Smart Manufacturing

Predictions for the future of Distribution

By Terry Smagh, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Asia Pacific & Japan at Infor The distribution industry connects producers and manufacturers with consumers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, the distribution landscape is poised for significant transformation over the next decade. Here are 10 trends and predictions that I believe will shape the future of distribution, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in the dynamic market of tomorrow. Automation revolutionises supply chains: The rise of automation, driven by robotics and artificial intelligence, will profoundly revolutionise and reshape supply chains. Smart warehouses with cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous vehicles, state-of-the-art automated picking systems, and advanced predictive analytics, will optimise inventory management, significantly reduce costs, and remarkably enhance operational efficiency. Therefore, deploying a best-in-class warehouse management system (WMS) is of utmost importance as it acts as a crucial link, seamlessly connecting your automation to your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, facilitating smooth and efficient operations. Advanced analytics and big data drive decision-making: Looking ahead, the future of distribution heavily relies on harnessing the immense power of big data and advanced analytics, which play a pivotal role in shaping strategic decision-making processes. Forward-thinking businesses will utilise sophisticated predictive algorithms and real-time data analytics to make highly informed decisions, optimise inventory levels, accurately predict demand patterns, and deliver personalised customer experiences. To fully leverage these invaluable data tools, distributors should migrate their ERP systems to the cloud, enabling them to effectively deploy and capitalise on the transformative potential of advanced analytics and big data. Last-mile delivery revolution: Last-mile delivery is on the verge of a transformational shift as pioneering delivery models emerge and gain widespread adoption. Cutting-edge technologies such as drones, autonomous vehicles, and delivery robots are poised to become commonplace, revolutionising […]

Secutech returns in April 2024 with a strong focus on AI and IoT

Secutech, is Asia’s ultimate business and technology platform for security, loT and AI integration. Together with facial recognition, big data, 5G or cloud computing, these security technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace – and Secutech remains one of the most influential platforms to reflect these trends. The 25th edition will be held from 24 – 26 April 2024 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre. More than 300 local and international exhibitors will showcase their innovations across 15,120 sqm of exhibition space. In the pursuit of digital transformation and technological innovation, almost all major industries are focusing on IoT and AI based technologies. In the security industry, AI in particular holds great potential to help professionals identify and prioritise risks, safeguarding people, property, and assets. These applications can provide real-time monitoring, threat detection, and proactive responses. Estimated to reach a total market size of USD 62 billion in Asia by the end of 2023, the applications of AI are continuing to expand, while its influence on the security industry continues to provide scalable solutions across various vertical markets. Drone implementation, IOT deployment, AI image recognition implementation and cloud platform integration are widely used in Taiwan’s public sector, with great potential to grow in the private sector too. This evolving landscape is creating opportunities for Taiwanese manufacturers, who are globally acclaimed for their high-quality security hardware and software. Its security market size is currently valued at over USD 5.86 billion. Meanwhile, the overhaul of public projects necessitates a substantial number of new intelligent (IP) security systems, which can be utilised in government utilities, critical infrastructure, and police agencies. The three-day fair will allow exhibitors and visitors to discuss new technology solutions and generate meaningful business connections across four main themes: AI-empowered security – intelligent monitoring / gate control / security solutions, […]

