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manufacturing

Fictiv raises $35 million to expand its digital manufacturing ecosystem

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As the pace of digital transformation in manufacturing continues to accelerate, Fictiv has raised $35 million in new funding led by 40 North Ventures to “aggressively expand” Fictiv’s digital manufacturing ecosystem.

Honeywell, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., Adit Ventures, and M20 also participated, along with previous investors including Accel, G2VP, and Bill Gates, bringing Fictiv’s total investment to $92 million.

The Series D investment will be used to advance its proven cloud-based platform technology and invest in its supply chain operations and network infrastructure. [Read more…] about Fictiv raises $35 million to expand its digital manufacturing ecosystem

Intralogistics market forecast to grow at 15 percent a year

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The global intralogistics market is expected to surge at a compound annual growth rate of 15.5 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to FactMR.com., which would provide more opportunities for automated guided vehicle and autonomous mobile robot suppliers. 

The market burgeoned at a spritely rate of 14.3 percent over the last five years owing to transcendent demand for increased productivity and efficiency across industries, globally.

Moreover, commencement of industry 4.0 has comprehensively compelled industry verticals to go digital with their supply chain networks. [Read more…] about Intralogistics market forecast to grow at 15 percent a year

OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

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OnRobot has launched the MG10, which it describes as “a versatile, high-performance, easy to use magnetic gripper” for material handling, assembly and machine tending applications in manufacturing, automotive and aerospace environments.

Fully compatible with all major robot brands through OnRobot’s One System Solution, the MG10 offers unique adjustable force and grip detection features that provide users with unprecedented levels of control.

Standard magnetic grippers only provide simple on/off functionality. To adjust the force applied, users have to add rubber ‘feet’ to create space between the magnet and the part. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

New study reveals 80 percent of manufacturers see smart manufacturing as key to future success

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The survey’s nearly 300 respondents indicate the pandemic accelerated the need and adoption of smart manufacturing technologies, outpacing earlier predictions

Plex Systems, a provider of cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions, has released the results of its sixth annual study, the State of Smart Manufacturing.

This year’s study, which was conducted in collaboration with Hanover Research, highlights how manufacturers use smart technology to tackle today’s challenges and drive measurable return on investment, and are positioned to take advantage of future opportunities.

The findings demonstrate a need for smart manufacturing technology to address current challenges, including those heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, 83 percent of manufacturers say the pandemic has made adopting smart manufacturing technologies and processes a priority. [Read more…] about New study reveals 80 percent of manufacturers see smart manufacturing as key to future success

Bosch produces its first semiconductor wafers through ‘fully automated’ fabrication process

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Bosch says it has produced the first semiconductor wafers through its “fully automated” fabrication process at its facility in Dresden, Germany.

The industrial giant describes it as “a milestone on the path to the chip factory of the future”.

Bosch says this is a key step toward the start of production operations at the factory, which is scheduled for late 2021. [Read more…] about Bosch produces its first semiconductor wafers through ‘fully automated’ fabrication process

Mitsubishi Electric makes dedicated factory for industrial mechatronics

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Mitsubishi Electric says it will establish the Industrial Mechatronics Systems Works as of April 1, 2021 within the premises of the company’s Nagoya Works in Nagoya, Japan.

The functions which currently lay under Nagoya Works for development and manufacturing of computerized numerical controllers, electrical discharge machines and laser processing machines will be transferred to the new Works, improving flexibility and speed in responding to customer needs.

The Industrial Mechatronics Systems Works will become Mitsubishi Electric’s dedicated factory for industrial mechatronic products, which contribute to the manufacturing industry through automation of product and parts processing. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric makes dedicated factory for industrial mechatronics

One-third of manufacturers planning to move software to the cloud, says IoT Analytics

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One-third of manufacturers are planning to move the software they currently use on-site to the cloud, according to research company IoT Analytics. 

IoT Analytics, a provider of market insights and competitive intelligence for the internet of things (IoT) and Industry 4.0, surveyed the industrial IoT market and found that almost one-third of manufactures are planning to move their manufacturing execution software to the cloud, significantly boosting the global Cloud MES market growth for the coming years.

Knud Lasse Lueth, CEO at IoT Analytics, says: “Companies are struggling to make use of their data in a meaningful way and use it to create value. Today, a significant portion of this data is ‘dark’ (that is, it is not used for any analysis). [Read more…] about One-third of manufacturers planning to move software to the cloud, says IoT Analytics

Fanuc and Rockwell Automation launch robotics and automation apprenticeship programs

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Fanuc America and Rockwell Automation have formed a coalition to introduce accelerated work and learn apprenticeship programs designed to “upskill current and future workers for jobs in advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation”.

The coalition includes APT, a Fanuc and Rockwell Automation systems integrator, and NOCTI Business Solutions, which provides independent assessments of occupational standards and validation using recognized International Organization for Standardization (ISO) process validation methods.

Franklin Apprenticeships is also a key partner of the coalition, ensuring apprenticeship support structure and success enablers for employers and apprentices. [Read more…] about Fanuc and Rockwell Automation launch robotics and automation apprenticeship programs

New Mitsubishi website offers advice on digital manufacturing investments

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Mitsubishi Electric has unveiled a new-look website which offers advice on digital manufacturing investments.

The industrial giant, which is also one of the world’s largest robot makers, says Industry 4.0 and digital processes are “indispensable for future manufacturing growth”.

It says that, while many companies understand the importance of automation, they sometimes struggle to make it a reality. They need a strong partner with the know-how to guide them. [Read more…] about New Mitsubishi website offers advice on digital manufacturing investments

How a top automotive manufacturer went ‘fork free’ to boost productivity and safety

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By Rob Sullivan, president and CEO, AutoGuide Mobile Robots

With forklifts an ongoing contributor to workplace accidents, and skilled operators difficult to find and retain in today’s competitive manufacturing environment, automating material transport is solving both issues.

A few years ago, a top-tier automotive manufacturer wanted to reduce how often employees had to manually lift and move heavy objects, and eliminate the risk of forklift-related injuries.

They understood that they needed safer and more efficient solutions for transporting engines and other materials from assembly to testing within their 40,000 square foot facility. [Read more…] about How a top automotive manufacturer went ‘fork free’ to boost productivity and safety