Factory automation - Articles - Page 50

New Fastener Enables Mercedes-Benz to Join Aluminum Parts

December 10, 2020

When the latest-generation C-Class series of automobiles was being developed in 2014, Mercedes-Benz designers placed a great emphasis on weight reduction to reduce fuel consumption.

2020 Capital Spending Survey: Cautious Optimism

With a new presidential administration and an end to COVID in sight, manufacturers are ready to invest in their assembly lines.

John Sprovieri

December 4, 2020

Slowly but surely, U.S. manufacturing is recovering from the pandemic-related slowdown.

Vision system aids feeding of pins

John Sprovieri

December 3, 2020

Automation engineers have developed ingenious ways to mechanically singulate and orient parts in a feeder bowl.

Long Live the Robot Teach Pendant

Luke Tuttle Ben Gibbs

December 2, 2020

Although many programming and controlling technologies for industrial robots have evolved over the last several years, one component has remained fairly constant - the robot teach pendant.

Machine Builder Adapts Production Lines to Combat COVID-19

Jim Camillo

November 17, 2020

For several months now, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to medical-device manufacturers and machine builders worldwide.

Piston Pushes Bridging Parts Into Motion

John Sprovieri

November 10, 2020

Manufacturers of automated machinery often receive requests to feed and orient ordinary plastics caps, but even an ordinary cap can have features that can cause part "behaviors" that present challenges during the feeding process.

Smart Transport System Enables Flexible Assembly

A linear-motor transport system is the heart of a new, flexible automated assembly system.

Peter Reinstadler

November 9, 2020

Industry 4.0 concepts necessitate highly flexible and modular production equipment. A good example is the new CresaLine small-parts assembly system from Swiss machine builder and integrator Credimex AG.

RIP: Seiuemon Inaba, Founder of FANUC

John Sprovieri

November 6, 2020

Seiuemon Inaba, Ph.D., the founder of FANUC Corp., who turned a fledgling startup into a global manufacturer of robots and machine controls, died Oct. 2. He was 95.

What’s New With Rotary Indexers

Servo indexing and flexibility drive numerous assembly applications.

Austin Weber

November 6, 2020

One of the simplest devices for partially automating an assembly process is a rotary indexing table. This device consists of a circular steel plate and a drive for turning it.

New Technologies for 3D Vision

A wide range of 3D vision systems optimizes robot accuracy when performing random bin picking, error-proofing assemblies or dispensing adhesives.

Jim Camillo

November 5, 2020

A gentle nudge is often a more effective way to bring out the best in a worker than a firm push. Two common scenarios where this approach applies are just-hired workers and veteran ones that need to learn a new task.