Business News

  AR is set to be the next step in the evolution of computing. Image: Meta Augmented Reality                         For the past 50 years, computers have been add-ons to our lives, evolving from complex, room-sized machines to simplified, but powerful, pocket-sized assistants embedded in every facet of our lives. Augmented reality (AR) is set to be the next step in the evolution of computing, and will arguably be the most intuitive and collaborative computing experience. In fact, much ink has been spilled on AR’s limitless potential, while countless hours of screen time have been dedicated to imagining how AR can better our lives. Even among our customers, we’ve noticed that both application developers and business decision-makers see AR as a tool for enhancing productivity. However, there’s no need to continue imagining AR’s potential for improving the way we work – AR is already enhancing productivity at the workplace. Here are some of the ways AR is being used today: Maintenance and Assembly Like most solutions, AR’s entrance into the workplace was conceived out of a challenge a company faced. In 1990, factory workers at Boeing had to rely on painstakingly complex airplane wiring instructions that were displayed on large plywood boards. At each step of the manufacturing process, workers had to manually rewire each board – no easy task given the deadlines, complexities, and inefficiencies. Two Boeing researchers, Tom Caudell and David Mizell, introduced AR and AR headsets to the factory floor (and subsequently coined the term “augmented reality”). Factory floors arguably became the first places where AR was used daily to enhance worker productivity and streamline supply chains. Fast forward to today, companies like General Electric (GE) have increasingly incorporated AR(through both mobile devices and headsets) as part of their […]

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) has completed construction of a coal gasification furnace plant at its Nagasaki site. The facility will supply core facilities for integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants. With the completion of the new plant, MHPS now has the ability to create a fully integrated production system for IGCC, a next-generation technology in high-efficiency coal-fired power generation. Production of furnaces is now underway, with a furnace now being produced for use in a 540 megawatt (MW) IGCC plant in Iwaki, Fukushima. The Iwaki Plant is currently under construction by Nakoso IGCC Power GK(Note) and delivery is scheduled for June 2018. Coal gasification furnaces provide a high-temperature, high-pressure environment required for efficient gasification of coal. They utilize gasification equipment capable of withstanding high temperatures and a pressure container that can raise pressure levels. In order to produce furnaces that can accommodate these conditions, a production system was adopted that utilizes both conventional underlying technologies, including welding, and newly developed proprietary technologies such as automated welding machines and ICT systems. To shorten construction time, furnaces produced at the new plant will be modularized (integrating gasification equipment and pressure containers), and will then be transported to the construction site for installation. In IGCC systems, coal is gasified in the gasification furnace and power is generated through a high-efficiency combined cycle that integrates gas and steam turbines. The system is groundbreaking, offering significantly higher efficiency and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than conventional coal-fired plants. MHPS will continue to promote the adoption of cutting edge IGCC power generation technologies, thereby contributing to the efficient use of resources and protection of the environment.  

Shanghai – Sealed Air Corporation, a global provider of protective packaging solutions, has opened a production line at its Qingpu manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China for one of its most innovative solutions: Korrvu retention and suspension packaging. At a total investment of more than US$1 million, the line is capable of producing up to several million pieces of Korrvu . This brings the total production lines to nine, making the facility Sealed Air’s largest and most technologically advanced manufacturing plant in Asia. The investment in the new line is part of an expansion which will increase the plant’s capacity by 2018 to serve growing markets in China and the region. Korrvu suspension and retention packaging provides product protection, presentation, versatility, and space savings and is used by global manufacturers including those in the electronics industry. Korrvu is a patented solution for shipping products when presentation and customer experience are key. The unique design uses a low-slip film that positions and secures products to a corrugated backing, which guarantees that customers are presented with a retail experience directly out of the box. While material and storage reduction are key benefits of Korrvu, ease of use and versatility are also notable. The simplicity of the Korrvu design makes it easy for warehouse associates to assemble. Korrvu packaging is used by e-commerce retailers and companies in other industries including electronics. China is already the world’s largest retail e-commerce market, with sales expected to top $460 billion in 2017 and a growth rate of over 15% per year (source: Statista.com). Packaging will play a bigger role than ever in ensuring product integrity from the production floor to the customer’s door. China’s electronics industry is among the top ten fastest growing industries in the country and is set to reach over US$17 billion in 2017 […]

Eastman Chemical Company will introduce a new sustainably sourced engineering bioplastic at Chinaplas (May 16-19; China Import & Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou, PR China). The high-performing solution provides an excellent balance of properties for a wide variety of applications, enabling manufacturers to shape a better tomorrow in a naturally better way. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, this engineering bioplastic represents the culmination of nearly 100 years of Eastman’s innovation in cellulosics. In its development, the company asserted a new perspective by “seeing the trees for the forest.” Attendees at Chinaplas can visit Eastman’s booth to see how the solution came to life through a 3D holographic experience. To learn more, visit Eastman’s booth at Chinaplas (Hall 12.2, Booth M41) or secure an appointment by contacting Ms. Liu Li at +86-21-6120-6338 or by email at liliu@eastman.com. Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. 

Consoveyo S.A. (Consoveyo), a global leading expert for automated material handling and storage systems, today officially announces its name change. Formerly known as Efacec Handling Solutions S.A. (EHS), Consoveyo previously belonged to the Efacec Group, the largest Portuguese corporation in the field of electromechanics and electronics, with a strong presence across various international markets. Acquired by the international technology group, Körber AG, Consoveyo has been part of the Group’s Business Area Logistics Systems since September 2015. All subsidiaries under the company in Europe and Asia will now bear its new name. In Southeast Asia, Consoveyo Singapore Pte. Ltd. will continue to provide automated systems support to its customers in the region. Alluding to the Portuguese words, ‘aconselhar’ (for consulting), ‘consenso’ (for consent), and ‘consolidar’ (for strengthening and reinforcing), Consoveyo pays homage to the company’s origins in Porto, Portugal, and underlines the company’s competencies and engineering expertise. Consoveyo is also associated to the word ‘convey’ in English, which describes the act of transporting products, communicating, and advising. The new name aims to bind Consoveyo together with the other brand names within the Business Area Logistics Systems, to achieve better synergy within the Körber Group. With more than 30 years of experience, Consoveyo is a global leader for automated material handling and storage systems. The company will continue to supply its customers in Europe and Asia with automated systems for intralogistics. “The name change symbolizes an important milestone of our integration into the Business Area Logistics Systems and the Körber Group,” Jorge Couto, Chief Sales Officer at Consoveyo, explained. “Being part of this economically strong and successful Group provides Consoveyo with sustainable and comprehensive future growth prospects – both as a business and as an employer. Our staff are excited about the prospects of this new chapter, where we can leverage on […]