Smart Manufacturing

Lödige Industries provides HK Electric with an automated storage system for cable drums

Lödige Industries, a leading global supplier of logistics systems, has recently completed the installation of an automated storage and retrieval system at The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd. (HK Electric)’s Electric Tower in Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Island. The system incorporates an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) to efficiently handle heavy cable drums and transformers. This innovative solution not only maximises warehouse space utilisation and enhances safety, but it also improves material handling efficiency and streamlines inventory management processes. With the ability to control, retrieve, and monitor cable drum storage, the system provides a solid foundation for future expansion and evolution of the company. Lighting up homes and businesses of Hong Kong since 1890, HK Electric has a long record of providing a safe and highly reliable electricity supply at a reasonable price to customers on Hong Kong and Lamma islands. Remarkably, the electricity supply rating of HK Electric has been maintained at higher than 99.999% since 1997, a record that excels many top cities in the world. This outstanding accomplishment places the company among the world’s leading performers in this regard. To consistently deliver such stable and dependable services, the implementation of modern storage systems that align with the ever-evolving demands of the industry is imperative. As the available storage area of 800 m² is not extendable, a multi-storey solution was required to meet the growing demand. At the same time, the cable drums, weighing in at 5.3 tons each are susceptible to damage if stored incorrectly. Retrieval and stock tracking posed an additional challenge. The new fully automated 4-level system serviced by an ETV enables the customer to store significantly more stock on the same footprint in a safe and damage-free manner. Up to 293 storage positions can now be managed in the warehouse. The customised system is comprised […]

AbbVie Singapore Biologics Expansion ASIA MN

AbbVie expands biologics manufacturing capacity with $223m investment in Singapore manufacturing site

AbbVie and Singapore Economic Development Board officials participate in a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 25 for AbbVie’s $223 million expansion of its Singapore manufacturing site. Once completed, the new expansion will add new biologics manufacturing capacity to AbbVie’s global network and more than 100 new jobs in Singapore. AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) strengthened its manufacturing capabilities by breaking ground Thursday on a new US$223 million (S$301 million) expansion of its Singapore manufacturing facility. This new investment will add more than 100 jobs and new biologics manufacturing capacity to AbbVie’s global network. Located in Singapore’s Tuas Biomedical Park, AbbVie’s Singapore plant is a state-of-the-art small-molecule and biologics manufacturing facility serving markets worldwide. This new investment will add 24,000 litres of biologics drug-substance capacity to AbbVie’s global manufacturing network and support current products as well as emerging immunology and oncology compounds within AbbVie’s pipeline. “This expansion announcement represents one of AbbVie’s many investments in its Singapore-based operations and the proud continuation of our decade-long partnership with the Government of Singapore,” said Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, Ph.D., AbbVie Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer. “The expansion of our Singapore site will strengthen our global manufacturing capabilities, support our growing biologics pipeline and help AbbVie continue delivering on our patient commitments now and in the future.” With tHE announcement, AbbVie has invested more than US$740 million (S$1 billion) in acquiring, modernising and expanding its Singapore facility over the past 10 years. When fully operational, the expanded Singapore manufacturing facility – AbbVie’s only manufacturing site in Asia – will employ more than 500 people in manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain, engineering and administration roles. “We are delighted that AbbVie has chosen to expand its biologics capacity in Singapore for current and future innovative medicines. We are grateful for AbbVie’s continued trust in the strength of Singapore’s […]

Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2024 introduces ‘Hosted Buyer Programme’

Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou from 4-6 March is committed to building a platform for the manufacturing sector to discover the latest technologies in smart production. Nearly all of the exhibition space at the show’s 2024 edition has been claimed, reflecting the event’s widespread recognition within the industry. To streamline interactions between exhibitors and buyers and ensure mutually beneficial exchanges, the event organisers have launched the ‘Hosted Buyer Programme’. This scheme is designed to facilitate effective business matchmaking, helping participants to expand their business network and nurture new opportunities. Under the programme, VIP buyers can also expect to receive a wide range of exclusive benefits and privileges. As it enters 2024, China’s manufacturing sector is poised for a new era of advancements. Policy initiatives are steering the sector into an era of advanced industrial practices and intelligent production solutions, with the objective of maintaining the country’s leadership in global manufacturing. On New Year’s Day, a government article was released, emphasising the importance of ‘new industrialisation’ – a national development strategy focused on upgrading and modernising the country’s manufacturing sector – as a path to achieving a higher standard of economic growth. The article proposed seven key initiatives, including the deployment of new smart manufacturing projects, a heightened focus on developing smart products and equipment, and the further enhancement of smart factories and supply chains. In alignment with this recommendation, the Central Economic Work Conference on 11 December 2023 stressed the need to stimulate industrial innovation by fusing technological advancement with a committed focus to new industrialisation. The conference called for the acceleration of artificial intelligence development and the transformation of the country’s traditional industries. Meanwhile, a separate government conference held the same month reaffirmed that 2024 would be a decisive year for the implementation of the national new industrialisation plan. Reflecting […]

eFrancisco Motors and HDEX announce partnership in the hydrogen sector

HDEX and eFrancisco Motor Corporation proudly unveil a transformative alliance that will reshape the hydrogen landscape. This strategic partnership will harmonise with the distinctive business goals of both entities, offering a dynamic framework that allows for growth and innovation. Expressing enthusiasm about this groundbreaking collaboration, Aron DuttaChairman of HDEX remarked, “This partnership marks a significant leap. We are confident that our combined strengths will propel us towards sustainable growth.” Elmer Francisco, CEO of eFrancisco Motor Corporation said, “We do not see hydrogen as an alternative fuel, rather, it is fuel of the future.” This partnership transcends traditional collaborations by embodying a mutual commitment between HDEX and eFrancisco Motor Corporation to openly exchange invaluable insights, cutting-edge research, and extensive industry expertise. Through a unified effort in pooling strengths, the shared objective is not only to reshape the paradigm of public transportation but also to set a new standard for environmentally conscious and efficient mobility solutions powered by hydrogen technology. About eFrancisco Motor Corporation eFrancisco Motor Corporation, established in 1947, is the original manufacturer of the iconic jeepneys in the Philippines. They participate in the Philippine government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernisation Program, which aims to replace all jeepneys and other Public Utility Vehicles that are at least 15 years old with more energy-efficient and environment-friendly alternatives. About HDEX HDEX is committed to advancing the possibilities within the evolving hydrogen market, offering a reliable platform for seamless trade and contributing to the sustainable future of energy. HDEX is a global company based in the United Kingdom.

FPT launches automotive technology subsidiary, facilitating SDV transition

Hanoi – Global technology services provider FPT has launched its automotive technology subsidiary – FPT Automotive. With a mission to drive the advancement of software-defined vehicles (SDV), shape the new mobility era, and deliver the highest standards of safety and superior experiences to customers, FPT Automotive sets its sights on becoming a billion-dollar world-class automotive services and products provider in 2030. FPT Automotive offers a comprehensive suite of engineering services encompassing in-vehicle infotainment, Electronic Control Units (ECU), functional safety, security, automotive UI/UX design, wireless connectivity, and digital engineering. Central to these offerings is MaaZ, the proprietary AUTOSAR for turn-key ECU solutions. Leveraging its strength in software development, the company aims to empower global tier-1 suppliers, OEMs, and chipmakers to enhance market competitiveness and deliver more connected, intelligent, sustainable, and future-ready vehicles. The company ensures full compliance with industry standards such as ISO26262 for functional safety management and Automotive SPICE for software development processes in the automotive sector. FPT Automotive currently has a global team of 4,000 automotive software engineers and experts across diversified delivery models, allowing streamlined solutions, optimised cost, and adaptability to clients’ and industry’s changing requirements. Its major markets include the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, China, and Vietnam. The launch of FPT Automotive responds to the global demand for SDVs, aligns with FPT’s strategic investment in automotive product engineering services and solutions, and leverages its extensive expertise. It allows a more client-centric approach, accelerated by global account management and M&As. “With more than 10 years of experience in the automotive industry, a diverse pool of talented human resources, the latest technologies like AI, cloud computing, and computer vision, as well as partnerships and investments with renowned companies like Landing AI and Cardinal Peak, we aspire to accelerate the rapid development of automotive, a sector now determined […]

