Future of Manufacturing

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For a unique shopping world: igus low-cost robot in the design of your choice

Custom design robolink robot arm ensures fast automation and a new shopping experience. From industrial use, robots are increasingly finding their way into the retail trade. There they ensure rapid automation of processes and are also a real eye-catcher. Users place high demands on design and reliability at a cost-effective price. For this reason, igus is now offering its low-cost robot – robolink DP – consisting of high-performance polymers, in custom design. Shopping and ordering online has already become part of everyday life, be it for new trousers, an SLR camera for the holidays or the sushi for dinner. Within a few minutes or the next day, the delivery service or the parcel carrier is at the door with the order – convenient and simple. But the new buying behaviour is increasingly building up competitive pressure on the stationary retail trade. Intelligent automation systems for fast shopping are in demand, in the supermarket as well as in the furniture store. Solutions can be: automatic juice dispensers, bread slicers or self-service cash registers with weighing technology, in which igus motion plastics – such as lubrication-free iglidur plain bearings and maintenance-free drylin linear guides – ensure wear-resistant movements. At the same time, retailers such as fashion houses and restaurants can develop store and design concepts that offer customers a new experience. Robots are a popular tool of choice because they are not only a real eye-catcher, but also a practical automation solution. They can give out prizes from raffles, mix cocktails or even cover a pizza with toppings. So far, expensive fun that is rarely found in Australia. With its igus robolink DP, Treotham now offers a new cost-effective solution, which the customer can design individually. Low-cost robots in the desired outfit Last year, igus presented for the first time its robolink […]

Trial aims to help support more solar

Solar customers in South Australia and Victoria will soon be able to feed more energy into the grid thanks to a new project announced today by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). ARENA has announced $2.09 million in funding to a consortium led by SA Power Networks to trial a new approach to integrating rooftop solar with the grid, using smart inverters. Distributors SA Power Networks and Victorian-based AusNet Services have partnered with industry-leading inverter manufacturers, Fronius, SMA, and SolarEdge, and energy management software company SwitchDin to develop the technical capability needed to offer customers flexible rather than fixed export limits for solar. The $4.84 million project will develop and test end-to-end technical capability to enable flexible export limits for solar PV systems. The capability will be built into Australian products from market-leading inverter manufacturers and will be enabled in many other inverter brands through SwitchDin’s Droplet gateway device. Through a 12 month field trial involving about 600 customers in South Australia and Victoria, the project will test the viability of this kind of connection arrangement, and refine and develop the associated technologies and customer connection service to the point where it could be offered as a standard service to all customers installing solar. Australians are currently installing new PV systems at a rate of more than 200,000 per annum across the NEM. These systems provide many benefits but also present challenges for distribution networks in maintaining safety, quality and security of supply. Distribution networks such as South Australia’s are reaching the limit of their capacity to host rooftop solar in some areas without major investment in network upgrades. Alternatively, they may have to impose zero or very low export limits for new solar connections in congested areas. “We want more solar, not less,” said Paul Roberts, […]

Goal and Stork launch first aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training program

Goal Indigenous Services and Stork Technical Services Australia are pleased to announce the launch of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Traineeship program in Western Australia. This program is believed to be the first of its kind, leading the way in Indigenous involvement and development for the NDT industry. Goal Indigenous Services will recruit, mentor and support the trainees, with Stork providing the technical expertise and mentoring, along with an environment to grow and develop into qualified NDT professionals. The South Metropolitan TAFE is the assigned training facility providing a bespoke, tailor-made curriculum. “Stork is delighted to kick off our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traineeship program. We look forward to expanding this initiative throughout our operations” said Tony McAnulty, Stork’s Regional Director. “Delivering traineeships in the regions we operate in enables us to provide a great opportunity for a long and exciting career in Non-Destructive Testing for local Indigenous people. This aligns with our goal to be a socially responsible contributor in the local community and also aides in being a globally sustainable business.” The program is up and running with its first two participants placed at separate Stork project sites. “Our first trainee is working with Stork’s delivery team in Kwinana and our second trainee started this week on one of Storks new NDT & Heat Treatment contracts” stated Xavier Clarke, MD Goal Indigenous Services. “We are very excited to see this program take off and provide opportunities for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.” Stork’s Kwinana Service Centre will deliver the traineeships and provide everything the trainees need to make the program and their careers a great success. Upon completion of the program, the trainees will enter the workforce as fully qualified NDT technicians holding a Certificate III in Engineering along with […]

