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manufacturing

Hexagon and ESAB to help manufacturers ‘optimise robotic welding processes’

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Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence division has signed a partnership agreement with ESAB, a fabrication specialist, to create a “streamlined welding solution” combining Hexagon’s simulation software with ESAB’s InduSuite solutions to help fabricators perform more efficient and successful welding operations.

Hexagon’s simulation intelligence, embedded within ESAB’s software and automation portfolio, will ensure that users have the tools required to “consistently manufacture high-quality products without costly trial and error”, according to the companies.

Producing successful welds can be challenging without the benefit of many years’ shop-floor experience and, even with an extensive welding experience, can incur high costs from waste and time. [Read more…] about Hexagon and ESAB to help manufacturers ‘optimise robotic welding processes’

Siemens expands robotic activities with Geekplus

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Geekplus, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, has expanded its collaboration with electronic components manufacturer Siemens Switchgear Shanghai with the second phase of a smart manufacturing automation project.

The expansion introduces more of Geekplus’s goods-to-person picking and materials handling robots to the multi-robot configuration and opens up a further 3,000 sq m of automated warehousing space. The system achieved a delivery accuracy rate of 100 percent, with materials accuracy of over 99.98 percent in the production line.

Siemens Switchgear Shanghai first joined forces with Geekplus in 2019 and successfully built a full-process flexible automated intelligent logistics factory using four types of Geekplus robots: P800R goods-to-person picking robots, MP1000R moving robots, RS2 tote-to-person robots, and X-series four-way shuttles for high-density storage. [Read more…] about Siemens expands robotic activities with Geekplus

On-demand manufacturer Fictiv secures $100 million in funding

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Fictiv, an on-demand manufacturing startup, has closed a $100 million Series E funding round.

The investment will advance Fictiv’s mission to accelerate product innovation with an expanded focus on decreasing supply chain risk through its best-in-category technology and product experience.

This unique combination of benefits helps Fictiv’s customers tackle both the continuous, competitive pressures to innovate faster and address the relentless, daily supply chain disruptions. [Read more…] about On-demand manufacturer Fictiv secures $100 million in funding

ForwardX Robotics partners with Qualcomm to develop new autonomous mobile robots

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ForwardX Robotics, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses, is partnering with chipmaking giant Qualcomm to develop new robots.

The two companies showcased the results of their collaboration at the recent Hannover Messe event in Germany, where ForwardX and Qualcomm jointly gave demonstrations.

Qualcomm showcased its Robotics RB5 Platform with the ForwardX Flex AMR on display. The robotics platform supports 5G connectivity, AI and machine learning, superior computing, and intelligent sensing capabilities. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics partners with Qualcomm to develop new autonomous mobile robots

Danfoss installs 3D scanner robot that can measure components to within a micron

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Danfoss Power Solutions, a supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics as well as electric powertrain systems, has invested in an advanced 3D scanner robot for its joystick manufacturing lines in Nordborg, Denmark.

The company says the new device is boosting inspection routines by measuring component dimensions to “micron-level precision, providing customers with even higher product quality”.

Danfoss Power Solutions’ Nordborg facility manufactures thousands of joystick variants for off-highway vehicles, such as forestry machines, harvesters, cranes, tractors and more. With the new 3D scanner robot, operators can tell immediately if a joystick component is within specifications. [Read more…] about Danfoss installs 3D scanner robot that can measure components to within a micron

Intelligent City raises $30 million to bring robotics and automation to prefabricated construction sector

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With pressure mounting for cities to address affordable housing needs, decarbonize buildings, and meet sustainability goals, housing technology company Intelligent City raised CAD 22 million ($17 million), bringing the total capital invested in the company to CAD 30 million ($23 million).

As one of the first companies in North America to apply automation and robotics to the design and manufacturing of prefabricated mass timber buildings, Intelligent City will use the funding to scale operations, commercialize its Platforms for Life (P4L) building solution, grow factory automation, and expand its footprint across and beyond Canada.

Earlier this year, the company completed testing of its building systems and is now verified to work within the new mass timber high-rise building codes in Canada and the US. [Read more…] about Intelligent City raises $30 million to bring robotics and automation to prefabricated construction sector

How to Get CNC Manufacturing Process Right in Your Shop

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When talking about CNC manufacturing process, you must understand that a manufacturing process consists of various operations performed sequentially, adding value to the final product.

Therefore, a typical CNC workshop involves more than one machine performing different operations.

Unlike traditional machines that required a separate operator to handle the operation, CNC machines provide an automated operation, thereby eliminating the need for extra hands in your shop. [Read more…] about How to Get CNC Manufacturing Process Right in Your Shop

Asia ‘most receptive to smart manufacturing’, says report

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Plex Systems, a Rockwell Automation company and provider of cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions, has released the results of its 7th annual study, The State of Smart Manufacturing Report.

The research reveals that smart manufacturing adoption accelerated by 50 percent globally in 2021, and these new technologies are now solving the industry’s critical challenges.

Asia-Pacific (APAC) organizations (93 percent) view smart manufacturing as “very” or “extremely” important to future success, compared to North America (84 percent) and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) (75 percent). [Read more…] about Asia ‘most receptive to smart manufacturing’, says report

Simbe Robotics partners with Fast Radius to build new Tally robot

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Fast Radius, a cloud manufacturing and digital supply chain company, is partnering with Simbe Robotics to manufacture components critical to the function and aesthetics of Simbe’s inventory robot, Tally 3.

Simbe says it has “reimagined the possibilities of automation” to create new efficiencies in retail stores and selected Fast Radius’ Cloud Manufacturing Platform because of its ability to bypass current supply chain disruptions through flexible production.

This results in faster time to market versus traditional manufacturing processes and helps the business scale. [Read more…] about Simbe Robotics partners with Fast Radius to build new Tally robot

North America ‘catching up’ in global robotics race, says report

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A research study released by Strategic Exits Partners, a boutique investment bank specializing in the sale of technology companies, found that although America has lagged behind Asia in design and production of manufacturing robots, it is now positioned to catch up and lead in a new global robotics race.

The study analyzed the last five years of transactions including 300 exits, and 5,000 investments into 3,000 global companies.

Len Zapalowski, partner, Strategic Exits Partners, says: “Our research found that despite America’s minor role in manufacturing robots, it is now making robot acquisitions at a rapid rate that exceeds its geopolitical rivals. [Read more…] about North America ‘catching up’ in global robotics race, says report