NEWS
DATA
LINK
SERVICES
LOGIN / REGISTER
NEWS
DATA
LINK
SERVICES
assembly magazine
About the Publisher
-----
Contact Information
Email Address
-----
Company Phone
-----
Address
-----
Socials
Facebook
-----
Instagram
-----
LinkedIn
-----
Filters
Apply Filters
Reset Filters
60
articles found
View by
assembly magazine
North American Robotics Market Holds Steady In 2024
ANN ARBOR, MI—The North American robotics market demonstrated minor overall growth in 2024, reflecting resilience and adaptability as automation strengthened its role across industries. According to new data from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), North American companies ordered 31,311 robots valued at $1.963 billion, representing slight increases of 0.5 percent in units and 0.1 percent in revenue over 2023. These modest gains mark stabilization after years of volatility and record-breaking growth. 2024 saw a notable shift as non-automotive industries captured a larger market share. Manufacturers of food and consumer goods emerged as the year’s fastest-growing sector, with robot orders surging by 65 percent. This underscores the sector’s growing reliance on automation to meet consumer expectations, streamline supply chains, and address labor shortages. The life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries also posted strong results, with 46 percent growth in orders. These gains highlight automation’s critical role in advancing healthcare innovation and improving operational efficiencies. In the fourth quarter of 2024, North American companies ordered 8,277 robots valued at $506 million, reflecting 8 percent growth in both units and revenue compared to the same period in 2023. While growth was robust in many areas, challenges remained. Orders from the semiconductor and electronics industries fell by 37 percent annually, reflecting supply chain pressures and cooling demand. The metals and automotive components industries saw declines of 4 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 11, 2025
assembly magazine
Aerospace Supplier To Build Assembly Plant In Atlanta
ROSWELL, GA—PBS Aerospace, a designer and manufacturer of turbojet engines and auxiliary power units, will invest $20 million to establish its North American headquarters, manufacturing, and R&D operations here. The new factory will create at least 95 new jobs in the Atlanta area. “Atlanta has proven to be an exceptional base for our operations, offering access to an excellent education system, skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and a thriving business environment,” said Tomas Koutsky, Managing Director of PBS Aerospace. PBS Aerospace’s footprint will include an existing, renovated building and a new facility that will be constructed in Roswell. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 10, 2025
assembly magazine
Hyundai And Kia Invent Exoskeleton To Reduce Shoulder Strain
SEOUL—Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. have invented a “wearable robot” that promises to increase worker efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal injuries. The X-ble Shoulder is an exoskeleton designed to assist assemblers when performing work above their heads. When the arm is raised, it can assist the user’s upper arm muscle strength and reduce the burden on the upper extremity. Besides automotive assembly lines, Hyundai and Kia anticipate the X-ble Shoulder will find use in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation and agriculture. The device is the first of several wearable robots that the carmakers plan to introduce in the next few years. Hyundai and Kia are working on an X-ble Waist to assist the waist when lifting heavy loads, and a medical wearable robot, X-ble MEX, for the rehabilitation of the walking impaired. “Going forward, we aim to expand the availability of wearable robots, creating products that work naturally with users to enhance their daily lives,” said Dong Jin Hyun, vice president and head of the Robotics Lab at Hyundai and Kia. “By pushing technological boundaries, we will make these beneficial products accessible to more people.” The X-ble Shoulder can reduce shoulder load by up to 60 percent and anterior and lateral deltoid muscle activity by up to 30 percent. The device is make from carbon composite material and wear-resistant material. Due to the product’s high strength and light weight, it can be used stably without difficulty even for long hours. Also, the parts that directly touch the user’s body are made from impact-resistant material to protect against bodily injury. The modular robotic components and the detachable, washable vest make this product easy to manage and adaptable to various work environments. The biggest feature of the X-ble Shoulder is that it generates assistive force through the muscle compensation module instead of an electric system. There is no need to charge the device, making it convenient to maintain and manage, and it can be used lightly and safely without a battery. The X-ble Shoulder’s assistive force is generated by a patented multi-link structure in the muscle compensation module. Each link can be adjusted for optimal assistive force in various work environments. The module is expected to perform around 700,000 folding and unfolding actions yearly in industrial settings. The X-ble Shoulder comes in two versions: basic and adjustable. The basic version is best for tasks where the posture is not fixed and continues to change and offers up to 2.9 kilograms of assistive force. The adjustable version, ideal for tasks that repeat the same movement, allows users to set the angle for maximum torque based on their work posture, providing up to 3.7 kilograms of assistive force. The X-ble Shoulder weighs roughly 1.9 kilograms and can be sized to fit the wearer. Its body length is adjustable between 406 and 446 millimeters. It allows full arm movement from 0 to 180 degrees without hindering work or rest activities. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 06, 2025
