Manufacturing Technology

Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0 key to manufacturing and supply chain fortunes in a Post-COVID World

ABI Research’s Digital Transformation Summit will provide 3 days of actionable intelligence to guide technology providers, partners, and end users to success. https://abi.link/33mD8S4 The transformative potential of Industry 4.0 and the digital supply chain is immense and crucial for manufacturing and the supply chain to become once again fluid, productive, and profitable in a post-COVID-19 world. Now more than ever, strategies need to be reshaped, plans need to be adjusted, and questions need answers. To help facilitate this critically important flow of information, global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research, is pleased to announce its three-day online Manufacturing & Supply Chain Digital Transformation Summit from October 20-22. “The uncertainty and climate of change resulting from COVID-19 have led to much demand for clear advice on the direction of market development. The myriad of challenges and risks caused by the global pandemic is accelerating the need to modernize working practices, embrace technology, and digitise. To enable companies to mitigate risk, avoid the cost of inaction, and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by this acceleration of digital transformation, ABI Research is bringing our analysts together with prominent industry experts to share their insights in a series of immersive webinars and collaborative panel discussions. “The Manufacturing & Supply Chain Summit will provide actionable intelligence related to the technologies, trends, companies, and change agents technology providers, partners, and end users need to know to succeed,” says Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research. Siemens’ Zvi Feuer, Aaron Frankel, and Jan Leuridan, Telit’s Ricardo Buranello, Microsoft’s Darren Coil, Intel’s Christine Boles, PTC’s Marc Lobo, and Desktop Metal’s Ric Fulop are just a few of the many panel experts joining ABI Research Analysts. A full list of our panel members can be found here. Immersive Webinars: Our team of analysts will offer detailed investigates the future of manufacturing and […]

Nintex announces agreement to buy K2 Software, Inc.

Nintex, the global standard for process management and automation, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire K2 Software Inc., an innovative provider of digital process automation (DPA) software solutions. K2 is Nintex’s third acquisition since Thoma Bravo became the company’s majority investor in early 2018. Upon closing this transaction, Nintex will serve more than 10,000 customers including approximately 50 per cent of the Fortune 500 and will generate over $200 million in annual recurring revenue, making Nintex one of the largest independent software vendors for process automation. “We are excited to be bringing together leading innovators in the digital process automation software market,” said Nintex CEO Eric Johnson. “Upon closing, Nintex and K2 customers and partners will benefit from an even broader range of process management and automation solutions. The combination of our respective development teams will further accelerate our pace of innovation in this growing market.” Organisations in every region of the world are saving costs and improving operations by using Nintex’s easy-to-use, powerful process platform to visually map and manage business processes with Nintex Promapp(R) and to accelerate digital transformation with mobile apps, digital forms, workflows, robotic process automation (RPA), document automation and eSignatures. K2 Software, Inc. helps enterprises digitally transform faster by simplifying the creation of modern process applications and automated workflows with robust developer tools. Over 1.5 million users in more than 84 countries, including 30 per cent of Fortune 100 companies, have leveraged K2 software solutions to take control of their business processes, increase visibility and improve operational efficiency. “We are looking forward to delivering even greater value to our K2 customers by joining forces with Nintex,” said K2 CEO and President Evan Ellis. “Combining Nintex’s solution portfolio with K2’s complementary technologies will further enhance what commercial enterprises and government agencies can achieve through the […]

Tablet performs in challenging work environments

Getac’ UX10 is a powerful, fully rugged tablet that’s built to thrive in challenging working environments, such as those found in the public safety, utilities, natural resources and manufacturing industries. Building on the success of Getac’s original UX10, this tablet delivers improved performance, storage, connectivity and rugged reliability in a stylish new chassis, all while retaining the same proven form factor of its predecessor. Key features include a 10th Gen Intel® Quad-core i5 or i7 processor and PCIe NVMe SSD storage technology, for up to six times faster speeds than SATA SSD, while the latest Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 module ensures more stable and reliable connectivity in dense, congested environments. In addition, the UX10 boasts enhanced rugged protection, with MIL-STD-810H certification and drop resistance of up to 6-foot while in tablet mode, for added peace of mind. As well, the UX10-EX is designed to be a highly effective field services solution for engineers and technicians in the energy, natural resources and utilities industries. Incorporating the latest intrinsically safe technology, the device fully meets stringent ATEX/IECEx standards for use in Zone 2/22 hazardous and potentially explosive environments that field professionals encounter on a regular basis. Furthermore, extensive connectivity options make accessing remote tech support and uploading reports directly from the field fast and efficient, while the UX10-EX’s all-weather functionality means it can be relied on in every situation. Three key software utilities available for use alongside the UX10 are Getac’s KeyWedge Barcode Reader Utility, Getac Driving Safety Utility and Getac Device Monitoring System (GDMS)*.

