Automation

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 →

The UR16e, from Universal Robots, is now available, and offers a payload capability of 16kg. With a reach of 900mm and pose repeatability of +/- 0.05mm, the UR16 is designed for heavy-duty material handling, heavy-part handling, and machine tending. President of Universal Robots, Jürgen von Hollen, said that economic uncertainty mean that flexibility was key … Continue reading Universal Robots launches strongest cobot to date →

Construction has started on ABB‘s robotics manufacturing and research factory. Located in China, the facility is expected to open in 2021 and is the result of a US$150 million ($218m) investment by the SIX Swiss Exchange traded company. Located in Kangqiao, near Shanghai, the facility will involve machine learning, digital, and collaborative solutions. According to … Continue reading ABB begins work on future robotics factory →

Finding an automation system that allows for growth and change can enable long-term savings and production increases. Manufacturers’ Monthly reports. For companies seeking to reap the benefits of an automated production lines one stumbling block has been the inflexibility of a system once installed. Whether that is in the path that the process follows or … Continue reading AGVs: Flexible solutions to fit into any site →

The Australian Space Agency has opened consultations for the design of its Robotics, Automation and AI Command and Control Centre. Input is being sought on the objectives of the centre, the mission types for potential users, and overall program design. The Centre will be located in Western Australia and is funded through $4.5 million from … Continue reading Industry invited to set objectives for space control centre →

Members of the instrumentation, control, and automation profession discussed how their field will be impacted by Industry 4.0 at the IICA’s Christmas in July event. As the sun set behind the Harbour Bridge and the towers of the Sydney CBD began to light up, members of the Institute for Instrumentation, Control and Automation (IICA) gathered … Continue reading Promoting collaboration and communication in instrumentation →

While Industry 4.0 may seem to encourage the replacement of people with machines, when it comes to safety, having an understanding of the importance of people is paramount. In an exclusive interview, Susanne Kunschert of Pilz speaks with Manufacturers’ Monthly. The managing partner of automation technology firm Pilz, Susanne Kunschert, confesses, “I’m not so digital”. … Continue reading Understanding where people fit in Industry 4.0 →

Due to their flexibility, automated guided vehicle systems (AGVs) are one of the most important supply solutions in hospital supply logistics, writes Michael Dold, strategic industry manager of industrial vehicles, Global Industry Center Logistics Automation – Transport Logistics, SICK. Increasing digitalisation, with its ability to make the complex networking of logistic processes transparent and provide … Continue reading Optimal in the clinic: AGV systems count on “hospital-ready” sensor solutions →

Autonomous delivery business Starship Technologies has raised $40 million in funding to expand its business. The Estonian manufacturer, which is headquartered in the US, was established by Skype co-founders Janus Friis and Ahti Heinla and has garnered $85 million in support to date. The primary product of the company is a six-wheeled robot that are … Continue reading Autonomous delivery business expands with new funding →

With the adoption of working practices that bring humans and robots into ever closer collaboration, making these practices safe remains of paramount importance. IN workplaces, robots are now being configured to work alongside humans and can lead to savings in costs and increases in productivity. This is apparent not only in service applications, but industrial … Continue reading Safety systems ensure productive workplaces for humans and robots →