assembly magazine
New Riveting Tool Monitors Fastening Process
CLEVELAND—The new BRF30PB-20 cordless riveting tool from Stanley Assembly Technologies captures data from the rivet-setting process in real time. By measuring variables such as force and distance, the tool detects errors such as incorrect rivets, missing parts and incorrect hole sizes. The tool can set open- or closed-end rivets from 4.8 to 6.4 millimeters in diameter. The tool can store 16 jobs in memory. It can operate independently, or it can be integrated with an MES system. It supports various communication protocols, including Open Protocol, Modbus, ToolsNet, XML and PFCS. Additional protocols are available with a controller. An optional bar code scanner can be connected with the tool. An onboard display can be used for configuration and application observation. The tool stores 30,000 fastening curves and rundowns. It’s powered by a widely available Dewalt battery platform. Field trials at a manufacturer of truck and trailer bumpers demonstrated the tool’s effectiveness in reducing errors in a just-in-time production environment. The manufacturer faced several challenges, including maintaining quality standards and recording fastening data in real time. The manufacturer wanted to prevent missing rivets; recognize incorrect rivets; detect incorrect hole sizes or deformation issues; identify missing parts, such as washers; and catch extra space or gaps between surfaces in the assembly. It also wanted to count all the rivets installed in each assembly, to ensure that every fastener has been installed. Stanley conducted field trials at the manufacturer, using the tool to install 4.8-millimeter POP Vgrip rivets. The trial found that the tool was able to capture riveting data in real time. Using Lean Six Sigma methodology, setting a tolerance of ±7.5 percent, Stanley engineers calculated a defect rate of 6,200 per million opportunities, with Sigma of 4 and a CpK 1.33, which is an improved result compared with the manufacturer’s previous riveting tools. In addition, the tool enabled the company to produce a detailed audit trail that facilitated accountability and compliance with industry standards. Overall efficiency increased and errors were reduced. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 05, 2025
assembly magazine
Simulation Software Helps Design Of New Golf Club
TROY, MI—A golf club is deceptively simple. It has no moving parts. Its sole purpose is to strike the ball and propel it forward. And yet, a lot of science goes into making golf clubs. Manufacturers invest significant sums in designing new lines of clubs. Modern clubs can be made from steel, stainless steel, graphite, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber composite. The latest “sticks” offer high-tech features, including adjustable hosels, high-speed face inserts, and even sensors, such as accelerometers, that record and analyze a player’s performance. Small wonder that the global market for golf clubs was valued at $4.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a cumulative annual rate of 3 percent over the next five years. One of those makers is Cleveland Golf. Based in Huntington Beach, CA, the company began in 1979 producing replicas of classic golf clubs. Today, Cleveland makes a variety of high-tech clubs for players of all skill levels. The company’s latest product is the HiBore XL Driver. The clubhead has been designed for enhanced forgiveness and sound. With one of the largest ball-striking faces in the industry, the club helps amateur golfers gain distance while keeping more tee shots in play. The face pattern maximizes flex at impact to enlarge and reshape the sweet spot, improving energy transfer across the face for added forgiveness, consistency and ball speed. The clubhead has been aerodynamically designed to achieve more consistent delivery at impact. In the rear of the club is a 12-gram adjustable weight, offering the ability to change the club’s swing weight. In addition, the driver features a 1.5-degree adjustable hosel sleeve, enabling golfers to fine-tune their loft, face and lie angles. An 8-gram weight tucked into the end of the shaft counterbalances the club for more control without extra effort. This helps the club feel lighter on takeaway and stay stable through impact. None of these features came about by accident. Cleveland engineers got a lot of help from simulation and design software created by Altair Engineering Inc. “Altair’s technology and expertise is helping Cleveland Golf shape the future of golf,” said Sam Mahalingam, chief technology officer at Altair. “Technologies like simulation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital twin are opening a new world of possibilities for sports equipment manufacturers. Altair is excited to see how leading manufacturers like Cleveland Golf can use these tools to transform the way professionals and nonprofessionals alike play their favorite sports.” Cleveland Golf utilized an array of products within the Altair HyperWorks platform to craft the HiBore XL, allowing the team to perform concept evaluation, rapid design exploration, physics-based simulation and optimization, and design for manufacturing. The flexibility of the Altair HyperWorks platform allowed Cleveland Golf to explore a multitude of feasible designs—an exploration that would have been impossible with physical testing alone. “With the HiBore