IBASE Edge AI Computing System wins 2024 Taiwan Excellence Award

IBASE Technology Inc.’s SI-624-AI edge AI Computing System has won the 2024 Taiwan Excellence Award. It’s the twenty-fifth product to win the prestigious award seven years in a row. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs invited more than 140 experts in various fields to conduct a comprehensive selection. The winning products excelled in four key areas: research and development, design, quality, and marketing, fully demonstrating the innovative value of emerging technologies that integrate energy conservation and carbon reduction for a sustainable future. The product that stands out this time is the industrial-grade SI-624-AI edge AI computing system that recently won the Best in Show award from the industry’s leading media Embedded Computing Design at the Embedded World 2023 Exhibition in Germany. It is equipped with the 13th/12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor and integrates the NVIDIA Ampere architecture MXM GPU card with up to 5888 CUDA cores / 17.66 TFLOPS. The system leverages powerful computing capabilities for advanced image processing and is suitable for deployment in edge computing environments to run AI algorithms locally. It features OOB (Out-of-Band) management and PDPC (Peripheral Device Power Control) functions to effectively manage devices in case of OS crashes, malfunctions, or external device issues. The built-in graphics card of SI-624-AI is provided in the form of MXM module, making it easy to upgrade and replace. Users can choose NVIDIA MXM GPU with different performance and power consumption according to their needs. It incorporates several energy-saving features, including IBASE’s proprietary iSMART green technology that enables power on/off scheduling with power resume capabilities, and the Observer utility that remotely monitors system voltages and temperature to ensure the system is operating efficiently while minimizing energy consumption and downtime. The powerful, compact and rugged system meets the needs of high-performance requirements in space-constrained harsh environments. Its TPM 2.0 helps safeguard […]

Clearing Misconceptions and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals with Automation in Logistics

The United Nations developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the assault of a series of problem seen globally. The problems—ranging from ending poverty and improving health, to improving education and economic growth, aim to be tackled while fighting climate change. When looking at climate change, one significant contributor to global emissions is the logistics industry. According to reports, the transport and logistics sector accounts to about a quarter (24%) of all global carbon emissions. The alarmingly high value is only set to increase, with the European Environmental Agency predicting that global logistics will cause 40% of global carbon emissions come 2050, if no measures are put in place. In working towards achieving the SDGs set by the UN, automation might not be the first ally many in the logistics sector would think of when “going green”. The Misconception of Automation Big, power-hungry industrial robots are what most would associate industrial automation with. Those robots unsurprisingly consume loads of energy, thus not aiding the logistics sector with achieving their SDGs. However, recent developments in automation have allowed for sustainable solutions to be used within the sector. Take AutoStore’s R5 robot for example. These little robots are busy workers aiding human workers with storage and retrieval within warehouses. Despite this, ten of these robots use approximately the same amount of energy as a single vacuum cleaner operating for the same amount of time. Other innovations within the space allow these robots to not only recharge themselves at the right time to avoid excessive charging, but also have regenerative energy functions to recharge their batteries whenever they store/retrieve or reduce speed. In totality, they only consume 100 Watts of energy during operation, allowing businesses within the logistics sector to reduce their […]

Sandvik Coromant holds Technology Day in Indonesia

Metal cutting leader collaborates with PT Weiss Tech and DMG Mori Metal cutting leader Sandvik Coromant has collaborated with Indonesian industrial automation machine manufacturer PT Weiss Tech and DMG Mori to host a Technology Seminar, which invited customers to learn more about Sandvik Coromant’s tool solutions to support the theme of process integration. The seminar attracted 93 attendees from 43 companies across the general engineering, automotive, agriculture, die and mold and food and beverage industries. Customers included Pakarti Riken, Meiwa Mold, Petrokimia Gresik, as well as educational institutions such as ATMI IGI and Surabaya State University. The event, which took place in Sidoarjo, East Java, was an opportunity for Sandvik Coromant’s key customers to develop their skills by learning more about a range of tooling solutions from the metal cutting expert, such as the CoroMill Dura range of solid end mills and CoroPlexYT, for Y-axis turning. The first session of the Technology Day explored how a cutting strategy with a 5-axis machine can improve die and mold product results. This session was presented by Djamal Harsja, Solid Round Tools specialist at Sandvik Coromant Indonesia, who examined the CoroMill® Dura. The second session focused on the theme of process integration with multi-axis turning centre to improve productivity. This was hosted by Tri Yatno, Regional Sales Manager for Sandvik Coromant Indonesia, on Y-axis turning. The seminar also included the opportunity for customers to tour the facility to experience practical demonstrations of the tools presented to help encourage customer engagement and understanding. “This technology day is one of many experiences Sandvik Coromant has arranged with its customers,” said Tri Yatno, Regional Sales Manager for Indonesia at Sandvik Coromant. “We believe that for our customers to gain maximum potential from the products, they must learn from the experts. Providing a space for customers to discuss […]