Sandvik Coromant holds Technology Day in Indonesia

To showcase support for customers in Indonesia, metal cutting expert Sandvik Coromant held a Technology Day event recently. 80 customers attended from industries including automotive, railway, manufacturing and engineering, to learn more about the latest developments in Sandvik Coromant’s tooling solutions. Held at Jabebka Golf, Jawa Barat in Indonesia, the Technology Day showcased the latest additions in tooling solutions from Sandvik Coromant. The event began with an in-depth look into the company’s new brand identity, Manufacturing Wellness, which was launched in September 2023. Consisting of eight ‘habits’ aimed to guide the industry to a resilient future, Manufacturing Wellness reflects Sandvik Coromant’s commitment to innovation and sustainable progress. After an introduction to the new brand concept, it was time to explore Sandvik Coromant’s latest tooling solutions. Presentations specifically focused on GC4405, the latest grade in its new generation steel turning series, ideal for high metal removal rates in stable conditions, especially in harder steels. Other products include CoroMill® Dura solid end mills and the newly improved CoroCut® 2 for improved parting and grooving applications. “Sandvik Coromant’s Technology Day serves as a valuable platform for fostering strong customer relationships while sharing new knowledge and trends,” said Tri Yatno, the Regional Sales Manager for Indonesia at Sandvik Coromant. “We believe that the best way for our customers to understand, learn and develop is to engage directly with industry experts. As a result, the company can embrace enhanced productivity and competitiveness in the market, while helping to achieve optimal cost savings and greater performance. “The event provided a platform for customers to enhance their skills and knowledge through discussions, questions, and live product demonstrations. This is where the importance of collaboration is evident, acknowledging habit six of Manufacturing Wellness — benefitting from strong partners. “This habit is aimed at highlighting the importance of sharing […]

FPT Joins SAP Regional Strategic Services Partner Initiative in Asia Pacific Japan

FPT and SAP’s strategic partnership signing ceremony was attended by FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh, SAP Asia Pacific and Japan President Paul Marriott, RWE AG CIO Edgar Aschenbrenner, and other senior executives. HANOI, Vietnam – Global IT services provider FPT has joined the SAP Regional Strategic Services Partner (RSSP) initiative, established by SAP Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) to expand the capabilities and reach of established partners in the APJ region that are on a rapid growth trajectory. Through the RSSP initiative, SAP will provide eligible partners with strategic support, which may include coordinated industry-aligned solutions, a joint go-to-market strategy, and access to SAP regional and market unit industry expertise. The RSSP initiative will enable FPT to scale its SAP practice more rapidly across the APJ region and work more closely with SAP to drive joint customer success. Unlike SAP’s existing Global Strategic Services Partner (GSSP) programme, which includes a select group of the company’s most strategic global consulting, infrastructure, and technology partners, the RSSP initiative is designed to facilitate collaboration within partner organisations based in the region that demonstrate capabilities and capacity requirements specific to the needs of APJ customers. FPT’s SAP implementation and maintenance services are built on a strong foundation of a vast pool of certified and experienced SAP resources and well-established project management frameworks, with over 900 certifications and a dedicated team of SAP consultants. “At FPT, we are passionate about building a happier future for individuals, fostering success for organizations, and prosperity for nations. The 20 years of partnership between SAP and FPT has been a journey of happiness, because we shared a purpose – the purpose to enable enterprises in Vietnam and worldwide to manage their resources with efficiency, with transformation and with growth and expansion”, said Dr. Truong Gia Binh, FPT Chairman. “We […]

