Manufacturing and Automation - Articles, Stories & Interviews

Automating the 'last mile' of package deliveries

The use of optical character recognition enables parcels to be quickly scanned and assigned to a bin that will collate all the packages for a delivery area. Automation allows line speeds to be increased and reduces sorting errors, boosting efficiency.

A Sustainable Future Relies on Flexible Manufacturing Adoption

Traditional manufacturing models are known for prioritizing efficiency over sustainability – and being resource-intensive. A truly sustainable future demands a paradigm shift. Flexible manufacturing systems offer a promising path forward.

Control System Migrations | Part 6 | Monitoring, Change Management, & Reporting

Effective project monitoring, proactive change management, and thorough reporting are keys to successful control system migrations. When executed properly, these processes provide significant stress relief, enabling project teams to maintain control

Demonstrating Flexible, Powerful 5-axis Laser Micromachining

With a suitable system, it is possible to control the entire micro-machining process – the laser, scan head and workpiece positioning – to produce macro-sized components to sub-micrometer dimensional tolerances.

The Important Role of Thermal Imaging for Condition Monitoring

Manufacturing and production processes consistently face challenges in ensuring the longevity and efficient functioning of their equipment, especially as they age.

Automate 2025 Product Preview

Automate 2025 takes place May 12th - 15th in Detroit, MI. The Exhibit hall floor will be loaded with new products and services. Here is a preview of some things to look forward to at this years event.

How to Ensure Your Corrective Actions Work, and Keep Working

Implementing corrective actions that are truly sustainable is a constant challenge. There always seem to be variables you didn’t anticipate: A new person executing a process. An important piece of information unexpectedly unavailable. A gap in reporting.

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Manufacturing and Automation - Featured Stories

Accelerating Aftermarket Growth: User Needs, Emerging Technologies, and OEM Strategy

The 2025 Aftermarket Parts & Service report, produced by PMMI delivers a comprehensive blueprint for how OEMs can meet the moment — leveraging innovation, insight, and investment to drive long-term growth and partnership value.

Bridging the Communication Gap: A Business Case for AI in Manufacturing

English may be the language of business, and yet only 20% of global workforces speak it fluently. The communication gaps in the global, diverse industry of manufacturing have been critically overlooked.

Do Our Youth Hold the Key to Manufacturing's Skills Crisis?

Matt Eden, Engineering Director at cable assemblies manufacturer GTK, makes the case for answering the UK’s skills gap problem with forward-thinking hiring practices.

Manufacturing and Automation - News Headlines

FLIR Nexus: What is it and what tangible gains does it provide in thermography applications?

While many security professionals are becoming increasingly aware of FLIR Nexus, some remain unclear on the tangible advantages this advanced innovation can offer. So, who better to provide a few key insights than FLIR Security Software Architect and all-round Nexus guru, Ignacio Vilches Rojo.

Bosch Rexroth introduces pre-parameterized stepper motors for single and multi-axis systems

Motors increase efficiency and reduce commissioning time with fully configured solutions for Rexroth's compact SMS linear modules

Micropositioning Stages Ensure High Accuracy, Stability, and Resolution down to 0.005 microns

PI's L-511 precision linear stage series is available for fast delivery, enabling high-end industrial, and research applications.

REDEX rack and pinion drive cooling options meet machine tool trends

The potential to increase machine tool productivity through higher feed rates and greater dynamics is reaching its limits, especially in light of growing demand for multi-tasking turn-mill machines. Going further requires a paradigm shift in both design strategy and technology.

Altech Releases Alsense Energy Monitor for Advanced Industrial Energy Management

Altech Corporation, a leader in industrial automation solutions, announces the release of its Alsense Energy Monitor (AMR-ES3M480V5A2M), a high-precision monitoring system that provides industrial facilities with real-time energy data to optimize energy usage, reduce costs and enhance sustainability initiatives.

Manufacturing and Automation - Featured Product

Using AI to Collect & Leverage Data

Using AI to Collect & Leverage Data

Data is the foundation of Industry 4.0. While skilled workers will always be essential, data is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, enabling automation of repetitive tasks, empowering smarter decision-making with AI assistance, and reducing defects and downtime. This shift allows small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to compete more effectively on quality, speed, and cost. While AI and machine learning systems typically require around two years to collect enough data to reach their full potential, manufacturers can start seeing benefits almost immediately with basic analysis tools and dashboards. Our MEP National NetworkTM expert explains how in this Manufacturing Tomorrow article.

Manufacturing and Automation - Featured Company

BigRep

BigRep

Founded in 2014, BigRep set sail to transform the 3D printing and manufacturing business. With its 1m3 volume, the BigRep ONE opens the gateway to a new dimension of 3D printing and 3D manufacturing, while the BigRep STUDIO allows fast and precise large-scale 3D printing. From furniture to vehicles to robotics, we think everything is possible. We want you to envision everything from human scale robot parts, sculptural artworks in all their full-dimensional glory, and dream the impossible world-changing designs of tomorrow while enabling you to print them today using one of our 3D printers.