Automation Milestones in Aerospace, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
Tessy Automation Industrial Digest
Welcome to the April edition of Tessy Automation’s Industrial Automation Digest! This month, we explore groundbreaking advancements that are shaping the future of industrial automation and manufacturing. We delve into the collaboration between Rockwell Automation and NVIDIA, which promises to redefine manufacturing with enhanced AI capabilities and digital twins, driving efficiency and reducing labor dependency. In the realm of aerospace, we spotlight Epson’s precision technology onboard the ISS, where their inertial measurement units are revolutionizing space operations. The medical sector is not left behind, as we explore how automation in micro medical device manufacturing is transforming patient care with high-precision robotics and intelligent systems. Join us as we navigate these innovative developments, each showcasing the power of automation to refine processes, enhance accuracy, and push the boundaries of what’s technologically feasible in various industries. As we move further into 2024, these insights underscore the ongoing integration of sophisticated technologies in everyday industrial applications, ensuring a more connected and efficient future.
How to Futureproof Operations for Molding and Robotics Solutions
Joe Mumby of FANUC UK highlights the integration of automated injection molding with robotics as a strategic advantage in the medical sector, addressing labor shortages and elevating production standards. By using a single supplier for both systems, companies benefit from seamless integration, streamlined support, and access to advanced AI technologies. This approach not only ensures operational efficiency but also enhances compatibility and flexibility. The ROBOSHOT machine exemplifies this synergy, optimizing energy use and reducing waste with smart AI features. This sustainable, agile solution adapts to changing manufacturing needs, promising long-term savings and a competitive edge in the dynamic market. Read more.
From Parts to Perfection: Automating for the Smallest Devices
Tom Cash from Foxmere Technologies discusses the critical importance of automating the assembly process for micro medical devices like the heart-implanted pacemaker “The Micra” and the “iStent inject” used in eye surgeries. These devices, featuring complex geometries and minuscule components, necessitate high-precision manufacturing techniques such as photolithography and electroplating to meet rigorous medical standards. With stringent quality controls integral to production, leveraging advanced imaging and AI for defect detection is vital. Automation not only enhances precision but also significantly reduces production costs, highlighting the dual benefits of quality assurance and economic efficiency in the demanding medical device sector. Continue reading.
Epson IMU Adopted by JAXA for “Int-Ball2” Free-flying Camera Robot Used on ISS Japanese Experiment Module
Epson’s M-G370 series inertial measurement unit (IMU) has been selected by JAXA for integration into “Int-Ball2,” a free-flying camera robot operating in the Kibo module of the International Space Station (ISS). This IMU assists in stabilization and automated docking, significantly reducing astronaut workload by autonomously capturing videos and photos. Controlled from the ground, Int-Ball2 allows astronauts to focus on their experiments, enhancing productivity and communication between the ISS and Earth. The IMU’s precision is crucial for navigating the micro-gravity environment of the ISS, utilizing technologies like Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) for accurate positioning. Epson’s commitment to the ‘New Space’ sector aims to enhance cost performance and delivery times for applications such as small satellites. The compact, low-power M-G370 series is distinguished by its high precision, making it ideal for critical missions and a variety of other applications. Read the full article.
Rockwell Automation to Increase Scale and Scope of AI in Manufacturing with NVIDIA
Rockwell Automation, a leader in industrial automation, has partnered with NVIDIA to expand AI use in manufacturing. This collaboration aims to build the factory of the future with enhanced sensing, advanced simulations, and the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), facilitating a digital transformation across the $15-trillion industry. Jordan Reynolds from Rockwell highlights this venture as a pivotal step towards integrating Rockwell’s software, hardware, and services with NVIDIA’s advanced AI technologies, including the Omniverse Cloud APIs. This integration is expected to streamline the creation and management of digital twins, improving factory simulations and operational efficiency. Addressing labor shortages and increasing operational demands, the partnership seeks to equip manufacturers with the tools needed for more resilient, agile, and sustainable production practices. Discover more.