Mahr Inc., a global manufacturer of precision measurement equipment, will host a grand opening of its new Midwest Regional Customer Center July 25-26.
Craig Zoberis and Davin Erickson detail how Fusion OEM discovered and implemented collaborative robots, or cobots. The company is now investing in future expert machinists by using cobots—and making headway in closing the manufacturing industry skills gap. They explain the phases of training for cobots, as well as how cobots “talk” with other machines—and how machines perform “handshakes” (and are therefore envied by humans who today are struggling with social distancing).
Diego Tamburini, principal industry lead for manufacturing in the cloud + AI division of Microsoft, reviews the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in manufacturing. He shares his thoughts about how the industry should respond—and lists the attributes of manufacturers best positioned to survive the crisis. Finally, he outlines new opportunities for developers of smart manufacturing software solutions under the “new normal.”
IIoT expert Steve Jones who will speak Oct. 29 at “The Best of SMX” (smxevent.com),
describes in detail the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as well as AI/machine learning
and other promising technology for manufacturing’s future. Like with many things in life,
it is important to set goals first, the Steelcase executive says. Not sure where to begin
with IIoT? Never fear: Jones has the answer.
Assisting Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers with Industry 4.0/Smart Manufacturing Technology Adoption
Two manufacturers described establishing data-management systems to attendees of Dassault Systèmes’ virtual 3DExperience World in February.
At a Tier 1 automotive manufacturer in Mexico, it quickly became clear that AI in the factory was a fantastic solution to help human workers achieve greater levels of success; a human plus machine scenario where AI enhances the capabilities of, rather than replaces, human workers.
When Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute needed clear plastic to make face shields for the coronavirus pandemic, conventional suppliers were unable to provide it. “We are now one of the largest purchasers of document covers in the country,” Robert Hull, acting VP for research at Rensselaer, said during a webinar that SME and CESMII – the Smart Manufacturing Institute hosted last week.
Sharpe Products recently installed a BLM Group LT7 4-kW laser cutting system. This equipment cuts round, square, rectangle and open profile pipe or tube up to 6" OD.
The Digital Foundry at New Kensington, a new 15,044 square-feet innovation and manufacturing lab space that will use cutting-edge technologies to develop future-ready skills and improve business outcomes, has been unveiled.
