Controls help make modern manufacturing go. Controls help shop floor employees monitor Industry 4.0 technology. Controls also boost productivity on the shop floor. Technology companies are highlighting improvements designed to maintain the forward momentum of advanced technology.
Manufacturing is moving towards high-mix production different products in very small lots. Advanced robotics may be needed to get there.
An Eaton executive describes the automotive supplier's plans to utilize Industry 4.0.
Like many technologies in manufacturing and fabrication today, welding operations have evolved to be more automated, flexible, adaptive, and “smarter” for improved throughput, safety and deposition accuracy.
Respondents in a survey said supply chain planning drives better business performance.
Vecna Robotics’ David Clear and SVT Robotics’ TJ Fanning go into reasons manufacturers might want to consider automation and AI. They also look at how to test assumptions and scale with so many variables changing moment by moment. The adage “change is the only constant” has never been more apropos. So, it’s a great time to hear what separates a complex system from a complex adaptive system.
Catalytic CEO Sean Chou explains the difference between process automation and robotic automation, as well as what it looks like to use automation to augment existing workflows. Importantly, he describes how manufacturers can use automation to do more with less—to lessen supply chain pressures that have grown because of globalization and the Covid-19 crisis. And he details which processes manufacturers can automate to optimize resources and productivity.
Mazak Optonics has confirmed expansion plans for its North American headquarters in Illinois.
NSK America Corp. has upgraded its Ultrasonic Polisher with the Sheenus ZERO. Enhanced features of the Sheenus ZERO Ultrasonic Polisher include an improved, user-friendly design and high efficiency power, according to the company.
The improved API vProbe tactile measuring sensor performs accurate CMM-style measurements directly on the production floor, according to Automated Precision, Inc (API.) Integrated with the API Radian Laser Tracker series the vProbe enhances the measuring capabilities and functionalities of traditional Laser Trackers.