No. 7 & 7A,
Jalan Tiara, Tiara Square,
Taman Perindustrian Sime UEP,
47600 Subang Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.
+603-8023 9829
+603-8023 7089
Fictron Industrial Supplies Sdn Bhd
No. 7 & 7A,
Jalan Tiara, Tiara Square,
Taman Perindustrian Sime UEP,
47600 Subang Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.
No. 7 & 7A,
Jalan Tiara, Tiara Square,
Taman Perindustrian Sime UEP,
47600 Subang Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Fictron Industrial
Automation Pte Ltd
140 Paya Lebar Road, #03-01,
AZ @ Paya Lebar 409015,
Singapore.
+65 31388976
sg.sales@fictron.com
Automation Pte Ltd
140 Paya Lebar Road, #03-01,
AZ @ Paya Lebar 409015,
Singapore.
+65 31388976
sg.sales@fictron.com
Latest News
Hiring Slows as U.S. Adds 20K Jobs in February
Mar 11, 2019
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Harsh winter weather and a limited government shutdown could be to blame for the smallest monthly job gains in nearly a year and a half.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statisitics, U.S. employers added only 20,000 jobs in February. This tepid speed comes after a huge 311,000 jobs were added in January. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.8 percent, which is near the best unemployment level in five decades.
The U.S. manufacturing sector also had minimal gains in February, posting only 4,000 new jobs. Over the past year, the sector saw average increases of 22,000 new jobs per month.
'Manufacturing scarcely continued a good run of job gains in February,” said Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul. “While it's too early to tell whether this is a trend or a blip, there are procedures that can boost factory jobs. Infrastructure investment, which has broad, bipartisan appeal, would be a good beginning.”
Employment in other major industries, including mining, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, information, financial activities, and government, showed little or no change over the month.
'The trade deficit with China may also be dampening the full potential of American manufacturing,” Paul said. “This makes a tough, enforceable deal with China even more important. We urge the administration not to settle for the sake of expediency.'
The Associated Press answers that unseasonably cold weather in February that hit some areas of the country could have affected job growth in some industries such as construction and restaurants. The 35-day government shutdown—which ended in late January — could have also affected job growth.
Despite the slowdown, most specialists hope growth to rebound in the April-June quarter. However, getting a specific read on the economy could be more complicated than usual as many data reports carry on to be put off due to the partial government shutdown.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
According to the Bureau of Labor Statisitics, U.S. employers added only 20,000 jobs in February. This tepid speed comes after a huge 311,000 jobs were added in January. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.8 percent, which is near the best unemployment level in five decades.
The U.S. manufacturing sector also had minimal gains in February, posting only 4,000 new jobs. Over the past year, the sector saw average increases of 22,000 new jobs per month.
'Manufacturing scarcely continued a good run of job gains in February,” said Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul. “While it's too early to tell whether this is a trend or a blip, there are procedures that can boost factory jobs. Infrastructure investment, which has broad, bipartisan appeal, would be a good beginning.”
Employment in other major industries, including mining, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, information, financial activities, and government, showed little or no change over the month.
'The trade deficit with China may also be dampening the full potential of American manufacturing,” Paul said. “This makes a tough, enforceable deal with China even more important. We urge the administration not to settle for the sake of expediency.'
The Associated Press answers that unseasonably cold weather in February that hit some areas of the country could have affected job growth in some industries such as construction and restaurants. The 35-day government shutdown—which ended in late January — could have also affected job growth.
Despite the slowdown, most specialists hope growth to rebound in the April-June quarter. However, getting a specific read on the economy could be more complicated than usual as many data reports carry on to be put off due to the partial government shutdown.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
U.S. Trade Deficit Grew in 2018
Mar 11, 2019
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The United States trade deficit increased in 2018 to $621 billion, despite the administration’s promises to shrink it.
On Wednesday, the Commerce Department revealed deficit data that showed the widest trade gap in ten years. The annual deficit in goods and services grew by 12.5 percent (68.8 billion), driven in part by the merchandise-trade deficit with China.
Merchandise exports to China fell $9.6 billion in 2018, and imports saw a corresponding rise by $34 billion.
The gap is now 3 percent of GDP, up from 2.8 percent in 2017 but substantially smaller than the 6 percent gap in the decade just prior to the Great Recession of 2008.
Merchandise deficits with Mexico and the European Union have also soared to record heights. Goods deficit reached $891.3 billion up from $807.5 billion. The surplus in services rose to $270.2 billion in 2018.
Analysis from Bloomberg note that tax cuts have increased demand for imports within the United States, while retaliatory tariffs and the strength of the U.S. dollar hit at exports. President Donald Trump’s persistent efforts to strengthen the United States’ economic position in relation to China is made more confusing by not only the tariff war itself but also the slowing of global growth overall. Importers hurried to do business with China before duty prices rose, and retaliatory tariffs punished U.S. agriculture. For example, shipments of soybeans fell by $4 billion in 2018.
The same analysts also predict higher deficits in the next months, driven by the continued slowing of global growth.
This article is orignally posted on Tronserve.com
On Wednesday, the Commerce Department revealed deficit data that showed the widest trade gap in ten years. The annual deficit in goods and services grew by 12.5 percent (68.8 billion), driven in part by the merchandise-trade deficit with China.
Merchandise exports to China fell $9.6 billion in 2018, and imports saw a corresponding rise by $34 billion.
The gap is now 3 percent of GDP, up from 2.8 percent in 2017 but substantially smaller than the 6 percent gap in the decade just prior to the Great Recession of 2008.
Merchandise deficits with Mexico and the European Union have also soared to record heights. Goods deficit reached $891.3 billion up from $807.5 billion. The surplus in services rose to $270.2 billion in 2018.
Analysis from Bloomberg note that tax cuts have increased demand for imports within the United States, while retaliatory tariffs and the strength of the U.S. dollar hit at exports. President Donald Trump’s persistent efforts to strengthen the United States’ economic position in relation to China is made more confusing by not only the tariff war itself but also the slowing of global growth overall. Importers hurried to do business with China before duty prices rose, and retaliatory tariffs punished U.S. agriculture. For example, shipments of soybeans fell by $4 billion in 2018.
The same analysts also predict higher deficits in the next months, driven by the continued slowing of global growth.
This article is orignally posted on Tronserve.com
Norway's $1 Trillion Fund to Dump Oil and Gas Shares
Mar 11, 2019
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Norway's $1 trillion wealth fund, the greatest of its kind in the world, will begin dropping shares in oil and gas companies, but stopped short of barring major producers like ExxonMobil and Chevron.
The move was hailed by environmental activists as a sign that the global economy is increasingly moving away from fossil fuels toward cleaner energy.
The financial impact, however, may be fairly limited. The move will focus on companies that trade exclusively in exploration and production rather than the integrated oil giants, which do everything from searching for fossil fuels to selling them to consumers.
The fund is looking to sell some $7.5 billion in shares in 134 energy companies over time.
The Norwegian government said its motivation was not climate activism but financial. The fund, somewhat ironically, derives its income from Norway's booming oil and gas industry. So reinvesting those proceeds in other sectors is considered a way to keep the money safe should oil and gas prices fall.
'The objective is to reduce the aggregate oil price risk on the whole Norwegian economy,' Minister of Finance Siv Jensen told The Associated Press. 'The Norwegian state is highly exposed to oil.'
Tax statements from oil production have made Norway rich. They underpin generous welfare provisions. And a hefty proportion is siphoned off into the fund, which was planned as a pension kitty for the country's 5.3 million inhabitants.
In Stavanger, a city on the rainy west coast where many oil companies are based, the sight of $100,000 Teslas cruising along fjord-side roads are a marker of the town's oil-sponsored private wealth.
Mark Campanale, executive director of the Carbon Tracker Initiative, a think tank on climate issues, says Friday's decision is more significant than when the fund sold off its shares in coal companies.
'This shows that while the fund was first built on revenue from oil and gas, the Ministry of Finance knows that the future belongs to those who change away from fossil fuels,' he said. 'Now is the time for smart investors around the world to follow their lead and make decisions driven by the reality of the energy transition.'
Jensen said she had advised Norway's central bank to supervise how the fund was exposed to companies that could contribute to climate change, which is now assumed a major risk for financial returns. However, it was too early to say how that evaluation might impact investment choices.
Integrated oil giants were not restricted from the fund's investments in part because those companies are thought about most likely to invest in green energy - a market the Norwegian government is keen to profit from.
'They take on much bigger investments than renewable companies do. It would be a mistake as I see it to cut off the fund's possibility to invest in them,' Jensen said.
Major added oil companies will be breathing a sigh of relief, as the Norwegian fund owns large amounts of their shares. At the end of 2018, it owned shares in around 300 oil producers and service companies including almost $6 billion in Royal Dutch Shell, or 2.5 percent of the company. It owns 2.3 percent of London-based BP.
Rather, smaller companies like Marathon Oil and Chesapeake Energy will see their stock sold. Their shares were down 2.5 percent and 2 percent in premarket trading in the U.S.
The Norwegian fund has a stake in more than 9,000 companies worldwide, including the likes of Apple, Nestle, Microsoft and Samsung. On average, the fund holds 1.4 percent of all of the world's listed companies. About 70 percent of its holdings are in shares.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
The move was hailed by environmental activists as a sign that the global economy is increasingly moving away from fossil fuels toward cleaner energy.
The financial impact, however, may be fairly limited. The move will focus on companies that trade exclusively in exploration and production rather than the integrated oil giants, which do everything from searching for fossil fuels to selling them to consumers.
The fund is looking to sell some $7.5 billion in shares in 134 energy companies over time.
The Norwegian government said its motivation was not climate activism but financial. The fund, somewhat ironically, derives its income from Norway's booming oil and gas industry. So reinvesting those proceeds in other sectors is considered a way to keep the money safe should oil and gas prices fall.
'The objective is to reduce the aggregate oil price risk on the whole Norwegian economy,' Minister of Finance Siv Jensen told The Associated Press. 'The Norwegian state is highly exposed to oil.'
Tax statements from oil production have made Norway rich. They underpin generous welfare provisions. And a hefty proportion is siphoned off into the fund, which was planned as a pension kitty for the country's 5.3 million inhabitants.