Manufacturing in the solar industry flourishing

The Australian solar industry is one of the few industries that hasn’t had to rely on overseas products. Despite the impact of Covid-19 on imports, manufacturing in the solar industry has been flourishing. Solar Mounting company Clenergy and local manufacturer Capral Aluminum recently partnered to produce a locally manufactured aluminum solar mounting rail known as the ‘Cutter Rail’. The following Q&A for Australian Manufacturing News www.australianmanufacturingnews.com has been answered by Sean Guzzi, National Channel Manager at Clenergy and Peter Darvell, General Manager South West Region at Capral Aluminium. What’s the current state of the solar industry and how do you see this growing in the future? Sean Guzzi: “Solar panels are getting larger and more efficient every day. From 2010, the dimensions of a solar panel were 1580 x 808mm (1.28m²), and today in 2020 it is about 1956 x 992mm (1.94m²), which is almost double in size. “As solar panels grow, the rails to mount the panel also have to grow. Just like a frame is to a painting, solar mounting equipment is to the solar panel. The mounting equipment aids to fasten the solar to the roof or the ground, using either the roof battens (which is the main structure of the house), concrete, or even ground screws, and provides enhanced aesthetics to the final solar project. ” As the solar panels adapt to the market with the desire for bigger solar systems, we at Clenergy adjust and grow to fit this new environment.” How does manufacturing locally help the industry? Sean Guzzi: “Clenergy was founded in 2007, and back then we predicted to be competitive within the market, we had to manufacture our products overseas. “Today, thirteen years later, we offer a locally made mounting structure, which is a first for the Australian solar industry. This helps […]

Getac first manufacturer to bring integrated LiFi technology to rugged mobile computing market

Getac is working closely with selected strategic customers to commercialise new solution based on specific industry applications and requirements Getac has announced that it is bringing integrated Light Fidelity (LiFi) technology powered by pureLiFi to the rugged market for the first time. The announcement means customers across a wide range of professional sectors will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of fully rugged reliability and innovative LiFi connectivity in a single device, unlocking a host of powerful new applications and use cases. Previously, users wishing to capitalise on the benefits of LiFi technology had to rely on a USB dongle plugged into the side of their device. This approach is highly vulnerable to even the slightest knock or drop, making it unviable in many working environments, such as those found in the defence, public safety, automotive, energy and manufacturing sectors. With this announcement, users across these sectors will be able to purchase a fully rugged solution with LiFi technology fully integrated into the device. The first Getac device to offer integrated LiFi capability will be the recently launched UX10 fully rugged tablet. LiFi technology: Secure, high quality, light-based connectivity LiFi technology uses light to transmit data rather than radio frequency, which is the case with traditional technologies such as WiFi, LTE, 4G and 5G. This innovative approach has a number of benefits over RF-based technologies including: Improved privacy and security: Light can be more easily contained than radio waves, and secured in a physical space. As a result, it is much less vulnerable to hacking or hijacking, while giving greater control over network localisation, asset tracking and user authentication. Superior connection quality: LiFi offers a thousand times the data density of RF-based networks, resulting in enhanced reliability and interference free communications. LiFi also doesn’t interfere with RF signals, meaning […]

Verizon Business takes private 5G global

Verizon Business has announced the launch of its international private 5G platform for global enterprises located in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Delivered in partnership with Nokia, the offering will enable businesses to deploy a private industrial grade dedicated 5G network capability within their premises. In addition to ultra-low latency and increased speed, a key benefit of a private 5G network is the ability for businesses, particularly those with manufacturing, distribution and logistics facilities, to deploy a customised on-site mobile network, eliminating the need to transmit data through public networks. “We’ve announced the next phase of Verizon’s global 5G vision with the launch of private 5G for our international customers,” said Tami Erwin, CEO, Verizon Business. “If the past few months have taught us anything, it’s that there’s never been a more critical time for mobility, broadband and cloud products and services. Private 5G networks will be a transformative technology that will drive the new era of disruption and innovation for enterprises around the world.” A private 5G network is a self-contained network whose components all reside in a single facility, consisting of micro towers and small cells and connects to an organisation’s Local Area Network (LAN) and enterprise applications. It will utilise Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud, a private wireless network solution with automation enablers that will allow for application deployment through a web-based interface. “Private wireless connectivity has become central to many industries in realising their long-term digital transformation goals. By delivering private 5G together with Verizon, we’re paving the way to accelerate digitalisation for the most demanding industries who crave reliable wireless connectivity,” said Brian R. Fitzgerald, SVP Global Solutions at Nokia. Verizon has been leading global efforts around 5G. In addition to its 5G Lab and production studio in London, the Company recently announced a 5G roaming […]

Why manufacturers should consider 3D and robotics to innovate following the federal budget

