https://www.assemblymag.com/rss/2628-columns en-us 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.

]]> 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 A digital twin is a virtual counterpart of a physical assembly system. 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. sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) The Trump administration has throttled the domestic EV industry while simultaneously sending gas prices through the roof.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99943 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99943-as-gas-prices-soar-trump-should-rethink-ev-policies sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) In imposing tariffs, Trump said his goal is to reduce the trade deficit and spur more manufacturing in the United States. One year into his second term, neither goal has been achieved. In fact, the opposite occurred.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99883 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99883-amidst-new-round-of-scrutiny-are-tariffs-working-for-us-manufacturing webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) A team of young engineers at the University of Tennessee is using a six-axis collaborative robot to automate assembly steps such as terminal insertion and wire routing.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99868 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99868-volunteer-engineers-tackle-wire-harness-automation Engineers testing a six-axis collaborative robot for wire harness assembly Engineers are using a six-axis collaborative robot to automate assembly steps such as terminal insertion and wire routing. automotive wiring harness Automotive wiring harnesses are challenging to automate. engineer aligning a wire termination Terminations must be aligned precisely so they can lock into the connector and function properly. sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) 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.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99830 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99830-heads-up-manufacturers-get-ready-for-chip-shortage-part-2 sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) To increase collaboration up and down the supply chain, a coalition of European automotive manufacturers created Catena-X, the first end-to-end, collaborative and open data ecosystem for the automotive industry.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99737 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99737-automotive-industry-prepares-for-connected-and-circular-economy automotive manufacturing Last year, Denso acquired EcoPass certification from Catena-X, the first Japanese automotive supplier to do so. automotive manufacturing Catena-X is the first end-to-end, collaborative and open data ecosystem for the automotive industry, connecting all players along the value chain. webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Researchers at Pennsylvania State University used large language models to evaluate parameters that can contribute to laser welding defects and quality issues.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99729 Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99729-penn-state-harnesses-ai-technology-to-improve-laser-welding-quality laser welding Laser welding is a noncontact joining process that has many advantages, including high speed, a small heat-affected zone, precision and versatility. welding defects Welding defects can occur when a laser beam moves faster than the molten pool can form and stabilize. laser welding Engineers are exploring how laser welding variables such as power, wavelength and travel speed can affect joint quality. humping Humping typically occurs when laser welding speed surpasses a critical threshold. webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) They focused on gyroid infill, an intricate, repeating internal structure commonly employed in additive manufacturing to minimize weight while preserving structural integrity.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99645 Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99645-umaine-engineers-develop-lighter-stronger-printed-parts 3D-printed object with a gyroid infill A new method can more accurately predict the strength of lightweight 3D-printed objects. testing gyroid sandwich specimens Engineers tested gyroid sandwich specimens in a four-point bending fixture. engineer inspecting a 3D-printed part By understanding the precise strength of gyroid-infilled structures, engineers can reduce material use. complex internal patterns in a 3D-printed part Complex internal patterns contribute to a printed part’s overall performance. sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) On Sept. 19, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that adds a $100,000 fee for new applicants for H-1B visas. The administration hopes the new fee will encourage employers to prioritize hiring domestic workers, but opponents warn that the policy could backfire.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99615 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99615-higher-fee-on-h1-b-visas-could-adversely-affect-manufacturers Tribal knowledge, such as a unique method of soldering a specific component, is often lost when an assembly line is transferred to another location.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99597 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99597-when-documented-work-instructions-dont-match-reality soldering a component onto a circuit board Tribal knowledge, such as a unique method of soldering a specific component, is often lost when an assembly line is transferred to another location.  electronics assembly Often, documented work instructions don’t match the way the job is actually being done on the floor. webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) California Polytechnic State University recently opened a state-of-the-art smart manufacturing facility dedicated to hands-on education and applied research in industrial automation and robotics.