SANY Witnesses the Birth of The Land of the Future

Located in the Northwestern of Saudi Arabia, NEOM, a $500 billion giga-project launched in 2017, is SANY Group’s (SANY) most significant project in the Middle East with a total of about 2,500 units of machines projected to be deployed in the construction. As the centerpiece of ‘Saudi Vision 2030’, an ambitious plan by the Saudi Arabian government to transform the country’s economy, NEOM will not just be a place, but a home for people who dream big and an innovative hub for those who seek to build a 100% sustainable city. The name NEOM, derived from the Ancient Greek prefix “neo” and the first letter of the Arabic word “Mustaqbal”, means “new future”. The future land consists of three core regions: Oxagon, the world’s largest floating structure serving 13% of the world’s trade, is set to redefine the traditional industry with clean tech and a smart supply chain network. Trojena is a year-round mountain destination blending amazing nature and unique human-centric experiences. THE LINE, the most imposing of the four, is an innovative city totally driven by clean energy. The line-shaping city will stretch 1700 kilometers from the banks of the Red Sea to the city of Tabuk being only 200 meters wide and a mirrored city wall towering 500 meters above the sea level. Prioritising people’s well-being over any transportation and infrastructure, THE LINE will have no roads, no cars, and runs on 100% renewable energy. Once completed, 9 million residents in the future city will have access to all daily necessities within a five-minute walk. SANY has deployed over 1672 pieces of equipment on-site since the second half of 2021, including cranes, excavators, loaders, dump trucks, and pump trucks, and the number is expected to increase as intended orders continue to pour in. The simultaneous running of […]

Downstream preparation and local ancillary needed for Malaysia’s expanding automotive and electronic vehicle ecosystem

Amid significant injections into the Malaysian Automotive market, the helping hand of collaborative robots can help sub-sector players deal with newly accelerated peaks in manufacturing By Marvin Ming, Country Manager Malaysia, Universal Robots Malaysia has taken a major leap forward in its quest in becoming the region’s automotive and EV hub, with industry leaders Tesla choosing the nation to be its regional headquarters. This deal comes amid an injection of Electric Vehicle (EV) related investments stemming from 2018, with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) approving 58 EV investment projects totaling RM 26.2 billion. Currently, the country has nearly 1,000 EV charging stations and plans to build a further 10,000 across the country by 2025, with this investment aimed at covering vehicle assembly along with the manufacturing of EV parts and charging components. Malaysia does seem to be shaping into the region’s automotive hub and EV hub, but is the nation ready for the increased demands this entails? It is paramount that sub-sector players in Malaysia have to make downstream preparation for the strain on the industry this impending transformation is going to bring about. Becoming the Region’s Automotive Hub According to reports, the Asia-Pacific EV market was valued at US$230 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach US$778 billion come 2027. The recent Tesla announcement is not the only factor in the sector’s increased value, as three major Chinese automotive players – BYD, Great Wall Motor, and Cherry, have also launched in Malaysia this year. Additionally, Malaysia is also home to other international automotive companies and assembly plants, with the likes of Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz all manufacturing within the country. Equipped with the existing expertise in manufacturing, Malaysia’s components sub sector could potentially be used to double up in servicing the projected automotive exploits, covering a […]

TKE Zhongshan Solar System

TK Elevator has achieved another significant ESG milestone in the Asia Pacific region with the installation of a large-scale solar panel system on the rooftop of their manufacturing facility in Zhongshan, China. Operational since November 2022, this solar energy system comprises 5,834 panels, generating a total of 3,200 MWh of electricity annually. This translates to a reduction of 2,008 tons of carbon emissions per year. As of February 2023, energy generated by the system supplied over 40% of the facility’s total monthly energy consumption, effectively lowering the carbon footprint of our escalator and elevator production in the Asia Pacific region. TK Elevator’s commitment to reducing its production carbon footprint continues with the planned introduction of a solar energy system at its Songjiang manufacturing facility in China in September 2024. At its initial stage, this system is expected to generate 1,792 MWh per year, accounting for approximately 30% of our Songjiang facility’s total energy consumption. The company is dedicated to continuously improving its environmental performance, and strives to minimise the carbon emissions associated with each TKE mobility unit, enabling our customers and passengers to enjoy safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility options.

