Manufacturing Technology

Secutech rescheduled to July 2021

Because of ongoing uncertainty caused by the covid-19 pandemic, including safety concerns and logistical difficulties facing participants, the organiser of Secutech has decided to reschedule the upcoming 23rd edition. Originally scheduled to be held in April at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre, the fair will now take place from 7 – 9 July 2021 at the same venue. ‘Secutech hybrid’, the fair’s new online platform has also been deferred, and is now set to take place during the new timeslot of 16 June – 15 July. With the pandemic expected to significantly slow in the second half of the year due to progress with vaccinations, the organiser expects a safer, more business friendly trade fair in July. Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd – Taiwan Media Branch Office, says: “After weighing the options very carefully and consulting the relevant stakeholders, we have arrived at this decision in the best interest of the fairs’ exhibitors, visitors and partners. With the pandemic expected to be under much better control this summer, this adjustment to the calendar will not only help exhibitors reach out to more potential visitors, but it will also ensure that trade buyers get a safer and more productive trade fair experience.” To aid international participants that are facing travel uncertainty, the 2021 edition of Secutech sees the introduction of ‘Secutech hybrid’, a new online platform that will supplement the physical trade fair. Safety and security are increasingly important basic needs and, therefore, stand for a growing global market. With twelve trade fairs, congresses and forums around the world, Messe Frankfurt brings together demand and supply worldwide with progressive, connected products, applications and services focusing on commercial security and the protection of buildings, spaces and people. The Safety, Security & Fire business cluster offers access to the […]

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Lödige Industries supports dnata’s cargo modernisation project at Changi Airport

Lödige Industries, a leading global provider of cargo terminal solutions, has announced that it has been selected by dnata Singapore Pte Ltd to modernise and upgrade its cargo warehouse at Changi Airport. Designed to handle an annual turnover of 550,000 tonnes, the facility will incorporate new advanced ULD handling equipment and control technology, replacing and enhancing existing warehouse fittings. “Our company continuously strives to make investments that enable us to offer enhanced services to our customers,” says Sam Gould, dnata Singapore’s Head of Cargo. “The new ULD handling equipment seamlessly integrates with our existing procedures and helps ensure the safety of our staff as well as the cargo they handle.” The project, which Lödige Industries will deliver by May 2021, includes replacing existing equipment with a modern turntable transfer vehicle, control system hardware and software, and slave pallet movers for flexible cargo handling. The equipment is designed to enhance the warehouse’s ability to handle peaks and extend the terminal lifespan by 15 to 20 years while reducing costs by minimising ULD damage. Ranga Jayaweera, General Manager (Singapore) for Lödige Industries, points out: “Installing the new equipment (within just four weeks) while cargo operations continue, requires careful project planning and management to minimise the impact on dnata and its customers. We incorporated a practical and cost-efficient component redundancy in the project, which will reduce impact during construction, handle peaks and avoid unplanned downtime in the future.” The introduction of slave pallet movers to the warehouse adds a versatile and highly maneuverable cargo handling tool that allows for safe and efficient build-up and breakdown activities anywhere in the warehouse. About Lödige Industries Lödige Industries is a leading global supplier of logistics systems with headquarters in Germany. With offices around the world Lödige Industries provides material handling solutions for a wide range of […]

Hitachi launches Industrial Edge Computer CE series embedded AI model’

