https://www.assemblymag.com/rss/2651-on-campus 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. The Baja SAE Carolina competition is a pinnacle event in automotive engineering, offering university students a unique platform to design, build, test and race rugged off-road vehicles.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99151 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:03:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99151-off-road-competition-forges-next-generation-of-automotive-engineers 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 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 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 webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Boston University recently opened its Robotics and Autonomous Systems Teaching and Innovation Center (RASTIC) where students can design, build and test a wide range of robots to solve real-world problems.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98612 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98612-bu-enables-students-to-gain-hands-on-robotics-insight teacher assisting student with robotics project Boston University’s new state-of-the-art facility enables students to design, build and test a wide range of robots to solve real-world problems. Photo courtesy Boston University/MassTech presenting a robotics project The goal of RASTIC is to keep the Massachusetts robotics industry at the leading edge. Photo courtesy Boston University/MassTech robotics playroom at Boston University's RASTIC facility A robotics “playroom” allows students to conduct experiments with autonomous ground and air vehicles. Photo courtesy Boston University/MassTech build area at Boston University's RASTIC facility A “build area” enables students to collaborate, take robots apart and create their own devices. Photo courtesy Boston University/MassTech soft robotics Boston University is a leader in the field of soft robots, which are used for an increasing number of medical applications. Photo courtesy Boston University/MassTech undergrads working on capstone projects RASTIC is designed to support the education of graduate students, but also provide a maker space for undergrads working on capstone projects. Photo courtesy Boston University/MassTech webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) The BattChallenge tasks 12 universities, along with their vocational school partners, to design, build, test and integrate an advanced lithium-ion battery into a Stellantis electric vehicle.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98386 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98386-battchallenge-fosters-next-generation-ev-engineers BattChallenge The BattChallenge tasks 12 teams from the U.S. and Canada to design, build, test and integrate an advanced lithium-ion battery into an electric vehicle. Photo courtesy Argonne National Laboratory workshop During the three-year competition, student will participate in fall and spring workshops, plus a year-end meeting. Photo courtesy Argonne National Laboratory hands-on training for the battery and electric vehicle industry Students from universities and vocational schools are receiving valuable hand-on training that will help them pursue careers in the battery and electric vehicle industry. Photo courtesy Argonne National Laboratory webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Developing the next generation of manufacturing engineers requires new types of hands-on education. That’s why Purdue Polytechnic’s School of Engineering Technology (SoET) recently built a state-of-the-art facility that features cutting-edge production equipment.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98267 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98267-smart-factory-lab-brings-automation-to-life-at-purdue Smart Factory Lab The Smart Factory Lab features an automated assembly cell and six “connected worker” cells (foreground). Photo courtesy Purdue University Smart Factory Lab Purdue professors can program in flaws on purpose, which allows students to find problems and make necessary improvements. Photo by Austin Weber Smart Factory Lab The assembly line is educational, but uses collaborative robots and other types of real-world manufacturing technology. Photo by Austin Weber Smart Factory Lab The automated portion of the assembly line features six-axis and SCARA robots. Photo courtesy Purdue University Smart Factory Lab A flexible bowl feeder sorts wheels and other components. Photo by Austin Weber webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) A new “direct joining” method recently developed at the University of Michigan can be used to attach a variety of plastic and metal components.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98136 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98136-new-michigan-method-joins-dissimilar-materials direct welding A new “direct welding” process can join a variety of plastic and metal parts. Photo courtesy University of Michigan direct welding The right combination of heat and pressure causes the carbon and oxygen in plastic to bond with metal. Photo courtesy University of Michigan direct welding Direct welding can be used with different material types and thicknesses. Illustration courtesy University of Michigan direct welding Many automotive parts, such as liftgates, can be assembled with direct welding. Photo courtesy General Motors direct welding The direct welding process produces consistent joints and is easy to automate. Photo courtesy University of Michigan webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Engineers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are using aluminum to improve lithium-ion batteries.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98006 Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/98006-georgia-tech-develops-safer-cheaper-more-powerful-batteries battery manufacturing Georgia Tech engineers are developing a safer, cheaper and more powerful alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Photo courtesy Georgia Institute of Technology aluminum foil battery Aluminum foil can create batteries with higher energy density and greater stability than traditional lithium-ion devices. Photo courtesy Georgia Institute of Technology solid-state battery This solid-state battery could be used to power next-generation electric vehicles. Photo courtesy Georgia Institute of Technology webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) A mobile robot built by engineers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) will reach the Moon before NASA astronauts.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97902 Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97902-carnegie-mellon-students-shoot-for-the-moon mission control center Students will control and monitor Iris from a mission control center set up on CMU’s campus. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University carbon-fiber composite body Iris features a carbon-fiber composite body about the size of a shoebox and wheels that are designed to survive the harsh lunar environment. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University flight computer The core of Iris contains a flight computer and a power system that’s integrated with various cameras, sensors, motors and wire harnesses. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University Students built a cleanroom Students built a cleanroom to assemble their lunar rover. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University Iris Iris is designed and built to survive the stark lunar landscape. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University Engineers tested electronic emissions Engineers tested electronic emissions to ensure that they do not interfere with other payloads. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University The Iris Rover The Iris Rover underwent rigorous vibration testing. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University engineers conducted a series of physical tests In addition to numerous simulations, engineers conducted a series of physical tests. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University MoonRanger MoonRanger is an autonomous, solar-powered vehicle that is scheduled to deploy sometime later this year. Photo courtesy Carnegie Mellon University webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) As any college football fan knows, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) takes sports seriously, with numerous gridiron rivalries. An engineering professor at the University of Tennessee has come up with a way to transfer some of that competitive spirit to the world of manufacturing.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97784 Thu, 04 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97784-sec-competition-turns-manufacturing-into-a-team-sport asb0523campus1.jpg The inaugural SEC Machining Competition featured student teams from Auburn, Mississippi State, Tennessee and Texas A&M. Photo courtesy University of Tennessee asb0523campus2.jpg Engineers used CNC machine tools to create an aluminum quadrant of the SEC logo. Photo courtesy Auburn University asb0523campus3.jpg Each team was judged on criteria such as machining cost and part accuracy. Photo courtesy Auburn University asb0523campus4.jpg Variables that judges looked for included dimensional accuracy, smoothness, speed and surface finish. Photo courtesy University of Tennessee asb0523campus5.jpg Numerous organizations hosted booths at the event to interact with competition participants. Photo courtesy Auburn University asb0523campus6.jpg The inaugural SEC Machining Competition was won by the University of Tennessee in a closely fought contest. Photo courtesy University of Tennessee webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) The future of the automotive industry involves autonomous, connected, zero-emission vehicles. 

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97663 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97663-new-uc-irvine-institute-focuses-on-mobility-and-connectivity asb0323campus1.jpg The vehicle evolution lab studies the performance of zero-emission drivetrain components, such as batteries, electric motors and hydrogen fuel cell stacks. Photo courtesy University of California, Irvine asb0323campus2.jpg UCI engineers conduct research on both batteries and fuel cells. Photos courtesy University of California, Irvine asb0323campus3.jpg Autonomous technology and connected systems are also studied at the state-of-the-art facility. Illustration courtesy University of California, Irvine asb0323campus4.jpg The Horiba Institute for Mobility and Connectivity2 is housed in a new facility within UCI’s Engineering Gateway building. Photo courtesy University of California, Irvine asb0323campus5.jpg The vehicle evolution lab features a two-wheel dynamometer and environmental test chambers. Photo courtesy University of California, Irvine asb0323campus6.jpg Many types of battery and fuel cell systems are studied in HIMaC2 labs. Illustration courtesy University of California, Irvine asb0323campus7.jpg HIMaC2 is equipped with a variety of analytical instruments and measurement equipment. Illustration courtesy University of California, Irvine webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) For more than 120 years, racing has been used to improve the performance and safety of automobiles. Along the way, numerous innovations developed for use on the race track have trickled down to road cars. That tradition continues today, as engineers push the boundaries of autonomous systems technology.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97571 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97571-penn-program-promotes-scaled-down-autonomous-vehicle-racing asb0123campus1.jpg Each F1TENTH team uses a standardized chassis that includes a battery, controller, motor, drivetrain and wheels. Photo courtesy University of Pennsylvania asb0123campus2.jpg Students add cameras, lidar and other sensors that enable autonomous operation. Illustration courtesy University of Pennsylvania asb0123campus3.jpg By focusing on a racing environment, students learn how to develop self-driving algorithms that operate on the edge of vehicle dynamics. Photo courtesy University of Pennsylvania webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Manufacturing in the age of Industry 4.0, digitally connected machines and smart factories require a new breed of engineers who are equipped with a fresh set of skills. That’s why Arizona State University recently launched the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97488 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97488-new-program-at-arizona-state-focuses-on-next-generation-manufacturing asb1122campus1.jpg The goal of the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks is to develop the next generation of engineers. Photo courtesy Arizona State University asb1122campus2.jpg Hands-on learning exposes students to real-world manufacturing issues and challenges. Photo courtesy Arizona State University asb1122campus3.jpg Students learn how digital twins play an important role in manufacturing applications. Photo courtesy Arizona State University asb1122campus4.jpg Collaborative robots enable students to learn about state-of-the-art automation. Photo courtesy Arizona State University webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Overheating is one of the biggest challenges facing engineers developing new types of battery technology. Too much thermal activity can reduce performance, cause malfunctions and increase the risk of fires and other serious problems in electric vehicles.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97319 Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97319-drexel-cooling-system-takes-heat-off-ev-batteries asb0922campus1.jpg Structural batteries could help reduce the weight of electric vehicles. Illustration courtesy Drexel University asb0922campus2.jpg Thermal management plays an important role in structural battery composites and microvascular composites. Illustration courtesy Drexel University asb0922campus3.jpg Sandwiching structural batteries between layers of cooling microvascular composites can stabilize their temperature during use. Illustration courtesy Drexel University webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Traditionally, electric traction motors use permanent magnets made with rare-earth metals. However, materials such as dysprosium and neodymium are a limited resource.