Hexagon launches mould and die suite, to make short work of complex manufacturing

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has released the HxGN Mould & Die, a suite of dedicated CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing), engineering, and automation tools empowering mould and die and tool manufacturers to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and produce high quality tools for their customers across industries ranging from automotive to aerospace and beyond. The suite was developed to empower mould designers and makers to achieve operational excellence in the design and manufacturing of plastic injection moulds, progressive dies, forming dies, and similar tools. Capabilities of the suite include CAD/CAE (computer-aided design and engineering) for plastic injection mould design, CAD/CAE for progressive die design, CAD for manufacturing preparation, CAM for CNC (computer numerical code) machine-tool programming, process simulation and G-code verification and optimisation, shop-floor production intelligence, and automation and collaboration powered by Nexus, Hexagon’s digital-reality platform. The suite’s simulation tools help manufacturers understand the feasibility and cost of mould-making processes with actionable information. “We took everything we know about mould-and-die manufacturing, including our best-in-class Hexagon technologies, to build a specialised suite that empowers mould and die shops of any size to get the best results faster,” said Chuck Mathews, general manager, production software at Hexagon. “Their competitive edge will be enhanced Nexus, which connects desktop software via the cloud to provide further automation and collaboration opportunities. It also gives teams an easy way to share 3D models with customers through secure web-based visualisation, and consolidate access to libraries for tooling, fixtures, and materials from their desktop apps.” “The HxGN Mould and Die suite is an exciting development, combining our customers’ challenges with our deep domain knowledge to achieve more. We are refocussing innovation to bring our ecosystem technologies together and help production teams make better informed decisions, faster,” added Parth Joshi, chief product & technology officer at Hexagon. For plastic-injection mould […]

Planting Machines in “Machine-tending” — Operations in a Collaborative Industry 5.0 World

Shih Pin Tan, Head of Sales Channel Asia Pacific, Universal Robots Boasting a fleet of over 10,000 aircraft, taking a commercial flight in Asia might not be as novel as before. In generations prior, it was not as easy to manufacture these machines, with the average commercial jet airliner comprising of over 350,000 individual parts. In crafting these parts—whether metal or plastic, one process is essential: machine tending. A well-functioning manufacturing workflow relies on machinery consistently being loaded and unloaded with parts or materials. When done well, machine tending increases productivity and yields – driving down the cost of production over time. Without it, production would grind to a halt. As the sector looks forward into the future, advancements in manufacturing will rest on optimising this crucial task. The next industrial revolution Stemming from the early 2010s, Industry 4.0 saw manufacturers integrating new technologies into their production facilities and throughout their operations. Industry 5.0 builds on this, using R&D to transition to a more sustainable, human-centric and resilient industry. With that, collaborative automation has a vital role to play. Already integral to Industry 4.0, greater automation of machine tending – more specifically collaborative robotics – will help manufacturers transition to Industry 5.0. In fact, the European Commission sees Industry 5.0 as playing a vital role in providing solutions to challenges for society, including the preservation of resources and climate change. The future of manufacturing and the transition to Industry 5.0 rests on ensuring machine tending benefits from both human skill and automated consistency, something collaborative robots (cobots) are specifically designed for. The man-machine partnership Over decades, human machine operators have been slogging away at the repetitive and physically demanding task of machine tending. This poses a multitude of issues for both workers as well as manufacturers and must be […]

«‹ 5 6 7 8 ›»

News Ticker

Smart Manufacturing