Automation

Automation trailblazers – collaborative robots, or cobots – are unleashing their potential across an array of applications commonly carried out on the factory floor.   

The panel building and switchgear manufacturing sector needs comprehensive digitalisation and automation if it is to keep pace with the demands of smart factories and Industry 4.0.

The manufacturing world is facing increased challenges like labour shortages, material costs, transportation delays and low stocks, due to the current crisis. To add to that, is the emphasis on raising energy efficiency and lowering the carbon footprint, centring on climate solutions that simplify complex cooling needs through automation and connectivity.  

The extensive portfolio of Functional Safety Devices from SEW-EURODRIVE, is part of the MOVI-C® modular system portfolio, enabling users to implement simple to complex safety functions, in a multitude of safety applications.

Australian automotive aftermarket service provider, MotorOne Group, has embarked on a six-month, $295,000 research project to automate and digitalise its manufacturing and quality assurance processes. 

Australia has a rich history in the art of chocolate making, and Siemens works closely with industry to integrate modern automation systems for a range of applications. Many of these family-owned businesses have been in operation for over a century, developing their craft and growing with the introduction of newer, more efficient production frameworks.

G.E.T. Engineering, a Queensland-based industrial equipment manufacturer and repairs business, has received more than $280,000 under round one of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP) to purchase a robotic arm to assist with welding tasks. 

For the first time in its almost 42-year history, Beckhoff Automation has exceeded $1 billion in sales, displaying an approximate 28 per cent increase when compared to 2020.  

Digi-Key Electronics has launched “Revolutionising Automation,” a new video series that explores cutting-edge automation and control technologies.   

IMCRC activate – a collaborative research project between the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), InfraBuild and the CSIRO – is set to increase the life of fencing infrastructure in Australia, cutting replacement costs. 

Hitachi America vice president and Hitachi Astemo chief architect for Smart Manufacturing, Sudhanshu Gaur, said robotics, AI and other data-driven technologies are bringing sweeping changes to manufacturing plants worldwide, at The Assembly Show in Chicago on 27 October. 

Universal Robots’ commitment to manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand can be underpinned by its investment in its people.  

The Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation Aust Inc (IICA) is an open arena for members to build their network and knowledge. In emerging from lockdown, IICA NSW is hosting their Technology Expo at Rosehill Racecourse on Wednesday 17 November from 2:00pm to 6:30pm, as a face-to-face event. 

Digi-Key Electronics, electronic components and automation products distributor, has confirmed its continued support for the Renesas Electronics and Dialog Semiconductor product portfolio following the merging of the two companies in August. 

According to ifm boss Martin Buck, sensors are becoming more intelligent and more communicative. Digitalisation is changing the industry and thus also the requirements on automation technology. 

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 →