XL, we sought to equip players with a driver unbound by the traditional limits of shaping, delivering exciting new performance accomplishments. Altair empowered us with the technology to do just that,” said Jacob Lambeth, research engineering supervisor at Cleveland Golf. With the HiBore XL, Cleveland’s objective was to break free from traditional geometry, while still meeting club requirements set forth by the United States Golf Association. Altair HyperWorks provided the team with the advanced design and simulation tools needed to rapidly iterate new designs. In addition, Cleveland and Altair co-created a custom ribbing optimization process that helped club maker to find rib configurations that increased the driver’s stiffness while saving weight. The process helped the Cleveland Golf team enhance the club’s sound and improve its center of gravity and moment of inertia. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 05, 2025
assembly magazine
Sme Opens Nominations For 2025 "30 Under 30" In Manufacturing
Courtesy of SME SOUTHFIELD, MI—SME has announced that nominations are now open for its 2025 30 Under 30 program, which honors young leaders shaping the future of manufacturing. The program recognizes individuals under 30 making an impact in the industry through professional work, research, education, or community involvement. Honorees will be featured in a special autumn 2025 publication alongside Manufacturing Engineering magazine. Nominations, including self-nominations, are open until April 25, 2025, at SME’s nomination site. SME, a nonprofit organization established in 1932, aims to accelerate manufacturing technology adoption and build industry talent. Past 30 Under 30 recipients have included entrepreneurs, students, instructors, and engineers from top firms in aerospace, automotive, and other sectors. Learn more at advancedmanufacturing.org/. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 05, 2025
assembly magazine
Honda Invests Over $1 Billion In Ohio To Launch Flexible Ev Production Lines
New car carriers were installed at the Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) in Ohio, to handle the weight of heavier EV models that will be produced on the same line with ICE and hybrid models at the company’s Honda EV Hub. Honda also added new people movers on the line which improves ergonomics and reduces fatigue for associates performing their processes. Courtesy of Honda Marysville MARYSVILLE, OH—Honda is investing over $1 billion to transform its Ohio manufacturing plants into the "Honda EV Hub," enabling the production of internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid, and electric vehicles (EVs) on the same assembly lines. The first EV to be produced at the hub will be the all-new Acura RSX SUV in late 2025, followed by models based on the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV prototypes unveiled at CES 2025. The initiative aligns with Honda’s goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040. A separate $3.5 billion joint venture with LG Energy Solution will establish a battery plant in Ohio, with production starting in late 2025. Honda is also incorporating its new ASIMO OS into the Honda 0 Series models. As part of its "Triple Action to Zero" sustainability plan, Honda is implementing environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, including high-efficiency melt furnaces, renewable energy usage, and material recycling efforts. The EV Hub will also serve as a knowledge base for EV production advancements to be shared across Honda’s global operations. Key upgrades include: Honda has been manufacturing in Ohio for over 40 years and continues to modernize its facilities with this major investment, reinforcing its commitment to flexible, sustainable, and human-friendly production. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 03, 2025
assembly magazine
Trump Plans To Speak With Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Over Tariffs
WASHINGTON—According to The Associated Press, Trump plans to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today before tariffs aimed at the country are due to take effect early Tuesday. As reported by the AP, U.S. President Donald Trump has paused tariffs on Mexico following a phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to send 10,000 troops to the U.S. border to combat drug trafficking. However, Canada has not yet secured a similar delay, despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ongoing negotiations with Trump. Trump had planned to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing illegal immigration and drug smuggling, but the move faced backlash from U.S. business and labor groups. Canada and Mexico have both vowed countermeasures, with Ottawa planning retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion in U.S. goods starting Tuesday, escalating to $125 billion after industry consultations. Canadian provincial leaders are also responding, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford canceling a $100 million Starlink deal and pledging to bar U.S. firms from government contracts. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have urged military involvement at the border to address security concerns. Despite Trudeau’s efforts, opposition leaders believe Trump’s tariffs are more about sovereignty than border security, leaving Canada’s next steps uncertain. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 03, 2025
assembly magazine
Avride And Grubhub Launch Autonomous Robot Deliveries On U.S. College Campuses