OnRobot launches out-of-the-box robotic sanding tool

OnRobot has launched OnRobot Sander, an all-electric random orbital sander for automated finishing applications, including sanding and polishing. Traditional sanding automation solutions often require a background in robotics to implement and maintain. With the launch of OnRobot Sander, manufacturers now have access to a complete out-of-the-box sanding tool that’s easy to use with all major collaborative and lightweight industrial robots. The complete Sander package incorporates everything OnRobot customers need to get their sanding application started quickly and easily: a plug-and-play sanding tool, a variety of standard sanding and polishing pads, easy-to-use programming software, an optional force/ torque sensor and a Grit Changer that enables automated switching between different sanding grits without operator intervention. Taking usability a step further Programming simple surface finishing applications on Sander is easy thanks to the intuitive built-in software. But OnRobot takes usability a step further with the addition of a “Save Position” button on the tool that allows users to set waypoints manually without using the robot’s teach pendant. The Sander software comes with different path planning options – handguide, shape and points, and allows users to adjust rotation speed, optimising cycle time and consistency. “OnRobot is committed to providing small and medium-size businesses with affordable, application-centered solutions that are easy to set up and maintain. OnRobot Sander is a versatile sanding tool that provides all the features and benefits our customers expect of automated sanding technology, but without all the hassle and cost traditionally associated with automated sanding tools,” says Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. OnRobot Sander supports flat, curved and uneven part geometries and comes with replaceable standard pads that can be used on a wide range of materials. Adding a force / torque sensor enables the sander to adapt to surface variations or part misalignment, while improving consistency and quality and […]

Bearings 2.0: What the future holds

SKF’s global technical press days to outline how bearing technology is speeding up industrial digitalisation and creating new business models. Entitled ‘Bearings 2.0: What the future holds’, SKF’s virtual technical press days will take place on 7-8 October, 2020. Expert speakers will address industry trends and illustrate how SKF’s innovations in bearing and rotating machinery will change the way end-users and manufacturers operate. Both days will include keynote addresses on topics such as the future role of bearings in industrial applications, how digitalisation is driving development around the rotating shaft and how these developments combine to enable the growth of outcome-based business models. Within the expert sessions that follow, the role of modelling, artificial intelligence and machine learning in enabling the improvement of bearing design, performance, lifespan and predictability will be explored. In particular, there will be a focus on: prognostics and the benefits of accurately predicting bearing performance; life models, such as SKF’s GBLM (Generalized Bearing Life Model) which can now be applied to selection of hybrid bearings; the circular economy and the demand for bearing remanufacturing and recycling of bearing-related materials. The latest developments within deep groove ball bearings and their applications within electric vehicles will also be presented.

Hitachi to supply 300 lifts in Singapore

Hitachi Elevator Asia Pte. Ltd. has successfully clinched another large contract for the supply and installation of lifts from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) of the Republic of Singapore (Singapore). Hitachi Elevator Asia has been awarded the 30th term contract to supply and install another 300 lifts at HDB blocks in Singapore. This is the largest single contract for Hitachi group for the second time; the first was the 28th term contract. Hitachi Elevator Asia aims to maintain their position among the top 3 in the new installation market of Singapore with the contribution of this contract in FY2020. Hitachi Elevator Asia was awarded the 28th term contract in 2019, which was the largest single order for the Hitachi group’s lifts and escalators business in Singapore at the time. Apart from HDB blocks, Hitachi Elevator Asia has also provided lifts, escalators and moving sidewalks for major facilities and buildings like the National University of Singapore, Changi International Airport and Guoco Tower, the tallest building in Singapore. In 2019, an advanced lift remote monitoring and maintenance service was introduced in Singapore, where real-time operational data about the lifts and implementation of preventive maintenance are provided. Moving forward, Hitachi will continue to broadly use cutting-edge digital technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and globally provide safe, secure and comfortable elevators and escalators as well as services that help resolve customers’ issues in urban spaces to contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society.

Ideagen launches first cloud version of Q-Pulse software

Ideagen Plc, has announced the first cloud version of its industry leading quality, health & safety and environmental (QHSE) product, Q-Pulse. Q-Pulse is already used by more than 2,000 companies around the world to effectively manage and mitigate their QHSE risks. This update ensures existing and future customers will have access to one fast, simple system, backed by 25 years of innovation, from an established and trusted vendor. Although there is a wide range of benefits available from the new product, there are enhancements specifically aimed at the manufacturing sector. Firstly, Q-Pulse can provide the insight needed to transform production processes, strengthen supply chains and deliver top quality products. Secondly, Q-Pulse helps businesses to quickly and confidently exploit opportunities, grow, unlock new markets and secure new quality standards, with the confidence that comes from data-driven decision-making. Q-Pulse also makes it easier to align an entire business around world class processes that satisfy customers and regulators by making compliance, safety and quality the responsibility of everyone in the business.