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97195 Sun, 31 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97195-pitt-engineers-explore-next-generation-electric-motor-technology asb0722campus1.jpg Traditionally, electric traction motors use permanent magnets made with rare-earth metals. Photo courtesy BorgWarner Inc. asb0722campus2.jpg Using alternative materials to create a permanent magnet instead of rare-earth metals would make electric vehicles more affordable, accessible and sustainable. Photo courtesy Rivian Automotive Inc. asb0722campus3.jpg Permanent magnets are used in electric motors because they can produce and maintain a strong magnetic field. Photo courtesy General Motors asb0722campus4.jpg This motor developed in Germany does not require rare-earth elements. Photo courtesy Mahle GmbH asb0722campus5.jpg The Advanced Magnetics for Power and Energy Development consortium hopes to commercialize next-generation electric motor technology within the next five years. Photo courtesy University of Pittsburgh webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) If you're trying to lose weight, some types of sandwiches are good. In particular, structural sandwiches are popular with engineers engaged in vehicle lightweighting efforts, because they can produce subassemblies that are both light and stiff.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97046 Thu, 12 May 2022 14:17:25 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/97046-siu-project-to-develop-new-ways-to-print-structural-sandwiches on-campus1.jpg Additive manufacturing may hold the key to both increased efficiency and better quality structural sandwiches, especially when combined with triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) architecture. Photo courtesy Southern Illinois University on-campus3.jpg Sabrina Nilufar, Ph.D., is working on ways to more easily and efficiently construct sandwich materials using additive manufacturing technology. Photo courtesy Southern Illinois University on-campus2.jpg The topology of the sandwich’s middle, or core, has a major impact on the overall performance of the structure, in terms of weight, strength, thermal properties and other factors. Illustration courtesy Sabrina Nilufar/Southern Illinois University on-campus4.jpg TPMS architecture uses complex geometries found in nature to improve strength and weight ratios. Illustration courtesy Sabrina Nilufar/Southern Illinois University webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96938 Tue, 22 Mar 2022 10:50:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96938-new-alabama-initiative-focuses-on-workforce-development webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96837 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 09:54:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96837-technical-university-of-munich-races-into-av-history Technical University of Munich Races Into AV History The Technical University of Munich beat eight other teams to win the recent Indy Autonomous Challenge. Photo by Austin Weber Technical University of Munich Races Into AV History This driverless race car recorded a two-lap average speed of 135.944 mph around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Photo by Austin Weber Technical University of Munich Races Into AV History Driverless Indy race cars rely on state-of-the-art cameras, lidar sensors, GPS receivers and radar sensors. Photo by Austin Weber Technical University of Munich Races Into AV History German engineering students developed software to control perception, prediction and tracking at high speeds. Photo by Austin Weber Technical University of Munich Races Into AV History The winning car zoomed across the famous yard of bricks finish line at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Photo courtesy Technical University of Munich Technical University of Munich Races Into AV History The Technical University of Munich team captured the $1 million grand prize in the recent Indy Autonomous Challenge. Photo courtesy Technical University of Munich webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Milwaukee is home to a variety of leading manufacturers, including A.O. Smith, Briggs & Stratton, GE Healthcare, Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, Komatsu Mining, Master Lock, Modine and Rexnord. It's also home to an organization that's at the forefront of Industry 4.0 research.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96819 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96819-uwm-connected-systems-institute-focuses-on-digital-manufacturing UWM Connected Systems Institute Focuses on Digital Manufacturing The Connected Systems Institute is developing new ways to integrate digital technologies into next-generation manufacturing. Photo courtesy University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee UWM Connected Systems Institute Focuses on Digital Manufacturing Students can experiment with several different types of robots, including delta, SCARA and six-axis machines. Photo courtesy University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96711 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96711-penn-state-rd-effort-leads-to-new-class-of-high-flying-batteries Penn State R&D Effort Leads to New Class of High-Flying Batteries All-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are a cross between flying cars and personal helicopters. Photo courtesy Archer Aviation Inc. Penn State R&D Effort Leads to New Class of High-Flying Batteries Thermally modulated batteries are heated to 140 F to boost power density and recharging speed. Illustration courtesy EC Power LLC webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96483 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96483-ford-university-of-michigan-team-up-on-robotics-research Ford, University of Michigan Team Up on Robotics Research The Ford Robotics Building at the University of Michigan features 134,000 square feet of space. Photo courtesy Ford Motor Co. Ford, University of Michigan Team Up on Robotics Research Mobile robots, such as this bipedal walking machine that mimics human movement, are being studied by engineering students. Photo courtesy University of Michigan Ford, University of Michigan Team Up on Robotics Research The Ford Robotics Building houses robots in all shapes and sizes. Photo courtesy Ford Motor Co. Ford, University of Michigan Team Up on Robotics Research Drones and other autonomous aerial vehicles can be tested indoors or outdoors. Photo courtesy University of Michigan Ford, University of Michigan Team Up on Robotics Research Robots such as this four-legged machine that resembles a dog may be deployed in future assembly line applications. Photo courtesy Ford Motor Co.