In Stavanger, a city on the rainy west coast where many oil companies are based, the sight of $100,000 Teslas cruising along fjord-side roads are a marker of the town's oil-sponsored private wealth.
Mark Campanale, executive director of the Carbon Tracker Initiative, a think tank on climate issues, says Friday's decision is more significant than when the fund sold off its shares in coal companies.
'This shows that while the fund was first built on revenue from oil and gas, the Ministry of Finance knows that the future belongs to those who change away from fossil fuels,' he said. 'Now is the time for smart investors around the world to follow their lead and make decisions driven by the reality of the energy transition.'
Jensen said she had advised Norway's central bank to supervise how the fund was exposed to companies that could contribute to climate change, which is now assumed a major risk for financial returns. However, it was too early to say how that evaluation might impact investment choices.
Integrated oil giants were not restricted from the fund's investments in part because those companies are thought about most likely to invest in green energy - a market the Norwegian government is keen to profit from.
'They take on much bigger investments than renewable companies do. It would be a mistake as I see it to cut off the fund's possibility to invest in them,' Jensen said.
Major added oil companies will be breathing a sigh of relief, as the Norwegian fund owns large amounts of their shares. At the end of 2018, it owned shares in around 300 oil producers and service companies including almost $6 billion in Royal Dutch Shell, or 2.5 percent of the company. It owns 2.3 percent of London-based BP.
Rather, smaller companies like Marathon Oil and Chesapeake Energy will see their stock sold. Their shares were down 2.5 percent and 2 percent in premarket trading in the U.S.
The Norwegian fund has a stake in more than 9,000 companies worldwide, including the likes of Apple, Nestle, Microsoft and Samsung. On average, the fund holds 1.4 percent of all of the world's listed companies. About 70 percent of its holdings are in shares.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
IMPROVE YOUR FACILITY WITH HVLS FANS
Mar 11, 2019
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In big services, like industrial warehouses, manufacturing plants and distribution centers, monitoring air quality can be a challenge. There are a number of conventional options—exhaust fans, HVAC units, high-speed floor fans, swamp coolers––but these traditional routes often fail to provide comprehensive solutions. However, high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans mobilize and de-stratify large volumes of air in a way that truly “clears the air” in any facility.
HVLS Fans: What Are They?
HVLS fans vary from traditional high-speed floor fans in a number of ways, including their reduced noise, minimized energy consumption per square foot and significant cost savings—HVLS fans will need less than $1 per day to run. They also prove to be better than alternative options due to their cordless design, eliminating trip hazards—an important factor considering many plant and facility managers identify cords as one of the top workplace hazards.
Another distinguisher is that in addition to controlling warm temperatures, HVLS fans also focus on establishing and regulating cool climates, while conventional, high-speed fans serve as a single point source with a limited coverage area. During the warm summer months, one HVLS fan can replace as many as 10-20 floor fans or 12 48-inch barrel fans, effectively making a perceived 10-12-degree cooler temperature environment. Equally as important are the winter months. A quality HVLS solution will regularly push warm air captured at the ceiling level back down to the floor, saving up to 30 percent on heating costs and evenly dispersing warm air.
The Benefit of Air Quality
The term “indoor air quality” refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, peculiarly relating to the health and comfort of building occupants. Poor air quality – which contains an excess of hot or cold air, indoor pollutants and stagnant air – can bring labored breathing and illness in employees while also posing product quality control risks such as condensation build up and spoilage.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlighted these dangers in their heat safety campaign and winter weather advisory – linking cases of cold stress and heat exhaustion in employees to extreme air temperatures and/or humidity levels.
However, it’s been proven that air quality can be improved by simply increasing air circulation. HVLS fans are particularly proficient at this, providing large-scale airflow that regulates temperature while preventing stagnant air and dust. High air turns also help eliminate toxic airborne chemicals. Additionally, HVLS fans can manage a facility’s moisture, which can form on the walls and equipment on the plant or factory floor between two different climate-controlled environments. Proper indoor air movement can quickly dry this condensation to reduce fall risks, pollutants and bacteria associated with unchecked moisture.
Conclusion
Regardless of industry, your company’s success is ultimately built off of the safety and health of your workforce. Managing your facility’s indoor air quality is one of the first—and most impactful—steps you can take to ensure workforce safety and overall employee comfort, and choosing the right HVLS solution is crucial to the success of this step. At Hunter Industrial Fans, we created a purpose-built product to make every space a better place.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
HVLS Fans: What Are They?
HVLS fans vary from traditional high-speed floor fans in a number of ways, including their reduced noise, minimized energy consumption per square foot and significant cost savings—HVLS fans will need less than $1 per day to run. They also prove to be better than alternative options due to their cordless design, eliminating trip hazards—an important factor considering many plant and facility managers identify cords as one of the top workplace hazards.
Another distinguisher is that in addition to controlling warm temperatures, HVLS fans also focus on establishing and regulating cool climates, while conventional, high-speed fans serve as a single point source with a limited coverage area. During the warm summer months, one HVLS fan can replace as many as 10-20 floor fans or 12 48-inch barrel fans, effectively making a perceived 10-12-degree cooler temperature environment. Equally as important are the winter months. A quality HVLS solution will regularly push warm air captured at the ceiling level back down to the floor, saving up to 30 percent on heating costs and evenly dispersing warm air.
The Benefit of Air Quality
The term “indoor air quality” refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, peculiarly relating to the health and comfort of building occupants. Poor air quality – which contains an excess of hot or cold air, indoor pollutants and stagnant air – can bring labored breathing and illness in employees while also posing product quality control risks such as condensation build up and spoilage.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlighted these dangers in their heat safety campaign and winter weather advisory – linking cases of cold stress and heat exhaustion in employees to extreme air temperatures and/or humidity levels.
However, it’s been proven that air quality can be improved by simply increasing air circulation. HVLS fans are particularly proficient at this, providing large-scale airflow that regulates temperature while preventing stagnant air and dust. High air turns also help eliminate toxic airborne chemicals. Additionally, HVLS fans can manage a facility’s moisture, which can form on the walls and equipment on the plant or factory floor between two different climate-controlled environments. Proper indoor air movement can quickly dry this condensation to reduce fall risks, pollutants and bacteria associated with unchecked moisture.
Conclusion
Regardless of industry, your company’s success is ultimately built off of the safety and health of your workforce. Managing your facility’s indoor air quality is one of the first—and most impactful—steps you can take to ensure workforce safety and overall employee comfort, and choosing the right HVLS solution is crucial to the success of this step. At Hunter Industrial Fans, we created a purpose-built product to make every space a better place.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Going Lean With One-Piece Flow
Mar 8, 2019
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In the 1930s, Toyota worked feverishly to duplicate the six-cylinder engine from a competing car manufacturer. Production was difficult; many of the engines were defective. Kiichiro Toyoda knew enduring this batch method of production was far too expensive, and so he decided each piece needed to be thoroughly scrutinized before moving down the production line. That action changed everything.
One-piece flow, also known as steady flow manufacturing or repetitive-flow manufacturing, is a Lean production method that aims to lessen waste by balancing the production line. Simply speaking, the goal of one-piece flow is to have a single item or unit of product flow from process to process with no delays or bottlenecks in between.
The continuous flow plan contrasts with batch production and mass manufacturing. In batch production, units are moved from process to process as a batch. Facilities often operate under batch production when small production runs are necessary or when they need to produce a variety of different products. However, batch production is not a continuous system and inefficiencies can quickly arise between batches.
Mass production shares characteristics with batch production, but this method functions by manufacturing a mass quantity of products at one time. a great approach for companies looking to make a large amount of the same product, mass production does not offer much product flexibility, and introducing variety into the method is difficult.
The traditional method of batch and mass production are typically uneconomical. Both approaches usually result in longer lead times for the consumer, excessive inventory, an accumulation of WIP, and a high number of defective products.
In contrast, single-flow manufacturing works well to reduce the measure of goods prepared at once by manufacturing products only as they are wanted. By moving one piece at a time or in a very small batch, products move from process to process quickly. This approach borrows from just-in-time manufacturing while integrating all the elements of the production system.
The idea of this Lean approach to production is to only produce what the customer wants, in the quantity it is required, and deliver the finished product on time. This will considerably reduce will significantly scale down the amount of inventory needed on-hand, freeing up valuable storage space. Having a smaller lot size will help you cut down on wastes and significantly improve the show of your manufacturing system.
In order to efficiently and successfully implement one-piece flow, your workplace needs to be ready for it. The first step and most extensive step is to build a cellular layout that supports the continuous flow of production. This will require time and effort to plan out work cells and entirely change the design of the facility but is essential for one-piece flow.
When designing your work cells, spend time to lay out the facility in the order of processes in order to limit the space between processes. This will stop extortionate WIP piling up between operations while eliminating the waste of motion as the product doesn’t need to travel as far to the next process. After the cells have been determined, use the lean methodology of 5S to ensure cells are optimized for production. Remove the unnecessary items from the area and so each cell contains only the equipment, machines, and tools necessary to production. Arrange the cell in a logical manner. For instance, place frequently used tools in a place that is easy for workers tor each, and line up the machines in the order they are used.
After the cellular layout has been designed and implemented, the next step is to calculate Task time. This will help you pace your production to meet customer demand. Simply measure the production time by timing each step that goes into production and use the lowest repeatable time. You will then divide that number by customer need, how much your facility will need to produce in a week or month to meet demand. The outcome is the Task time, the amount of time needed to produce one part that is free from faults. Using this number, you can scale processes in order to effectively meet demands. You will want to confirm the equipment and machines needed to production are capable of meeting the identified Task time as well as having the right number of operators for the given process.
Changeovers are considered a waste in manufacturing. The regular approach to solving this problem was to reduce the number of changeovers, but that typically resulted in the costly waste of overproduction. Use SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) to ensure changeovers as fast as possible. When implementing SMED, you will be making changes to the production process to standardize manufacturing and ensure changeovers are quick. SMED will increase machine work rates and further inventory reductions, giving you a strong foundation for creating smaller lot sizes.
