Are the Days of the Standard Industrial Robot Numbered?
Posted by Craig Tomita
Absolutely not. Industrial robots do what they are designed to do extremely well. High speed, high repeatability, heavy payloads, and more. There are many reasons why industrial robots are here to stay. True they are dangerous which is why they are behind guarding to protect workers from injury. But, it is also important to note that most small and medium-sized manufacturers don’t have applications that require all of the capabilities that industrial robots have to offer: large quantities of the same product, high speed, and heavy payloads. In fact, with limited available floor space, many small and medium-sized manufacturers probably couldn’t accommodate a standard industrial robot in the first place. But a CoBot is more an extension of their human workers. CoBots are not a replacement for standard industrial robots, but an exciting new subset of industrial robots that is augmentative and a door-opener for the small and medium-sized manufacturer.
Read MoreTopics: Advanced Robotic Manufacturing, Robotics in Manufacturing
How Star Wars Inspired the Future of Robotics in Manufacturing
Posted by Steven Brand
In a galaxy far, far away…
Well, how far exactly?
The technological advancements in the Star Wars universe may seem to be the stuff of fantasy. While Death Stars, droid armies, and flying starfighters are still just Hollywood creations, real world robotics have made epic advancements since Episode IV first debuted in 1977 (under the original title of Star Wars, of course).
Read MoreTopics: robotics, robots, Advanced Robotic Manufacturing, Future of Manufacturing, Robotics in Manufacturing
Machine Vision Promises Nearly Flawless Quality Control
Robots are capable of incredible feats well beyond human abilities: Guinness World Records recognizes the Fanuc Corporation’s M-2000iA/2300 Super Heavy Payload Robot as the world’s strongest, capable of moving objects that weigh more than 5,000 pounds.
Strength has long made robots a staple of assembly lines, where their immense power transcends human limitations. But companies are discovering that robots can be leveraged not just to overcome human physical limitations, but mental limitations as well.
Read MoreTopics: Robotics in Manufacuring, Advanced Robotic Manufacturing, Machine Vision, Artificial Intelligence
Today's Top 6 Manufacturing Topics
Posted by Steven Brand
The manufacturing industry has been making rapid advancements in recent years, paving the way for cutting-edge technologies. With each new innovation, manufacturing gets more efficient and more precise, leading to the cost-effective production of safer and higher-quality products. But despite common perception, not all advancements are just for the manufacturing giants; today, many small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) are able to take advantage of them too. Here’s a look at a handful of recent technologies and topics trending now within the manufacturing industry.
Read MoreTopics: Additive Manufacturing, Exporting, Advanced Robotic Manufacturing, Nanomanufacturing, Flexible Hybrid Electronics, Sustainable Manufacturing
The Drive Toward Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
Posted by Steven Brand
While manufacturers have traditionally been hesitant to invest in their operations due to cost, a recent National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) survey of more than 500 manufacturers reveals that 65% plan to increase capital spending in the coming years. Where is the money going to go? Experts predict most manufacturers will look toward revamping their facilities in order to adapt to the demands of today’s digital world.
Read MoreTopics: 3D Printing, Smart Manufacturing, Advanced Robotic Manufacturing, Internet of Things, IoT, digital transformation
The 3 Biggest Myths About Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing
Posted by Steven Brand
Robotics has come a long way from when they first hit factory floors in the early 1960s. Today’s robots are more intelligent and versatile, and able to go to work with little to no human intervention. And, like anything that’s not fully understood, the rapid advancement and adoption of robotics has produced everything from the fear of "they’re taking over!" to the fear of "we're missing out and we can’t afford them."
Read MoreTopics: robotics, Robotics in Manufacuring, Advanced Robotic Manufacturing
The New Industrial Revolution: Advanced Robotic Manufacturing
Posted by Steven Brand
The manufacturing industry in the U.S. is ripe for a new industrial revolution, and artificial intelligence and robotic automation are set to play a key role in that change. Because manufacturing is a major driving force in a nation’s economic prosperity, it is especially important that small and medium-sized manufacturers pay close attention as these innovative technologies prepare to take center stage.
Read MoreTopics: Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution, Advanced Robotic Manufacturing