14
Sep
Integrating Mitsubishi Electric’s robotic solutions, Horizon Instruments and the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), part of the University of Warwick, have created the first automated solution which combines two key operations in rotor assembly.
2
Sep
The environmental sector is undergoing a digital transformation, and change is affecting organisations in the waste collection and recycling sector. To overcome a systems integration (SI) challenge in this sector, AMCS sought the help of Solid State Supplies.
2
Sep
Ranging from simple on/off switch panels to an ultra-complex software/hardware-based Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) system found at the heart of factory automation, a control panel Human Machine Interface (HMI) enables human beings intuitively to interact with a machine and ensure production efficiency and worker safety.
2
Sep
Today’s factories demand flexible manufacturing and wireless connectivity. Manufacturers must react quickly to shifting customer needs, customisation, and short product life cycles. They require interchangeable processes and equipment that can be reconfigured, modified, and replaced easily, with maintenance-free connectors that reduce costs and downtime.
2
Sep
Traditionally, PC-based SCADA systems were the only tool in the instrumentation and control engineer’s toolbox for plant process visualisation and control applications. This led to many facilities implementing SCADA systems simply because there were no available alternatives.
4
Aug
From price increases to shortages of skilled labour, industrial companies are under increasing pressure to meet demands for quality, volume and speed. In a pilot project, KUKA and HELLER (a producer of CNC machine tools) have developed a solution to these challenges, using a KUKA KMR CYBERTECH to load and unload machines automatically with tools and provide relief to employees.
26
Jul
Every year, a number of words drop out of the dictionary. That is to say, they become obsolete. ‘Slubberdegullion’ (a slobbering or worthless fellow) and ‘groaking’ (watching someone longingly while they eat), are two that are now considered obsolete by lexicographers.
19
Jul
Making light work of high efficiency, simple, standard applications are well served by AC induction motors. In this global chip shortage, the appeal of a chip-less motor with high IP ratings and low lead-times has never been more apparent.
8
Jul
Robots have been an essential part of many manufacturing processes for decades; however, the pharmaceutical sector has historically been slower in adopting robot systems. Look closely at the processes and requirements associated with pharmaceutical production, and it becomes clearer why the sector is only now embracing the robotic technologies which are transforming some of their manufacturing processes.
8
Jul
Over the past ten years, industry has experienced two significant technological booms: one in the advancement of automation technology, and the other in data collection and analysis. Although these technologies are converging to add new value for manufacturers, there are certain limitations that remain — namely, cabling complexity and constraints.
8
Jul
While the benefits of robotic automation are well-proven, taking the first steps to introducing robots can often be an apparently daunting process. Nigel Platt of ABB Robotics UK provides some helpful tips that can be used as a checklist by companies looking to make their first switch to robotic automation.
8
Jul
Whether in manufacturing or in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) markets, contract packaging, or co-packing, is a fast-growing activity to satisfy demand for more variety.
7
Jul
Whether it is how quickly you can gather data or how fast you can respond to any problems that are identified, speed is critical when it comes to modern industrial monitoring systems.
7
Jul
In this era of automation, digitisation and Industry 4.0, signal and data transmission is taking on an ever greater role. The networking of machines, systems, and even individual sensors both on and off the production floor requires both a stable infrastructure and also secure, fast, high precision, disturbance-free, high bandwidth transmission paths that may need to withstand extremely harsh environmental conditions, depending on the application.
7
Jul
Automation device vendors need to keep pace with the latest technologies more than anyone else in order to deliver competitive products that address market requirements. As an enabler for Industry 4.0 applications, Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is quickly becoming a must-have to deliver state-of-the-art connectivity. John Browett, General Manager of CLPA Europe, looks at why device vendors should act now to implement TSN in their products.
