Assembly eMagazine

2026 June

The 2026 June Assembly features our cover story, "Stern Keeps Old-School Fun Alive."

Stern Pinball Keeps Old-School Fun Alive

A pinball factory near Chicago mass-produces electromechanical arcade games.

Austin Weber

June 1, 2026

In today’s age of artificial intelligence, smartphones, video games and virtual reality, pinball has undergone a resurgence. A handful of companies still make pinball machines in the United States. The largest of them all is Stern Pinball Inc.

automated consumer goods assembly system

Best Practices for Cycle Time Optimization

JJ Moore

May 18, 2026

Timing studies and simulation can help engineers optimize cycle time in automated assembly systems.

Best Practices to Prevent Outgassing in Adhesive Assemblies

Minimizing the release of volatile substances can ensure the performance of sensitive components.

Austin Weber

June 2, 2026

Adhesive bonding enables engineers to create strong joints. But industrial adhesives have several drawbacks, such as outgassing, which can cause problems in some applications.

Autonomous mobile robot transporting a welding fixture and tooling assembly through an automotive manufacturing facility for flexible production operations.

Manufacturing Software

Cyber-Physical Systems in Automotive Assembly

Magna International has automated the process of routing and positioning vehicle bodies on a high-mix, high-volume assembly line.

Michael Gfoellner Ph.D.

June 25, 2026

Our new flexible transportation positioning device (FTPD) enables rapid, model-specific reconfiguration within the BIW manufacturing process.

Illustration of an automated adhesive dispensing system applying sealant to a component for precision bonding and electronics assembly.

New and Noteworthy

New Fastening Technologies Improve Flexibility and Throughput

JJ Moore

June 26, 2026

As manufacturers push for lighter designs, faster cycle times and more reliable joints, new fastening technologies are helping simplify assembly while improving performance.

Collaborative robot loading parts into a CNC machining center.

Focus on Automation

Automated Machine Tending Boosts Output

Automation enables two manufacturers to increase output without adding headcount.

John Sprovieri

June 29, 2026

Manufacturers continue to struggle with a lack of skilled workers, and for many, robots are the obvious answer to the problem.

Aerial view of a large industrial warehouse and distribution complex at dusk.

Ford Pivots From EVs to Energy Storage Systems

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

John Sprovieri

June 30, 2026

Ford is shifting its focus to hybrid vehicles and conventional gas-powered models, and it’s repurposing two new assembly plants that suddenly have nothing to make.

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 June

Cover Story

Stern Pinball Keeps Old-School Fun Alive

Features

Best Practices for Cycle Time Optimization

Best Practices to Prevent Outgassing in Adhesive Assemblies

Cyber-Physical Systems in Automotive Assembly

Columns

New Fastening Technologies Improve Flexibility and Throughput

Automated Machine Tending Boosts Output

Ford Pivots From EVs to Energy Storage Systems

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