COVID-19 has brought the importance of Australian supply chains to the fore. As overseas supply chains came to a halt, industries here were significantly impacted as supplies depleted. This prompted the government to consider an initiative that could sustain local manufacturing. The $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy was announced in the 2020-2021 federal budget. [1] The Australian government is also providing a further tax incentive that will write off the value of assets for businesses, with more information yet to be released. The funding aims to give the manufacturing industry a chance to reinvigorate and innovate. Manufacturers are encouraged to implement cost-effective practices, which will give smaller manufacturers the opportunity to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The funding will modernise factories, increase exports, and secure a sovereign capability across six priority sectors, including: resources technology and critical minerals; food and beverage; medical products; clean energy and recycling; defence; and space. Taking advantage of the funds, Australian manufacturers can improve operations and increase opportunities with new technology, like robotics and 3D printing, according to Konica Minolta. Using robots to innovate offers many advantages to various activities for manufacturers. Two significant benefits include: 1. Improving warehouses or factory operations. Employees spend a significant amount of time moving goods around the warehouse or factory. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) automate the transportation of pallets and heavy loads and can streamline up to 46 per cent of routine tasks. [2] By taking people off manual tasks and using a robot instead, employees can be deployed to areas of more value. Martin Keetels, national manager – emerging technologies, Konica Minolta, said, “For companies in a position to set up a new warehouse, implementing a robotic system will provide an almost immediate return on investment (ROI). However, companies with existing facilities don’t have to redesign to automate; […]

Swisslog live webinar highlights post-pandemic benefits of automation

With guest speakers from Linfox and Davcor Global automation leader Swisslog is hosting a live webinar on the benefits of automated warehousing solutions in a post-pandemic world. Given the supply chain impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the expected long-term shift in buying behaviour, warehouses and distribution centres need fast solutions now more than ever. But how can this be done without increasing labour? Swisslog’s new live webinar, “Benefits of ‘Automated Off the Shelf Solutions’ – In a Post Pandemic World,” to be held November 11, 4:00pm AEDT, will address these questions through insights from Swisslog Senior Consultant Paul Stringleman.

Jason Signmakers announces acquisition of A.D. Engineering International Pty

Jason Signmakers (“Jason Group”) has this week announced the acquisition of A.D. Engineering International Pty Ltd (“ADEI”), with Jason Group purchasing a 75% shareholding in the Gnangara based electronic equipment company. This acquisition is the latest in new business growth activity undertaken by Jason Group, after it launched JV company Sista Girl Sign and Print earlier this year, and added Expo Signage and Digital and Bokay Signage in 2019. Jason Group’s Managing Director, John Mancini, said, “The addition of ADEI is exciting for a number of reasons. First, it allows the Jason Group to truly become a complete solution of static and digital solutions. Secondly, with new engineering capability, it allows our group to bring innovative, focused thinking to our customers in roads, construction, and mining. “And thirdly, it means our group of companies benefit from shared capability to deliver successful major projects nationally. In fact, with increased capabilities in large scale project management, ADEI are ideally placed to support upcoming projects recently announced by the Government – WA roads project boost of $868m.” ADEI have experience in delivering highly technical electronic solutions to a national client base. This includes the successful delivery of the largest full colour traffic VMS in Australia, installed at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport. ADEI’s restructure sees its Director, Peter Harris, continuing in a leadership role, with a focus on reinvigorating the business. With the backing of the Jason Group, ADEI are back to “business as usual”, providing their high quality electric equipment to the roads, construction and mining industries. About AD Engineering International AD Engineering International is a manufacturer of high quality electronic equipment for the road traffic / ITS industry. Over the last 39 years they have specialised in the design, manufacture and supply of Electronic Signs, Signals, and Displays to provide information, traffic control […]

Schneider Electric Canada Inc--Schneider Electric digitizes load

TeSys Island a leap forward for OEMs in their Industry 4.0 journey

To make machines smarter and help reduce machine stoppages and downtime for unprecedented productivity, Schneider Electric has, launched TeSys Island – a digital load management system – in Australia. The new connected system digitally integrates multifunction motor starters into machine control panels, allowing fast installation and configuration for the direct control and management of low voltage loads thanks to an end-to-end digital customer experience. TeSys Island’s innovative object-orientated concept of TeSys avatars acts as a digital replica on top of the physical devices to facilitate integration and allows faster time to market. This approach lets users focus on machine design, load integration, control and simplifies the selection and commissioning of each electro-mechanical component. Due to integration with the industrial fieldbus, TeSys Island eliminates the need for auxiliary wiring and therefore reduces the need for I/O modules. Once in operation as part of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Machine solution, TeSys Island helps minimise machine stoppages by providing easy and secured access diagnostic data for engineering and maintenance personnel by generating pre-alarms when unusual electrical load behavior is detected. Operators can access information remotely and set up timely intervention by maintenance personnel. This unprecedented level of data enables more accurate decision making to all users and reveals the secrets of the machine in operation. TeSys Island provides comprehensive device health, load level energy consumption, and application-specific protection data. Asset identification data is also available to track installations and support the development of new service enabled business models. As part of the renowned TeSys range, TeSys Island can be easily integrated into Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Machine architecture and 3rd party automation systems; supporting all major fieldbuses. Automation integration is simplified, as are programming, testing, and commissioning. The system manages motors and other electrical loads up to 80A, and electrical and mechanical configurations can be […]

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Future of Manufacturing