Automated Assembly Systems

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With the correct end-effector and prime mover, manufacturers can make sure their automation system meets exact design requirements and runs at maximum efficiency.

ANN ARBOR, MI—The Automated Imaging Association is presenting a free webinar Dec. 18 that will discuss machine vision applications for automotive assembly. The webinar will air from 11 a.m. to noon EST.

Automation is wonderfully economical—except when it’s not. Time and again, I’ve seen smart engineers make dumb automation decisions, some of them ruinous.

SAN FRANCISCO—Momentum Machines is developing a burger-making robot named Patty that can assemble a cooked burger and bag it in less than 30 seconds.

PHOENIX—A new generation of smart machines and manufacturing processes may not leave much room for people on the assembly line.

The right lighting will help the camera easily locate specific shapes, marks or surface features.

Depending on the drive style, a high-tonnage mechanical press can stamp out metal parts at up to 1,000 strokes per minute. 

CHARLOTTE, NC—Material handling equipment orders are forecasted to grow 8 percent to 9 percent in 2012 and 6 percent in 2013, according to the Material Handling Industry of America.

The efficiency and reliability of an industrial robot largely depend on its end-of-arm tooling. However, engineers often forget that the interface between the end-effector and the robot arm also plays a critical role.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI—Systems integrator Fori Automation Inc. could add up to 50 jobs over the next five years, after completing a new, $1 million facility here. Fori has hired 54 employees since 2009.