Automation

By The Numbers

May 10, 2013 3:42 pm | by Anna Wells, Executive Editor, IMPO | Articles | Comments

Conveying equipment can’t just keep getting faster – it has to get smarter as well. Learn how market conditions, design elements, and maintenance issues work together to create positive trends in the conveyor industry.

Don’t Wait ... Automate!

May 10, 2013 3:02 pm | by By Jeff Burnstein, President, Association for Advancing Automation (A3) | Articles | Comments

Recently, there has been a large amount of media coverage on the issue of automation technologies taking jobs, especially in manufacturing. Though we appreciated the focus on how technological advances in automation and robotics are revolutionizing the workplace, we were very disappointed in how they characterized the segment as “robots taking jobs” in America.

Robots As Pharmacists?

May 9, 2013 8:03 am | by CNN | Videos | Comments

A robotic pharmacy at the UCSF Medical Center could be the next big thing for hospitals. The robot counts, dispenses and packages pills with perfect accuracy. Doctors at the Medical Center say the machine has been a game-changer – eliminating errors and mistakes.

Flying Disc-Throwing Robots Teach Kids Tech

May 9, 2013 8:02 am | by The Associated Press | Videos | Comments

Thousands of high school students from around the world have put their engineering skills to the test at an international robotics contest. "FIRST" is compared to a "Superbowl of the Mind" mixing math, science, and technology with competition.

An Opportunity For Intelligent Device Manufacturers

May 6, 2013 8:00 am | by Steve Schmidt, Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy, Flexera Software | Articles | Comments

Opportunity beckons intelligent device manufacturers. They must evolve their products from fixed function and disconnected systems to flexible and seamlessly connected devices. Making products smarter will provide a wide array of benefits.

If Cars Could Talk, Accidents Might be Avoidable

May 2, 2013 1:36 pm | by Ted | Videos | Comments

When we drive, we get into a glass bubble, lock the doors and press the accelerator, relying on our eyes to guide us -- even though we can only see the few cars ahead of and behind us. But what if cars could share data with each other about their position and velocity, and use predictive models to calculate the safest routes for everyone on the road? Jennifer Healey imagines a world without accidents.

Care-O-Bot, The Future Of Home Help For Seniors

May 2, 2013 9:11 am | by Reuters | Videos | Comments

Scientists at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart have unveiled a third generation robot prototype, designed to assist the elderly in their homes. The 'Care-o-bot 3' is equipped to detect, grasp and carry ordinary household objects on command, and bring a measure of independence to the aged and infirm.

The Death Of Innovation, The End Of Growth

May 2, 2013 9:11 am | by Ted | Videos | Comments

The U.S. economy has been expanding wildly for two centuries. Are we witnessing the end of growth? Economist Robert Gordon lays out 4 reasons U.S. growth may be slowing, detailing factors like epidemic debt and growing inequality, which could move the U.S. into a period of stasis we can't innovate our way out of. Be sure to watch the opposing viewpoint from Erik Brynjolfsson.

The Key To Growth? Race With The Machines

May 2, 2013 9:11 am | by Ted | Videos | Comments

As machines take on more jobs, many find themselves out of work or with raises indefinitely postponed. Is this the end of growth? No, says Erik Brynjolfsson -- it’s simply the growing pains of a radically reorganized economy. A riveting case for why big innovations are ahead of us … if we think of computers as our teammates. Be sure to watch the opposing viewpoint from Robert Gordon.

Robot Swarms Seen As Guardians Against Future Threats

April 25, 2013 9:09 am | by Reuters | Videos | Comments

Researchers at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta are programming robots to work together. The scientists believe that in the future, robotic swarms could play an important role in assessing threats at high profile events like the Boston Marathon where two deadly bombs went off last week. Reuters' Ben Gruber has more.

A Mini Robot, Powered By Your Phone

April 25, 2013 9:06 am | by Ted | Videos | Comments

Your smartphone may feel like a friend—but a true friend would give you a smile once in a while. At TED2013, Keller Rinaudo demos Romo, the smartphone-powered mini robot who can motor along with you on a walk, slide you a cup of coffee across the table, and react to you with programmable expressions.

Clear Automation Received Sales Award From FANUC Robotics

April 22, 2013 4:37 pm | by Clear Automation | News | Comments

Clear Automation, a leading engineering integrator of robotic and machine vision systems, today announced it has received FANUC Robotics' award for Outstanding Sales Growth for 2012.Clear Automation has been an Authorized System Integrator of FANUC robots for 5 years.

