Machine tending is, by far, the most popular application for collaborative robots. It’s a perfect fit for a cobot’s unique ability to work alongside or together with people without safety fencing.

Water heaters are one of the least glamorous types of home appliances. The vertical metal tanks typically sit out of sight in dark corners of basements or behind closet doors. Most homeowners never think about the devices—until there’s no hot water. 

By some estimates, 90 percent of wire harness assembly tasks are done manually. As a result, harness assemblers are at risk of occupational health problems due to repetitiveness and awkward postures. 

Manufacturers in Germany, like those in the United States, are coping with three major issues: a highly dynamic market, increasing competition due to globalization, and a shortage of skilled workers. 

Whether you’re chopping vegetables for soup, pruning a tree in the back yard, or filleting a freshly caught fish during a camping trip, a sharp blade is vital for efficiency, quality and safety.

AUBURN HILLS, MI—DESTACO has introduced a series of end-of-arm tooling specifically for applications employing small-payload robots or cobots. The tooling is designed for gripping, palletizing, machine tending, tool changing and tool extension applications up to 10 kilograms in total payload.

STOCKHOLM—Piab Group has acquired COVAL, a major global manufacturer of vacuum automation components and systems. 

In today’s manufacturing environment, which is characterized by change and unpredictable demand, the traditional assembly line is no longer convenient. New, flexible assembly systems are needed to deal with high production variety.

The heart and brain of every photovoltaic (PV) system is the inverter, which converts direct current generated by solar panels into alternating current that can be used in a home or business.

More than 150 exhibitors will display the latest manufacturing products and services at the inaugural ASSEMBLY Show South April 4-6 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN. Fasteners, power tools, adhesives, dispensing equipment, conveyors, robots, software and, of course, automated assembly systems are among the myriad new products on display.