SESTO Magnus autonomous mobile robot for materials handling

SESTO Robotics has launched SESTO Magnus – a bi-directional, compact autonomous mobile robot able to carry loads up to 300kg. Having the highest payload rating in the compact class, SESTO Magnus is designed to automate material handling processes in manufacturing, commercial and healthcare industries. Specially built for tight navigation in space-scarce facilities, SESTO Magnus is able to autonomously travel through spaces as narrow as 0.9 metres wide while avoiding obstacles in its path. Its bi-directional same-speed capability means the autonomous mobile robot can reverse out of dead ends without doing a spot turn. With the world easing into the Covid-19 new normal, there is an accelerated urgency for manufacturers and non-manufacturing industries to quickly automate their processes while ensuring safe management measures such as staggered workforce or spilt team arrangements. SESTO Magnus’ small and low profile is designed with manufacturing, healthcare and commercial facilities in mind. Its intelligent software controls enable it to operate safely in narrow passageways and amongst people. Using a single mobile platform, SESTO Magnus is highly versatile and can be configured with limitless applications of autonomous material transportation. From components and parts in manufacturing, to laundry and meal services in hospitality and care facilities, to central sterile services and dispensaries in hospitals, the autonomous mobile robot can be fitted with various top module configurations, customisable to requirements. Current manual handling and transportation processes are often time-consuming and error-prone. In addition, repeated manual handling of heavy loads may lead to labour injuries and accidents. With SESTO Magnus, it reduces the dependency on manual labour which has become a priority for many companies in recent months, as COVID-19 caused major disruptions to the availability of on-premise employees. Powered by SESTO’s proprietary user-friendly interface, operators can easily deploy the robot for material transportation using a tablet or laptop. The […]

Life-Changing medical device with Stratasys additive manufacturing

Bluefrog Design, originally named 3CD, was founded in 1990 by Chris Samwell. With 30 years of combined experience as industrial design consultants, the small but expert team at Bluefrog is nothing if not versatile. Bluefrog serves a wide range of industries including consumer goods, packaging, transportation and medical. Although their clients’ specialities are very diverse, they all look to Bluefrog for innovation. Bluefrog needed the freedom to escape traditional design constraints at every stage of product development. One that could produce fully functional, advanced prototypes with industry-recognized, engineering-grade materials. In a quest to find a solution, the team turned to additive manufacturing. Overcoming complexities Bluefrog’s versatility is best exemplified by their ability to find solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges. The team was recently approached by a young man suffering from paraesthesia, a condition that causes inexplicable burning, tingling or prickling sensation across the skin. For this patient, the only way to ease his pain was to ensure that his clothes touched his skin as little as possible. Despite interventions from doctors, no solution had been found. But it was clear to Samwell the patient could benefit greatly from a custom device he could wear with minimal skin contact that would also minimize his skin contact with his clothing. The device had to be customized to his body, resting only on the areas that were not affected by his condition. Bluefrog Design’s team knew this complex case required a realistic prototype and final product in as little time as possible. They began by creating a complex 3D scan of the patient’s body, which was converted into a 3D printed prototype on their FDM 3D printer. Once tested and modified, the final version was produced in the tough, medical-grade ABSPlus material, chosen thanks to its advanced material stability over time. Notably, due to the round-the-clock capability of the Fortus 3D printer, this process took just three days, a dramatic turnaround for a patient who […]

OnRobot expands product capabilities

Traditional single-purpose industrial robots are losing ground to affordable, easy to use robots and peripherals that can be flexibly redeployed for a wide range of applications. This empowers manufacturers to gain even greater productivity increases from their automation investments. OnRobot is extending its commitment to ongoing customer empowerment with the launch of a software update for its popular, 2.5D camera-based Eyes vision system. The new features, which enable Eyes to be deployed in quality inspection applications and on mobile setups, include one-shot detection for multiple objects, colour and blob detection and automatic landmark calibration tools designed to speed cycle time for mobile robot setups. New visual inspection features for reduced cycle time and fast ROIEyes’ new inspection features enable the system to easily sort, inspect, or pick and place unstructured objects using colour and contour detection – a capability that is beyond most competing vision systems. This detection method requires no workpiece teaching and finds items based on colour and size information input by the operator. Eyes’ inspection features can be used to inspect parts removed from CNC machines, for example, or to check IMM parts for excessive or inadequate material after part has been moulded. The tools also support manual inspections: operators can set up a camera and inspection program, manually place a workpiece in view and execute inspection. No robot required. The update also provides users with one-shot detection for multiple objects, allowing the system to pick all workpieces with only one picture. This reduces complexity for users and improves cycle times. The update includes tools that allow users to request specific workpiece types and specify gripper clearance parameters. Adding Eyes to mobile robotsA new landmark feature has been added to Eyes’ powerful toolkit, enabling easy deployment of Eyes on mobile robots and setups with carts, trays, and […]

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