Automation

A research initiative to improve the quality and productivity of the construction industry using robotic technology has received more than half a million dollars from the Australian Research Council. Professor Yu Bai from Monash University’s Department of Civil Engineering will lead an interdisciplinary team from seven Australian universities to develop a one-of-a-kind facility centred on … Continue reading Construction industry gets automated at new Monash University facility →

The trade of welding conjures up images of dirty, dark workshops full to the brim with traditional tools and machinery prone to throwing off sparks and fumes. But, with the advent of automation, robots, co-bots and a range of other advanced welding technologies, this perception is becoming more and more outdated. Welding is a far … Continue reading Welding 4.0: The future of industry →

It’s been a rollercoaster couple of months for manufacturing in Australia, with the Australian Government promising over $1.5 billion to modernise the sector and create new markets and industries to accelerate the COVID-19 recovery, with many organisations already re-tooling their operations to produce new products. This is an exciting time for Australia’s manufacturing future. It’s … Continue reading Balancing robotic risks and rewards in manufacturing →

New technologies, including Industry 4.0, are changing the world, perhaps more rapidly now than before the pandemic. Industry is urged to understand and engage with new technology and materials and team up with researchers to gain a market edge. However, SMEs in particular can feel overwhelmed by universities and research institutions. It can be hard … Continue reading Accessing world-class manufacturing innovation →

ASX-listed company Kleos Space has been awarded a contract for a multinational data project coordinated by Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) and the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The Micro-Satellite Military Utility Project (MSMU Project) is an agreement under the Responsive Space Capabilities Memorandum of Understanding, and involves the Departments and Ministries of … Continue reading Kleos Space secures contract for micro-satellite military utility project →

Industrial robots are commonplace in factories because they provide an effective alternative to manual workers for repetitive, high-volume assembly line tasks. The machines can continuously repeat high-precision tasks for many years with only the occasional interruption for routine maintenance. Boosted productivity ensures a return on the initial high capital investment. But relatively low-cost human workers … Continue reading Collaborative robots: designing for productivity and safety →

Universal Robots will be hosting a series of insightful, live webinar for its partners, system integrators and end users in both New Zealand and Australia during May 2020. There has never been a better time to deploy cobotics in your organisation and these webinars are designed to welcome you to the world of cobots. Safe, … Continue reading Universal Robots to host a series of interactive webinars in May →

Use of collaborative robots (cobots) are forecasted to grow in Australia. Manufacturers’ Monthly spoke to Universal Robots about how automation will improve production lines. In Australia, cobots have traditionally found their largest markets in food and beverage and general manufacturing. Human workers and cobots have worked side by side for duties such as machine tending, … Continue reading Cobots to help Australian businesses adapt →

The robust components IO-Link temperature sensor, plug-in power supply with interchangeable adapter, Ethernet and sensor cable ensure fast and user-friendly connection of the automation technology to the IT world. 4-port IO-Link master with IoT core and MQTT interface Start-up package for IoT applications for download IO-Link parameter setting software “LR DEVICE” on USB stick Including … Continue reading Starter kit 4-port IO-Link master with IoT core and MQTT interface →

Over 60 per cent of Australia’s manufacturing jobs will potentially be impacted by automation technologies over the next 15 years, according to a new report. Thirty per cent of existing manufacturing jobs will be totally automated and 33 per cent of jobs in the sector will be augmented by technological change by 2034, according to … Continue reading Automation to transform manufacturing employment landscape by 2034 →

Caltex Australia has topped the list of Australia’s leading manufacturers for 2020 for the second consecutive year, with this year’s ‘Top 100’ reflective of Australia’s investments in advanced manufacturing, reputation for high-quality production and the depreciation of the dollar. The list consists of 29 ASX-listed companies and 37 locally owned companies, according to the Advanced … Continue reading Australia’s top 100 manufacturers for 2020 revealed →

The UR10 collaborative robot (cobot) from Universal Robots (UR) is the most deployed model in both Australia and New Zealand. Boasting a large payload of 10kg and a long reach capability of 1300 mm, the UR10 is a worthy investment thanks to its versatility, long service life and its ability to adapt to various application … Continue reading Cobots set to improve local manufacturing →

A Queensland high school has opened up a $4.7 million Centre for Excellence in Automation and Robotics, which will operate in partnership with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the educational arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). “The establishment of this $4.7 million Centre reinforces the importance of investing in skills for the … Continue reading Centre for Excellence in Automation and Robotics opens in Queensland →

Perth will soon to be home to a national consortium aiming to capitalise on locally developed robotic technologies for space exploration, such as mining for water on the moon. The venture could inject $200 million per year into the local economy in five years’ time according to PwC’s estimates. The not-for-profit consortium AROSE (Australian Remote … Continue reading Perth makes bid for slice of new generation space race pie →

Universal Robots (UR) are launching a financial services leasing program alongside global finance company DLL, in order to give Australian manufacturers immediate access to the “collaborative robots” (cobots) they manufacture without upfront capital investment.  The partnership between the automation solutions manufacturer and the financial services company enables all manufacturers, regardless of size or capital equipment … Continue reading Universal Robots is levelling the automation playing field →

With 2020 set to be another big year for the automation industry, automation technologies manufacturer, SMC, are launching a Dynamic Technology Show to showcase their latest  range. “Pressing issues such as climate change and government regulations around Health and Safety require companies to continuously evolve. The need for smarter, safer, quieter products with a small … Continue reading SMC launches event to showcase automation technologies range →

French aerospace manufacturer Airbus has purchased industrial automation company, MTM Robotics, located in the US. Airbus already utilises MTM’s light automated robotics systems at its manufacturing facilities, however, the purchase will enable a closer collaboration said MTM founder, Mike Woogerd. “We are pleased and excited to become a part of the Airbus family and look … Continue reading Aerospace manufacturer pursues robotics integration →

Australian explosives manufacturer for mining and civil applications, Orica, has partnered with Swedish mining equipment company Epiroc to automate the delivery of blasting technology. The two companies will collaborate to create a semi-automated explosives delivery system. By automating the delivery of explosives, the companies hope to make mining safer and more productive, particularly in underground … Continue reading Partnership to automate drilling and blasting →

RoboHelix’s flight from garage to global has been driven by a symbiotic partnership. Manufacturers’ Monthly explains. The journey of a start-up, from basement to IPO, has become the corporate myth of the 21st century. The break-neck trajectory is one that many seek to emulate, but few fully understand the trials and tribulations involved. Indeed, the … Continue reading Collaboration key to a successful start-up →

The intention of consumers to adopt automated cars is the focus of research being presented at the Australasian Road Safety Conference. Associate professor, Ioni Lewis from Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland (CRRS-Q) has found that attitudes towards Level 4 automated cars differ between countries. Covering cars that are … Continue reading Research probes community attitudes to self-driving cars →