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manufacturing

ARM Institute showcases robotic coronavirus testing system developed by Wilder Systems

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The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute says that one of its members, Wilder Systems, has created a robotic cell for testing potential Covid-19 samples that is now in production in Austin, Texas. 

The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), through the CARES Act, provided funding to the ARM Institute to collaborate with Wilder Systems to develop this technology.

The ARM Institute is leading the way to a future where people and robots work together to respond to the nation’s greatest challenges and to develop and produce the world’s most desired products. [Read more…] about ARM Institute showcases robotic coronavirus testing system developed by Wilder Systems

Hitachi launches new industrial edge computer

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Hitachi has launched a new industrial edge computer. The “Hitachi Industrial Edge Computer CE series Embedded AI model” was developed in collaboration with Intel.

The product, an integration of Intel’s artificial intelligence technology and Hitachi’s control system design and manufacturing technologies, is a new model that incorporates an image analysis execution platform using AI and deep learning.

Through providing this product, Hitachi contributes to the expansion of digital transformation, such as streamlining and automating tasks that rely on visual checks (the inspection process for finished products in the manufacturing industry) and solving management challenges using on-site data. [Read more…] about Hitachi launches new industrial edge computer

Rolls-Royce awards Hanwha Aerospace parts supplier certification

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Hanwha Aerospace has received the first Product Part Approval Process (PPAP) certification in the world from Rolls-Royce, one of the top three global aircraft engine manufacturers.

Established in 1884, Rolls-Royce is a UK-based aircraft engine manufacturer that, together with Pratt & Whitney and GE in the US, form the world’s top three engine makers.

The certification authorizes Hanwha Aerospace to perform PPAP inspections to verify that newly built aircraft engine parts meet requisite standards of quality. With the certification, Hanwha will also be able to approve the inspected engines for mass production. [Read more…] about Rolls-Royce awards Hanwha Aerospace parts supplier certification

JPB Système secures government funding for new €30 million project

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JPB Système, a manufacturer of efficiency-enhancing technology solutions for aerospace, aeronautic and other industries, has received funding from the French government’s Ministry for Economy and Finance to support a project to establish a new purpose-built, state-of-the art production facility in Villaroche, south of Paris.

The grant was secured through the government’s Francerelance plan, part of its Territoires d’Industrie programme designed to accelerate industry growth and help manufacturing companies revive operations amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

For JPB Système, the funding will contribute towards its ambitious JPB Villaroche 2025 project – an initiative valued at more than €30 million that will see the company establish an advanced factory of the future adjacent to its current facility. [Read more…] about JPB Système secures government funding for new €30 million project

Why Manufacturers Should Consider Using a Cloud-based MES Platform

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Traditional manufacturing execution systems are deployed on a single machine that might be networked to a handful of terminals inside of a machine shop.

While this made sense in an era before widespread Internet adoption, it’s hopelessly dated today. Few people have the technology needed to turn their smart devices into antique telnet clients, and there are even less who would want to.

Cloud-based technology is a much better alternative, but adoption has been surprisingly slow. That’s causing many industry sectors to play a dizzyingly fast game of catch-up. [Read more…] about Why Manufacturers Should Consider Using a Cloud-based MES Platform

ABB unveils weird magnetic levitation system for ‘multi-dimensional manufacturing’

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ABB has expanded its flexible manufacturing portfolio with the launch of an innovative magnetic levitation shuttle system.

The solution is the result of a strategic partnership with Planar Motors (PMI), which enhances ABB business unit B&R’s adaptive machine offering, integrating PMI’s new production technology milestone in open, adaptive manufacturing.

ABB says it is partnering with Canada’s PMI to expand its machine automation offering: The integration of PMI’s magnetic levitation technology into the company’s machine automation division’s (B&R) portfolio will accelerate industry’s transition from strictly linear production to an open, adaptive manufacturing space. [Read more…] about ABB unveils weird magnetic levitation system for ‘multi-dimensional manufacturing’

GM to invest $800 million to convert existing facility into Canada’s first large-scale commercial EV plant

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American auto giant General Motors to invest $800 million to convert one of its existing facilities into Canada’s first large-scale commercial electric vehicle manufacturing plant.

Subject to ratification of a tentative 2021 agreement reached with Unifor and confirmation of government support, GM plans to bring production of its recently announced BrightDrop electric light commercial vehicle, the EV600, to its CAMI manufacturing plant in Ingersoll, Ontario (main picture, courtesy 3BL Media).

The nearly $800 million (1 billion Canadian dollar) investment will support GM’s timing to deliver BrightDrop EV600 in late 2021. The investment will enable GM to convert CAMI into Canada’s first large-scale electric delivery vehicles manufacturing plant. [Read more…] about GM to invest $800 million to convert existing facility into Canada’s first large-scale commercial EV plant

Omron launches new SCARA robot

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Omron has launched a new industrial robot, the i4 series SCARA robot, which the company says “automates high-speed, high-precision assembly and transportation with easy installation”.

The i4 series consists of an i4H medium to large sized, high-performance model and an i4L that is compact and suitable for lightweight applications.

By seamlessly integrating and controlling the “i4 series” robots and the robot-hands, or end effector, and other peripheral devices; the interlocking of each device is enabled and complicated tasks which could not be done with conventional SCARA robots are now automated. [Read more…] about Omron launches new SCARA robot

Aston Martin to integrate 3D printed parts into Callum Vanquish 25

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The Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged will be the first in a series of bespoke and limited-edition supercars to be designed and produced using MakerBot’s Method X 3D printer, with other projects already in the pipeline.

MakerBot, a 3D printing company and subsidiary of Stratasys, says product design and engineering firm Callum has installed a Method  3D printer to produce functional prototypes, tooling, and production parts across a number of luxury vehicles and lifestyle brands, including the limited edition Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged. [Read more…] about Aston Martin to integrate 3D printed parts into Callum Vanquish 25

Oqton raises over $40 million investment for its digital manufacturing platform

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Oqton, an American-Belgian software company specialising in artificial intelligence-powered solutions for the manufacturing industry, has raised more than $40 million in a Series A financing round, led by Fortino Capital, a leading B2B software investor, by PMV, the regional Flemish investment fund, and by Sandvik, a global engineering group.

The founding team – Samir Hanna and Ben Schrauwen – and several angel investors, including Carl Bass, who is the former CEO Autodesk, Dries Buytaert, of Drupal and Acquia, and Peter Mercelis, of Layerwise, also participated in the round.

The financing will be used to further develop its platform, while expanding its commercial partnerships in multiple domains and verticals, including additive manufacturing, robotic welding, and CNC machining. [Read more…] about Oqton raises over $40 million investment for its digital manufacturing platform