This is a digest of news items focusing on how manufacturers are aiding the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
General Motors Co.’s quarterly profit plunged as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pared demand and caused the automaker to close factories.
3D Systems announced enhancements to its reverse engineering software products.
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.
Vision AI software company Neurala announced a new strategic partnership with global manufacturing leader IMA Group.
CGTech, the developer of VERICUT software, and Makino Milling Machine Co. Ltd., a leader in CNC machine tools technology, have renewed their strategic corporate partnership to better serve the mutual customer base of the two companies.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, research and expert analytics predict market growth in the near future for manufacturing in numerous industries, many of which rely on parts and components that require precision grinding.
Precision grinding operations cover all applications that require dimensions with tight tolerances and low Ra surface finish requirements, including cylindrical external grinding (OD), internal grinding (ID), surface grinding and creepfeed grinding.
Before the coronavirus pandemic upended normal life and essentially shut down commercial airliners, the aviation industry had a projected need for 40,000 new aircraft—planes, helicopters, air taxis, and unmanned aerial vehicles—in the next 20 years.
