Manufacturers of consumer goods are encountering higher consumer expectations than ever before and are turning to industrial automation to help them rise to the challenge of these demands. Consumers today are generally more discerning and have higher expectations compared to previous generations. Modern consumers, especially younger generations like Gen Z, are more deliberate about their … Read More
Machine tending is the process of using robots to automate tasks associated with operating industrial machines, such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, metal presses, plastics molding, and metal casting. Machine tending is widely used across various industries—from automotive to consumer goods to aerospace and defense—to enhance efficiency, precision, and safety in components manufacturing. 1. … Read More
Design for automated assembly (DFAA) is a strategic manufacturing approach that not only boosts efficiency but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of the final product. In terms of efficiency, DFAA simplifies product design, which in turn helps streamline production and reduce labor costs. As for product quality, DFAA minimizes damage and … Read More
Machine learning (ML) and robotics are intersecting in a way that pushes the boundaries of what automated systems can do. The fusion of machine learning with robotics creates more adaptable robots that can perform complex tasks, contributing to advancements in various industries and everyday life. By leveraging machine learning, robots can work efficiently and flexibly … Read More
The United States factory automation market is growing, and manufacturers now face an almost perpetual question about their factory automation readiness—whether to introduce or increase automation at their plants. Many manufacturers in the United States have already begun using factory automation, especially in the industrial Midwest. Whether a manufacturer is just starting their industrial automation … Read More
When a Big Three U.S. automotive OEM needed an automation solution to address their changing manufacturing strategy, Wes-Tech delivered with Tech-Trak single-strand pallet conveyors plus the integration and mobility to meet their needs. The re-deployability of our Tech-Trak product allowed this OEM to reconfigure their existing Tech-Trak equipment to serve a new purpose, on time and … Read More
The global machine vision industry is expected to reach a market value of $18.4 billion by 2028. As a robotics integrator, we’re particularly interested in the use of computer vision systems in industrial environments and the multitude of ways manufacturers can benefit from them. Machine vision uses digital imaging technology to guide manufacturing and production … Read More
A Request for Quotation (RFQ) is a foundational document for manufacturers to prepare when presenting industrial automation projects to potential automation integrators. The more precisely manufacturers define the project in their RFQ, the more accurately automation integrators can quote the project—and deliver more optimized solutions. Here are nine important criteria every manufacturer should include in … Read More
What are the top factors that drive return on investment for factory automation? Attaining production goals and minimizing operating process costs are the first—and sometimes only—criteria that most manufacturers use to calculate the ROI of their automation capital investments. However, a deeper dive into cost savings shows that ROI considerations have a greater scope than … Read More
What does this year hold in store for manufacturers in the United States? The U.S. manufacturing industry could witness a transformation in 2024 as the sector embraces new products and new technologies. We’ve taken note of some emerging manufacturing industry trends in various areas, including microfactories, smart factories, and giga casting. In all respects, it … Read More