Technologies

RSS

STAMFORD, CT—Humanoid robots are one of the hottest topics of 2026. But, despite all the hype, many manufacturers plan to cautiously approach the technology.

MUNICH—The BMW Group is the latest automaker that plans to use humanoid robots in an assembly plant.

The study focuses on the advantages and difficulties encountered when users wear a back-support exoskeleton during manual material handling tasks. In addition, the research offers a statistical comparison of the participants’ physical exertion and the biomechanical effort they perceive while engaging in these tasks.

A team of young engineers at the University of Tennessee is using a six-axis collaborative robot to automate assembly steps such as terminal insertion and wire routing.

Impulse heat staking simplifies installation of brass inserts by generating heat only when needed and keeping the cycle consistent from part to part. Real-time depth verification adds straightforward confirmation of final insert depth and insert presence.

Business has been good at TL Aerotek Inc., with orders flowing in faster than owner, Tai Le, could fill them. He wanted to keep up with accelerating demand and continue building his business, but he didn’t want to deal with labor uncertainty. Looking for a solution, Tai consulted long-time supplier, Expand Machinery, a family-owned business in Chatsworth, CA, that builds machine tool systems.

The Augmentir connected worker platform is designed to help manufacturing and service teams improve operations, close skills gaps, capture tribal knowledge, and drive continuous improvement efforts.

NORMAL, IL—Rivian Automotive Inc. will assemble its much-anticipated R2 on a "technologically advanced production line that runs on smart and connected digital systems."

Zonal architecture organizes electrical components and their connections by physical zones within a vehicle, rather than by functions or domains. 

Manual presses offer high precision, reliability and flexibility without the high price tag of powered presses. They are ideal for small production runs, precise assembly tasks or high-mix production environments that don’t merit more expensive machines.