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manufacturing

Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in on-demand manufacturing startup Machina Labs

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Machina Labs has completed an investment by Lockheed Martin Ventures (LMV), the venture arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation, a global security and aerospace company.

Machina Labs combines AI and robotics to rapidly manufacture advanced sheet metal products. This latest funding brings the total raised by Machina Labs to $21.8 million.

The investment will be used to accelerate company growth to meet customer demand, and to expand R&D into additional processes and metallurgical offerings. [Read more…] about Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in on-demand manufacturing startup Machina Labs

Kodiak Robotics equips autonomous trucks with Ambarella AI system-on-chip

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Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving trucking company, has agreed a partnership with Ambarella, an edge AI semiconductor company, to integrate Ambarella’s CV2AQ AI perception system-on-chip (SoC) into its self-driving trucks for all camera data processing.

To kick off the partnership publicly, Kodiak will exhibit one of its self-driving trucks at Ambarella’s demo event in Las Vegas during the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Don Burnette, founder and CEO, Kodiak, says: “Our focus on building the world’s safest and most reliable self-driving trucks requires us to seek out the best partners. [Read more…] about Kodiak Robotics equips autonomous trucks with Ambarella AI system-on-chip

Wieland acquires Heyco Metals and National Bronze Manufacturing

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With the acquisition of Hummock Industries, Wieland has acquired Heyco Metals, a leader in light and medium gauge copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel strip processing, and National Bronze, a manufacturer and distributor of bronze-based bearing products.

Hummock Industries is a family-owned holding company focused on long-term investments in North American-based manufacturing companies.

These complementary operations will further strengthen Wieland’s market position with expanded product offerings, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution networks in North America. [Read more…] about Wieland acquires Heyco Metals and National Bronze Manufacturing

How Automation Has Revolutionized the Healthcare Industry

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Automation is more than just a buzzword – it’s a way of working that’s revolutionizing not only the business world, but people’s home lives, too.

With at least one process being automated in 31 percent of companies and automation spending growing by 14 percent annually, there’s never been a better time to invest in automation solutions.

But what exactly is automation, and how is it helping the pharmaceutical industry to evolve? Let’s take a look. [Read more…] about How Automation Has Revolutionized the Healthcare Industry

New 3D Printer That Creates Custom Prescription Drugs Developed by University College London

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University College London (UCL) have developed an exciting new 3D printing technique: “volumetric 3D printing” that lets the pharmaceutical industry customize drugs – including shape, size, dosage, and release – according to each patient’s individual needs.

In turn, medical professionals may eventually be able to use 3D printing to “print” prescription drugs for patients in-office in the future. Not only does 3D printing promise to improve personalized medicine, but it’s also set to drastically cut cost and waste in the process. [Read more…] about New 3D Printer That Creates Custom Prescription Drugs Developed by University College London

What is manufacturing software, and how can it help a small business?

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Manufacturing software is a type of software that assists small companies in streamlining their manufacturing processes and improving operational efficiency. In particular, cloud-based solutions offer fast deployment, allowing businesses to implement their software without waiting for physical installation.

Additionally, online solutions provide improved scalability and flexibility, meaning businesses can quickly add or remove functionality as their needs evolve.

This is an essential feature from the perspective of a small company: the intention is always to grow and expand, but only a few business owners can afford expensive investments at the start, as they usually stretch their budgets without having spent on manufacturing software tools. The scalability of online solutions is a great advantage. [Read more…] about What is manufacturing software, and how can it help a small business?

Manufacturing Software: Definition and Benefits for Your Business

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Today, IT solutions are just as necessary as the machinery and heavy equipment used to produce products. As such, it is used by large and new small and medium manufacturing companies.

This software is also designed for those who have factory businesses such as import/export trade. Manufacturing IT solutions are designed to streamline a manufacturer’s operations, from supply chain management to distribution management, increase organizational productivity, and reduce operating costs.

Manufacturing software is a tool that provides functionality to plan and execute projects from beginning to end while automating materials planning, production tracking, and scheduling and product lifecycle management. [Read more…] about Manufacturing Software: Definition and Benefits for Your Business

Kollmorgen Automation partners with Front AGV

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Kollmorgen Automation, is partnering with Front AGV, a Swedish integrator and designer of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), to create “top-level AGV solutions”.

Front AGV is part of 3Button Group, an automation group specialized in user-friendly and advanced robotic solutions for the consumer, food and automotive industries.

The solutions cover a range of processes in the manufacturing line; from machine tending, assembly and labeling, to picking, packing, and palletizing. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen Automation partners with Front AGV

Fruitcore Robotics raises €23 million to further commercialize Horst robot

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Fruitcore Robotics, the startup creator of Horst robots, has raised €23 million to “enable companies of all sizes – from medium-sized businesses to global corporations – to introduce robotics and automation solutions into their manufacturing”.

Three years after its market launch, Fruitcore Robotics is already automating several hundred different applications in 29 different industries in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. The 60+ partner network in the DACH region and Italy is being continuously expanded.

Internationally renowned venture capital firms Capricorn Partners and Kompas, and the high and deep tech investor XAI technologies are investing in Fruitcore Robotics for the first time. [Read more…] about Fruitcore Robotics raises €23 million to further commercialize Horst robot

How Robotics Can Help Manufacturers Solve Labor Shortages

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Manufacturing is critical to the United States and the Midwest. It’s responsible for creating jobs, supporting businesses, and generating economic growth. Manufacturing is also a key driver of innovation, helping to create new products and technologies that can improve our lives.

Nationwide, manufacturing was the fourth-largest employment sector in 2021, with more than 12 million employees. In the Midwest, it’s the largest employment sector. But like many other industries, manufacturers are facing a major challenge – a shortage of skilled workers.

Even if every skilled worker in the country was employed in manufacturing, Forbes reports there would still be 35 percent more job openings than workers capable of filling them. By 2030, Deloitte predicts the industry will be short by more than 2 million workers. [Read more…] about How Robotics Can Help Manufacturers Solve Labor Shortages