Your facility is nearly ready to begin one-piece flow. Finish the implementation process by introducing a pull system into your facility. This controlled system is the essence of one-piece flow and ensures supplies and products are smartly stocked to avoid the need to store an excessive amount of inventory. Using a Lean tool like Kanban cards, you can create a visual system that will trigger an action (like restocking or beginning a new process) only when needed. Finally, create a schedule and divide work among operators. Split work equally between operators and ensure your work cells are balanced and work is being completed efficiently.
One-piece flow is important to operating as a Lean facility and the system will promote continuous improvement in the workplace. You will find employees feel more empowered in their jobs and take responsibility for integrating quality into their work. This approach will also greatly multiply flexibility of the manufacturing line and will allow you to start production of a new item or halt production if necessary, with little to no waste. IT will be simpler to order materials and stock, reduce the amount of costly inventory all while improving productivity.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
One-piece flow, also known as steady flow manufacturing or repetitive-flow manufacturing, is a Lean production method that aims to lessen waste by balancing the production line. Simply speaking, the goal of one-piece flow is to have a single item or unit of product flow from process to process with no delays or bottlenecks in between.
The continuous flow plan contrasts with batch production and mass manufacturing. In batch production, units are moved from process to process as a batch. Facilities often operate under batch production when small production runs are necessary or when they need to produce a variety of different products. However, batch production is not a continuous system and inefficiencies can quickly arise between batches.
Mass production shares characteristics with batch production, but this method functions by manufacturing a mass quantity of products at one time. a great approach for companies looking to make a large amount of the same product, mass production does not offer much product flexibility, and introducing variety into the method is difficult.
The traditional method of batch and mass production are typically uneconomical. Both approaches usually result in longer lead times for the consumer, excessive inventory, an accumulation of WIP, and a high number of defective products.
In contrast, single-flow manufacturing works well to reduce the measure of goods prepared at once by manufacturing products only as they are wanted. By moving one piece at a time or in a very small batch, products move from process to process quickly. This approach borrows from just-in-time manufacturing while integrating all the elements of the production system.
The idea of this Lean approach to production is to only produce what the customer wants, in the quantity it is required, and deliver the finished product on time. This will considerably reduce will significantly scale down the amount of inventory needed on-hand, freeing up valuable storage space. Having a smaller lot size will help you cut down on wastes and significantly improve the show of your manufacturing system.
In order to efficiently and successfully implement one-piece flow, your workplace needs to be ready for it. The first step and most extensive step is to build a cellular layout that supports the continuous flow of production. This will require time and effort to plan out work cells and entirely change the design of the facility but is essential for one-piece flow.
When designing your work cells, spend time to lay out the facility in the order of processes in order to limit the space between processes. This will stop extortionate WIP piling up between operations while eliminating the waste of motion as the product doesn’t need to travel as far to the next process. After the cells have been determined, use the lean methodology of 5S to ensure cells are optimized for production. Remove the unnecessary items from the area and so each cell contains only the equipment, machines, and tools necessary to production. Arrange the cell in a logical manner. For instance, place frequently used tools in a place that is easy for workers tor each, and line up the machines in the order they are used.
After the cellular layout has been designed and implemented, the next step is to calculate Task time. This will help you pace your production to meet customer demand. Simply measure the production time by timing each step that goes into production and use the lowest repeatable time. You will then divide that number by customer need, how much your facility will need to produce in a week or month to meet demand. The outcome is the Task time, the amount of time needed to produce one part that is free from faults. Using this number, you can scale processes in order to effectively meet demands. You will want to confirm the equipment and machines needed to production are capable of meeting the identified Task time as well as having the right number of operators for the given process.
Changeovers are considered a waste in manufacturing. The regular approach to solving this problem was to reduce the number of changeovers, but that typically resulted in the costly waste of overproduction. Use SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) to ensure changeovers as fast as possible. When implementing SMED, you will be making changes to the production process to standardize manufacturing and ensure changeovers are quick. SMED will increase machine work rates and further inventory reductions, giving you a strong foundation for creating smaller lot sizes.
Your facility is nearly ready to begin one-piece flow. Finish the implementation process by introducing a pull system into your facility. This controlled system is the essence of one-piece flow and ensures supplies and products are smartly stocked to avoid the need to store an excessive amount of inventory. Using a Lean tool like Kanban cards, you can create a visual system that will trigger an action (like restocking or beginning a new process) only when needed. Finally, create a schedule and divide work among operators. Split work equally between operators and ensure your work cells are balanced and work is being completed efficiently.
One-piece flow is important to operating as a Lean facility and the system will promote continuous improvement in the workplace. You will find employees feel more empowered in their jobs and take responsibility for integrating quality into their work. This approach will also greatly multiply flexibility of the manufacturing line and will allow you to start production of a new item or halt production if necessary, with little to no waste. IT will be simpler to order materials and stock, reduce the amount of costly inventory all while improving productivity.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Cincoze Introduces DX-1100 Compact & Rugged Workstation
Mar 8, 2019
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Cincoze, a professional manufacturer of embedded computing platforms, introduces its new Diamond Extreme Series rugged workstation, the DX-1100. It is established on workstation-grade Intel® C246 chipset to support 8th Generation Intel® Xeon®/Core™ processors (formerly codenamed Coffee Lake S) at only 3.2 liters sized for space-limited obligations. With new generation Intel® processors, support for up to 6 processing cores, and the current professional graphics, you'll tackle even the most stressful high-end and multi-task applications.
'The DX-1100 is undoubtedly one of the most compact workstations in the market. Despite its amazingly compact size, the system provides great computing performance and the optimum flexibility of modular I/O expansions. It is specially created for a variety of industrial applications, such as machine vision, in-vehicle, transportation, and mobile surveillance. ' said Brandon Chien, CEO of Cincoze.
Based on Cincoze' exclusive CMI (Combined Multiple I/O) and CFM (Control Function Module) technologies, the DX-1100 offers a fast customer-specific solution without design risks or added development costs that allows users to arrange their specific systems more successfully. The available ready-to-use modules include 2x powered serial ports, 16x isolated digital I/O, 4x GbE M12/RJ45 LAN, Power over Ethernet, and power ignition sensing function.
For those looking to expand their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, the DX-1100 also provides three full-size mini-PCIe sockets and one M.2 E key type 2230 socket which supports Intel® CNVi technology.
fWith wide operating temperature (-40°C ~+70°C), wide range DC power input (9~48 VDC), high tolerance to vibration and shock (5/50 Grms), rugged uni-body construction, fan-less, cable-less and jumper-less design to ensure a significantly prolonged lifespan and high system availability. Finally, the DX-1100 also passed various strict certifications, including CE/FCC, EN50155/EN50121-3-2, EN 60950-1, and E-mark.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
'The DX-1100 is undoubtedly one of the most compact workstations in the market. Despite its amazingly compact size, the system provides great computing performance and the optimum flexibility of modular I/O expansions. It is specially created for a variety of industrial applications, such as machine vision, in-vehicle, transportation, and mobile surveillance. ' said Brandon Chien, CEO of Cincoze.
Based on Cincoze' exclusive CMI (Combined Multiple I/O) and CFM (Control Function Module) technologies, the DX-1100 offers a fast customer-specific solution without design risks or added development costs that allows users to arrange their specific systems more successfully. The available ready-to-use modules include 2x powered serial ports, 16x isolated digital I/O, 4x GbE M12/RJ45 LAN, Power over Ethernet, and power ignition sensing function.
For those looking to expand their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, the DX-1100 also provides three full-size mini-PCIe sockets and one M.2 E key type 2230 socket which supports Intel® CNVi technology.
fWith wide operating temperature (-40°C ~+70°C), wide range DC power input (9~48 VDC), high tolerance to vibration and shock (5/50 Grms), rugged uni-body construction, fan-less, cable-less and jumper-less design to ensure a significantly prolonged lifespan and high system availability. Finally, the DX-1100 also passed various strict certifications, including CE/FCC, EN50155/EN50121-3-2, EN 60950-1, and E-mark.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
THE ROBOTICS REVOLUTION IS COMING
Mar 7, 2019
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A robot innovation is on the horizon, but it’s not the apocalyptic uprising you see in Hollywood movies. This revolution—like the three that preceded it—will instead fundamentally transform the nature of work as we know it.
The First Industrial Revolution began in Europe in the 18th century, powered by the invention of the steam engine and machines that granted for the mass production of goods in factories. People transferred from a life of farming in rural areas to factory work in urban areas, and while working conditions for many were pretty terrible, the iron and textile industries transformed the economy and made goods more affordable and accessible.
The Second Industrial Revolution began in the late 19th century, with electricity powering the expansion of existing industries and creating new ones. It brought us the light bulb, the telephone, and the internal combustion engine. The invention of the automobile and its mass production on assembly lines kick-started a revolution in transportation and commerce. And the world was further transformed by developments in communications, with undersea cables and radio transmissions linking countries and continents.
The Third Industrial Revolution, which occurred at the end of the 20th century, saw the advent of digital technologies, such as computers, global telecommunications systems, and the Internet. Robots joined the assembly lines in the automotive industry and other advancements in automation soon followed, allowing workers to move away from dull, repetitive tasks to ones requiring more skill.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is being driven by technological breakthroughs in fields such as quantum computing, biotechnology, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and robotics—breakthroughs that will transform the way people interact with machines.
The benefits of these technologies on industry and the labor market are clear, but they should not be cause for alarm. A recent report from The World Bank says that “Fears that robots will take away jobs from people have dominated the discussion over the future of work, but…on balance this appears to be unfounded. Work is constantly reshaped by technological progress. Firms adopt new ways of production, markets expand, and societies evolve. Overall, technology brings opportunity, paving the way to create new jobs [and] increase productivity.”
The World Economic Forum makes a similar examination in its Future of Jobs Report: “In purely quantitative terms, 75 million current job roles may be displaced by the shift in the division of labor between humans, machines and algorithms, while 133 million new job roles may emerge at the same time.”
The bottom line is that the coming robotics revolution will actually create nearly 60 million new jobs for people worldwide by 2022, jobs such as data analyst, applications developer, and e-commerce specialist—positions that are based on the use of technology. Other emerging professions will include AI and machine learning specialist, big data specialist, information security analyst, and robotics engineer.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
The First Industrial Revolution began in Europe in the 18th century, powered by the invention of the steam engine and machines that granted for the mass production of goods in factories. People transferred from a life of farming in rural areas to factory work in urban areas, and while working conditions for many were pretty terrible, the iron and textile industries transformed the economy and made goods more affordable and accessible.
