Articles and News

Global semiconductor equipment billings grew 5% year-over-year to US$24.7 billion in the first quarter of 2022, SEMI announced today in its Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report.

Industrial network security is not a luxury option anymore—it is a necessity. A spate of high-profile cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure has underlined the need for industrial organizations to prioritize cybersecurity.

The success of additive manufacturing technology is often measured by the efficiency and reliability of the controls.

Cobots are becoming a mainstream technology. As they do, new varieties of cobot are being released, and new industries are being targeted. In this insight, we take a look at a few growing cobot trends.

Version 2.3 of the Conformance Test Tool is available from now on to all ETG members.

A leading autonomous mobile robot provider has earned national recognition for innovation, work-life flexibility, and compensation and benefits.

A jury chaired by Professor Reimund Neugebauer, president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, has honored a young company for the development of an outstanding product.

The five-year framework agreement to implement automation software and technology will help paint manufacturer increase throughput and quality and reduce operating costs.

Marketing and scaling innovative AMRs together will open up dynamically growing markets around the world.

NEMA announced the appointment of Ms. Sonia Vahedian to the position of Chief Operating Officer, where she will ensure the long-term financial and operational viability of NEMA through effective planning, forecasting and treasury oversight.

Staying ahead of threats to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cybersecurity.

Harting sponsored another drive with VW and professional driver Rainer Zietlow. The goal this time: to climb the highest, still passable road on the volcano Uturuncu in Bolivia using a VW ID.4 GTX. Zietlow ascended 5,816 meters above sea-level, the maximum altitude of the road, and set a new Guinness World Records title for electric vehicles.

Co-sponsored by the International Federation of Robots (IFR) and Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the June 7 panel features executives from FANUC America, Teradyne, UPS, Zebra and NVIDIA.

Association for Advancing Automation VP Alex Shikany will discuss the latest about how companies solve labor shortages with robotics at Automate June 6 in Detroit.

With the help of OPC UA, L’Oréal is implementing Industry 4.0 concepts, transforming from mass production to personalized production to meet customer preferences.

This is Part 2 of The OT Security Dozen – a 12-part series on building an OT/ICS cybersecurity program for an industrial operations environment

Start using automation technologies and take your warehouse operations to new heights.

Presentations and demos will showcase how Seeq on AWS drives sustainability goals for Syngenta and provides access to process data via new connection to GE Digital’s Proficy Historian for Cloud.

Process automation systems will evolve while remaining fundamental to enabling some of the most complex infrastructures in the world.

Updated cobot research from Interact Analysis shows that the market enjoyed 45% growth in 2021 as part of a post-pandemic rebound.

ODVA, OPC Foundation, PI and VDMA are developing a new interface standard for the acquisition of energy consumption data in industrial manufacturing based on OPC UA.

The OPC Day International 2022, held as a virtual event from April 25-29, 2022, illustrated the broad and growing scope of OPC Foundation standards to achieve manufacturing information integration from field devices to enterprise and cloud.

The High Speed Two (HS2) railway line at London Euston station in the UK needed the open gigabit industrial Ethernet solution, CC-Link IE, to control the traction and electrical power, addressing the needs of the expanded facility.

Researchers believe their testing tool provides great opportunities to enhance the future understanding of the broader process, such as the origin of quality deterioration, and may help to identify solutions for process improvement.

Kassow Robots, a developer of 7-axis cobot solutions for machine tending, material handling, and related applications, exhibits at Automate for the first time.

Automation users in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas now have representation for sales and service of a domestic cyber secure automation solution.

It’s possible to upgrade older equipment and modernize it for the challenges and opportunities of the day.

Additionally, IFS was recognized for its industry-specific expertise, innovation focus and service management software excellence.

AMETEK Land, the leading manufacturer of non-contact temperature measurement solutions, helps to reduce failures and deterioration in glass furnace refractories with monitoring and detection systems.

STRATAJAM LLC has been awarded a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer grant for $256,000.00 to conduct research and development (R&D) work on Real-Time Mineral Data Collection and Identification Module.

The new customer solidifies RightHand Robotics' leadership in growing online pharmacy market.

Crestview Partners, a leading private equity firm, is announcing the launch of its portfolio company, Convergix Automation Solutions, as part of its strategy to build a $1 billion global automation solutions company.

Ericsson experts and partners demonstrate Industry 4.0 applications from automated guided vehicles to 3D camera sensors and predictive maintenance to experience the flexibility, versatility, and security enabled by 5G.

Baumüller, the specialist for automation and innovative electric drive technology, will invite interested parties to a daily digital event during the Hannover Messe being held from May 30 to June 2.