Silicon Valley Has Nothing On Manufacturing

April 22, 2013 8:05 am | by David Mantey, Executive Editor, Product Design & Development | Blogs | Comments

Manufacturing floors don’t have Lego stations and pool tables – and yes, OSHA may take issue with throwing empty cans from the mini bar into the same bin as the scrap metal from the lathe, but that doesn’t mean that the industry has any fewer engineers flocking to it.

'SWAT Robots' Soon To Protect First Responders

April 19, 2013 10:18 am | by Clarke Canfield, Associated Press | News | Comments

A Maine company that's developed high-tech tanks for the military and Hollywood has a new contraption — a ballistic police shield that sits atop a miniature, remote-controlled tank-like vehicle made to protect first responders. Brothers Mike and Geoff Howe said the "SWAT robot" keeps SWAT teams and other first responders safe.

Taking Manufacturing To School

April 19, 2013 8:05 am | by Lindsey Jahn, Associate Editor, Food Manufacturing | Blogs | Comments

As manufacturing processes become more automated, it is essential for companies to invest in partnerships with local technical schools to maintain a qualified, knowledgeable workforce. In June 2011, President Obama launched a national effort to revitalize American manufacturing.

How A U.S. Shoemaker Stays Competitive

April 17, 2013 4:45 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

Okabashi Brands was founded in the 1980s when U.S. manufacturing was shrinking. Staying competitive compared to imports is a challenge, says Bahman Irvani, CEO. But thanks to automation, a U.S. workforce, and recycling methods, Okabashi is a success story.

Robot Hot In Surgery But FDA Taking A New Look

April 9, 2013 10:11 am | by Lindsey Tanner, AP Medical Writer | News | Comments

The biggest thing in operating rooms these days is a million-dollar, multi-armed robot named da Vinci, used in nearly 400,000 surgeries nationwide last year — triple the number just four years earlier. But now the high-tech helper is under scrutiny over reports of problems, including several deaths that may be linked with it and the high cost of using the robotic system.

American Built, Building America

April 8, 2013 8:00 am | by Michelle Avila | Articles | Comments

More than a quarter century after hitting its peak, U.S. manufacturing appears to be back. More and more companies from Apple to General Electric, Ford and Caterpillar, are deciding to make their products here. But what is behind this manufacturing renaissance? Why are companies bringing back jobs and what makes those companies think they can succeed?

Top Five Reasons For Self-Driving Cars

March 28, 2013 9:08 am | by CNETTV | Videos | Comments

Self-driving cars are inevitable. They eliminate the most commonly defective component in cars today: people. Brian Cooley reports for CNET on the top 5 reasons for self-driving cars based on the ills they cure like drunk-driving and accidents.

Industrial Automation Ripe For Energy Harvesting

March 27, 2013 8:05 am | by Digi-Key | Articles | Comments

Industrial control and automation is not an obvious application for energy harvesting, although machinery, by its very nature, is an obvious source of energy, ripe for harvesting. Nevertheless, why exploit energy harvesting in a plant or factory environment?

WEISS Develops Heavy-Duty Ring Table For Robotic Efficiencies

March 12, 2013 4:17 pm | Articles | Comments

Leading development partner for the transportation industry with a global operating workforce of over 5,600, EDAG (Detroit, MI/Fulda, Germany) recently was faced with the task of designing a heavy-duty ring for a new production concept.

Q&A: Automation Trends For Food Manufacturers

March 4, 2013 2:34 pm | by Lindsey Jahn, Associate Editor, Food Manufacturing | Articles | Comments

The more flexible the automation, the more easily it can adapt to packaging trends. Supply chain improvements can range in scale from minor to major, depending on what is involved. Robotics, flexible conveyance and sortation as well as integrated software solutions are key components of many manufacturers addressing the trends.

March 2013 - Robotic Efficiencies

March 1, 2013 4:42 pm | Digital Editions | Comments

In this issue see how Starbucks' continuous improvement philosophy earns an AME Manufacturing Excellence Award, learn how mobile access to maintenance could mean easier troubleshooting, check out the 2013 Industrial Web Directory, and more.

The Automation Element Of Re-Shoring

March 1, 2013 8:08 am | by Joel Hans, Managing Editor, Manufacturing.net | Articles | Comments

Automation GT, an automation design-and-manufacturing firm based out of Escondido, Calif., is at the forefront of the “re-shoring” trend that has been sweeping the American manufacturing landscape. The company, which has deployed automation solutions in a handful of industries has seen some of its largest clients put serious thought into the business case of bringing work back to America.

Obsolete Industries Won’t Drive Economic Growth

February 11, 2013 8:00 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor, Electronic Component News | Blogs | Comments

New technologies and industries inevitably outpace older ones. When analog became obsolete, digital took over. LCD TVs gradually buried CRTs. And those who cling to obsolescence (beyond what the market dictates, that is — see the untimely incandescent ban) are left behind.