The Second Industrial Revolution began in the late 19th century, with electricity powering the expansion of existing industries and creating new ones. It brought us the light bulb, the telephone, and the internal combustion engine. The invention of the automobile and its mass production on assembly lines kick-started a revolution in transportation and commerce. And the world was further transformed by developments in communications, with undersea cables and radio transmissions linking countries and continents.
The Third Industrial Revolution, which occurred at the end of the 20th century, saw the advent of digital technologies, such as computers, global telecommunications systems, and the Internet. Robots joined the assembly lines in the automotive industry and other advancements in automation soon followed, allowing workers to move away from dull, repetitive tasks to ones requiring more skill.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is being driven by technological breakthroughs in fields such as quantum computing, biotechnology, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and robotics—breakthroughs that will transform the way people interact with machines.
The benefits of these technologies on industry and the labor market are clear, but they should not be cause for alarm. A recent report from The World Bank says that “Fears that robots will take away jobs from people have dominated the discussion over the future of work, but…on balance this appears to be unfounded. Work is constantly reshaped by technological progress. Firms adopt new ways of production, markets expand, and societies evolve. Overall, technology brings opportunity, paving the way to create new jobs [and] increase productivity.”
The World Economic Forum makes a similar examination in its Future of Jobs Report: “In purely quantitative terms, 75 million current job roles may be displaced by the shift in the division of labor between humans, machines and algorithms, while 133 million new job roles may emerge at the same time.”
The bottom line is that the coming robotics revolution will actually create nearly 60 million new jobs for people worldwide by 2022, jobs such as data analyst, applications developer, and e-commerce specialist—positions that are based on the use of technology. Other emerging professions will include AI and machine learning specialist, big data specialist, information security analyst, and robotics engineer.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Elon Musk Firm Pitched to Build Transit System in Las Vegas
Mar 7, 2019
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Entrepreneur Elon Musk's fancy of an express tunnel transit system could finally become a reality in Las Vegas after major setbacks in other cities.
Las Vegas' tourism agency stated Wednesday it is recommending that an enterprise supported by the divisive billionaire receive a contract to build and run an underground tunnel system through which autonomous electric vehicles would whisk people around a super convention center, and in the future, possibly the city's famous casino-filled corridor.
If approved, the system of just over a mile long would definitely debut by January 2021 at the facility, which hosts more than 1 million people every year. The Musk-owned The Boring Company would establish the project costing from $35 million to $55 million.
It's different from his beleaguered efforts to build underground tunnel systems in other cities because Musk will be paid for it if the contract is approved. Projects in Los Angeles and Chicago have drawn opposition and skepticism from residents and officials about whether they will actually open.
Musk has faced recent blowback because of his behavior and tweeting habits. He has had dust-ups with stock market regulators and agreed last year to step down as chairman of the board of Tesla, his electric car company.
But Las Vegas tourism officials are prepared to get on board with a Musk project.
'It's really advanced. I think it will be an attraction in and of itself, frankly,' Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, told The Associated Press.
Details of the project have not been completed. But Hill said the system will probably have three or four stations, each situated at entrances to the convention center's halls. People would be carried to the hall of their choice in electric vehicles moving through parallel tunnels, each running in one direction.
The fleet could include Tesla's Model X and Model 3 and a vehicle with capacity for about 16 people, Hill said. All vehicles would be totally autonomous, meaning they won't have backup human drivers.
The Las Vegas Convention Center, which lures worldwide gatherings including the premier Consumer Electronics Show, is undergoing an expansion. When finished, convention attendees could log about two miles walking from one end to the other. The distance led officials to look for a transportation solution.
The service within the convention center is expected to be free for people attending events.
The convention center is operated by the authority, which is funded by a county room tax and is responsible for promoting the destination around the world. The tourism agency is governed by a board of directors.
The authority is expected to introduce to the board the recommendation to select Musk's company March 12. If approved, Hill said the agency hopes to return to the board with a full design and proposed contract by June.
Musk in December unveiled a test tunnel constructed under a Los Angeles suburb, allowing reporters and customers to take rides. It came almost two years to the day after Musk announced on Twitter that 'traffic is driving me nuts' and he was 'going to build a tunnel boring machine and just start digging.'
'I am actually going to do this,' he added in response to initial skepticism. Soon after, he began The Boring Company, tongue in cheek intentional.
The skepticism has not subsided. The Boring Company in November deactivated its plans for another test tunnel in the Los Angeles area after a neighborhood group filed a lawsuit over concerns about traffic and disruptions from trucks hauling out dirt during the boring process.
Now plans for a project in Chicago appear to be in risk. Neither mayoral candidate grants of plans announced in June that called for a system similar to the one proposed for Las Vegas. It would carry people between Chicago's downtown and O'Hare International Airport at speeds of up to 150 mph through underground tunnels.
Hill said he does not wish permitting processes in the Las Vegas area to put the project behind schedule should it be approved, because the city is 'committed to innovation.'
'Look at everything that we have built in Las Vegas, and this city and everybody who has built it found ways to make that happen,' he said. 'As long as this continues to make sense, I believe that we will figure out how to make it happen.'
Hill acknowledged the technology that will be used in the project has not been used commercially, but he said the company has the talent to make the project a reality.
The confidence in The Boring Company is such that the authority already has optional routes for the tunnel system to expand to link to the Las Vegas Strip, the city's downtown and McCarran International Airport. An expansion of that magnitude could be a choice to the congestion affecting the Strip and nearby areas.
'We do see it as a real opportunity and something we would like to pursue,' Hill said.
Steve Davis, director of The Boring Company, said the speed at which the vehicles will move inside the convention center's tunnels will depend on the number of stations built. The technology associated in the project is being tested every day in the tunnel in Hawthorne, California, he said.
The company believes it will be able to deliver the project by the 2021 deadline, just before that year's edition of the CES tech gadget gathering. It is also eyeing the expansion possibility.
'If the community likes it, and they come, they ride at the convention center and they say 'This is great. It's comfortable. It's fast. It's awesome.' Well, there are other places it can go,' Davis said.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Las Vegas' tourism agency stated Wednesday it is recommending that an enterprise supported by the divisive billionaire receive a contract to build and run an underground tunnel system through which autonomous electric vehicles would whisk people around a super convention center, and in the future, possibly the city's famous casino-filled corridor.
If approved, the system of just over a mile long would definitely debut by January 2021 at the facility, which hosts more than 1 million people every year. The Musk-owned The Boring Company would establish the project costing from $35 million to $55 million.
It's different from his beleaguered efforts to build underground tunnel systems in other cities because Musk will be paid for it if the contract is approved. Projects in Los Angeles and Chicago have drawn opposition and skepticism from residents and officials about whether they will actually open.
Musk has faced recent blowback because of his behavior and tweeting habits. He has had dust-ups with stock market regulators and agreed last year to step down as chairman of the board of Tesla, his electric car company.
But Las Vegas tourism officials are prepared to get on board with a Musk project.
'It's really advanced. I think it will be an attraction in and of itself, frankly,' Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, told The Associated Press.
Details of the project have not been completed. But Hill said the system will probably have three or four stations, each situated at entrances to the convention center's halls. People would be carried to the hall of their choice in electric vehicles moving through parallel tunnels, each running in one direction.
The fleet could include Tesla's Model X and Model 3 and a vehicle with capacity for about 16 people, Hill said. All vehicles would be totally autonomous, meaning they won't have backup human drivers.
The Las Vegas Convention Center, which lures worldwide gatherings including the premier Consumer Electronics Show, is undergoing an expansion. When finished, convention attendees could log about two miles walking from one end to the other. The distance led officials to look for a transportation solution.
The service within the convention center is expected to be free for people attending events.
The convention center is operated by the authority, which is funded by a county room tax and is responsible for promoting the destination around the world. The tourism agency is governed by a board of directors.
The authority is expected to introduce to the board the recommendation to select Musk's company March 12. If approved, Hill said the agency hopes to return to the board with a full design and proposed contract by June.
Musk in December unveiled a test tunnel constructed under a Los Angeles suburb, allowing reporters and customers to take rides. It came almost two years to the day after Musk announced on Twitter that 'traffic is driving me nuts' and he was 'going to build a tunnel boring machine and just start digging.'
'I am actually going to do this,' he added in response to initial skepticism. Soon after, he began The Boring Company, tongue in cheek intentional.
The skepticism has not subsided. The Boring Company in November deactivated its plans for another test tunnel in the Los Angeles area after a neighborhood group filed a lawsuit over concerns about traffic and disruptions from trucks hauling out dirt during the boring process.
Now plans for a project in Chicago appear to be in risk. Neither mayoral candidate grants of plans announced in June that called for a system similar to the one proposed for Las Vegas. It would carry people between Chicago's downtown and O'Hare International Airport at speeds of up to 150 mph through underground tunnels.
Hill said he does not wish permitting processes in the Las Vegas area to put the project behind schedule should it be approved, because the city is 'committed to innovation.'
'Look at everything that we have built in Las Vegas, and this city and everybody who has built it found ways to make that happen,' he said. 'As long as this continues to make sense, I believe that we will figure out how to make it happen.'
Hill acknowledged the technology that will be used in the project has not been used commercially, but he said the company has the talent to make the project a reality.
The confidence in The Boring Company is such that the authority already has optional routes for the tunnel system to expand to link to the Las Vegas Strip, the city's downtown and McCarran International Airport. An expansion of that magnitude could be a choice to the congestion affecting the Strip and nearby areas.
'We do see it as a real opportunity and something we would like to pursue,' Hill said.
Steve Davis, director of The Boring Company, said the speed at which the vehicles will move inside the convention center's tunnels will depend on the number of stations built. The technology associated in the project is being tested every day in the tunnel in Hawthorne, California, he said.
The company believes it will be able to deliver the project by the 2021 deadline, just before that year's edition of the CES tech gadget gathering. It is also eyeing the expansion possibility.