Hitachi has launched the Hitachi Industrial Edge Computer CE series embedded AI model, that was developed in collaboration with Intel Corporation. The product, an integration of Intel’s AI technology and Hitachi’s highly reliable 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. Manufacturing companies are facing many challenges, such as the need for the improvement of on-site work efficiency and the development of a new generation of expert workers, so they are implementing a digital transformation using IoT, AI, and other digital technologies. This trend has been accelerating amid the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially with an urgent need for personnel allocation measures to maintain physical distance between workers on site. In order to fulfil these objectives, it is important to automate and conserve the labour used in visual inspections and other conventional inspections that rely on the sensory judgement of expert workers. Yet, in order for companies to enhance their competitiveness, rapid problem solving and decision making are also required by optimising the entire production tasks and making effective use of management data through the collection, processing, and analysis of data from on-site devices. Against this backdrop, Hitachi collaborated with Intel and developed Hitachi Industrial Edge Computer CE series embedded AI model as an edge computer that will enable the effective allocation of on-site workers and achieve automation and labour saving. With a built-in image analysis execution platform that uses Intel’s AI and deep learning, the product will allow the easy introduction of solutions using […]

BYD Wins largest pure-electric bus order outside of China

BYD has exclusively won cumulative orders to supply 1,002-unit pure-electric buses to the capital of Colombia, Bogota. This tender was open to all bus technologies, yet BYD won the trust and cooperation of its partners in the fiercely competitive bidding process thanks to its cutting-edge technologies, products and services. This is the largest order for pure-electric buses outside of China to date, which sets a new record in sales volume for the overseas pure-electric bus industry. Bogota City Public Transport Authority (TRANSMILENIO S.A.) launched a public commercial tender covering diesel, CNG and electric technologies for 1,295 buses in August. Three of BYD’s global strategic partners finally adopted BYD’s integrated electric bus solutions for their bids and successfully won the tender, totally 1,002 pure electric buses. BYD will partner with local bus manufacturers Superpolo and BUSSCAR respectively on the bus body parts. This batch of buses is scheduled to be delivered during 2021 and into the first half of 2022, and will be put into operation on 34 bus routes across five regions of the capital, providing residents along the routes with quiet, safe and emissions-free travel services. With highly-recognised technology, products and services, this ‘thousand-unit’ order opens up a new era In this competition covering all bus technologies, BYD, relying on its strong capability with core strengths, has won exclusive orders for 1,002 pure electric buses, fully demonstrating the market’s high recognition and trust in BYD’s technology, products and services. So far, BYD has won 1,472 orders for pure electric buses in the Colombian capital. According to TRANSMILENIO S.A., these buses will reduce 83,433 tons of carbon dioxide and 9.63 tons of particle emissions per year compared to diesel buses meeting fifth-generation European emission standards over the 15-year concession period, which will greatly improve local air quality and enhance Colombia’s […]

Jio defies challenging market conditions with unprecedented investments pouring in

Jio Platforms Limited (Jio) has been a notable exception for being able to garner unprecedented back-to-back investments during these challenging times. The investments spree that started with Facebook on 22 April 2020 also saw many other foreign investors ranging from tech giants to big private equity firms (PE) evincing interest in Jio. The cumulative value of such investments announced between April 22 and July 15 2020 stood at US$19.9bn, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The US$19.9bn investment is gigantic and helped Jio become debt free much ahead of its set deadline of March 2021 but what makes these investments even more impressive is the fact that it has come at the time when businesses worldwide are reeling under the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.” The investments spree in Jio this year is also special in many other ways. In one of the rare instances, Facebook as well its rival Google were seen placing gigantic bets in one company. These investments also came at a time when the Indian government is trying to curb Chinese investments and has also imposed ban on 59 Chinese apps. Interestingly, none of these investments in Jio involved any Chinese investor. Out of these 14 investments, 11 came from American firms. This also assumes more significance now that Jio has been included in the list of ‘Clean Telcos’ by the US for rejecting to do business with Chinese firms. Bose adds: “These investments also indicate that Jio has some big plans and these investments are testimony of investors seeing the potential in Jio to emerge as a tech giant in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. While these may look like just some big ticket transactions, these deals also bring in technology expertise (from tech giants) along with […]

