Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Soul Machines and Florence to assist tobacco users quit during Covid-19

Soul Machines has joined the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Access Initiative (AI) for Quitting Tobacco to help share WHO’s life-saving information during the Covid-19 pandemic, combat misinformation, reduce the risk of Covid-19 and help over one billion tobacco users quit. Florence, the WHO’s first digital health worker, was created using Soul Machines technology and WHO technical guidance, with support from Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. Florence will help provide clarity and expel damaging myths around Covid-19 and will specifically address smoking and its consequences – heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases – all of which are comorbidities with Covid-19. With Florence, smokers can engage with a digital health worker to develop a quit plan and rely on a trusted source anytime and anyplace, to help them feel confident to reach their quit goals. Initially available in English, Florence will, over time, be available in all six official UN languages. Smokers are more exposed to the Covid-19 virus and are at greater risk of having severe disease complications. Although around 60% of the 1.3 billion tobacco users globally want to quit, only 30% of them have access to tools that can help them quit. As a digital health worker for WHO, Florence will help give the increasing numbers of people globally who have a desire to quit smoking during the Covid-19 pandemic a new, safe, easily accessible and engaging channel. Florence can scale seamlessly and to talk to many individual people around the world and is available 24/7 with no wait times, as a simple video stream from the cloud to any device. This frees up critical people resources and provides a user-friendly solution to an overwhelming demand for clear, concise information that can be relied on. Florence will always be available when needed and ready to engage to […]

OnRobot takes robot compatibility to the next level

New Digital I/O Converter Kit and Quick Changer for OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) dramatically simplifies automation with a single platform for a full range of collaborative and light industrial robotic systems. OnRobot, a global leader in end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) for collaborative robot applications, has introduced two new products – the Digital I/O Converter Kit and Quick Changer – which together with other OnRobot EoATs, creates a unique One-System Solution that dramatically simplifies automation. OnRobot’s Digital I/O Converter Kit allows OnRobot EoATs to work with a full range of leading collaborative and light industrial robot brands. Building on that initiative, all OnRobot products now have a unified mechanical and communications interface based on the OnRobot Quick Changer, which is now an integrated part of all OnRobot products. An additional Dual Quick Changer incorporates these same new capabilities while allowing the use of two tools in one cycle, mixing and matching to suit application needs and maximising robot utilisation. Now, with a single robotic system, single platform for programming and training, and single vendor relationship, manufacturers have access to a full range of tools, full robot compatibility, and virtually unlimited possibilities for collaborative applications. This new one-system solution speeds deployment so manufacturers save time and money and can quickly realise the benefits of automation. Manufacturers are demanding more from their robotic applications, and end-of-arm tooling has become the key to optimising their investments. This integration of the Quick Changer across the current product lineup makes it easier than ever to switch between tools and robot types, allowing flexibility and reducing downtime for more efficient production and faster automation ROI. This is another step closer to a unified OnRobot one-system solution that makes it easy, fast and cost-effective for manufacturers to build collaborative applications, no matter which robots they choose.” Unified platform across […]

Tethered drone and sensors operation unlimited

Sky Sapience’s UAV platform, HoverMast- Lite (HM-L1 and HM-L3.) is designed to function as smaller, light-weight versions of their flagship HoverMast platform. The HM-L systems will be used in tandem with small robotic vehicles participating in the RCV/SMET programs. The HM-L systems maintain the impressive capabilities of the original HoverMast product line; such as 100m hovering, 24/7/365, autonomous, on the move, bad weather operations, fibre optic communication, cyber immunity and operation in GPS denied environments, while also meeting the size, weight and electric power requirements of the RCV and SMET programs. The unique design concept behind the HoverMast-Lite enables the tethered drone and sensors operation without limiting the vehicle’s continuous work. Moreover, the HM-L does not occupy the vehicle’s bed, allowing it to remain available for additional equipment and sensors. The HM-L concept is internationally patent protected. The HoverMast-Lite has the ability to incorporate most payloads weighing up to 6.0 kg; including CCD/IR cameras, radars, lasers, cellular and mesh communication devices, hyperspectral sensors and cyber systems. HM-Lite and its payload are both easily and intuitively controlled and monitored from a single ruggedised Human- Machine Interface (UHMI.)