'If the community likes it, and they come, they ride at the convention center and they say 'This is great. It's comfortable. It's fast. It's awesome.' Well, there are other places it can go,' Davis said.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Zivid demos high precision color 3D for robotic inspection
Mar 7, 2019
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OSLO, Norway, March 6, 2018 – Zivid, the 3D machine vision camera company, will present at Automate for the very first time with newly appointed imaging solutions partner MoviMED (Booth #8114). The company will display the Zivid One 3D color camera built-in with a UR5 Universal Robot in a live demonstration of high-speed part inspection and quality control.
Using an advanced technique of time-coded planned light projection, Zivid’s real-time, high definition, color 3D cameras capture high-quality point cloud XYZ and RGB data to equip Industry 4.0 robotic and industrial automation systems with a human-like vision capability. With a 2.3 MPix image size, an acquisition rate of 13 Hz and unique HDR capabilities the cameras produce vivid high definition 3D color images of challenging semi-shiny, partly reflective and dark objects.
Complementing the live demonstration, Zivid will also be highlighted in the Automation Solutions & Innovations track of the exhibition conference. In a combined session, ‘The Latest Advances in 3D Vision’, on Monday, April 8, 2:30pm-4:30pm, Zivid’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Americas, Raman Sharma will give a presentation entitled, ‘Robot Automation Using Human-Like 3D Vision’.
Sharma’s 30-minute presentation will reveal how Zivid’s ground-breaking approach to 3D image capture effectively removes long-endured compromises between system accuracy and speed. And made to match the specific needs of a larger spectrum of robotic and industrial automation systems, the company’s new Zivid One Plus (Small, Medium and Large) camera range will also be reviewed.
This article is orignally posted on Tronserve.com
Using an advanced technique of time-coded planned light projection, Zivid’s real-time, high definition, color 3D cameras capture high-quality point cloud XYZ and RGB data to equip Industry 4.0 robotic and industrial automation systems with a human-like vision capability. With a 2.3 MPix image size, an acquisition rate of 13 Hz and unique HDR capabilities the cameras produce vivid high definition 3D color images of challenging semi-shiny, partly reflective and dark objects.
Complementing the live demonstration, Zivid will also be highlighted in the Automation Solutions & Innovations track of the exhibition conference. In a combined session, ‘The Latest Advances in 3D Vision’, on Monday, April 8, 2:30pm-4:30pm, Zivid’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Americas, Raman Sharma will give a presentation entitled, ‘Robot Automation Using Human-Like 3D Vision’.
Sharma’s 30-minute presentation will reveal how Zivid’s ground-breaking approach to 3D image capture effectively removes long-endured compromises between system accuracy and speed. And made to match the specific needs of a larger spectrum of robotic and industrial automation systems, the company’s new Zivid One Plus (Small, Medium and Large) camera range will also be reviewed.
This article is orignally posted on Tronserve.com
Zivid demos high precision color 3D for robotic inspection
Mar 7, 2019
View Full Size
OSLO, Norway, March 6, 2018 – Zivid, the 3D machine vision camera company, will present at Automate for the very first time with newly appointed imaging solutions partner MoviMED (Booth #8114). The company will display the Zivid One 3D color camera built-in with a UR5 Universal Robot in a live demonstration of high-speed part inspection and quality control.
Using an advanced technique of time-coded planned light projection, Zivid’s real-time, high definition, color 3D cameras capture high-quality point cloud XYZ and RGB data to equip Industry 4.0 robotic and industrial automation systems with a human-like vision capability. With a 2.3 MPix image size, an acquisition rate of 13 Hz and unique HDR capabilities the cameras produce vivid high definition 3D color images of challenging semi-shiny, partly reflective and dark objects.
Complementing the live demonstration, Zivid will also be highlighted in the Automation Solutions & Innovations track of the exhibition conference. In a combined session, ‘The Latest Advances in 3D Vision’, on Monday, April 8, 2:30pm-4:30pm, Zivid’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Americas, Raman Sharma will give a presentation entitled, ‘Robot Automation Using Human-Like 3D Vision’.
Sharma’s 30-minute presentation will reveal how Zivid’s ground-breaking approach to 3D image capture effectively removes long-endured compromises between system accuracy and speed. And made to match the specific needs of a larger spectrum of robotic and industrial automation systems, the company’s new Zivid One Plus (Small, Medium and Large) camera range will also be reviewed.
This article is orignally posted on Tronserve.com
Using an advanced technique of time-coded planned light projection, Zivid’s real-time, high definition, color 3D cameras capture high-quality point cloud XYZ and RGB data to equip Industry 4.0 robotic and industrial automation systems with a human-like vision capability. With a 2.3 MPix image size, an acquisition rate of 13 Hz and unique HDR capabilities the cameras produce vivid high definition 3D color images of challenging semi-shiny, partly reflective and dark objects.
Complementing the live demonstration, Zivid will also be highlighted in the Automation Solutions & Innovations track of the exhibition conference. In a combined session, ‘The Latest Advances in 3D Vision’, on Monday, April 8, 2:30pm-4:30pm, Zivid’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Americas, Raman Sharma will give a presentation entitled, ‘Robot Automation Using Human-Like 3D Vision’.
Sharma’s 30-minute presentation will reveal how Zivid’s ground-breaking approach to 3D image capture effectively removes long-endured compromises between system accuracy and speed. And made to match the specific needs of a larger spectrum of robotic and industrial automation systems, the company’s new Zivid One Plus (Small, Medium and Large) camera range will also be reviewed.
This article is orignally posted on Tronserve.com
SprutCAM America Launches SprutCAM 12
Mar 6, 2019
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The company’s well-known SprutCAM12 Robot version, which is a single environment for the offline programming of industrial robots, is now available for a one-time cost of $9,995.00 which allows milling with a robotic arm..
SprutCAM America, the official North American reseller of the powerful, multi-axis CAM software SprutCAM, has announced the release of SprutCAM 12, the company's latest CAM software. The new software is now live on the company's website (www.sprutcamamerica.com).
SprutCAM 12 features numerous upgrades including:
• An all-new, more user-friendly interface
• New, 2D CAD editor integrated into the model page
• Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) Import
• Innovative Adaptive SC High-Speed Machining Operation
• Painting Simulation
• 5-Axis Tool Path Conversion, and much more.
A complete view of what's new can be regarded on the company's website at www.sprutcamamerica.com/sprutcam-12-whats-new/
The company's popular SprutCAM12 Robot version, which is a single environment for the offline programming of industrial robots, is now available for a one-time cost of $9,995.00 which allows milling with a robotic arm. Other features are ready through an optional module which includes cladding, plasma, jet cutting, welding and sawing. The cost for yearly maintenance of that module is $1,850.00. SprutCAM Robot supports programming of many types of industrial robots including Fanuc, Kuka, Staubli, Yaskawa Motoman, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Nachi, ABB and more.
'We are thrilled about the latest production of SprutCAM 12,' said Jake Stueber, CAD/CAM Product Specialist at SprutCAM America. 'This software is very compelling and is priced considerably less than our competitor's products. We feel it gives best-in-class performance at best-in-class price.'
Current users of SprutCAM 11 who are on the company's maintenance plan qualify for a free upgrade to SprutCAM 12.
This article is orignally posted on Tronserve.com
SprutCAM America, the official North American reseller of the powerful, multi-axis CAM software SprutCAM, has announced the release of SprutCAM 12, the company's latest CAM software. The new software is now live on the company's website (www.sprutcamamerica.com).
SprutCAM 12 features numerous upgrades including:
• An all-new, more user-friendly interface
• New, 2D CAD editor integrated into the model page
• Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) Import
• Innovative Adaptive SC High-Speed Machining Operation
• Painting Simulation
• 5-Axis Tool Path Conversion, and much more.
A complete view of what's new can be regarded on the company's website at www.sprutcamamerica.com/sprutcam-12-whats-new/
The company's popular SprutCAM12 Robot version, which is a single environment for the offline programming of industrial robots, is now available for a one-time cost of $9,995.00 which allows milling with a robotic arm. Other features are ready through an optional module which includes cladding, plasma, jet cutting, welding and sawing. The cost for yearly maintenance of that module is $1,850.00. SprutCAM Robot supports programming of many types of industrial robots including Fanuc, Kuka, Staubli, Yaskawa Motoman, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Nachi, ABB and more.
'We are thrilled about the latest production of SprutCAM 12,' said Jake Stueber, CAD/CAM Product Specialist at SprutCAM America. 'This software is very compelling and is priced considerably less than our competitor's products. We feel it gives best-in-class performance at best-in-class price.'
Current users of SprutCAM 11 who are on the company's maintenance plan qualify for a free upgrade to SprutCAM 12.
This article is orignally posted on Tronserve.com
DENSO Named to Fortune¡¯s 2019 Most Admired Companies List
Mar 6, 2019
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SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (February 28, 2019) - DENSO, the world's 2nd largest mobility supplier, has been labeled to the list of World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune for the 5th consecutive year. The company placed sixth in the Motor Vehicle Parts industry, advancing one spot from 2018. This identification follows recent changes made by DENSO to adapt to and lead widespread industry change, such as investing in strategic startup partners, pushing into software-based solutions and increasing its North American R&D capabilities.
'Our new company direction, strategic investments and long-term vision to move mobility innovations to new elevations likely played a role in our new ranking,' said Kenichiro Ito, CEO of DENSO International America, Inc. 'Most notably, we credit this popularity to our talented, dedicated and collaborate colleagues who regularly demonstrate an unrivaled passion for creating safe and efficient vehicles.'
The World's Most Admired Companies list—widely regarded as the authority on corporate reputations—is compiled by Fortune and Korn Ferry Hay Group through surveys of industry executives, directors and analysts who evaluate companies on nine criteria. DENSO got its highest scores in the innovation, social responsibility and product quality categories.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
'Our new company direction, strategic investments and long-term vision to move mobility innovations to new elevations likely played a role in our new ranking,' said Kenichiro Ito, CEO of DENSO International America, Inc. 'Most notably, we credit this popularity to our talented, dedicated and collaborate colleagues who regularly demonstrate an unrivaled passion for creating safe and efficient vehicles.'