Profet AI launches lifecycle management platform for AI governance

Taipei -Profet AI, an enterprise AI application provider for the manufacturing industry, has announced the official launch of AILM (AI LifecycleManagement Platform), the world’s first enterprise platform for AI governance. AILM enables manufacturers to control, manage, and propagate their core domain know-how, both internally within the company and externally to facilitate expansion to other countries orlocations. AILM aids enterprises in the early stages of the AI lifecycle by standardising the process of identifying and selecting the most suitable problems for applying AI to. It also improves the transparency of the implementation process which aids effective cross-organisational collaboration. After completing a project, it facilitates the dissemination of these AI paradigms throughoutthe organisation.AILM is the world’s first platform of its kind and positions Profet AI, as well as Taiwan, to establish the rules and standards for governing AI applications in manufacturing. The Need for AI Governance in Manufacturing Manufacturing leaders universally recognise the pressing need for AI adoption. However,according to the “Manufacturing Leadership Council’s 2023 Industrial AI in 2030 survey1,”only around 29% of companies have integrated their AI initiatives into formal plans orstrategies, despite 96% of manufacturers planning to increase investments in AI. Drawing from their experience of working with more than 160 manufacturing clients, Profet AIhas identified four common challenges that enterprises face when adopting AI:1.There is no standardised way of choosing the right problems to apply AI to.2.There is a lack of transparency in the way AI is implemented throughout It is difficult to effectively disseminate AI knowledge throughout an entire company. Although many customers already utilise AI, often departments use different methods, and this experience and knowledge are not shared. There is a lack of incentivised reward systems that encourage employees to take the initiative in learning and sharing AI implementation experiences.The motivation behind developing AILM was to assist […]

Machine learning techniques improve X-ray materials analysis

Analysis of materials can be done quicker and with less expertise with the help of proven machine learning techniques established in biomedical fields. Researchers of RIKEN at Japan’s state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation facility, SPring-8, and their collaborators, have developed a faster and simpler way to carry out segmentation analysis, a vital process in materials science. The new method was published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods. Segmentation analysis is used to understand the fine-scale composition of a material. It identifies distinct regions (or ‘segments’) with specific compositions, structural characteristics, or properties. This helps evaluate the suitability of a material for specific functions, as well as its possible limitations. It can also be used for quality control in material fabrication and for identifying points of weakness when analyzing materials that have failed. Segmentation analysis is very important for synchrotron radiation X-ray computed tomography (SR-CT), which is similar to conventional medical CT scanning but uses intense focused X-rays produced by electrons circulating in a storage ring at nearly the speed of light. The team have demonstrated that machine learning is capable in conducting the segmentation analysis for the refraction contrast CT, which is especially useful for visualising the three-dimensional structure in samples with small density differences between regions of interest, such as epoxy resins. “Until now, no general segmentation analysis method for synchrotron radiation refraction contrast CT has been reported,” says first author Satoru Hamamoto. “Researchers have generally had to do segmentation analysis by trial and error, which has made it difficult for those who are not experts.” The team’s solution was to use machine learning methods established in biomedical fields in combination with a transfer learning technique to finely adjust to the segmentation analysis of SR-CTs. Building on the existing machine learning model greatly reduced the amount of […]

AutoStore launches new R5 Pro Robot

AutoStore’s new R5 Pro Robot for large-scale operations frees up space for additional products in the warehouse and improves Robot efficiency at a reduced lower total cost of ownership. AutoStore now has available the R5 Pro Robot, the latest version of the company’s field-proven R5 Robot. This new robotic solution is designed to address the specific demands of large-scale e-commerce operations, emphasising better space usage, higher performance, and reduced total ownership costs for companies running multishift operations at scale. The R5 Pro offers an edge by augmenting productivity per Robot during extended operations, optimising space usage, and reducing the total cost of ownership, ultimately enhancing the customer experience while boosting profitability. The R5 Pro is designed to meet the needs of e-commerce organizations with large-scale multishift operations. Key features and benefits of the R5 Pro Robot include: Enhanced productivity: By deploying the R5 Pro at a large AutoStore site, customers can reduce the number of Robots required on the same grid by up to 15%, when compared to using the R5 Robot, enabling better routing and enhanced system efficiency. Continuous operations: The use of an LTO (Lithium-Titanium Oxide) battery in the R5 Pro allows rapid charging, improving individual Robot availability during multishift operations. Space and Cost Optimisation: Up to 86% fewer chargers required with the LTO battery allows for more efficient use of warehouse space, accommodating additional SKU storage or reducing the required footprint. In addition, customers achieve significant cost savings related to electrical infrastructure.

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