as an automated guided vehicle (AGV)? How will people respond when their day-to-day roles change?

If the aim is to improve efficiency and productivity, technology is just one part of the overall solution. [Read more…] about Opinion: How will people respond when automation changes their roles?

Carlsberg reduces risk of accidents with Universal Robots

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Carlsberg says it has almost eliminated the risk of accidents in its Fredericia plant, in Denmark.

The famous beer and beverage maker says it has achieved this by implementing collaborative robots from Universal Robots.

Carlsberg says this has not only “significantly improved staff safety”, it has also taken steps towards achieving “zero accidents” since integrating cobots into its Fredericia-based factory. [Read more…] about Carlsberg reduces risk of accidents with Universal Robots

BWIndustrie installs world’s first UR16e collaborative robot to optimise throughput

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Universal Robots says that BWIndustrie, a French specialist in machining, assembly and robotics, has installed the world’s first UR16e heavy-duty payload collaborative robot.

It becomes the company’s sixth cobot from UR, where it is streamlining the time-consuming and labour-intensive process of deburring metal parts.

Launched at China International Industy Fair to wide acclaim, the UR16e enables BWIndustrie to overcome the barriers of traditional manufacturing by automating the deburring processes in a matter of seconds compared to the several minutes incurred by manual labour. [Read more…] about BWIndustrie installs world’s first UR16e collaborative robot to optimise throughput

US manufacturing sector faces ‘workforce crisis’, says Manufacturing Institute

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The US is facing a “workforce crisis”, according to the Manufacturing Institute.

The Institute, and the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, kicked off a month-long celebration of modern manufacturing last week on Manufacturing Day – October 4th.

Held annually on the first Friday in October, MFG Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers in an industry that is vital to our economy. [Read more…] about US manufacturing sector faces ‘workforce crisis’, says Manufacturing Institute

SEMICON Europa 2019 expands intelligent applications showcase

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SEMICON Europa, the largest European event that links the entire supply chain for electronics design and manufacturing from innovation to application, will take place from November 12 to 15, 2019 at the Munich Exhibition Center, parallel to productronica 2019.

This year, SEMICON Europe offers exhibitors and visitors many synergies, and an even greater range of information through unique exchange opportunities.

The exponential growth of the industry in the following “smart” industries will be presented:

  • Automotive;
  • Medical;
  • Design and Fabless;
  • Smart Manufacturing;
  • MEMS and Sensors;
  • Image Processing;
  • Materials; and
  • Workforce Development.

Registration is now open to visitors and exhibitors at the following link: http://www.semiconeuropa.org/register
Connect. [Read more…] about SEMICON Europa 2019 expands intelligent applications showcase

US manufacturing output reaches ‘all-time high’

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Manufacturing output in the US has reached an “all-time high”, signaling the industry’s strength, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.

For the past two years, manufacturers have been setting new records when it comes to manufacturing output, and through the first quarter of 2019, the industry has continued to reach new heights.

Four out of five manufacturers remain positive about their company’s outlook, according to the National Association of Manufacturers’ latest Outlook Survey, and new Bureau of Economic Analysis data find that manufacturers’ level of output hit an all-time high once again. [Read more…] about US manufacturing output reaches ‘all-time high’

Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and smart glasses: ‘VIEW’ technology for the 2019 holiday season

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By Seth Patin, founder and CEO, LogistiVIEW

Warehouse workers can be faster, safer, and more accurate this holiday season.

LogistiVIEW’s “Visual Input Enabled Wearable” (VIEW) technology improves workforce productivity and job satisfaction by making processes hands free and eyes focused.

Intuitive voice and visual instructions make work easy and training rapid. These benefits can all be accomplished in time for the 2019 holiday season thanks to LogistiVIEW’s Connected Worker Platform. [Read more…] about Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and smart glasses: ‘VIEW’ technology for the 2019 holiday season

Airbus Helicopters and Hungarian Government to establish new site in Gyula

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Airbus Helicopters and the Hungarian Government have selected the town of Gyula in the Békés County as the site for a new aerospace enterprise in Hungary.

The new installation will be built from scratch and will be the core of an emerging Hungarian aeronautics cluster.

This was announced in Budapest by Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, and Gáspár Maróth, Government Commissioner for national defence industry and defence development and coordination of armament modernisation.

[Read more…] about Airbus Helicopters and Hungarian Government to establish new site in Gyula