The World's Most Admired Companies list—widely regarded as the authority on corporate reputations—is compiled by Fortune and Korn Ferry Hay Group through surveys of industry executives, directors and analysts who evaluate companies on nine criteria. DENSO got its highest scores in the innovation, social responsibility and product quality categories.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Audi Recalls Nearly 75,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Risk
Mar 6, 2019
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DETROIT (AP) — Volkswagen's Audi luxury brand is recalling nearly 75,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. because fuel leaks in the engine could create fires.
The recall covers certain A6, A7, and Q7 SUVs from the 2016 through 2018 model years. Also included are A8 sedans from 2015 through 2018.
The company says in documents uploaded on Tuesday by the U.S. government that parts of the fuel injection system can drip, and if the fuel strikes an ignition source, it can catch fire. The documents didn't record any fires or injuries. A message was left on Tuesday for an Audi spokesman.
Dealers will replace the left and right fuel injector rails at no cost to owners.
Audi says owners will be notified by mail in mid-March.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
The recall covers certain A6, A7, and Q7 SUVs from the 2016 through 2018 model years. Also included are A8 sedans from 2015 through 2018.
The company says in documents uploaded on Tuesday by the U.S. government that parts of the fuel injection system can drip, and if the fuel strikes an ignition source, it can catch fire. The documents didn't record any fires or injuries. A message was left on Tuesday for an Audi spokesman.
Dealers will replace the left and right fuel injector rails at no cost to owners.
Audi says owners will be notified by mail in mid-March.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
WHAT DOES WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION MEAN FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES
Mar 6, 2019
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There’s no uncertainty that automating your warehouse can save you big bucks and lead to some important gains in terms of resources and efficiency.
Not that long ago, the idea of robots overtaking our day-to-day lives felt rather far-fetched. But today, with ridiculous new breakthroughs in warehouse automation becoming more and more of a reality — example: the world’s third-largest retailer, Amazon, developed its robot army to 45,000 this year — there’s no doubt that employees are feeling more vulnerable than ever. But will robots really take over the universal workforce? It’s a difficult, complex question, but the painless answer is no. At least not anytime soon.
There’s no hesitation that automating your warehouse can save you big bucks and turn to some considerable profits in terms of resources and productivity. In fact, Business Insider reports that automation could add more than $1.1 trillion to the global economy in the next 10 years. But does it have to come at the cost of a human workforce? Not yet. Despite the fact that robotic systems are certainly beneficial to a business’s bottom line, there still aren’t technologies on the horizon that can absolutely replace humans.
Robots Can’t Replace the Human Touch
The big concern on every warehouse worker’s mind is whether robots actually have the ability to replace the human touch. The fact of the matter is that regardless of huge improvements in the development of artificial intelligence, engineers still haven’t introduced the technologies necessary to give robots the same assets that make a human worker so valuable.
While robots can do crucial tasks, like swiftly apply shipping labels and seal boxes, they don’t yet feature the capacity to be empathetic, and they’re not privy to the same contextual experiences that make humans such good workers. The mark of a great robot-proof job is one that requires sympathy, creativity, and quick-thinking.
Engineers Make Robots to Enhance, Not Replace, Jobs
Even the most high-tech warehouse equipment isn’t developed to completely replace a person’s job. On the contrary: professionals say that the best automation hardware is designed to complement workers’ roles. For example, wearable robotic suits made by the Assistive Robotics Laboratory at Virginia Tech College of Engineering and Lowe’s Innovation Labs aided workers accomplish their jobs more effectively with less fatigue. When workers donned the high-tech robotic suits, they were able to take oversized and bulky products more rapidly than they could the old-fashioned way.
Additionally, many companies who have invested in automation didn’t cut back on human employees. When McDonald’s added automated ordering kiosks to some stores, for example, the fast food chain said it shifted its available human resources elsewhere instead of cutting back on employees. The U.S. Department of Defense has actually provided grants for roboticists to help them improve new technologies that focus on perfecting artificial intelligence without taking human jobs. A big part of this research is figuring out how robots and humans can work collectively to improve efficiency.
Robots May Actually Help Create More Jobs
No doubt about it: Automation has hurt the global workforce, and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 5 million manufacturing jobs have evaporated since 2000. But since then, new fields have changed the way Americans work and created new demands that have repositioned the workforce. And, of course, robots and artificial intelligence on their own have made new demands for manufacturing.
For example, the steady rise of e-commerce — which shows no signs of slowing, by the way — has placed warehouse workers in a special poposition. In some companies, robots help increase delivery times, which means more real human hands are needed for development and fulfillment. What’s more, where people used to spend their time driving to the store and searching for products on the shelves, now drivers and websites do those jobs for us.
Many of the companies who have switched to automated warehouse systems say that the rise of e-commerce actually introduced new jobs in the process. In other words, robots can’t take jobs from people if the jobs didn’t exist before. Let’s take Amazon as an example. While we know the e-commerce giant has hired plenty of robots in recent years, it also tripled its hourly workforce at the same time.
On top of that, some specialists argue that robots will help revitalize American manufacturing and bring more jobs back to the U.S. from China. Globalization no distrust had a major impact on the decline of warehouse workers, but automation could help the industry reclaim its territory by lowering manufacturing costs and improving efficiency. As a result, American companies would have to hire more domestic workers.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Not that long ago, the idea of robots overtaking our day-to-day lives felt rather far-fetched. But today, with ridiculous new breakthroughs in warehouse automation becoming more and more of a reality — example: the world’s third-largest retailer, Amazon, developed its robot army to 45,000 this year — there’s no doubt that employees are feeling more vulnerable than ever. But will robots really take over the universal workforce? It’s a difficult, complex question, but the painless answer is no. At least not anytime soon.
There’s no hesitation that automating your warehouse can save you big bucks and turn to some considerable profits in terms of resources and productivity. In fact, Business Insider reports that automation could add more than $1.1 trillion to the global economy in the next 10 years. But does it have to come at the cost of a human workforce? Not yet. Despite the fact that robotic systems are certainly beneficial to a business’s bottom line, there still aren’t technologies on the horizon that can absolutely replace humans.
Robots Can’t Replace the Human Touch
The big concern on every warehouse worker’s mind is whether robots actually have the ability to replace the human touch. The fact of the matter is that regardless of huge improvements in the development of artificial intelligence, engineers still haven’t introduced the technologies necessary to give robots the same assets that make a human worker so valuable.
While robots can do crucial tasks, like swiftly apply shipping labels and seal boxes, they don’t yet feature the capacity to be empathetic, and they’re not privy to the same contextual experiences that make humans such good workers. The mark of a great robot-proof job is one that requires sympathy, creativity, and quick-thinking.
Engineers Make Robots to Enhance, Not Replace, Jobs
Even the most high-tech warehouse equipment isn’t developed to completely replace a person’s job. On the contrary: professionals say that the best automation hardware is designed to complement workers’ roles. For example, wearable robotic suits made by the Assistive Robotics Laboratory at Virginia Tech College of Engineering and Lowe’s Innovation Labs aided workers accomplish their jobs more effectively with less fatigue. When workers donned the high-tech robotic suits, they were able to take oversized and bulky products more rapidly than they could the old-fashioned way.
Additionally, many companies who have invested in automation didn’t cut back on human employees. When McDonald’s added automated ordering kiosks to some stores, for example, the fast food chain said it shifted its available human resources elsewhere instead of cutting back on employees. The U.S. Department of Defense has actually provided grants for roboticists to help them improve new technologies that focus on perfecting artificial intelligence without taking human jobs. A big part of this research is figuring out how robots and humans can work collectively to improve efficiency.
Robots May Actually Help Create More Jobs
No doubt about it: Automation has hurt the global workforce, and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 5 million manufacturing jobs have evaporated since 2000. But since then, new fields have changed the way Americans work and created new demands that have repositioned the workforce. And, of course, robots and artificial intelligence on their own have made new demands for manufacturing.
For example, the steady rise of e-commerce — which shows no signs of slowing, by the way — has placed warehouse workers in a special poposition. In some companies, robots help increase delivery times, which means more real human hands are needed for development and fulfillment. What’s more, where people used to spend their time driving to the store and searching for products on the shelves, now drivers and websites do those jobs for us.
Many of the companies who have switched to automated warehouse systems say that the rise of e-commerce actually introduced new jobs in the process. In other words, robots can’t take jobs from people if the jobs didn’t exist before. Let’s take Amazon as an example. While we know the e-commerce giant has hired plenty of robots in recent years, it also tripled its hourly workforce at the same time.
On top of that, some specialists argue that robots will help revitalize American manufacturing and bring more jobs back to the U.S. from China. Globalization no distrust had a major impact on the decline of warehouse workers, but automation could help the industry reclaim its territory by lowering manufacturing costs and improving efficiency. As a result, American companies would have to hire more domestic workers.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Elon Musk Says Next Vehicle to be Unveiled Later This Month
Mar 5, 2019
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Tesla CEO Elon Musk established on Twitter that the company's future vehicle will be unveiled on March 14.
The Model Y is an SUV and is anticipated to share many of the same underpinnings as its lower-cost sedan, the Model 3. That discussed technology should help expedite production. It also will be about 10 percent bigger than a Model 3, so cost about 10 percent more, Musk said in a series of tweets. Prices for a Model 3 start around $35,000.
Precise specifications on the newest vehicle will be introduced at the unveiling.
Tesla has a devoted fan base for its cars but it has fought with production issues for years. Musk insists the company has discovered its lesson and that by using some overlapping technology it can get the product to market quicker. Musk recently told investors that the Model Y will share about 75 percent of the same components as the Model 3.
The company has been attempting to move beyond its niche as a maker of luxury cars with a wider array of new products.
This article is originallly posted on Tronserve.com
The Model Y is an SUV and is anticipated to share many of the same underpinnings as its lower-cost sedan, the Model 3. That discussed technology should help expedite production. It also will be about 10 percent bigger than a Model 3, so cost about 10 percent more, Musk said in a series of tweets. Prices for a Model 3 start around $35,000.
Precise specifications on the newest vehicle will be introduced at the unveiling.
Tesla has a devoted fan base for its cars but it has fought with production issues for years. Musk insists the company has discovered its lesson and that by using some overlapping technology it can get the product to market quicker. Musk recently told investors that the Model Y will share about 75 percent of the same components as the Model 3.
The company has been attempting to move beyond its niche as a maker of luxury cars with a wider array of new products.
