Image courtesy of: gorodenkoff (iStock / Getty Images Plus) The latest information on fastening, bonding, welding, automation and other assembly technologies. https://www.assemblymag.com/rss/2627-technologies en-us moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Manufacturers are investing heavily in AI and automation, but many still can’t access or organize the data needed to make those systems useful. Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains how fragmented factory systems and proprietary data structures are limiting smart manufacturing—and why initiatives such as i3X are becoming critical to making industrial AI practical on the plant floor. Manufacturers are investing heavily in AI and automation, but many still can’t access or organize the data needed to make those systems useful. Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains how fragmented factory systems and proprietary data structures are limiting smart manufacturing—and why initiatives such as i3X are becoming critical to making industrial AI practical on the plant floor.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100197 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:31:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100197-podcast-why-ai-in-manufacturing-depends-on-fixing-factory-data moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) What happens when assembly systems, process control, motion tracking and production data all operate in separate silos? In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Russ Hughes of Desoutter Industrial Tools discusses the manufacturing challenges that inspired the Desoutter Ecosystem and why manufacturers are increasingly focused on connecting fragmented assembly operations across the factory floor. What happens when assembly systems, process control, motion tracking and production data all operate in separate silos? In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Russ Hughes of Desoutter Industrial Tools discusses the manufacturing challenges that inspired the Desoutter Ecosystem and why manufacturers are increasingly focused on connecting fragmented assembly operations across the factory floor.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100180 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100180-video-desoutter-targets-production-complexity-with-connected-manufacturing-ecosystem moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Joe Teague, owner and organizer of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo, says humanoid robots will be a major part of this year’s event in Grand Rapids. DOBOT will bring Atom, its humanoid robot, for a keynote and live demonstration. Joe Teague, owner and organizer of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo, says humanoid robots will be a major part of this year’s event in Grand Rapids. DOBOT will bring Atom, its humanoid robot, for a keynote and live demonstration. 

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100177 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100177-video-humanoid-robot-shows-off-its-moves-at-ame moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains the “Diet Coke problem” — a real example of tribal manufacturing knowledge that often exists only inside the heads of experienced operators and how manufacturers can solve this issue before workers leave for good. Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains the “Diet Coke problem” — a real example of tribal manufacturing knowledge that often exists only inside the heads of experienced operators and how manufacturers can solve this issue before workers leave for good. 

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100161 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100161-the-diet-coke-problem-as-manufacturers-face-experts-retiring moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Manufacturers are rapidly adopting AI, but most deployments remain limited to small-scale pilots. In this episode, Mike Sabin, CEO of Revalize, explains why scaling AI across the enterprise is proving far more difficult than expected. Manufacturers are rapidly adopting AI, but most deployments remain limited to small-scale pilots. In this episode, Mike Sabin, CEO of Revalize, explains why scaling AI across the enterprise is proving far more difficult than expected.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100152 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100152-podcast-ai-in-manufacturing-a-force-multiplier-still-stuck-in-pilot-mode moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Jon Sobel, CEO and co-founder of Sight Machine, discusses how the company’s updated AI platform is designed to help process experts turn plant-floor signals, equipment data and operational knowledge into recommendations that can improve production performance. Jon Sobel, CEO and co-founder of Sight Machine, discusses how the company’s updated AI platform is designed to help process experts turn plant-floor signals, equipment data and operational knowledge into recommendations that can improve production performance.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100151 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100151-video-sight-machine-expands-ai-platform-for-factory-operations moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) What do factory robots and robot vacuums have in common? According to Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte: they both get stuck. In this clip from an upcoming episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Semle explains how disconnected factory systems create what he calls the “Roomba problem” — and why standardized industrial data is becoming critical for AI and automation on the plant floor. What do factory robots and robot vacuums have in common? According to Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte: they both get stuck. In this clip from an upcoming episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Semle explains how disconnected factory systems create what he calls the “Roomba problem” — and why standardized industrial data is becoming critical for AI and automation on the plant floor.