Cloud services have become a key enabling tool in digital transformation because of their ability to store, process and analyze large amounts of data in a centralized location.

Busch Vacuum Solutions U.S., one of the largest manufacturers of vacuum pumps, blowers, compressors, and systems globally, held a ribbon cutting and grand opening for its new Service Center in Norristown, Pennsylvania on April 18, 2022.

If IIoT can eliminate the route-based inspections of that legacy equipment and bring about route prioritization, it can have a high-value proposition for organizations.

A wide range of industries is showing significant supply chain issues. However, the Michigan-based manufacturer of Gemco linear position sensors, AMETEK Factory Automation, has proven they can still deliver in a timely manner.

Wibu-Systems, the innovators behind the CodeMeter software protection, licensing, and security technology, wins the 2022 German Innovation Award for its AxProtector JavaScript.

BHS Robotics Inc. will be demonstrating an innovative random depalletization solution of multiple box sizes and shapes at the Automate Show, with partner CMES Robotics in booth 510. The conference will take place June 6-9 in Detroit, Michigan.

SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG has commissioned Siemens AG with the construction of two additional SIHARBOR shore power plants at Kiel’s Ostuferhafen.

New research from Interact Analysis projects that total manufacturing industry output will grow by 4% in 2022, then decline by $0.2 trillion in 2023, before rising again in 2024 and 2025.

Rather than simply defining a minimalist access policy, security posture and context can play a role in improving Zero Trust security. This helps significantly reduce risk by making more informed decisions about connectivity.

Following a year of growth, Galco moves up the list in 2022.

SEMI announced that technology industry veteran and longtime SEMI member Joe Stockunas has joined SEMI as Americas President, reporting to Kevin Bauer, chief financial and business operations officer.

Encoder-maker POSITAL remains committed to supplying customers with absolute encoders with bit parallel communications interfaces.

Global system integrator Shape Process Automation and robotics technology company Mujin to showcase mixed-case depalletizing and palletizing solution in booth #805 at Automate June 6-9 in Detroit.

Global software and technology leader Emerson and Toyota Australia have collaborated to transform part of Toyota Australia’s operations into a commercial-grade hydrogen production, storage and refueling plant.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), global equipment suppliers, and other stakeholders announced the establishment of the Electric Energy OT Security Profile working group hosted by the International Society of Automation ISA99 standards committee.

Through analysis, data not only can help optimize products and services but can also significantly improve operational efficiency, increase profits and create new business models that previously were not possible.

Universal Robots is ready with a cobot cure for a broad new range of complex applications. These provide new opportunities for manufacturers who are plagued by the inability to ramp up production that requires complex TIG or laser welding processes as well as hard-to-staff tasks such as machine tending, dispensing, labeling and screwdriving.

Two primary calculations that are used in organizations are the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and the profit equation.

Today, Nokia and T-Mobile announced they will work together to develop 5G Private Mobile Networks and Hybrid Mobile Networks.

Successful attacks on manufacturing mean downtime–not measured in hours or days, but often weeks or longer.

The partnership expands LogRhythm’s footprint into south-east Europe and provides REAL security with world-leading security operations capabilities.

Because it is closest to the human eye, 3D vision has a wide range of applications and is increasingly being used alongside machine learning.

MassRobotics, a leading robotics innovation organization, announced a call for nominations for The Robotics Medal, a new annual award presented to a female researcher for substantial achievements and contributions in the field of robotics.

The new consortium will focus on sustainable development goals.

Pave the path towards digitalization—reduce product development cost and time-to-market by mapping the manufacturing process and employing leading-edge hardware automation, productivity-increasing software, robotics and motion control solutions.

Claudia Jarrett, US country manager at industrial parts supplier EU Automation, explains why warehouse managers should look to increase their investment in automation.

A leading AMR provider offers customers new ways to drive value of material handling automation across the enterprise.

ISA member Srinath Krishnamoorthi was in just 10th grade when he completed his first automation project—building an electric fence for his father. Read more about his story and the stories of other automation stars celebrated on Automation Professionals Day.

Here are four easy methods to ensure you are maintaining or participating in a high-performance Electrical Safety Program.

Lane Electronics, a leading franchised distributor for many of the industry’s major electrical and electronic connector manufacturers, is pleased to announce it has once again been awarded the industry standard Cyber Essentials Certification.

All process industry equipment is furnished with controllers that allow the equipment to operate automatically.

Discover the most innovative user projects from 45 countries and learn how they are going digital.

With the acquisition of the distribution business of Advanced Technologies, Italy, Basler intends to further expand its direct business in Europe.

