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Singapore robotics event returns against ‘exponential change in industry’

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Organisers of the Singapore International Robo Expo 2018 say the event is returning amid “exponential change in industry”.

SIRE will return on 1-2 November to the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, and this year, the trade show will focus on next-generation robotics technologies.

The third edition of SIRE will showcase robotics technologies in both its conference as well as exhibition showcase, addressing the entire value chain – from technology research and development to test-bedding, to final commercialisation and go to market.  [Read more…] about Singapore robotics event returns against ‘exponential change in industry’

BMW to build entire future around iNext autonomous electric concept

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At the BMW AG Annual General Meeting in May 2018, Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management at the BMW Group, described iNext as follows: “The iNext project will provide our building blocks for the future, from which the entire company and all of its brands are set to benefit.”

iNext addresses the big question that is at the heart of the BMW Group’s day-to-day work: “How will we be moving around in future?” iNext builds on the idea that first took shape in 2007 with “project i” and evolved into the launch of the BMW i3 in 2013.

The BMW Group has already achieved a great deal on this front: it now has over ten years of experience with electric mobility under its belt in both small-scale and large-scale production, the BMW i models are being improved all the time, and their technology is being employed to gradually electrify models from the BMW and MINI ranges.

[Read more…] about BMW to build entire future around iNext autonomous electric concept

Four robotic systems changing the face of warehouse automation

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A new generation of modular, intelligent robots is quietly infiltrating warehouses around the world, delivering greater productivity and throughputs while enabling unprecedented flexibility. This post reviews four of the leading use cases for today’s warehouse robots.

What’s next for your warehouse? Increased connectivity to enable IoT? Migrating warehouse software to the cloud? Or maybe doing more with data?

Those are just some of the initiatives that seem to dominate the discussion of next-generation warehouse technology. Meanwhile, an equally powerful technology may be overlooked because it’s been around for decades: robotics.

[Read more…] about Four robotic systems changing the face of warehouse automation

Montratec to showcase automation technologies for supply chain industry

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Intralogistics technology provider Montratec is planning to present cutting-edge technologies for process automation and efficiency increase at Fakuma, a trade fair for the plastics processing industry

“Welcome to our World” is the slogan of the German company Montratec, which is headquartered in Niedereschach.

The company will be presenting new product highlights of their intelligent automation and transport system Montrac on the international trade fair Fakuma (from 16 to 20 October 2018 in Friedrichshafen/Germany).

The intra-logistic system Montrac is purely designed and engineered for efficiency enhancement. Particular the revolutionary technology of the Shuttle Carrier and the features of the new SmartRouter-generation are setting innovative milestones in the field of process automation and intra-logistics.  [Read more…] about Montratec to showcase automation technologies for supply chain industry

Pictures from this year’s International Manufacturing Technology Show

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A photo review of the recent International Manufacturing Technology Show, held in Chicago, USA. 

This year’s IMTS was a record-breaker, with more exhibitors and more exhibition space than ever before. 

More details, including the numbers, can be found in another article about the event.

Our special correspondent attended the event and took a whole load of pictures, some of which we publish here.  [Read more…] about Pictures from this year’s International Manufacturing Technology Show

IMTS: This year’s show was the ‘largest ever’, say organisers

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Exponential technology advances, strong economy propel North America’s premier manufacturing show

A rapidly transforming industry sparked IMTS 2018 – the International Manufacturing Technology Show – to set all-time records for show metrics.

The 32nd edition of the show drew a record registration of 129,415 people and featured 1,424,232 sq ft of exhibit space representing 2,123 booths and 2,563 exhibiting companies.

IMTS 2018 ran from September 10-15 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Previous records were 121,764 registrants (IMTS 1998), 1,415,848 sq ft of exhibit space (IMTS 2000), 1,808 booths (IMTS 2016) and 2,407 exhibiting companies (IMTS 2016).  [Read more…] about IMTS: This year’s show was the ‘largest ever’, say organisers

Beyond prototyping: Scaling up to additive manufacturing for production

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By Charlie Wood, manager of computational engineering at Fast Radius

Most readers are likely well-acquainted with additive manufacturing – as a rapid prototyping tool, at least. And while many companies believe and perpetuate the myth that AM is only a prototyping tool, innovators in a range of markets (for example, aerospace, healthcare, consumer goods and more) are already using AM for production-grade manufacturing when design, performance and cost factors align.

Exploring AM as a means of production opens up design and performance possibilities simply not possible with CNC machining, urethane casting or injection molding. This article will cover how organizations can:

  • Identify if there’s a strong business case for switching to AM for your part or product.
  • Leverage design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) principles for a seamless transition from rapid prototyping to rapid production.

[Read more…] about Beyond prototyping: Scaling up to additive manufacturing for production

HRG Robotics to develop logistics robots with Ground Inc

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HIT Robot Group one of China’s leading robot manufacturers, has been showcasing more than 20 industrial robots at the 20th China International Industry Fair in Shanghai, a major event for industrial equipment manufacturers in China.

Among the systems on show were “logistics robots”, says HRG.

According to the 2018 Analysis Report On the Robotics Industry In China which analyzed the latest trends and challenges of the robotics industry, China has a booming industrial robot industry with a growing demand for automated logistics solutions.

In 2017, the total volume of logistics robots sold was about 12,900 units, representing 103 percent year-on-year growth. E-commerce giants such as JD.com, Alibaba, and Suning have adopted logistics robots to meet their needs of warehousing and distribution.  [Read more…] about HRG Robotics to develop logistics robots with Ground Inc

Future of Mining Americas 2018 looks at the strategic direction of industry

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Future of Mining Americas connects the mining supply chain around the globe to debate the future of the industry and discover the latest innovations and technologies that are spearheading mine productivity, efficiency and safety.

The conference takes place October 29-30 in Denver with dedicated curated content with focus on the themes of Exploration, Development, Management, Infrastructure and Leadership.  [Read more…] about Future of Mining Americas 2018 looks at the strategic direction of industry

Technical insight: How to improve uptime in industrial robotic systems

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How sensors coupled with Industry 4.0 technology will enable predictive maintenance of industrial robots

Machine maintenance can sometimes seem like one of the black arts, according to experts at Infineon Technologies. A seemingly reliable machine suddenly stops working and, despite everyone’s best efforts, cannot be brought back to life. Along comes a member of the maintenance team and, after some beard-scratching, tinkering inside the machine and a few words of encouragement, the machine springs back to life.

The reality is often more pragmatic. Schedules of work are arranged to optimize uptime and undertake preventative maintenance during periods that have the least impact on manufacturing. However, there are still times when maintenance engineers seemingly ‘sense’ impending failure of their robots and automation equipment.

Could the implementation of sensing technologies, beyond the sensors needed for process monitoring, deliver improvements in predictive maintenance?  [Read more…] about Technical insight: How to improve uptime in industrial robotic systems