Manufacturers looking to take their operations to the next level often look to automation and robotics to make it happen. This is understandable, for such technology can cost-effectively increase throughput, optimize assembly and testing processes, improve product quality and decrease labor costs.

When it comes to automotive assembly, sometimes a one-solution-fits-all approach is the best one. Just ask the designers and assemblers at Local Motors, an American motor vehicle company located in Phoenix.

A manufacturer never achieves success completely on its own. Every company, to some extent, needs help from equipment suppliers, machine builders and integrators.

On the water, yachts and superyachts are wonderful to look at and be aboard. But, in the factory, these vessels present a major assembly challenge: Accurately positioning, aligning and joining the large, composite components of the hull.

An increased concern for personal appearance is leading to an increased need for razors in a big way. In fact, researchers are projecting the global razor market to surpass $22 billion by 2030.

Every process change made by a manufacturer brings with it one or more unique challenges. Consider, for example, the challenges involved when switching from manual or pneumatic presses to servo models for low-force-pressing applications.

For many automotive Tier 1 suppliers, tracking their inventory is sometimes as challenging as manufacturing the parts themselves. Westin, WI-based Precision Replacement Parts (PRP) can attest to this statement.

Bottlenecks can occur anywhere on the production line. A common place for this problem to occur is the 90-degree corner, where products usually fail to move as efficiently and quickly as they do on straightaways.

The pace at which artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a mainstream technology in manufacturing is quite impressive. Companies in many industries use AI daily to optimize assembly processes, perform predictive maintenance, improve part and product quality through enhanced vision inspection, and increase data cybersecurity.

Technical universities are often taken for granted in their development of manufacturing technology. Thankfully, this is not the case in Germany.