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99517 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99517-new-smart-manufacturing-lab-at-cal-poly-pomona-promotes-production Cal Poly Pomona’s Vy and Timothy Li Automation Lab Cal Poly Pomona’s new hands-on lab focuses on industrial automation, robotics and smart manufacturing. Six-axis robots at Vy and Timothy Li Automation Lab Six-axis robots enable students to learn about high-speed assembly and material handling applications. electromechanical and electropneumatic systems at PLC-controlled workstations Students experiment with electromechanical and electropneumatic systems at PLC-controlled workstations. sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) Lawmakers in every state in the union have filed legislation to ensure that consumers have access to the parts, tools, and documentation needed to repair their stuff. This year alone, right-to-repair legislation is being actively debated in 24 states.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99498 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99498-right-to-repair-laws-gain-momentum Assembly processes that were once relatively mundane, such as windshield installation, now require more effort and precision.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99459 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99459-adas-technology-increases-complexity-of-assembly assemblers installing a windshield Modern windshields frequently house forward-facing cameras, rain and light sensors, and perhaps even head-up display projectors. advanced driver assistance systems Ranging from lane-keeping assistance to automatic emergency braking, ADAS technologies rely on a network of sensors, cameras and sophisticated software. autonomous car Human expertise remains vital for configuring, calibrating and validating these ADAS technologies. sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) The proposal is intended to boost domestic manufacturing investment.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99370 Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99370-nam-proposes-manufacturing-investment-accelerator aerospace assembly Even if U.S. manufacturing was operating at full capacity, it could produce only 84 percent of the inputs necessary to meet demand. industrial robot The NAM argues that tariffs on industrial machinery, such as robots, that is not made in the U.S. are hindering growth of domestic manufacturing. webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Engineers at the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) are harnessing additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence technology to develop new ways to improve both the speed of production and the strength of titanium parts.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99328 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99328-artificial-intelligence-helps-make-titanium-more-useful Titanium Titanium has the highest strength to weight ratio of any metal. Photo courtesy Norsk Titanium using high-resolution imaging to optimize titanium alloys Engineers are using high-resolution imaging to optimize titanium alloys. Photo courtesy Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory arc melting Additive manufacturing, arc melting and artificial intelligence technology are used to develop next-generation applications for titanium. Photo courtesy Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) Accenture’s new report, Rethinking the Course to Manufacturing’s Future, shows that AI, automation and digital technologies will become increasingly important in manufacturing.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99274 Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99274-are-you-ready-for-the-future-asian-manufacturers-are autonomous mobile robots Autonomous mobile robots are among the “hyper-automation” technologies that could someday lead to “lights-out” factories. Photo courtesy Teradyne industrial production In the factories of the future, AI will govern industrial production in real-time and static production lines will be a thing of the past. Photo courtesy FANUC Corp. sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) The economy today is truly global. Tariffs would be great if the U.S. were the only source of certain goods, but we’re not.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99218 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99218-lets-talk-about-tariffs-effects-on-us-manufacturing BMW’s assembly plant in Spartanburg, SC BMW’s assembly plant in Spartanburg, SC, does business with some 400 suppliers across North America. Photo courtesy BMW BMW’s assembly plant in Spartanburg, SC BMW’s U.S. assembly plant contributes an estimated $26.7 billion to South Carolina’s economy and supports nearly 43,000 jobs, generating $3.1 billion in wages and salaries. Photo courtesy BMW webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Engineers at Rice University are developing next-generation wearable devices that are smarter, lighter weight and more flexible than current alternatives.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99199 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99199-wearable-tech-is-focus-of-rice-research-project engineers at Rice University Engineers at Rice University are developing next-generation wearables that are smarter, lighter weight and more flexible than current devices. Photo courtesy Rice University smart clothing Sheet-based fluidic technology can be used in wearable devices and smart clothing such as hoods. Photo courtesy Rice University wearable sleeve This wearable sleeve is made out of flexible smart fabrics embedded with sensors. Photo courtesy Rice University watch Watches and other wearable devices provide an easy way to monitor a variety of health conditions. Illustration courtesy TDK Corp. sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) Fully one-third of all U.S. manufacturing inputs come from Canada and Mexico.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99112 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99112-tariffs-will-hurt-us-manufacturing-more-than-help webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) LucidSim combines generative AI with physics simulators to enable a quadruped robot to learn from synthetic data rather than real-world experience.