Numerous statistics suggest that the majority of companies in a variety of sectors intend to increase their use of automation and robots. Seventy per cent of US companies are planning changes to their operations, with 37% planning to bring production back in-house and 33% looking to offshore and move their operations closer to home. ABB’s
The production of high-quality structural elements can undergo a revolution thanks to “robotic blacksmithing“. Metamorphic production combines the precision and control of machines and robotic systems with the gradual deformation of a blacksmith. A group of undergraduate students at Ohio State University demonstrated the fundamental idea of robotic blacksmithing, formally known as metamorphic manufacturing, in
The Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria is working on a project investigating the development of 3D printed concrete parts for construction. The project on additive manufacturing of concrete elements using robots (COEBRO) is investigating resource efficiency in the use of concrete with 3D printing. A multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers and materials
A solid-state joining technique called friction stir welding creates full contact joints with exceptional integrity. There is no need for external filler materials, flux or shielding gases for friction stir welding. All in-process control and quality control is automated, the process is fully repeatable and machine controlled. How does it work? When two workpieces rotate
To help companies address the welder shortage, ABB has introduced OmniVance FlexArc Compact, a new, more compact welding system with greater flexibility, simplicity and better integration. This revolutionary system helps fabricators maximise space because it occupies the smallest footprint in its class. It also allows flexibility because it can accommodate up to four additional robots
Through the monitoring of important assets and the elimination of repetitive and routine tasks, the integration of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) has helped companies to better regulate their operations. Traditionally, IT and OT have been created independently, making it impossible to use operations and production data for better workflow optimisation and well-planned
It can keep up with the ever-increasing quality demands on machined workpieces through the use of automation. At the same time, you maintain flexibility in the ever-shortening gaps between technical advances. Productivity gains will allow you to effectively combat the ongoing price slump, without sacrificing quality. Even the tightest deadlines can be met with ease
Robotic welding innovations have had many beneficial effects on production. Welding settings can be monitored and improved without any downtime with the appropriate hardware and software. Modern welding processes now offer flexibility and productivity thanks to advanced automation and programming capabilities. Robotic welding is now commonly used in production contexts due to today’s sophisticated computational
Machine Tending is a term used in the industrial sector to describe the “care and attention of machines”. The metalworking industry, and more especially machining processes, is one of the industries with the highest demand for automated applications. These processes are repetitive and involve medium to long batches. As a result, companies want solutions that
Paint robots fine-tune the spraying of paint or adhesives, bringing clear benefits. The long-term use of robotic automation helps industries save on materials and costs by establishing a safer working environment and delivering consistent end quality. A slim-arm, compact robot design with high speed and six axes is perfect for a successful paint application. Product
