Robots are becoming nearly as common in assembly plants as nutrunners and conveyors. The advent of collaborative robots is only furthering that trend. However, as robots play a greater role on the line, engineers must ensure that workers remain safe around the technology.

I am fortunate to have had a lengthy career of more than 30 years. I have held a variety of product development positions, and these experiences have influenced my thinking about how best to get things done.

Makers of insulated glass use a variety of custom machines in their production facilities. Gas filling, glass handling and glass storage machines are three of the most common types.

Last month, NASA's Mars Perseverance rover landed on the red planet after 5.5 months of traveling through space. The rover's primary mission is to search for signs of ancient microscopic life and collect the first ever Martian soil samples for analysis.

More than one year after the onset of COVID-19, manufacturers continue to readjust their product and production priorities.

After a nearly 20-year hiatus, supersonic passenger travel is about to make a comeback. One of the companies leading the charge is Boom Supersonic Inc.

Vibratory bowl feeders have long been the go-to device for supplying parts in automated assembly systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put unprecedented strain on manufacturers of medical devices and pharmaceuticals to deliver life-saving products. Automation will play a key role in fighting the disease.

South Bend, home to the University of Notre Dame, has a long history of manufacturing. In the past, the city in northern Indiana hummed with large factories belonging to companies such as Bendix Corp. (automotive and aircraft brakes), Oliver Chilled Plow Works (agricultural equipment) and Studebaker Corp. (cars, trucks and wagons).

On Feb. 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. This bill would invest nearly $3.5 billion over five years to scale-up apprenticeship opportunities, streamline access to apprenticeships for workers and employers, and expand apprenticeships into new, in-demand industry sectors and occupations.