Bringing automation barriers down with end-of-arm tooling

Historically, one of the biggest barriers to automation has been cost and time constraints associated with the production setup. The procedure is usually performed by a team of robotics experts adept in programming languages and advanced engineering, subjects unfamiliar to most. Demand for automation is flourishing from various manufacturing sectors leading to greater innovations in industrial robotics. With this trend, companies are prompted to adapt more and more intelligent tools that can help the production workforce with faster deployment and installation, saving their precious time on planning and strategy. But not many businesses have been able to do so quickly because most are not ready to address collaborative applications with newer technologies. This is due to limited knowledge or resistance to adopting modern end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) with collaborative robots (cobots). Continuous technology transformation and the rise of collaborative applications in industrial automation have made robots easily deployable. Intelligent EOAT devices come with in-built features that can be programmed easily, enabling faster set-up. With EOAT, automation becomes more inclusive, delivering collaborative applications to meet modern automation needs. Automation Adoption Rises in ASEAN The ASEAN region’s combined GDP hit almost USD2.7 trillion in 2017, four times the value in 2000, clocking an average 5.3 percent yearly growth. ASEAN could become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2030 if this growth maintains.[1] To achieve this, the region needs to leverage the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0 technologies. Adoption of these technologies remains slow in most countries however, with many manufacturers still relying on outdated processes[2]. Singapore is spearheading the adoption of automation and robotics, recording the second highest industrial robot density globally at 658 robots per 10,000 employees.[3] Malaysia and Thailand have also increased their focus on automation, encouraging greater use of robotics through the National Policy on Industry 4.0 (Industry4WRD) and the […]

Emerging technologies this year

The emerging technologies positively disrupt the existing order, are attractive to investors and researchers, and expect to achieve considerable scale within the coming five years. These are the top 10 emerging technologies for 2019: Bioplastics for a circular economy Less than 15% of the world’s plastic is recycled, with the rest incinerated, abandoned or sent to landfill. Biodegradable plastic offers a solution but lacks the strength of conventional materials. A breakthrough idea promotes the circular economy by using cellulose or lignin from plant waste, which increases material strength without using crops that could otherwise be used for food. Social robots Today’s robots can recognise voices, faces and emotions, interpret speech patterns and gestures, and even make eye contact. Droid friends and assistants are becoming part of everyday life and are being used increasingly to care of the elderly, educate children and undertake all sorts of tasks in between. Metalenses Making the lenses used by mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices smaller has been beyond the capabilities of traditional glass cutting and glass curving techniques. But advances in physics have led to miniaturised, lighter alternatives to established lenses, called metalenses. These tiny, thin, flat lenses could replace existing bulky glass lenses and allow further miniaturisation in sensors and medical imaging devices. Disordered proteins as drug targets “Intrinsically disordered proteins” are proteins that can cause cancer and other diseases. Unlike conventional proteins, they lack a rigid structure so change shape, making them difficult to treat. Now scientists have found a way to prevent their shape-shifting long enough for treatment to take effect, offering new possibilities for patients. Smarter fertilisers Recent improvements in fertilisers have focused on their ability to slowly release nutrients when needed. However, they still contain ammonia, urea and potash which damage the environment. New fertilisers use more ecologically friendly sources […]

Is 5G ready for manufacturing?

High profile scandals aren’t typically good for the technology sector. Whether it’s diesel emissions, large data breaches or cyber-attacks on mission-critical infrastructure, scandal has the power to cripple a technology even before it’s gotten off the ground. Despite what recent headlines may have you thinking, 5G has the potential to be a hugely positive force in the world of manufacturing, heralding in a new era of technological innovation. While 3G and 4G offered incremental improvements in speed and bandwidth, 5G will be the first cellular, wireless platform to truly offer reliable integration with machine-to-machine and industrial IoT systems. It will do this in three ways. The first is enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB); 5G offers peak data rates of 10 Gbps and can handle 10,000 times more traffic than its predecessors. Secondly, it offers Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC). This means it has a radio latency of less than 1 ms and an availability of over 99.9 per cent, making it ideal for industrial use where uptime is critical. Thirdly, it offers Massive Machine-type Communication (eMTC), allowing it to handle a density of one million devices per square kilometre. It can also deliver ultra low-cost machine-to-machine communications and can last up to 10 years on battery, great for battery operated low power devices. So, what does this mean for industry? Well, not only will 5G open the door for real-time wireless sensor networks and location and asset tracking, it will also enable plant managers in smart factories to rely on seamless communication with a fleet of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) without worrying about network dropouts. What’s more, manufacturers that may have been sceptical of adopting the likes of augmented and virtual reality technologies will be able to take full advantage of them for real-time simulation and predictive maintenance. In industrial […]

Orbital captured imagery of Typhoon Hagibis

Orbital Micro Systems (OMS), a leader in advanced instrumentation for small satellite missions and analysis-ready earth data intelligence, has released imagery of Typhoon Hagibis captured from its IOD-1 GEMS satellite. The data shows the beginning of an eyewall replacement cycle, a process that occurs with particularly strong storms. During this scan, a core of warmer air – depicted as darker red colours on the right side of the storm – is being drawn into the centre of the storm. This warmer air represents a temporary weakening of the storm as a prelude to the development of a new eyewall and further strengthening. “The GEMS 118 GHz, 8 channel microwave radiometer delivered exceptional spatial resolution and sensitivity in providing ws, competitive with multi-billion-dollar government programs performing similar measurements,” said Michael Hurowitz, chief technology officer for OMS. “These images validate the capability of OMS’ remote sensing technology and demonstrate the highest spatial resolution of any passive microwave temperature sounder in space on an operational mission.” The raw data downlinked from the satellite was processed at OMS’s International Centre for Earth Data (ICED) located in Edinburgh, Scotland. “Observed data from this satellite can be combined with information from government-owned systems to improve the accuracy of storm forecasts,” said Hurowitz. “We are working with providers and partners to provide enhanced weather information that improves safety margins for people and businesses risking severe weather events.”

