Will Automation and Robots Change the World? April 3, 2018 I’ve had quite a month, again, covering clever software and gadgets that continue to inch their way into performing tasks once reserved for humans. These tasks range from mundane material handling to highly skilled engineering design. It has made me think quite a bit about how our world of manufacturing and engineering will be affected by all this artificial cleverness.
How Small Shops Can Go Digital — Economically! April 4, 2018 In the early days at CNC Software, we saw that our Mastercam CAD/CAM system was only part of a larger manufacturing solution and that an open architecture foundation could allow seamless data communication with complementary devices and systems across the shop floor.
Streamlining Processes at Small, Medium-Sized Manufacturers with ERP Software February 8, 2018 ECi services a multitude of industries, but we presently have four products that service manufacturing and what FABTECH attendees would be focused on: these include Macola, Max, JobBoss, and M1, which is the product I represent.
Keeping Manufacturing Assets Safe in the Cloud November 28, 2017 With the right cloud-based security tools, manufacturers can lock down and seal off factory-floor equipment from would-be hackers
Smart Control and HMI Software Designs Help Engineers Build New Networks for the IIoT October 12, 2017 Parker Hannifin’s Marissa Tucker talks with Senior Editor Patrick Waurzyniak
SME Chief Warns of ‘Silver Tsunami’ Facing Manufacturing October 10, 2017 Manufacturing faces an even larger shortage of skilled workers as older employees retire over the next few years, the head of SME said in a speech today.
Heading Off the Inevitable Hack Attack October 10, 2017 Manufacturers must wrestle with the “Black Hats” of the cyberworld in order to keep processes secure
With Heavy Vehicles, Self-Driving Is Old Hat October 9, 2017 The auto industry’s biggest current focus is self-driving cars. Established automakers as well as technology companies such as Apple Inc.
CMMs Stake Their Claim September 6, 2017 An eternal truth is that manufacturing will always push the limits on cost, performance, and especially quality. “Tolerances never get looser, they always get tighter,” remarked Gene Hancz, product specialist, CMM of Mitutoyo America Corp. (Aurora, IL).
Robots, Shop Personnel Collaborate, Maximizing Synergy and Safety September 11, 2017 Efficient manufacturing calls for coordinated systems of shop personnel, equipment and software. These systems increasingly include robotic technology, as manufacturers recognize the reliability, repeatability and flexibility that robots provide. According to the International Federation of Robotics, the number of industrial robots in use worldwide will increase to around 2.6 million by 2019, about one million more than in 2015. Approximately 70% of industrial robots are used in the automotive, electrical/electronics and metal and machinery industries.