Demystifying the IIoT October 19, 2020 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.
Fusion OEM Embraces Cobots, Invests In Future Expert Machinists July 6, 2020 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).
Microsoft Exec On Ways To Do Well Despite COVID-19 Crisis June 29, 2020 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.”
Extended Reality: VR, AR, MR, XR? Which Is The Solution For Me? June 17, 2020 Eric Kam, Product Marketing and Community Manager for ESI Group will discuss the various flavors of digital reality available today. Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality are all discussed. But aside from games, dealership showrooms, and operator training which seem to be the bulk of applications discussed by the world as a whole, which technology is right for you? This podcast will help to define each of these technologies, compare and contrast, and learn which aspects of your organization’s goals can be addressed by the technology.
Spotlight on Welding with AWS April 24, 2020 April is National Welding Month and exciting things are happening within the industry. In this podcast, Chris Mahar, Associate Editor of Manufacturing Engineering magazine, talks with Monica Pfarr, Executive Director of the American Welding Society Foundation about what’s happening in the industry and what AWS is doing to celebrate. From the industry as a whole to the current market temperature and the workforce, this podcast is a welding one-stop-shop.
Automation Champions Battling Show-Stopping Integration Issue in U.S. October 28, 2020 (Narrated Smart Manufacturing magazine article)
A More Informed Welding Solution December 11, 2020 Welding has been around for millennia, but today’s technology doesn’t often benefit from the information- and feedback-rich technologies that its machining cousin does. Christopher Ripley, Director of Business Development, and Eduardo Almeida, Director of Engineering, Innovation and R&D for BrandTech®, sit down with Chris Mahar, Associate Editor, to talk about the company’s BrandTech® Precision Welding system and how its computer-controlled system differs from traditional stud welding.
Tackling Downtime and Inefficiencies with Software November 20, 2019 Turning to software over paper reports does more than just save trees. Chris Mahar, Associate Editor of Manufacturing Engineering, talks with David McPhail, President and CEO of Memex Inc., about how manufacturers can utilize technology to improve efficiency, reduce downtime and boost productivity and profits across their business.
How to Optimize the Grinding Process August 26, 2020 Grinding is a vital process for manufacturing and finishing precision parts, but some manufacturers overlook some of the key ways they can improve the grinding process. In this episode, Alan Rooks, editor in chief of Manufacturing Engineering magazine, talks with Doug Henke, technical specialist for DCM Tech, serving the South & Southeastern United States and Mexico, about the main reasons a manufacturer should take the time to optimize their grinding processes; the root causes of some common grinding problems; high level optimization tips for grinding operators; and how selecting the proper abrasive can be a difficult task but is essential.
SME Media Editors Track the Latest Manufacturing Trends February 7, 2020 Alan Rooks and Brett Brune, editors in chief of Manufacturing Engineering and Smart Manufacturing, respectively, preview some of the actionable information readers can find in the February issues.