Assembly eMagazine

Volvo Automates Welding

Robots enable skilled welders to handle more technically demanding tasks.

April 21, 2026

Volvo's skilled workers were spending more time on non-value-added tasks—moving material, hooking it up to a crane, and setting it in a fixture—instead of doing what they do best: complex welds. The automated process has improved ergonomics and requires less manual intervention.

Machine Learning Detects Fastening Errors

Hessel Van Dijk

April 29, 2026

Ford engineers are studying whether AI can play a role in detecting faulty run-downs. To do that, they first had to determine what constitutes a data anomaly.

Manufacturing History

Disney’s Automation Legacy

Automation developed by Ford, General Motors and other manufacturers helped create Disneyland

Austin Weber

May 1, 2026

Assembly line tools and production processes played an important behind-the-scenes role in the development of many of the most popular attractions at Disney theme parks.

Automated Line Assembles Disposable Razors

Custom system handles delicate blades quickly and safely

John Sprovieri

April 24, 2026

PIA's Automation's assembly system, custom-built for Bic, includes six blade-handling modules, which are connected by two parallel transport systems. The fully automated system is capable of high-volume production while maintaining high quality.

From Simulation to Physical AI: New Robotics Technologies Transform Manufacturing

New products include a mobile, dual-armed robot and an AI-powered welding robot.

JJ Moore

April 17, 2026

This roundup highlights the latest robotics innovations aimed at improving throughput, simplifying deployment and helping manufacturers address ongoing labor and process challenges.

Assemblers Urge Renewal of the USMCA

John Sprovieri

April 27, 2026

Overall, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has been net positive for all three countries, and it has contributed to a dynamic, robust North American economy. However, the Trump Administration has indicated that without concessions from Mexico and Canada, the U.S. will not renew the agreement.

Digital Twins Streamline Auto Manufacturing

Austin Weber

May 11, 2026

When introducing new vehicle models, each launch can demand extensive reconfiguration of existing production lines. Timing is critical and every delay carries a significant cost. Digital twin technology can help engineers tackle that issue.

Solar-Powered Vehicle Technology

Austin Weber

May 11, 2026

Photovoltaic-integrated body panels could extend the range of EVs.

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

New Robotic Control System Simplifies Programming

Austin Weber

April 27, 2026

LAUSANNE, Switzerland—Engineers at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have developed a new framework that makes it possible to teach robots new skills.

Humanoid Robot Market Is on the Brink of Explosive Growth

Austin Weber

April 29, 2026

MUNICH—A new report by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants claims that recent advances in AI and humanoids wlll enable manufacturers to address the skilled labor shortage.

Wristband Enables Wearers to Control Robotic Hand

Austin Weber

April 28, 2026

CAMBRIDGE, MA—Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology here have developed a wearable device that can control robotic movements.

Physical AI Will Take Human-Robot Collaboration to the Next Level

Austin Weber

April 25, 2026

PARIS—A new report by the Capgemini Research Institute claims that AI technology will unlock new opportunities for manufacturers.

Vitralit CIPG 60200 cure-in-place gasket material

See It at the Show

New Cured-in-Place Gasket Material Is Designed for Automotive, EV Applications

John Sprovieri

April 15, 2026

One of the newest cured-in-place gasket materials on the market is Vitralit CIPG 60200 from Hoenle Adhesives Americas Inc. This UV-curing polyacrylate material is specifically engineered for high-performance electronic housings in automotive and electric vehicle applications.

New & Noteworthy

Digital Tools and Vision Systems Strengthen Automation Performance

John Sprovieri

April 16, 2026

From predictive maintenance sensors and cloud-based machine vision platforms to high-resolution inspection cameras and 3D vision-guided robotics, these technologies are helping manufacturers reduce downtime, accelerate setup, and improve quality across assembly and production operations.

On Demand Learn how manufacturers are bridging the gap between the shop floor and ERP systems to gain real-time visibility, streamline operations, and kick-start digital transformation—without waiting years.

Sponsored by:

On Demand In this presentation, Dr. Herman Tang shares practical insights from his industry experience and research on buffer management in manufacturing operations.

Assembly eMagazine

2026 May

Cover Story

Volvo Automates Welding

Features

Machine Learning Detects Fastening Errors

Disney’s Automation Legacy

Automated Line Assembles Disposable Razors

From Simulation to Physical AI: New Robotics Technologies Transform Manufacturing

Columns

Assemblers Urge Renewal of the USMCA

Digital Twins Streamline Auto Manufacturing

Departments

Solar-Powered Vehicle Technology

New Robotic Control System Simplifies Programming

Humanoid Robot Market Is on the Brink of Explosive Growth

Wristband Enables Wearers to Control Robotic Hand

Physical AI Will Take Human-Robot Collaboration to the Next Level

New Cured-in-Place Gasket Material Is Designed for Automotive, EV Applications

Digital Tools and Vision Systems Strengthen Automation Performance

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