Sealing skills focussed on medical problem solving

A company dedicated to solving complex challenges involving seals and interfacing components involved in health care, hospital, scientific and laboratory technology is expanding its services in response to growing demand. CSGtech has expanded into larger national headquarters in Rydalmere, Sydney, sharing more extensive research, engineering and distribution facilities with its parent company Air Springs Supply, which is a long-established Australian leader in actuation and isolation technologies, including Airmount® isolators used beneath operating tables and sensitive computerised equipment. CSGtech (new website: www.csgtech.com.au) partners with clients in diverse areas of the medical and scientific community to customise high performance solutions for complex problems where seals and interfacing components must achieve durability, reliability and precision in analytical, therapeutic, surgical and research equipment, says CSGtech Manager, Mr Vinh Lam. “Sometimes the issues we address involve correct sealing of technology from ambient conditions, while in other cases they are directed at ensuring reliability and durability of wear components in service. In both cases, small but vital seals and interfacing components must be correctly specified to cope with chemicals, gases, liquids and harsh operating environments.” Mr Lam heads an expanded Sales and Technology team which brings together under one roof decades of experience in process engineering, problem solving, product development, proving and production. The team also provides expertise to CSGtech sister company Thomson Rubber Products. “Our expanded network of internationally accredited manufacturers enables us to supply an exceptionally high level of product, extending from specialist O-rings to moulded rubber fittings, fasteners and castings.” he says. “Correct seals and interfacing components are integral to a huge range of medical, healthcare and scientific technology, where they must be absolutely correct for purpose, traceable and achieve compliance with local and global standards for manufacturing, clinical, therapeutic and laboratory applications. Often the application involved may be non-standard standard technologies, where […]

Your next press release will not be written by a robot

Fears that automation will take our jobs are rife but press officers need not feel threatened by new tools that translate technical research into lay summaries. By Ruth Francis I recently attended a seminar that looked at tools we can use to help promote research. One of the panelists, Sabine Louët of Science Pod, sparked a discussion I had afterwards with two other press officers about the value we bring compared to what can be automated. Louët showed examples of news content that was written by Natural Language Processing, a sub-discipline of artificial intelligence. For example, in 2014, the first news article reporting a small earthquake in Los Angeles, California was generated in this way, and others were created from crawling data on street crime or climatic events. For those of us who struggle with headline writing, A*STAR and Singapore Press Holdings in Singapore may be able to help: they are using AI to make headlines more engaging without resorting to pure clickbait. At Science Pod, they have software that can augment the work of a press officer by automatically creating a lay summary of a research article. In this way, it demystifies the original research much like a press release. Although next-generation summaries should be good enough to publish with little human intervention, press officers need not worry. These summaries are simply straight translations, not in-depth analyses or stories that we and journalists write. A good press release should do much more than simply translate a research article. We can and should engage the reader and persuade them to find out more. We do this by adding detail gleaned by talking to the researchers, finding out why they did the work and what it adds to the field and beyond. Our ability to improve prose to clarify research, to […]

Demand for higher quality parts and products to drive generative design

Generative design enables the design of lighter, cheaper components while maintaining strength and solidity, ultimately creating a higher quality product. For that reason, the adoption of generative design software is taking off in aerospace and defence, automotive, footwear and clothing, furniture, industrial machines, and oil and gas industries and leading to an uptick in engineering throughput in each of them, finds ABI Research, a market-foresight advisory firm providing strategic guidance on the most compelling transformative technologies. “The rise of the sharing economy and additive manufacturing will drive both demand for and the ability to produce higher-quality goods,” explained Pierce Owen, Principal Analyst at ABI Research. “Generative design expands design possibilities by creating shapes different from those that humans would create. It idealizes the design by creating something that best fits the constraints to optimise the products for various requirements.” For several years now, industrial companies have used geometric topology optimisation – eroding the geometric shape of a product given a set of constraints to improve performance – and are using it more as the use cases for additive manufacturing have increased. Generative design takes that another step by creating, or generating, the geometric shapes from an engineer’s requirements rather than changing existing shapes. Also, unlike topology optimisation, generative design creates many iterations, variations and/or alternatives for engineers to compare, rather than simply removing unnecessary pieces or particles. Additive will drive both generative design and topology optimisation as it provides greater build freedom to fulfill a wider variety of designs. Traditional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) vendors such as Dassault Systèmes, Siemens and recently, PTC, already have or will have embedded generative design capabilities within their CAD environments as plug-ins or kernels. PTC acquired Frustum in November 2018 to do exactly that within Creo. Several of Siemens products, including NX, NX Nastran, HEEDS, […]

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