Delta Systems uses more than 20 Epson robots for pick and place, assembly, dispensing and soldering operations.

Transportation—moving parts or assemblies from place to place in a factory—is one of the seven wastes specified in the principles of lean manufacturing. Transportation does not add value.

Machine tending is, by far, the most popular application for collaborative robots. It’s a perfect fit for a cobot’s unique ability to work alongside or together with people without safety fencing.

By some estimates, 90 percent of wire harness assembly tasks are done manually. As a result, harness assemblers are at risk of occupational health problems due to repetitiveness and awkward postures. 

Manufacturers in Germany, like those in the United States, are coping with three major issues: a highly dynamic market, increasing competition due to globalization, and a shortage of skilled workers. 

Whether you’re chopping vegetables for soup, pruning a tree in the back yard, or filleting a freshly caught fish during a camping trip, a sharp blade is vital for efficiency, quality and safety.

Inside a former auto parts factory in Buffalo, NY, Jon M. Williams is making plans to create a renewable energy trailblazer.

Renault Group’s Douai factory in northern France has assembled more than 10 million gas-powered vehicles over the last five decades.

Every industrial revolution has eliminated old jobs and created new ones. In many cases, manufacturers weren’t aware that these new jobs were even necessary. To succeed in this age of Industry 4.0, manufacturers will need to do more than just develop a workforce capable of dealing with upcoming technologies, they will need to foster a workplace culture of problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Automated assembly and advanced manufacturing are industry hot topic themes we delve into on our podcast, ASSEMBLY Audible. On a recent ASSEMBLY Audible episode, we connected with celebrated engineer and digital content creator Jousef Murad to discuss where AI fits in the current scope and future of manufacturing.