FANUC America, the world leader in CNCs, robotics and ROBOMACHINEs will sponsor the Next-Gen Manufacturing Education Pavilion at Automate, June 6-9 in Detroit.

After a serious contraction in sales in 2020, the cobot market experienced a resounding 40% growth rebound in 2021, exceeding its 2019 market size.

Presentations will show how FieldComm Group collaborates with other standards development organizations to benefit end users.

Bicker Elektronik GmbH, Donauwoerth/Germany, received the award for "Best Motherboard Business Developer 2021" from technology partner Kontron.

Sciaky, Inc. announced that its Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) technology was introduced to President Biden during an AM Forward address at United Performance Metals in Hamilton, Ohio on May 6, 2022.

Dassault Systèmes unveils its future governance organization ahead of the planned change on Jan. 9, 2023, when the Chairman of the Board of Directors Charles Edelstenne will reach the retirement age for his position, as stipulated in the company's bylaws.

The first step to optimizing manufacturing and job shop efficiency starts with a visit to the Controls & CAD-CAM Pavilion at IMTS 2022, where exhibitors such as Autodesk, ESPRIT, Dassault Systemes, HEIDENHAIN, Mastercam and more will showcase new digital twin and virtual solutions.

Supply chain issues aren't going away anytime soon. Augury CEO Saar Yoskovitz explains how "shadow factories" can help solve supply chain-related concerns.

In a new Zebra study, about 60% report improving work conditions and better adoption of technologies that make their jobs easier.

Manufacturers all over the world are sprinting to automate their factories and facilities, but how does one start? There is so much to consider that the entire process can be quite overwhelming. Here are a few tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Industrial automation systems are now able to create true operational intelligence by combining the efficiency of modern AI computing with the experience of operations personnel.

ISA Hybrid conferences—virtual events with in-person components—are being strategically held around the world with support from ISA sections and local partners in specific regions. This piece originally appeared in the June issue of InTech magazine.

Star Cutter and Garr Tool are developing innovative multi-process CNC machine tools for complete end mill manufacturing.

Knowledge and technology spread around the world as societies and economies have become increasingly interconnected.

To structure this environment, what is required to have exact reflection of inventory almost in real-time and network discovery comes into light.

Presentations and demos will showcase how Seeq and the PI System enable customers to gain new insights to improve operations and production outcomes.

igus has enjoyed a record year, thanks to 188,000 active customers.

The certification validates to customers and partners that Antaira has implemented and met the highest cybersecurity standards for its systems.

Kassow Robots, a developer of 7-axis cobots for machine tending, material handling, and related applications, has partnered with BlueBay Automation, an industrial automation solutions provider.

SRSI (Slate River Systems, Inc.) and Dematic signed an integrator relationship agreement. SRSI will now be a certified integrator of all Dematic equipment.

Robotics Business Review named the 3M Finesse-It Robotic Paint Repair System as a 2022 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award Honoree.

An iBASEt survey of more than 400 manufacturing executives in the U.S and U.K. found that manufacturers are lagging in digital transformation efforts in spite of earlier pandemic-driven investments in new technologies.

NORD to showcase the new IE5+ high efficiency product portfolio and other innovative airport technology solutions.

Basler AG repeatedly impresses the jury with first-class management.

Continuing a half-century of leadership in automated industrial joining processes, KUKA Robotics brought its latest advancements to this year’s FABTECH Mexico.

Ericsson worked in close collaboration with autonomous mobile robot manufacturer Milvus Robotics and a global manufacturer of sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications.

Dataforth’s Quality Management System “has been assessed and found complying with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015,” states Management Certification of North America (MCNA, an ANAB-accredited certification body).

Software AG is pleased to announce that its award-winning industrial analytics software solution, TrendMiner, is now available on the AWS marketplace.

An independent jury, composed of top-class experts from politics, business, research and society and chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Reimund Neugebauer, president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, nominated three companies from a field of numerous entries for the HERMES AWARD.

A new report on the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) market from Future Market Insights predicts growth of 8.8% CAGR amid surging demand for advanced data-driven maintenance solutions. The biggest breakthrough in the CMMS software industry is the emergence of mobile CMMS software solutions.

Aspects of closed loop automation in 5G networks with an emphasis on various closed loops possible/available cross various verticals.

Bridget Fitzpatrick, ISA Fellow and process automation technical expert, died suddenly last month. She was 57.

With 30 years sales and engineering experience at ABB and Rockwell Automation, industrial automation stalwart joins autonomous mobile robot (AMR) market leader to continue strong growth.