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100131 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100131-podcast-the-roomba-problem-inside-modern-factories Fusion turns manual brazing and soldering processes into turnkey automation systems that help reduce labor costs, increase production and improve output. Fusion turns manual brazing and soldering processes into turnkey automation systems that help reduce labor costs, increase production and improve output.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100126 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100126-automated-brazing-and-soldering-machines Volvo Cars has begun production of its new, fully electric EX60 SUV at its assembly plant in Torslanda, Sweden. The plant has been heavily upgraded in recent years in preparation for production of the EX60 and other EVs. Volvo Cars has begun production of its new, fully electric EX60 SUV at its assembly plant in Torslanda, Sweden. The plant has been heavily upgraded in recent years in preparation for production of the EX60 and other EVs.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100095 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100095-volvo-redesigns-ev-manufacturing moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) CHICAGO — Manufacturers in highly regulated industries are increasingly consolidating ERP, quality management and traceability systems into unified digital platforms as companies work to reduce compliance overhead, simplify audits and improve production visibility across complex operations. CHICAGO — Manufacturers in highly regulated industries are increasingly consolidating ERP, quality management and traceability systems into unified digital platforms as companies work to reduce compliance overhead, simplify audits and improve production visibility across complex operations.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100111 Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100111-aerospace-medical-manufacturers-seek-to-modernize-compliance-infrastructure webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) MILWAUKEE—Manufacturers are no longer debating whether to adopt digital technologies, but how to execute, scale and deliver measurable value from them. MILWAUKEE—Manufacturers are no longer debating whether to adopt digital technologies, but how to execute, scale and deliver measurable value from them.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100108 Wed, 27 May 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100108-digital-transformation-is-essential-claims-new-study webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) HERZOGENAURACH, Germany—Schaeffler AG plans to deploy hundreds of humanoid robots in its factories. HERZOGENAURACH, Germany—Schaeffler AG plans to deploy hundreds of humanoid robots in its factories.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100105 Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100105-schaeffler-to-deploy-thousands-of-humanoid-robots Shifting from a traditional process to a streamlined assembly line to a 30 percent increase in throughput and a 53 percent reduction in footprint. Shifting from a traditional process to a streamlined assembly line to a 30 percent increase in throughput and a 53 percent reduction in footprint.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100103 Tue, 26 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100103-knife-maker-redesigns-assembly-line compact assembly line workstations Trays of parts are delivered to each workstation by the conveyor, which reduces the need for constant parts replenishment. assembly-line process Rather than one worker assembling a knife from start to finish, each worker handles a few operations in an assembly-line process. webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) NEWCASTLE, England—Electrical and chemical engineers at Newcastle University have developed a reversible adhesive that makes disassembling and recycling electronics much easier. NEWCASTLE, England—Electrical and chemical engineers at Newcastle University have developed a reversible adhesive that makes disassembling and recycling electronics much easier.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100104 Tue, 26 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100104-reversible-adhesive-aids-disassembly-and-recycling webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) NEOLA, IA—Heartland Harness has opened a new 10,000-square-foot facility here. NEOLA, IA—Heartland Harness  has opened a new 10,000-square-foot facility here.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100092 Wed, 20 May 2026 19:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100092-heartland-harness-opens-new-facility-in-iowa webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) BOCA RATON, FL—Engineers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a remote manufacturing system that allows people to perform tasks and operate production equipment from anywhere. BOCA RATON, FL—Engineers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a remote manufacturing system that allows people to perform tasks and operate production equipment from anywhere.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100107 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100107-human-robot-collaboration-process-enables-remote-manufacturing moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Timing studies and simulation can help engineers optimize cycle time in automated assembly systems. Timing studies and simulation can help engineers optimize cycle time in automated assembly systems.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100084 Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100084-best-practices-for-cycle-time-optimization sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) New assembly conveyors are designed for transporting fragile medical devices and heavy loads. New assembly conveyors are designed for transporting fragile medical devices and heavy loads.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100073 Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100073-new-conveyors-for-automated-assembly sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) The machine can be operated as a standalone system, or it can be integrated into automated assembly lines. The machine can be operated as a standalone system, or it can be integrated into automated assembly lines.