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assembler working at Renault factory in Blainville-sur-Orne

Renault Trucks Error-Proofs Assembly

Tool location systems ensure quality control of safety-critical joints in electric trucks.

February 9, 2026

To error-proof assembly, engineers wanted to implement a system to guide workers through each fastening step while ensuring complete traceability. The Nexonar real-time location system from Desoutter fit the bill.

Robotic Automation System Assembles Switches

The line produces 3,000 assemblies per day with a 94 percent efficiency rate.

John Sprovieri

February 5, 2026

The new machine replaces a legacy system that was in operation for more than 40 years, offering at least twice the throughput and close to double the efficiency of the previous equipment.

The Data Imperative for Smart Microfactories

The success of microfactories depends not just on sensors and robotics, but on how well data is connected, contextualized and consumed.

Errol Rodericks

February 2, 2026

Microfactories are not just smaller replicas of mega-factories. They operate with radically different assumptions. Data is real-time and transient, not batch-processed. Production is modular, not linear. And, decision-making is distributed, not centralized.

Micro-Scale Leak Testing of Medical Devices

New technology enabled a biotech company to triple production and save more than $1 million.

Jacques Hoffmann

January 29, 2026

Given the highly infectious nature of the COVID pathogen, tests for the virus had to be quick, reliable and safe. The test components and transfer devices had to be leak-proof—both to give accurate test results and to prevent infection of the clinicians performing the tests.

Robots Recycle Electronic Waste

Automated system disassembles disused electronics to recover valuable parts and materials.

John Sprovieri

January 30, 2026

Harvesting the valuable materials locked away in this waste stream could generate some $95 billion in reusable resources.

Can Ergonomic Improvements Increase Productivity?

A South African automotive manufacturer discovered that workers—and productivity—can benefit from ergonomic improvements.

Kapil Gupta Ph.D.

February 4, 2026

By optimizing workflow and minimizing strain, ergonomic adjustments can increase efficiency and help employees perform tasks more effectively.

How Do High-Velocity Impacts Affect Adhesive Bonding?

The right joint design can mitigate damage to bonded assemblies caused by high-speed impacts.

Ferhat Kadioglu Ph.D.

February 3, 2026

This dual experimental-numerical approach provides a rare, holistic view of bonded joint performance under ballistic loading, bridging the critical gap between laboratory testing and real-world service demands.

assembly line at a Honda production plant

Heads Up, Manufacturers! Get Ready for Chip Shortage, Part 2

John Sprovieri

February 10, 2026

In January, Samsung Electronics forecast a worsening chip shortage this year, thanks to burgeoning demand for AI data centers. The race to build AI infrastructure has prompted chipmakers to divert manufacturing capacity toward high-bandwidth memory for AI servers, squeezing the supply ‍of conventional memory chips.

Laser Welding Plastic Medical Devices

Specialty thermoplastics enhance the power of light beams.

Hao Gu Rieko van Heerbeek

February 2, 2026

By choosing compatible specialty resins and copolymers rather than commodity plastics for laser-transparent and laser-absorbent layers, manufacturers can add value in terms of aesthetics, specific performance attributes, durability and regulatory compliance.

Assembly Lines

‘Assembly Plant of the Year’ Award Call for Nominations

Austin Weber

February 6, 2026

CHICAGO—ASSEMBLY is seeking nominations for its 2026 Assembly Plant of the Year award.

Assembly Lines

AI Remains the Hottest Trend in Robotics

Austin Weber

February 9, 2026

FRANKFURT—According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), artificial intelligence remains the top automation trend affecting manufacturers today.

Assembly Lines

Self-Healing Composite Automatically Repairs Damage

Austin Weber

February 10, 2026

RALEIGH, NC—Engineers at North Carolina State University have developed a self-healing composite that is tougher than materials currently used to assemble aircraft, automobiles and other products.

Caterpillar Teams With Nvidia to Deploy AI in Factories

Austin Weber

January 9, 2026

LAS VEGAS—Caterpillar is investing millions of dollars in artificial intelligence technology to transform its factories and products.

See It at the Show

Servo Presses Play Key Role in Assembling Hydraulic Suspension Components

John Sprovieri

January 29, 2026

They offer micron-level press-fitting accuracy, enabling stringent control over the motion and force applied to seals.

New & Noteworthy

New Automation Products Emphasize Compact, High-Load Performance

John Sprovieri

January 28, 2026

Several new products highlight recent innovations across industrial automation, focusing on compact design and higher load capacity.

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 February

Cover Story

Renault Trucks Error-Proofs Assembly

Features

Robotic Automation System Assembles Switches

The Data Imperative for Smart Microfactories

Micro-Scale Leak Testing of Medical Devices

Robots Recycle Electronic Waste

Can Ergonomic Improvements Increase Productivity?

How Do High-Velocity Impacts Affect Adhesive Bonding?

Columns

Heads Up, Manufacturers! Get Ready for Chip Shortage, Part 2

Departments

Laser Welding Plastic Medical Devices

‘Assembly Plant of the Year’ Award Call for Nominations

AI Remains the Hottest Trend in Robotics

Self-Healing Composite Automatically Repairs Damage

Caterpillar Teams With Nvidia to Deploy AI in Factories

Servo Presses Play Key Role in Assembling Hydraulic Suspension Components

New Automation Products Emphasize Compact, High-Load Performance

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