Oregon startup increases productivity by improving design, getting lean, and automating assembly.

QUEBEC CITY—Flexpipe, a manufacturer and distributor of modular steel framing structures and material handling systems, has launched Lean Maker Academy, a free online certification program designed to teach workers to assemble modular system equipment for lean manufacturing.

The advantages of robotic assembly can be negated by poor fixturing or parts that slip out of grippers.

Cobots are one of the hottest trends in factory automation.

Highly articulated motion enables more functionality and versatility.

Quickness and floor space reduction make up for a lack of payload capacity.

With their high speed, high accuracy, versatility and compact form factor, SCARAs are ideal for automation systems.

For many applications, a SCARA or six-axis robot is overkill.

Engineers can now program, monitor, perform diagnostics and access data from multiple dispensers directly through a PLC, PC or mobile device.

LOS ANGELES—The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $1.6 million contract to Machina Labs to advance and accelerate the development of the company’s robotic technology for manufacturing metal tooling for high-rate production of composites.