More than 2,800 exhibitors to participate in bauma CHINA

300,000 sqm of exhibition space 130,000 visitors expected Strict hygiene rules at the exhibition grounds Good international participation despite Covid-19 challenges Strong imperative for the construction and mining machinery industry to relaunch business Preparations for bauma CHINA 2020, which takes place from November 24 to 27 in Shanghai, are in full swing. More than 2,800 exhibitors will participate in Asia’s leading trade fair for the construction and mining machinery industry. Despite the challenges due to Covid-19, the show will fill all 17 halls and the outdoor area at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC): in total 300,000 sqm of exhibition space. Despite the challenging circumstances, many international companies have been looking for ways to exhibit again this year. For example, companies with subsidiaries or dealers in China are planning to have their Chinese colleagues on site in case employees cannot travel from Europe, the US, Korea, Japan etc. Among the well known international exhibitors that will be showcasing at bauma CHINA are the following: Bauer Maschinen GmbH, Bosch Rexroth Hydraulics & Automation, Caterpillar, Herrenknecht and Volvo Construction Equipment. In addition, there will be three international joint stands – from Germany, Italy, and Spain. Together they account for 73 exhibitors and an area of over 1,800 square meters. Exhibitors will be presenting products that meet tomorrow’s challenges: in focus will be smart and low-emission machines, electromobility and remote-control technology. Due to Covid-19, bauma CHINA will see a predominantly Chinese audience with a correspondingly high quality. The exhibition management expects around 130,000 visitors. Visitors who pre-register online get their tickets free of charge, tickets purchased on site cost 50 RMB. Strict rules at the exhibition grounds The health and safety of exhibitors, visitors and partners will continue to be a top priority. The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and the Shanghai […]

Johnson Matthey technology chosen for largest single train methanol plant in the world

Johnson Matthey (JM), global leader in sustainable technologies with expertise in design and licensing of large-scale methanol plants, is pleased to announce another successful license award. JM has been selected by China’s Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group as licensor for the third methanol synthesis plant at their coal to olefins complex near Yinchuan in Ningxia Province PRC. With a planned capacity of 7200 mtpd, the methanol plant will be the largest single train methanol plant in the world once completed. Under the agreement Johnson Matthey will be the licensor and supplier of associated engineering, technical review, commissioning assistance, catalyst and equipment supply. The JM methanol plant will take synthesis gas as a feed and utilise JM radial steam raising converters in a patented Series Loop. Together with JM catalysts, to produce stabilised methanol as a product that is used to produce olefins downstream, the plant will provide enhanced energy efficiency along with low OPEX, CAPEX and emissions. Upon startup, this will represent JM’s 8th operating license in China with a plant capacity greater than 5500 mtpd. It is the third JM methanol design licensed by Ningxia Baofeng Energy. This award follows the recent successful commissioning of the 6600 mtpd Baofeng methanol synthesis unit in May 2020 and the original 4450 mtpd methanol synthesis unit, which was commissioned in 2014. It demonstrates Baofeng’s recognition of JM’s technical leadership in this key growth market and is a testament to Johnson Matthey’s commitment and dedication to the delivery of large-scale methanol production. “We are very proud of our ongoing collaboration with Ningxia Baofeng Energy. It is testament to their confidence in JM’s engineering expertise and ability to successfully design and help deliver their large-scale methanol plants”, said John Gordon, Managing Director for Johnson Matthey. “In just over six years it has been exciting to […]