This article is originallly posted on Tronserve.com
MANUFACTURERS ESTABLISH SERVITIZATION STRATEGIES IN 2019
Mar 5, 2019
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For the manufacturing industry in certain, the strong gap between customer expectations and after-sales service realities has pushed manufacturers into major renovations to their businesses and, truthfully, the shift to servitization. This shift, where manufacturers must evolve from selling their products outright to selling the outcome or value that products deliver and guarantee maximized product uptime, means focusing more on repair prevention instead of retroactively fixing product failures once they have happened, or repair execution or break-fix.
The retroactive, break-fix model of manufacturing has practically been the way the industry has managed since day one. This, of course, implies that a complete upgrade – or even just a fractional shift – away from the break-fix model cannot develop overnight, given how ingrained it is within each aspect of a manufacturer’s business. In addition, achieving such a large shift in business operations comes at a significant upfront investment — including paying for technology costs, retraining employees, hiring and more — that may not be specifically attractive in the immediate term. So, getting buy-in from the boardroom level can be challenging. However, the pros of servitization are quite attractive once the shift is made.
I recently had a chance to chat with several service experts about what companies must do to hit the ground running to make the switch over to servitization. Below are a few key takeaways from my conversations:
Incorporate automation and machine learning. “Replace historically manual activities with automation and machine learning, like in your forecasting, for example. If you can apply machine learning and [historically excluded] data, forecast accuracy can ultimately make a huge impact.” – Kurt Ranka, Principle Director at Accenture
Study customer behaviors. “Look at everything that’s not a value-add to your customers and decide if it’s a priority to you. If the customer is not willing to pay for it, then you shouldn’t [spend time on it]. Time is the one commodity that you can buy, barter or trade, so the quicker customers can get to do what they want to do, the better. ‘Easy-to-do-business-with’ is more valuable than ever.” – Jon Dickinson, Director of Aftermarket Sales at Spartan Motors
Challenge, change and create. “I started in the business at Honda Motors and learned to always challenge, change and create. Go into things and ask why you do them that way; question it and try to create a new way to do them. Nokia lost their principle because they couldn’t execute this – they couldn’t transition into the smartphone industry and they got left behind.” – Jay Johnson, General Manager, Daimler Trucks North America
Traditional, break-fix service business models were intentionally created to fail at some time during their life cycle. This model created opportunities for manufacturers to sell high-margin parts and service, which worked initially because the responsibility of the repair (i.e. maintenance and uptime) fell on the customer. But that model won’t cut it any longer in today’s always-connected world, just where customers are demanding a change. In an industry that has been grappling with uncertainty for several years, the space is mature for innovation and to drive results. With servitization, manufacturers can modernize their operations, and align themselves better with customer expectations and needs. Moreover, it simply produces better results for customers and helps them drive revenue and growth in return. Each year presents new opportunities for manufacturers, and it’s always interesting to see how things materialize. 2019 will be no different, and it will be intriguing to see which companies adopt servitization and who wins the race.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
The retroactive, break-fix model of manufacturing has practically been the way the industry has managed since day one. This, of course, implies that a complete upgrade – or even just a fractional shift – away from the break-fix model cannot develop overnight, given how ingrained it is within each aspect of a manufacturer’s business. In addition, achieving such a large shift in business operations comes at a significant upfront investment — including paying for technology costs, retraining employees, hiring and more — that may not be specifically attractive in the immediate term. So, getting buy-in from the boardroom level can be challenging. However, the pros of servitization are quite attractive once the shift is made.
I recently had a chance to chat with several service experts about what companies must do to hit the ground running to make the switch over to servitization. Below are a few key takeaways from my conversations:
Incorporate automation and machine learning. “Replace historically manual activities with automation and machine learning, like in your forecasting, for example. If you can apply machine learning and [historically excluded] data, forecast accuracy can ultimately make a huge impact.” – Kurt Ranka, Principle Director at Accenture
Study customer behaviors. “Look at everything that’s not a value-add to your customers and decide if it’s a priority to you. If the customer is not willing to pay for it, then you shouldn’t [spend time on it]. Time is the one commodity that you can buy, barter or trade, so the quicker customers can get to do what they want to do, the better. ‘Easy-to-do-business-with’ is more valuable than ever.” – Jon Dickinson, Director of Aftermarket Sales at Spartan Motors
Challenge, change and create. “I started in the business at Honda Motors and learned to always challenge, change and create. Go into things and ask why you do them that way; question it and try to create a new way to do them. Nokia lost their principle because they couldn’t execute this – they couldn’t transition into the smartphone industry and they got left behind.” – Jay Johnson, General Manager, Daimler Trucks North America
Traditional, break-fix service business models were intentionally created to fail at some time during their life cycle. This model created opportunities for manufacturers to sell high-margin parts and service, which worked initially because the responsibility of the repair (i.e. maintenance and uptime) fell on the customer. But that model won’t cut it any longer in today’s always-connected world, just where customers are demanding a change. In an industry that has been grappling with uncertainty for several years, the space is mature for innovation and to drive results. With servitization, manufacturers can modernize their operations, and align themselves better with customer expectations and needs. Moreover, it simply produces better results for customers and helps them drive revenue and growth in return. Each year presents new opportunities for manufacturers, and it’s always interesting to see how things materialize. 2019 will be no different, and it will be intriguing to see which companies adopt servitization and who wins the race.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Huawei Pleads Not Guilty to Trade Secrets Charges in Seattle
Mar 1, 2019
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The Chinese tech giant Huawei pleaded not guilty Thursday to U.S. trade-theft charges in a case that has heightened a trade dispute between the world's two largest economies.
The pleas were registered in federal court in Seattle, where a 10-count indictment was unsealed in January against two Huawei units, Huawei Device Co. and Huawei Device USA.
Charges consist of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, attempted theft of trade secrets, wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The conspiracy charge carries a potentiality fine of $5 million or three times the value of the stolen trade secret, whichever is greater, the U.S. Attorney's office said Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez set a March 2020 trial date.
The U.S. has arrested China of using predatory tactics to turn Chinese companies into leaders in tech fields such as robotics and electric vehicles.
From 2012 to 2014, prosecutors allege, Huawei engaged in a scheme to steal the technology behind a robotic device that Bellevue, Washington-based T-Mobile used to test smartphones, in accordance to the charges.
Prosecutors say one Huawei worker even got rid of the robot's arm from T-Mobile's lab, took detailed measurements and photos of it, and then sent the information about it to China; the company says the worker acted separately and was later fired.
A federal jury in Seattle awarded T-Mobile $4.8 million in damages in 2017.
Huawei, the No. 2 smartphone maker and an a must player in global communications networks, has also been charged in New York with lying to banks concerning deals that violated economic sanctions against Iran. The daughter of the company's founder has been arrested in Canada and is awaiting extradition to the U.S. No arraignment has been set in the New York case, but Huawei denies the charges.
Trade talks between the United States and China are far from completion, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told lawmakers Wednesday, but President Donald Trump raised hopes earlier in the week when he said he would postpone a scheduled March 2 increase in tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
The pleas were registered in federal court in Seattle, where a 10-count indictment was unsealed in January against two Huawei units, Huawei Device Co. and Huawei Device USA.
Charges consist of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, attempted theft of trade secrets, wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The conspiracy charge carries a potentiality fine of $5 million or three times the value of the stolen trade secret, whichever is greater, the U.S. Attorney's office said Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez set a March 2020 trial date.
The U.S. has arrested China of using predatory tactics to turn Chinese companies into leaders in tech fields such as robotics and electric vehicles.
From 2012 to 2014, prosecutors allege, Huawei engaged in a scheme to steal the technology behind a robotic device that Bellevue, Washington-based T-Mobile used to test smartphones, in accordance to the charges.
Prosecutors say one Huawei worker even got rid of the robot's arm from T-Mobile's lab, took detailed measurements and photos of it, and then sent the information about it to China; the company says the worker acted separately and was later fired.
A federal jury in Seattle awarded T-Mobile $4.8 million in damages in 2017.
Huawei, the No. 2 smartphone maker and an a must player in global communications networks, has also been charged in New York with lying to banks concerning deals that violated economic sanctions against Iran. The daughter of the company's founder has been arrested in Canada and is awaiting extradition to the U.S. No arraignment has been set in the New York case, but Huawei denies the charges.
Trade talks between the United States and China are far from completion, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told lawmakers Wednesday, but President Donald Trump raised hopes earlier in the week when he said he would postpone a scheduled March 2 increase in tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Novotechnik - New-Inductive-Technology Position Sensors
Mar 1, 2019
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TF1 Series consists of an inductively combined position marker fastened to a moving rod/piece of the user’s application that requires a position measurement and the sensor with operational and programming status LEDs.
TF1 Series consists of an inductively joined position marker fastened to a moving rod/piece of the user's application that calls for a position measurement and the sensor with operational and programming status LEDs. While operating, LEDs suggest regardless of whether the sensor is operating and the marker within measuring range, out of range as well as indicating results of internal diagnostics for valid output from the sensor.
The physical properties measured by the TF1 are position, and for some of the digital interfaces: speed and temperature.
Key TF1 Series specifications include stroke lengths of 100 to 1,000 mm, resolution to 1 µm, absolute linearity of ≤ ±0.025% of full scale for analog and ≤ ±100 µm for digital outputs, reproducibility of ≤10 µm for ≤ 400 mm stroke lengths and ≤20 µm for >400 stroke lengths for analog outputs. A high-precision mode for digital outputs features repeatability to <5 µm. It has an update rate of >10kHz—equivalent to <100 µsec.
TF1 Series sensors are plug-in suitable with many current sensors including magnetostrictive and resistance track sensors.
Other key TF1 Series specifications consist of operation within specifications with up to 100 g shock and 20 g vibration. The sensors are sealed to IP 67, have an operating temperature range of -40 to +85°C and unlimited mechanical life with floating position marker. Output interfaces include analog voltage or current, SSI, CANopen and IO-Link.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
TF1 Series consists of an inductively joined position marker fastened to a moving rod/piece of the user's application that calls for a position measurement and the sensor with operational and programming status LEDs. While operating, LEDs suggest regardless of whether the sensor is operating and the marker within measuring range, out of range as well as indicating results of internal diagnostics for valid output from the sensor.
