Knowledge Center

Dive into the breakthroughs and industry trends that are redefining the future of robotics and automation 

Resource Filters

material-handling-automation

Smarter Movement with Material Handling and Conveyor Automation

Today, many companies are shifting toward smarter material handling and conveyor automation. As production lines scale up, manual handling of materials becomes costly and error-prone. Material handling…

Read More
automation-and-reshoring

The Realities of Reshoring: U.S. Manufacturers Narrow the Price Gap Thanks to Automation

Traditionally, China has been the go-to supplier for the lowest-priced parts. However, international tariffs, geopolitical instability, and supply chain disruptions are driving more companies to look for…

Read More
How-Specialized-Robots-are-Driving-Automotive-Manufacturing

How Specialized Robots are Driving Automotive Manufacturing

The automotive industry has been known for manufacturing efficiency and innovation since Henry Ford revolutionized the assembly line. Today, robotics have become the backbone of automotive manufacturing,…

Read More
wes-tech-teams-up-with-reshoring-initiative-to-help-manufacturers-justify-reshoring-with-automation

Wes-Tech Teams Up with Reshoring Initiative to Help Manufacturers Justify Reshoring with Automation

Buffalo Grove, IL – Nov. 5, 2024 – Geopolitical instability and other looming supply chain disruptors are pushing many companies to take a serious look at reshoring.…

Read More
industrial-automation-meets-consumer-expectations

The Industrial Automation Advantage: Rising to Consumer Expectations in a Fast-Paced Market

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…

Read More
machine-tending-use-cases-in-manufacturing

4 Use Cases for Machine Tending in Manufacturing

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,…

Read More
the-past-present-and-future-of-material-handling-in-manufacturing

The Past, Present, and Future of Material Handling in Manufacturing

Material handling is a crucial aspect of modern industrial operations. It involves the movement, storage, and control of materials and products throughout the manufacturing process. Effective material…

Read More
dfaa-strategies-optimizing-product-design-for-automated-assembly-success

DFAA Strategies: Optimizing Product Design for Automated Assembly Success

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…

Read More
advancing-automation-the-intersection-of-machine-learning-and-robotics

Advancing Automation: The Intersection of Machine Learning and Robotics

Machine learning (ML) and robotics are intersecting in a way that pushes the boundaries of what automated systems can do.

Read More
5-steps-to-determine-factory-automation-readiness

5 Steps to Determine Factory Automation Readiness

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…

Read More
how-an-automotive-oem-found-multiple-solutions-with-tech-trak

How An Automotive OEM Found Multiple Solutions with Tech-Trak

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…

Read More
what-is-machine-vision-applications-and-trends-you-should-know

What is Machine Vision? Applications and Trends You Should Know

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…

Read More
8-key-criteria-for-your-industrial-automation-roi-calculation

8 Key Criteria for Your Industrial Automation ROI Calculation

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…

Read More
2024-manufacturing-industry-trends-outlook-and-expectations

2024 Manufacturing Industry Trends: Outlook and Expectations

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…

Read More
industrial-automation-in-2023-a-year-in-review

Industrial Automation in 2023: A Year in Review

As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s look at the trends that shaped (and continue to shape) the industrial automation landscape. A few overarching movements characterized this…

Read More
discrete-manufacturers-consider-reshoring-with-industrial-automation

Discrete Manufacturers: Consider Reshoring with Industrial Automation

Does reshoring make sense for discrete manufacturers? Of course, it’s a nuanced question, but with advances in industrial automation, reshoring has become a realistic possibility for many…

Read More
4-ways-industrial-automation-helps-ensure-the-die-casting-industrys-success

4 Ways Industrial Automation Helps Ensure the Die Casting Industry’s Success

Wes-Tech recently exhibited at the North American Die Casting Association’s Congress & Tabletop in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As we’ve noted before, the die casting industry as a…

Read More
addressing-the-die-casting-industrys-labor-problem

Addressing the Die Casting Industry’s Labor Problem

As you may have heard, the die casting industry expects huge growth in the coming years. While this is exciting news, the industry will face significant challenges…

Read More
industrial-automation-a-viable-solution-for-labor-shortages

Industrial Automation: A Viable Solution for Labor Shortages

The labor shortage crisis is real and widespread, and it’s not going away any time soon. The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) recently cited Deloitte Insight’s prediction…

Read More
solving-the-puzzle-supply-chain-strategies-tech-and-automation

Solving the Puzzle: Supply Chain Strategies, Tech, and Automation

A recent article from Michigan State University asks some timely questions: We thought these were excellent questions, and so we thought we’d take a closer look. What…

Read More
factory-automation-and-reshoring

Factory Automation and Reshoring

All indications are that America’s industrial reshoring trend will accelerate through 2023 and beyond, and that reshoring’s financial justification will be driven in large part by factory…

Read More
increase-manufacturing-throughput

Adding Value through Automation: Increase your Manufacturing Throughput

Often, our customers’ primary focus for their automation investment is increasing their manufacturing throughput. But how do companies really achieve the most optimal throughput? The Wes-Tech team…