Exiting China not easy for Japanese companies

In the wake of the supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Japan has earmarked over US$2bn to encourage its companies under FY2020 Primary Supplementary Budget to move operations out of China and relocate production bases across a number of countries, including those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, completely decoupling from China is not going to be easy for Japanese companies, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in severe supply chain disruptions in early 2020 for Japanese companies. For instance, Nissan had to temporarily stop production at one of its domestic plants because of the delay in parts supply from China. The new national security law of Hong Kong passed by China in June 2020 coupled with recent territorial disputes in the South China Sea has reignited the demand in Japan for the country’s companies to lower dependency in China. As a result, Japan is concerned as more than 1,400 Japanese companies operate out of Hong Kong. The city accounts for about 2.5% of Japan’s total trade in 2019, making it one of top 10 trading partners. Japan is also closely monitoring the China-United States trade war, as possible higher import tariffs from their Chinese production units into US could also exert pressure on Japanese companies to shift production base. Gracio Benher, Practice Head at GlobalData, comments: “Even before the current geopolitical stand-off between China and Japan, some Japanese companies in China have been mulling about cutting down their Chinese presence, following the increased labor costs and unfavorable exchange rate between Japanese Yen and Chinese Yuan.” For Japanese companies, a total pullout from China has its own set of challenges. Japanese companies have over US$100bn investments in China, and one of the prerequisites to gain access to […]

Hypertherm named Business of the Decade in manufacturing and technology category

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systemsand software, today announced its selection as a Business of the Decade winner by Business New Hampshire Magazine and the New Hampshire Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Hypertherm earned the top spot for the Manufacturing and Technology category joining organisations in eight other categories including Health Care, Financial Services and Insurance, Retail and Wholesale, and Tourism and Hospitality. Hypertherm was invited to apply by virtue of its selection as a Business of the Year during the preceding decade. Nearly 50 judges participated in scoring applications through two rounds of competition to determine the winners. Judges first narrowed the field to three companies in each category weighing each company’s business success, contributions to the community, and industry leadership. A panel comprised of executives from the 2010 Business of the Decade winning companies then undertook the difficult task of selecting one winner in each category. In considering Hypertherm, judges were impressed by the respect Hypertherm has within the fabrication industry and its reputation for technological and manufacturing excellence. In addition, judges cited the breadth and depth of Hypertherm’s work in the community. From its Community Service Time program, charitable giving through the HOPE Foundation, and its Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Friendly Workplace programs to its workforce training and STEM program designed to create interest among school aged children in technology and engineering jobs in the Granite State. “It is almost cliché how much I look to Hypertherm to share their practices around any number of topics. In recent years, they have presented their own work involving substance use disorder, workforce development practices, commuting policies and environmental stewardship,” wrote Clay Adams, president and CEO of Mascoma Bank in his letter of recommendation for Hypertherm. “At times it seems they are playing chess while […]

NEC and Realeyes announce strategic alliance in Emotion Analysis Solutions

NEC Corporation, a leader in biometric authentication and video analytics technologies, and Realeyes, a leader in computer vision and emotion Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a strategic partnership to jointly develop and distribute emotion analysis solutions globally. Wireless 5G technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic have created a new way of life, where virtual meeting experiences are necessary and have become the default method for communication, collaboration, entertainment and learning. Technologies that can help companies to safely and effectively understand how users are interacting with such services, and to respond to their needs, are now essential. Realeyes, with its best-in-class emotion detection and analysis capabilities, is continuously expanding its products and services for measuring emotion and attention for global brands. Its innovations include predictive analytics and live measurement of attention and emotion response within streaming and mobile applications. NEC, with a wide range of solutions that combine proprietary and sophisticated biometric authentication and video analytics technologies, is now accelerating its businesses in the hospitality and marketing fields. This alliance’s combination of NEC’s biometric and video analytics technologies with Realeyes’ emotion analysis technology will enable digital transformation to enhance safe and robust user experiences across media, entertainment, education, healthcare, and communication verticals throughout the world. “NEC has cultivated biometric authentication and video analytics technologies over many years, and we are excited to now be working in collaboration with Realeyes and their pioneering role in the new field of emotion AI,” said Toshifumi Yoshizaki, Senior Vice President, NEC. “These developments help to realize both companies’ objective of enriching people’s lives and contributing to the realization of a safe, secure, fair and efficient society.” “This partnership with NEC advances our mission to bring a trillion more smiles to our planet,” said Mihkel Jäätma, CEO of Realeyes. “Our […]

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