Automation

Xcelerate X20 Automation System

Cellro offers most compact and versatile automation solution: Xcelerate X20. According to the company, Xcelerate is renowned for its flexibility, user-friendly interface, modest floor space (starting at a mere 0.8m2) and surprisingly large storage capacity.

GE Looks at the Future of Cutting Tools

“Manufacturers who conduct a lot of machining know that the cost of productivity of a machining operation is inextricably connected to the selection of the cutting tool and the process for managing them,” writes GE Industry Analyst Andy Henderson in a GE Digital blog post. “In the utopian future, the manufacturing intelligence system will automatically control how cutting tools are used and automatically optimize the cost of machining operations.”

Racer5-0.63 and Racer5-0.80 Robots

Comau presents the extension of its small robot family for quick applications in restricted spaces, including handling, assembly and pick and place, by introducing two new robots: Racer5-0.63 and Racer5-0.80. Both are controlled by the R1C 19" rack-mounted controller, which can be integrated into a single cabinet to control an entire line.

China won’t own next-gen manufacturing

"With rising salaries, labor unrest, environmental devastation and intellectual property theft, China is no longer an attractive place for Western companies to move their manufacturing," writes Vivek Wadhwa. "Technology has also eliminated the labor cost advantage. [China] built its dominance in manufacturing by offering massive subsidies, cheap labor, and lax regulations. With technologies such as robotics and 3D printing, it has no edge."

Data-led Small Businesses Grow Revenue More than Data-shy Ones

Small businesses that use data to help make decisions are more strongly growing revenue as compared to their counterparts who use data on a limited basis, according to new research from Exact and Pb7 Research. The findings show that businesses across the U.S. and Europe who lean on data insights reported revenue growth of 21 percent in the last financial year, as compared to 9 percent for businesses reporting limited use of data.

Fastems Implements ThingWorx to Provide Remote Service

PTC announced that Fastems, a Finnish manufacturer of factory automation systems with North American headquarters in West Chester, Ohio, will integrate PTC ThingWorx technology into its flexible manufacturing systems. The new technology will facilitate remote systems monitoring and condition-based maintenance. These new service options will enable its customers to increase system uptime and production capacity.

Universal Robots+

With Universal Robots+, the company creates its own eco-system enabling applications revolving around the collaborative robot arms UR3, UR5 and UR10 to be developed and showcased. The so-called URCaps, accessory components that extend the UR robots’ capabilities, can be customized hardware components, software plug-ins, or a combination of both.

Q&A with Rethink Robotics founder Rodney Brooks

Rodney Brooks, founder of Rethink Robotics, introduced the concept of cost-effective and collaborative robotics in manufacturing. He explains why he believes robots like Rethink’s Baxter and Sawyer won’t endanger jobs.

United Grinding Breaks Ground for New Facility

UNITED GRINDING conducted a groundbreaking ceremony August 9 for its new North American headquarters to be built in Miamisburg, Ohio. With the new facility, the grinding machine builder says it will further strengthen its customer service and support, and boost its operational agility for even faster response to ever changing customer needs.

Rebel-S 4-axis SCARA Robot

Comau introduces Rebel-S, its own 4-axis SCARA robot, in five different models with a payload of 6kg and three different reaches. All models are controlled by the R1C 19" rack-mounted controller, which can be integrated into a single cabinet to control an entire line.