Factory of the future

BAE Systems Taps Industry 4.0 Technology for New Aircraft

November 11, 2020

When preproduction of the next-generation Tempest fighter jet ramps up next year, assemblers at BAE Systems will be using cutting-edge technology.

Schneider Electric Plant Touted as ‘Factory of the Future’

November 4, 2020

LEXINGTON, KY—Schneider Electric’s factory here recently achieved a complete end-to-end transformation of its operations from supplier to customer.

Industry 4.0 for the Small Shop

Advanced technology tools are no longer just for the big guys

Austin Weber

May 15, 2020

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 are transforming the world of manufacturing. The two terms are relatively interchangeable and basically mean the same thing: Manufacturers using internet-enabled technologies to improve their business strategies and outcomes.

Robotics in the Age of Industry 4.0

Artificial intelligence and data analytics will make robots more productive

Austin Weber

May 15, 2020

Robots are an important piece of the Industry 4.0 puzzle. Tomorrow's smart factories will depend on new types of machines, such as collaborative and mobile devices that are interconnected. Artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and data analytics will also make industrial robots more reliable than ever.

5G Will Drive Tomorrow’s Connected Assembly Lines

Next-generation wireless technology is transforming production processes

Austin Weber

May 15, 2020

The fifth generation of wireless technology is quickly emerging. It will greatly expand the broadband capabilities of mobile networks and provide advanced wireless service for a wide variety of applications ranging from cell phones to assembly lines.

AI-Enabled Devices to Transform Factory Floors

October 30, 2019

OYSTER BAY, NY--According to a report by ABI Research, the total installed base of AI-enabled devices in the manufacturing sector will reach 15 million in 2024.

Assembly Plants at the Forefront of Industry 4.0

The Future is Now

Austin Weber

May 10, 2019

Factories of the future will feature advanced technology, such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, data analytics and digital twins. While many manufacturers are still ramping up their Industry 4.0 initiatives, several assembly plants are already at the forefront. They are embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and reaping the benefits.

Lights-Out Automation: Fact or Fiction?

Humans are the most flexible “machine” for assembly tasks

Austin Weber

May 9, 2019

Lights-out automation has been a dream of engineers for more than 200 years. The goal is to push a button and let machines work unattended.

The Reality of Augmented Reality

Wearable devices empower assemblers to be more productive

Austin Weber

May 7, 2019

Traditionally, it's not unusual to see people wear goggles and other types of safety glasses in factories. But, a new class of wearable devices is becoming increasingly popular on assembly lines.