The physical properties measured by the TF1 are position, and for some of the digital interfaces: speed and temperature.
Key TF1 Series specifications include stroke lengths of 100 to 1,000 mm, resolution to 1 µm, absolute linearity of ≤ ±0.025% of full scale for analog and ≤ ±100 µm for digital outputs, reproducibility of ≤10 µm for ≤ 400 mm stroke lengths and ≤20 µm for >400 stroke lengths for analog outputs. A high-precision mode for digital outputs features repeatability to <5 µm. It has an update rate of >10kHz—equivalent to <100 µsec.
TF1 Series sensors are plug-in suitable with many current sensors including magnetostrictive and resistance track sensors.
Other key TF1 Series specifications consist of operation within specifications with up to 100 g shock and 20 g vibration. The sensors are sealed to IP 67, have an operating temperature range of -40 to +85°C and unlimited mechanical life with floating position marker. Output interfaces include analog voltage or current, SSI, CANopen and IO-Link.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
DEMATIC ROBOTICS EXPERT TO SPEAK AT SXSW PANEL DISCUSSION
Mar 1, 2019
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Crystal Parrott, head of Dematic’s Robotics Center of Excellence to review how logistics providers can add emerging robotic technologies to tackle their unique supply chain problems
On Sunday, March 10, industry experts on robotic automation including Parrott, a vice president for the Dematic Robotics Center of Excellence, will discuss issues and trends resulting from the increase in volume and complexity of order fulfillment driven by the growth of e-Commerce. The session gets ongoing at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Austin Downtown, as part of the Entrepreneurship & Startups track.
'As technology persists to advance at lightning speed, it is crucial to continuously search for viable solutions from a variety of sources. The SXSW event has a platform for innovators and start-ups to present their ideas and get the exposure needed to propel ideas into industry,' said Parrott, who brings about 30 years of robotic and automation experience to the panel.
wdIncreasing capacity, reducing operating costs and minimizing processing time by leveraging emerging robotic technologies are topics Parrott plans to address during the 60-minute session. The four-person panel, which comprises of experts from robotics, supply chain and logistics, will discuss the role of robotics from both a technology viewpoint as well as from a pragmatic approach to working alongside human colleagues.
'Our panel brings together the perspective of the investor, the start-up, the solution provider and the end user on bridging the gap between innovation and successful implementation. Dematic is happy to be a participant in this event,' adds Parrott.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
On Sunday, March 10, industry experts on robotic automation including Parrott, a vice president for the Dematic Robotics Center of Excellence, will discuss issues and trends resulting from the increase in volume and complexity of order fulfillment driven by the growth of e-Commerce. The session gets ongoing at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Austin Downtown, as part of the Entrepreneurship & Startups track.
'As technology persists to advance at lightning speed, it is crucial to continuously search for viable solutions from a variety of sources. The SXSW event has a platform for innovators and start-ups to present their ideas and get the exposure needed to propel ideas into industry,' said Parrott, who brings about 30 years of robotic and automation experience to the panel.
wdIncreasing capacity, reducing operating costs and minimizing processing time by leveraging emerging robotic technologies are topics Parrott plans to address during the 60-minute session. The four-person panel, which comprises of experts from robotics, supply chain and logistics, will discuss the role of robotics from both a technology viewpoint as well as from a pragmatic approach to working alongside human colleagues.
'Our panel brings together the perspective of the investor, the start-up, the solution provider and the end user on bridging the gap between innovation and successful implementation. Dematic is happy to be a participant in this event,' adds Parrott.
This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com
Five Reasons Self-Driving Vehicle Manufactures Will Likely Change The Insurance Market
Feb 28, 2019
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Self-driving car manufacturers, or SDCMs, are seeking to build ownership of autonomous vehicles easier and more affordable for consumers, and they are taking a rather innovative path in getting there. Insurance. Can you comprehend a time when your insurance continually goes down instead of up? It is hard to fathom, right? Yet, if SDCMs expand to the car insurance business, this may very well be a reality
Why Are SDCMs Getting Involved With Vehicle Insurance?
1. Barriers
It’s not all altruistic on the manufacturer’s part. Intertwining with insurance aids the manufacturer just as much as the consumer. An adoption wall exists for usage of self-driving vehicles. This is very true once it comes to everyday private drivers and transportation “taxi” vehicles.
Insurance agencies may not give insurances for autonomous vehicles at all or price it at expensive levels. After all, since autonomous vehicles aren’t on the market yet, there’s no statistical data on accidents, injuries, and fatalities for the insurer to even base pricing upon. This means they’ll likely rollout coverage at the highest price point possible to cover themselves, and that’s a big deterrent for any buyer and a big downside for any manufacturer.
The good news is that SDCMs will have their own data centers concerning statistics on accidents, injuries, fatalities, and even near misses in relation to their own line of self-driving vehicles. They’ll be able to collect and analyze this information at any given time and generate more accurate auto insurance quotes for their own automated vehicles. By being both the seller and mandatory protection source of the good, SDCMs will knockdown the insurance barrier of availability and affordability for both their own pursuits and those of the consumer.
2. Build Consumer Confidence
While self-driving vehicles have long made appearances in movies and books, they have yet to be tried out in real life by consumers. Buyers just have no idea what to expect nor if autonomous vehicles are a safe and reliable investment. What better way for a manufacturer to say their confident in their product than to guarantee it themselves?
3. Enhanced Consumer Car-Buying Experience
Few, if any, thrill in the idea of shopping for the best auto insurance quotes. With SDCMs providing insurance at purchase, the consumer can completely skip the middleman insurer and the entire painstaking insurance search and comparison process. Insurance would be available immediately at purchase and help offset the total cost of the vehicle, too.
4. Unified Pricing
The entire insurance procedure will be highly simplified for self-driving vehicles. Most insurance pricing roll around caveats of the driver – driving record, age, gender, and so forth. Adjustments are made for probability of human error, too. With autonomous vehicles, however, insurance will not have those revolving doors of ifs. Pricing will merely be based on the vehicle itself, or rather based on the software and hardware installed.
If the technology is the same in a given self-driving vehicle, then the price of insurance will be the same whether it’s senior with a few accidents on their record, a newbie driver with no experience, or a businessman logging hundreds of miles each day.
5. Drives Insurance Prices And Liabilities Down
Autonomous cars can be commercialized after SDCM’s demonstrate that they are safer than cars driven by humans, which will then enable SDCM data banks to determine exact probabilities for accidents and the resulting costs.
Did you know that IBISWorld reported that auto insurance was a $259 billion dollar industry in 2017? To put into perspective just what a huge marketplace that is, the entire U.S pharmaceutical industry was valued at $446 billion in 2016.
Insurance costs will significantly decline with SDCMs focused on accident prevention and offering insurance prices based on real-time accident and fatality data. This should in unison expand the market and make car ownership more affordable for everyday consumers.
The insurance reduction in cost should not just be a one-and-done situation, either. Consumers should see continued drops in insurance pricing as car manufacturers and software vendors publish updates and releases to the safety of the self-driving vehicles.
This article is oriignally posted on Tronserve.com
Why Are SDCMs Getting Involved With Vehicle Insurance?
1. Barriers
It’s not all altruistic on the manufacturer’s part. Intertwining with insurance aids the manufacturer just as much as the consumer. An adoption wall exists for usage of self-driving vehicles. This is very true once it comes to everyday private drivers and transportation “taxi” vehicles.
Insurance agencies may not give insurances for autonomous vehicles at all or price it at expensive levels. After all, since autonomous vehicles aren’t on the market yet, there’s no statistical data on accidents, injuries, and fatalities for the insurer to even base pricing upon. This means they’ll likely rollout coverage at the highest price point possible to cover themselves, and that’s a big deterrent for any buyer and a big downside for any manufacturer.
The good news is that SDCMs will have their own data centers concerning statistics on accidents, injuries, fatalities, and even near misses in relation to their own line of self-driving vehicles. They’ll be able to collect and analyze this information at any given time and generate more accurate auto insurance quotes for their own automated vehicles. By being both the seller and mandatory protection source of the good, SDCMs will knockdown the insurance barrier of availability and affordability for both their own pursuits and those of the consumer.
2. Build Consumer Confidence
While self-driving vehicles have long made appearances in movies and books, they have yet to be tried out in real life by consumers. Buyers just have no idea what to expect nor if autonomous vehicles are a safe and reliable investment. What better way for a manufacturer to say their confident in their product than to guarantee it themselves?
3. Enhanced Consumer Car-Buying Experience
Few, if any, thrill in the idea of shopping for the best auto insurance quotes. With SDCMs providing insurance at purchase, the consumer can completely skip the middleman insurer and the entire painstaking insurance search and comparison process. Insurance would be available immediately at purchase and help offset the total cost of the vehicle, too.
4. Unified Pricing
The entire insurance procedure will be highly simplified for self-driving vehicles. Most insurance pricing roll around caveats of the driver – driving record, age, gender, and so forth. Adjustments are made for probability of human error, too. With autonomous vehicles, however, insurance will not have those revolving doors of ifs. Pricing will merely be based on the vehicle itself, or rather based on the software and hardware installed.
If the technology is the same in a given self-driving vehicle, then the price of insurance will be the same whether it’s senior with a few accidents on their record, a newbie driver with no experience, or a businessman logging hundreds of miles each day.
5. Drives Insurance Prices And Liabilities Down
Autonomous cars can be commercialized after SDCM’s demonstrate that they are safer than cars driven by humans, which will then enable SDCM data banks to determine exact probabilities for accidents and the resulting costs.
Did you know that IBISWorld reported that auto insurance was a $259 billion dollar industry in 2017? To put into perspective just what a huge marketplace that is, the entire U.S pharmaceutical industry was valued at $446 billion in 2016.
Insurance costs will significantly decline with SDCMs focused on accident prevention and offering insurance prices based on real-time accident and fatality data. This should in unison expand the market and make car ownership more affordable for everyday consumers.
The insurance reduction in cost should not just be a one-and-done situation, either. Consumers should see continued drops in insurance pricing as car manufacturers and software vendors publish updates and releases to the safety of the self-driving vehicles.
This article is oriignally posted on Tronserve.com