Simulated driving has its serious side and its fun side. On the serious side, the technology is regularly used in driver's education courses, as well as to monitor driver behavior, performance and attention, and evaluate advanced driver assistance systems.

Evolution is inherent to the materials and equipment used in assembly, regardless of the product being made. For example, semi- and tank trailers increasingly feature composite-material components, along with those made of traditional steel or aluminum.

Some companies have a name that is intentionally meant to be unique. Others have a background story that is just as interesting as the name. Tim Fulton, founder of Phelan, CA-based Alien Machine Worx (AMW), is in the latter camp, having believed from day one that AMW would be "making things out of this world."

Many suppliers have equipment that has been used on one of the Mars rovers over the past 25 years. But, few companies have equipment on multiple rovers. Auburn, MA-based PI USA is one such company.

High performance is not always the only focus of production. Optimum flexibility is equally important.

Market analysts frequently point out that there is an ever-increasing demand for digital data storage. This is great news for Flexon Technology, a Bangkok-based integrator that serves manufacturers of cases for hard disk drive (HDD) data storage devices.

Ask the typical American about automobile history and you're likely to hear the name "Henry Ford." Pose the same question to a Brit, however, and get ready for an answer of "Morgan Motor Co. (MMC)."

Manufacturers that design and build preassembled stairs and staircases definitely have their own market niche.

Building a piano is partly assembly and mostly art. Ever so meticulously, the hundreds or thousands of parts that go into each piano are either made by hand or produced on state-of-the-art CNC machines to a tight tolerance.

Software is both an essential and accessible tool for manufacturers, with many types to choose from.