Read More
factory-automation-and-reshoring

Manufacturing Automation Trends in 2023: Reshoring

2023 is here, and as we discussed in our post on The Future of Manufacturing, manufacturers can gain an advantage through awareness of automation trends. By paying…

Read More
increase-your-efficiency-with-the-wes-tech-gantry-system

Increase Your Efficiency with the Wes-Tech Gantry System

Efficiency within your space can lead to higher profitability and return on investment. At Wes-Tech, our proprietary products have been designed and developed to seamlessly integrate into your…

Read More
the-future-of-manufacturing

The Future of Manufacturing

Industrial companies make products that shape our daily lives, such as clothing, food, and products used in the construction of the buildings and roads we use every…

Read More
the-next-wave-of-innovation-through-manufacturing-automation

The Next Wave of Innovation through Manufacturing Automation

Manufacturers are increasingly benefiting from greater efficiency, reduced risk, and opportunities for innovation made available by the automation revolution. In addition, as we discussed in our recent…

Read More
tech-trak-conveyor-systems-improve-roi

Flexible Tech-Trak® Conveyor Systems improve your ROI.

At Wes-Tech, we understand that maintaining flexibility in your production capabilities can be the difference that leads to success. That’s why we engineer equipment that can flex…

Read More
wes-tech-solves-complex-manufacturing-challenges

Wes-Tech Solves Complex Manufacturing Challenges

Each time we work with a client, the Wes-Tech team starts by listening. While there are similarities across the industry, every manufacturing operation is unique, so we…

Read More
rising-cost-of-labor

Combating The Rising Cost of Labor

The last few years have introduced a number of variables, including a low unemployment rate, high consumer demand, high inflation, a skills shortage, an aging workforce, and…

Read More
design-for-automated-assembly

Conversation with an Expert: Design for Automated Assembly

Conversation with: Bill B.Topic: Design for Automated Assembly (DFAA) Traditionally, when it is time to design a new product, the Designers focus on the product itself and…

Read More
conversation-with-an-expert-functional-safety-requirements

Conversation with an Expert: Functional Safety Requirements

Conversation with: Matt D., Controls EngineerTopic: Functional Safety Requirements Safety has been on manufacturer’s minds since the Industrial Revolution, but ever since the U.S. Congress passed the…

Read More
simulation-in-automation

Conversation with an Expert: Simulation in Automation

Conversation with: Alex S., Mechanical EngineerTopic: Simulation in Automation We sat down with Alex, one of our expert Mechanical Engineers, to talk about simulation in the design…

Read More
the-next-wave-of-innovation-through-manufacturing-automation

Best Practices for Manufacturing Productivity

For most manufacturers, increased productivity means increased profit. We recently read an article from Electrek titled “Tesla now operates the most productive car factory in the US,”…

Read More
driving-productivity

Driving Productivity

For most manufacturers, increased productivity means increased profit. We recently read an article from Electrek titled “Tesla now operates the most productive car factory in the US,”…

Read More
robot-end-of-arm-tooling-design

Conversation With an Expert: Considerations for Robot EOAT Design

Conversation with: Tom M., Senior Mechanical Engineer & Alex W., Senior Controls Engineer – Considerations for Robot EOAT (end-of-arm tooling) Design With the integration of robotic equipment…

Read More
conversation-with-an-expert-industrial-controls-architecture

Conversation with an Expert: Industrial Controls Architecture

Conversation with: Mike T., Electrical EngineerTopic: Industrial Controls Architecture In the current manufacturing environment, it has become increasingly possible through Industrial IoT (internet of things) and Industry…

Read More
data-exchange-mis

Conversation with an Expert: Data Exchange / MIS

Conversation with: Mike P., Controls Engineering ManagerTopic: Data Exchange / MIS As you know, in factories people and machines work together to reach production and bottom-line goals.…

Read More
communication-protocols

Conversation with an Expert: Communication Protocols for Automation Success

Conversation with Zach P., Controls EngineerTopic: Communication Protocols Proper communication protocols are critical to the success of your automation integration. Each piece of equipment in your factory…

Read More
third-process-step

Delivering the Best Solution On Time, Every Time

The Wes-Tech team delivers custom-engineered solutions to solve your complex manufacturing challenges. Our 3-step process – Define, Develop, Deliver – ensures our team can help you get…

Read More
creative-problem-solving-and-engineering-expertise

Creative Problem Solving and Engineering Expertise, Right Where You Need It

The Wes-Tech team delivers custom-engineered solutions to solve your complex manufacturing challenges. Our 3-step process – Define, Develop, Deliver – ensures our team can help you get…

Read More
first-process-step

Define the Problem to Find the Best Possible Solution, On Time and In Budget

The Wes-Tech team delivers custom engineered solutions to solve your complex manufacturing challenges. Our 3-step process – Define, Develop, Deliver – ensures our team can help you…

Read More
5-key-benefits-manufacturing-automation

5 Key Benefits to Manufacturing Automation

Now that we’ve been in the business of manufacturing automation for over 45 years, we’ve invented ways to introduce automation into almost any environment. We’ve seen trends…

Read More