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100070 Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100070-ultrasonic-welding-system-joins-multiple-joints-at-once MS sonxMAC MULTI The MS sonxMAC MULTI can be used for ultrasonic welding of instrument panels, door trims, rear spoilers, trim elements, pillar and luggage compartment trims, and bumper coverings. custom-configured MS sonxMAC MULTI MS Ultrasonic configured a MULTI machine to perform more than 60 ultrasonic spot welds on a bumper assembly. MS sonxMAC MULTI The MS sonxMAC MULTI is designed to perform multiple processing steps on a single assembly. Those steps could be ultrasonic punching, welding, staking, cutting, or embossing. webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100061 Mon, 11 May 2026 14:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100061-digital-twins-streamline-auto-manufacturing digital twin Digital twins and other Industry 4.0 technology enable manufacturers to improve assembly line efficiency. simulating operational dynamics Simulations can be used to design, verify, optimize and validate operational dynamics. virtual reality Oakland University’s Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing program integrates augmented and virtual reality, in addition to other state-of-the-art technology. digital twin A digital twin is a virtual counterpart of a physical assembly system. Omega 750 S enables fully automated wire harness production for automotive manufacturers. Omega 750 S enables fully automated wire harness production for automotive manufacturers.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99775 Thu, 07 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99775-fully-automatic-wire-harness-production The right nozzle helps precision spray systems reduce defects, save fluid, ensure long‑term stability, and integrates smoothly into automated or robotic environments. The right nozzle helps precision spray systems reduce defects, save fluid, ensure long‑term stability, and integrates smoothly into automated or robotic environments.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100059 Thu, 07 May 2026 14:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100059-spray-support-from-start-to-finish Motion Index Drives designed and manufactured a custom 9-inch precision link conveyor for an automotive application. Motion Index Drives designed and manufactured a custom 9-inch precision link conveyor for an automotive application.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100058 Thu, 07 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100058-precision-link-conveyor-for-automotive-parts-manufacturing moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Chris Draper, CEO and co-founder of morriganAI and author of Safe AI Basics and co-author of Governing Artificial Intelligence, challenges the way we think about AI and explains why the real risk—and opportunity—lies in human behavior. Chris Draper, CEO and co-founder of morriganAI and author of Safe AI Basics and co-author of Governing Artificial Intelligence, challenges the way we think about AI and explains why the real risk—and opportunity—lies in human behavior.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100055 Thu, 07 May 2026 10:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100055-podcast-what-manufacturers-miss-about-ai-its-not-a-technology-problem webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) BIRMINGHAM, England—Engineers at Aston University here have developed an AI-based method to train robots to perform assembly tasks. BIRMINGHAM, England—Engineers at Aston University here have developed an AI-based method to train robots to perform assembly tasks.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100106 Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100106-ai-system-trains-robots-to-perform-assembly-tasks Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz will invest $4 billion in its assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, AL. The plant assembles a range of SUVs for both the U.S. and export markets. Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz will invest $4 billion in its assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, AL. The plant assembles a range of SUVs for both the U.S. and export markets.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100012 Tue, 05 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100012-mercedes-benz-to-invest-4-billion-in-alabama-assembly-plant webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100043 Fri, 01 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100043-disneys-automation-legacy Ultrasonic welding systems help manufacturers achieve higher efficiency while meeting demanding industry specifications for precision. Ultrasonic welding systems help manufacturers achieve higher efficiency while meeting demanding industry specifications for precision.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99985 Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99985-engineering-efficiency-in-high-performance-assembly-how-ultrasonic-welding-enhances-throughput-reliability-and-quality webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) HAYWARD, CA—A vertically integrated humanoid robot factory has opened here. HAYWARD, CA—A vertically integrated humanoid robot factory has opened here.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100042 Fri, 01 May 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100042-humanoid-robot-factory-opens-in-california Published intensity values don’t always reflect real curing performance. Working distance, emitter design and uniformity can significantly influence results in production environments. Published intensity values don’t always reflect real curing performance. Working distance, emitter design and uniformity can significantly influence results in production environments.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99975 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99975-why-uv-intensity-alone-doesnt-define-curing-performance