Production system end users are faced with a wide variety of automation tasks, from simple Cartesian pick-and-place applications all the way up to highly dynamic machines with multiple synchronized axes. 

Fabtech, North America’s largest trade show for metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing technology, took place Nov. 8-10 in Atlanta. Here are five new products on display at the event.

In 1923, Albrecht Schnizler designed a hand-cranked drill dubbed the Metallbohrdreher, or “metal drill driver.” That drill became the inspiration for the brand Metabo.

Manufacturing in the age of Industry 4.0, digitally connected machines and smart factories require a new breed of engineers who are equipped with a fresh set of skills. That’s why Arizona State University recently launched the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks.

To automate an assembly task that requires two hands, engineers have two options: one robot equipped with a tool changer or two robots. Now, there may soon a third option. We have developed a single end-of-arm tool that can simultaneously hold a part, such as a dowel or a long screw, in place and install it at the same time.

The current paradigm of car manufacturing, which provides a variety of models, colors and options, is called mass customization. However, mass customization is now transforming into mass individualization. In mass individualization, products are uniquely catered to consumers’ desires. For example, some car buyers may want to replace ordinary car seats with luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, to differentiate themselves.

The Boeing 777 jetliner is the backbone of many international airlines. The reliable workhorse, which has been used on long-haul flights for three decades, is produced in several variants. The aircraft’s 20-foot-wide aluminum fuselages range anywhere from 209 to 242 feet long.

Based in the Chicago suburb of Wheeling, IL, Precision Zone Inc. specializes in repairing electric motors and industrial electronics, such as AC and DC drives, power supplies, controls and displays. 

Assembling the world’s most advanced air defense missile requires technological innovation, especially when annual production is set to increase to 500 by 2024.

An autoinjector is a medical device designed to deliver a dose of a particular drug. The devices were designed to overcome the hesitation associated with self-administration of a needle-based drug delivery device.