Avride Autonomous Delivery Robots at Ohio State University. Courtesy of Avride. COLUMBUS, OH—Avride and Grubhub recently announced autonomous robot deliveries are now available at Ohio State University. The first deployment includes 100 next-generation robots at Ohio State, designed to handle high-volume deliveries on a large campus. Built with Avride’s expertise in autonomous technology, these robots operate seamlessly in various weather conditions, including rain and snow. They feature spacious compartments capable of transporting anything from a quick snack between classes to a full meal for a group gathering. Additionally, the robots' customizable LED panels allow campuses to incorporate unique branding and animations, making them a familiar and engaging presence for students. “Our robots have already proven their value in campus environments, delivering both convenience and a fun experience for students,” said Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Avride. “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Grubhub and anticipate hundreds of our robots serving campuses by 2025.” Rob DelaCruz, vice president and general manager of Grubhub Campus, added, “Working with Avride strengthens our commitment to integrating innovative delivery solutions for our campus partners. Students love the ease of robot delivery, and we’re excited to continue offering campuses a variety of options tailored to their needs.” Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Feb 03, 2025
assembly magazine
Proposed Tariffs Could Impact Wire Harness Supply Chain
Photo courtesy Shelmex DETROIT—Experts warn that widespread tariffs proposed by the Trump Administration could have catastrophic effects on the U.S. auto industry, especially when it comes to key components such as wiring harnesses. Mexico is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of auto parts, specializing in labor-intense products such as cable and wire assemblies. According to Reuters, if 25 percent tariffs were imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico, it would cause “dramatic and immediate financial fallout for U.S. automaker,” with “the Detroit Three among the most exposed.” Mexico is an important base for wire harness suppliers such as Dräxlmaier, Lear, Leoni, Sumitomo and Yazaki, because of cheap labor and close proximity to the United States. For instance, Dräxlmaier operates six sites in the country. According to experts, high tariffs could force suppliers to shift production to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Jan 31, 2025
assembly magazine
Ge Vernova To Invest $600M In U.S. Manufacturing, Creating 1,500+ Jobs
Infographic courtesy of GE Vernova CAMBRIDGE, MA— GE Vernova plans to invest nearly $600 million in its U.S. factories and facilities over the next two years, creating more than 1,500 new jobs. This investment aims to meet rising electricity demand, strengthen domestic supply chains, and enhance U.S. energy innovation. The company will allocate $300 million toward gas power expansion, including manufacturing heavy-duty gas turbines in South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, and Maine, generating over 850 jobs. Nearly $20 million will go toward expanding high-voltage grid equipment manufacturing in Pennsylvania and Florida, creating more than 260 jobs. In the nuclear sector, GE Vernova will invest $50 million in North Carolina to develop next-generation nuclear fuel and automation. Its onshore wind manufacturing facilities in Florida, New York, North Dakota, and Texas will receive nearly $100 million in upgrades. Additionally, more than $10 million will be used to establish a new FLEXINVERTER production line in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, supporting solar and energy storage and adding 270 jobs. The company is also committing almost $100 million to its Advanced Research Center in Niskayuna, New York, to accelerate innovation in electrification, carbon capture, alternative fuels, and artificial intelligence. These investments align with GE Vernova’s broader $9 billion global investment strategy through 2028 to drive energy security and technological leadership. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Jan 31, 2025
assembly magazine
Ge Appliances, Union Agree On New Contract
LOUISVILLE, KY—After months of negotiations, workers at GE Appliances have ratified a new four-year labor contract. Approximately 5,000 union workers at the company’s Appliance Park manufacturing complex voted on the new contract on Jan. 29, with 72.5 percent of workers in favor of the new deal. The dishwasher factory in Appliance Park was the 2024 Assembly Plant of the Year. IUE-CWA Local 83761 President Dino Driskell said the contract is a roughly $142 million investment over its four years. The new contract provides workers more affordable healthcare with a roughly 60 percent decrease in deductibles, a career progression system that helps workers get an annual wage increase with additional built-in wage increases at career milestones such as an employee’s one-year, five-year and 10-year anniversaries, an added company holiday, and other overall economic gains. GE Appliances workers represented by IUE-CWA Local 83761 feel the new contract sets a clear pathway for all workers — both new to the company and veterans — to experience economic growth as they continue with the manufacturer. “Trying to equally distribute what we can negotiate is hard...but everybody is getting contractual wage increases every year and that’s something we can continue to build on,” Driskell said. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Join Assembly Magazine’s John Sprovieri, Quality Magazine’s Michelle Bangert, and Adhesives & Sealants Industry Magazine’s Karen Parker for an exclusive preview of The Assembly Show South. Sponsored by:
factory
Jan 30, 2025