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99096 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99096-machine-dreams-help-mit-engineers-teach-robot-dog-new-tricks quadruped robot learns from synthetic data Combining generative AI with physics simulators enables a quadruped robot to learn from synthetic data rather than real-world experience. Photo courtesy MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory quadruped robot learns parkour This robot derives its parkour behavior from reinforcement learning. Photo courtesy MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Engineers at the University of Virginia (UVA) have created a more efficient way to optimize manufacturing systems, improving both speed and quality while reducing waste.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99005 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99005-university-of-virginia-tackles-ai-in-manufacturing automotive manufacturing One of the key benefits of AI is enhanced efficiency and productivity. Photo courtesy General Motors automotive manufacturing Artificial intelligence technology can identify inefficiencies in production processes and suggest improvements, leading to faster production cycles and reduced costs. Photo courtesy General Motors automotive manufacturing AI-enabled robots ensure consistent quality and reduce automation costs. Photo courtesy General Motors automotive manufacturing Artificial intelligence enhanced tools can help optimize manual assembly lines. Photo courtesy General Motors sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) A poll asked Koreans what they would prefer to be: an automotive assembler with a high school degree earning a good salary or an office worker with a liberal arts degree earning less. Some 76 percent chose the automotive job.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99004 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:04:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99004-thoughts-on-old-timers-tribal-knowledge-and-manufacturing-jobs sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) We offer some New Year’s resolutions for manufacturers. What are yours?

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98968 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:03:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98968-new-years-resolutions-for-manufacturers sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) On Oct. 1, longshoremen went on strike for the first time in nearly 50 years. The main sticking point was, of course, money. Also high on the list of issues is the use of automation in the ports and its impact on jobs.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98946 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98946-automation-and-jobs-the-debate-continues While most EVs are designed to handle inclement weather, flooding poses unique challenges that can lead to battery failures and even safety hazards.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98942 Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:30:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98942-water-and-ev-batteries-dont-mix EV battery compartments EV battery compartments must be sealed against water, dirt and other contaminants. Photo courtesy Sika Automotive EV inspection If your EV has been exposed to flood waters, have it inspected by a professional before attempting to drive it. Photo: PointImages / Getty Images webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) A new R&D initiative hopes to improve the dexterity of machines and enhance human-robot interaction.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98868 Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:15:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98868-research-focuses-on-developing-versatile-robotic-hand human-robot interaction A new R&D initiative hopes to improve the dexterity of machines and enhance human-robot interaction. Illustration courtesy Texas A&M University robotic soldering Many assembly tasks, such as soldering, will benefit from new types of robotic grasping devices. Photo courtesy Northwestern University multifunctional materials provide both actuation and sensing capabilities Engineers are developing multifunctional materials that provide both actuation and sensing capabilities. Illustration courtesy Carnegie Mellon University robotic gripping The HAND project is focusing on intelligent and versatile grasping, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Photo courtesy Northwestern University sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) The rapid economic recovery, the tight labor market, and high inflation have shifted power to workers who are organized. 

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98852 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:04:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98852-are-unions-making-a-comeback sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) Rethink’s new portfolio seems more mature, straightforward and targeted at manufacturers.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98832 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 12:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98832-rethink-robotics-returns-to-the-manufacturing-marketplace webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) An innovative 3D printing method streamlines multimaterial manufacturing.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98767 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98767-university-of-missouri-develops-new-assembly-process Freeform Multi-material Assembly Process A new production process combines elements of traditional 3D printing with laser technology to develop multimaterial, multifunctional products. Photo courtesy University of Missouri Freeform Multi-material Assembly Process The new process can be used to create a variety of products, including multi-layered sensors, printed circuit boards and textiles embedded with electronic components. Photo courtesy University of Missouri electrodes printed inside of a plastic material These electrodes were printed inside of a plastic material. Photo courtesy University of Missouri sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) As employers look to close skills gaps and hire talent that meets the needs of today’s businesses, educators and employers have an opportunity to further align and develop learning programs focused on employability.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98748 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98748-educators-and-manufacturers-must-work-together-to-solve-the-skills-gap