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A game-changing material

Customisation is the name of the game for Utah Trikes, a producer of trikes, quads and custom wheelchairs. President and CEO, Ashley Guy, said from the very beginning the company was all about personalisation. “We started making our quad using existing frame platforms and built custom two-wheel drive rear ends that we’d add on and effectively turn the trikes into quads. That grew into something where suddenly everybody who wanted something customised came to us.” These custom lugs, made with Stratasys FDM Nylon 12CF, are painted red after emerging from the tumbler with a smooth, polished finish. Customer Needs Drive Innovation But customisation has its obstacles, namely time and cost. “The production run might only be 100 parts and it’s hard to get your cost down with such a small run,” said Guy. Utah Trikes’ next step was trying to solve its manufacturing issues. “We have some CNC machines we ran pretty much nonstop,” Guy said. “But this was always a hassle without committing to jigs and fixtures, which meant a lot of man hours to prototype.” Also, as the parts became more complicated it became harder and harder for Utah Trikes to outsource. What Utah Trikes needed was the ability to make prototype pieces they could actually test, and that would be both cost and time efficient. About this time, 3D printing showed up on Guy’s radar. “I was intrigued but had no idea what I was looking for. When we heard about Stratasys Fortus 3D Printers, we knew we had a true production tool that could make real production parts.” FDM Nylon 12 CF A Game-Changer “The FDM Nylon 12CF is fantastic. It’s changing everything for us,” Guy said. He cites the strength of the material, as well as its soluble support as game changers. Additionally, “We can take […]

Panic button emergency alert notification launched

Employee communications software company SnapComms (www.snapcomms.com) has launched a new feature designed for emergency situations in the workplace. SnapComms Panic Button enables first-at-the-scene employees to send a pre-configured emergency alert straight to the mobile phones and desktops of colleagues, as well as large display screens in communal areas. The Panic Button emergency alert overrides all other applications in use at the time. It displays fully across a screen’s real estate, greatly increasing the chance of employees immediately seeing the alert at a time when every second counts. For additional impact, the emergency alert can include an audio notification. Customer demand led to SnapComms developing Panic Button, explains Sarah Perry, CEO, SnapComms. She says: “Organisations are increasingly conscious of their responsibilities to staff in emergency situations. They need to minimise the risk, should the worst happen. “In response, we’ve created a high-impact notification tool that’s exceptionally quick and easy to trigger. It saves valuable minutes during a time of extreme stress.” An important feature of SnapComms Panic Button is real-time reporting. This provides critical metrics such as delivery and receipt of emergency alerts, highlighting which staff have (and have not) seen the message. Panic Button also eliminates a time-wasting step that most other emergency notification systems still insist upon: the official internal publishing process. In other words, first-at-the-scene staff are empowered to broadcast a pre-configured alert without delay – and without having to waste time trying to track down the person who normally publishes internal communications content. Use-case scenarios include: a severe weather warning; a wide-scale medical emergency; a suspected terrorist threat; an active shooter on site; a natural disaster; a fire; or any other time of duress. The emergency alerts can be sent to targeted staff within 60 seconds (this is the standard setting, subject to network connectivity and third […]

Seamless integration with PointSense 18.0 suite

Seamless Integration of 3D Scanner Data with Autodesk 2018 Design Tools FARO, world source for 3D measurement and imaging solutions for factory metrology, construction BIM/CIM, product design, public safety forensics, and 3D solutions, announces the availability of the FARO PointSense 18.0 software suite (http://www.faro.com/aecsoftware18-0/). This robust software platform evolution delivers seamless integration into the latest 2018 AutoCAD and Revit design tools, a better user experience, improved software handling, and enhanced efficiency in processing software data. The suite includes: PointSense basic/Pro for AutoCAD PointSense Building for AutoCAD PointSense Heritage for AutoCAD PointSense Plant for AutoCAD PointSense for Revit The one stop bundle and compatibility across the broad range of Autodesk architecture, engineering, construction and surveying products makes this the most cost effective solution of its kind currently available. Seamless Integration and Enhanced User Experience PointSense 18.0 resets the bar for “ready to go”. It includes the same high value, beneficial use features and functionality with which savvy AutoCAD and Revit users are already familiar. The addition of a new, step by step guidance screen assures that even less familiar users can get up to speed quickly and optimize their workflow. Improved Confidence in Accuracy PointSense 18.0 for Revit is the first software platform to incorporate Levels of Accuracy as defined USBID (U.S. Institute of Building Documentation) standards. This enhanced analysis tool enables users to more confidently validate the accuracy of the as-built model compared to the relevant point cloud, i.e. the set of data points acquired by a 3D laser scanner. Workflow Enhancement The improvement in scan navigation functionality was driven by direct user feedback, supports greater efficiency and assures that the user is able to get to a result faster than ever before. With just a double click, users can move from one scan perspective to another inside a given […]

Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanner now certified by Airbus

Creaform, leader in portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, has had its flagship metrology-grade portable 3D scanner, the HandySCAN 3D, certified by Airbus and will be added to the company’s next Technical Equipment Manual (TEM) release. This certification comes following the recognition of HandySCAN 3D’s specifications by the French National Laboratory for Metrology & Testing (LNE). Combined with Creaform’s powerful and easy-to-use VXelements software, the scanner can reduce measurement times by up to 80% compared traditional methods. * Metrology-grade measurements for aircraft maintenance: Users can digitise dent damage on metallic parts with the accuracy of up to 0.030 mm (0.0012 in.) and a resolution of up to 0.050 mm (0.002 in.) with high repeatability and traceable certificate. * Intuitive pass/fail testing: With its intuitive design and real-time software visualization, the 3D scanner ensures ultra-short learning curves so operators can get the critical information they need to regardless of their experience levels. All they have to do is point and shoot! * Real-time visualisation and portability: Because it is so light and small, it can be used in any work environment, such as a hangar or outdoors, as it adapts to ambient and tarmac lighting. Users can easily perform 3D surface inspection of any part of an aircraft—including on and under wings. This certification by an industry leader like Airbus symbolises Creaform’s commitment to helping the aerospace as much as the automotive industries address their high-level of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) requirements. With this certification, more and more industry players are turning to Creaform technologies to facilitate and speed up their 3D measurement processes to carry out accurate assessments of aircraft mechanical damage. The goal is to provide user-friendly and highly advanced solutions to get airplanes back in the skies faster and enable airlines to slash the high costs associated with […]

SEMICON -Industry 4.0 no longer hype

Disruption and the Value of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing; Learn More at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2017. SEMICON Southeast Asia 2017, held at the SPICE arena in Penang on 25-27 April, is Asia’s premier showcase for electronics manufacturing innovation. KUALA LUMPUR – At SEMICON Southeast Asia 2017, Dr. Chen Fusen, CEO of Kulicke & Soffa Pte Ltd, Singapore, will give a keynote on the digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. Chen believes that Smart Manufacturing, or Industry 4.0, is no longer hype, but real and Asia needs to get on board sooner rather than later. SEMICON Southeast Asia (SEA) 2017, held at the SPICE arena in Penang on 25-27 April, is Asia’s premier showcase for electronics manufacturing innovation. “Digital transformation has proven to provide solutions for addressing challenges in the manufacturing industry but there is still the issue of acceptance as well as lack of skills and knowledge that needs to be addressed,” said Chen. “With disruptive technology changing our world, I expect that more companies will see the value of their investments realised as this technology accelerates the creation of more individualised products and services.” Dr. Hai Wang from NXP Semiconductors Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore agreed that more consumer-related innovations would stem from digital transformation as demand for solutions that provide efficiency and security increases. “At NXP, we look at developing advanced cyber security solutions for the automotive industry, such as tracking and analysing intelligence around connected and automated vehicles, which will help to counter any adverse threats in real time. These innovations are real and will soon mark a shift in the future of automation and manufacturing. It is vital that we embrace the change and adapt accordingly,” he said. Other speakers at SEMICON SEA also feel strongly about the importance of Smart Manufacturing and digital transformation. David Chang […]

Innovative zero-gravity arms recognised by construction company

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Gammon Construction is one of SE Asia’s leading construction companies, with an annual turnover of US$2.5bn, and is a keen adopter of new technology with a focus on adding value for its customers through innovative and sustainable solutions. With over 8000 employees, the engineering and construction company, like others in the Hong Kong construction industry, has long faced manpower shortages, together with an aging workforce. Consequently, in an effort to lure talented new workers and to reduce the workload of its employees, the company recently invested in two sets of “zero-gravity arms” (Zero G Tool Arms) from Sigma Ergonomics, one of Australia’s leading providers of ergonomic systems to a wide range of industries. Manufactured by US company Ekso Bionics, the innovative mounted exoskeletal system functions without the need for power, allowing workers to comfortably operate heavy tools including impact drills, chipping hammers and grinders for extended periods. With the zero-gravity arms shouldering the weight of the equipment, workers are not affected by the strain and fatigue caused by repetitive tasks such as drilling, tiling, chipping and grinding. The Ekso Bionics Aerial System, to which the Zero G system is mounted, is designed to increase safety and productivity while working from an elevated work platform (EWP). As well as eliminating the risk of dropping heavy tools from heights, the system significantly reduces the risk of injury from heavy tool usage and awkward body position. In a recent direct comparison with an Access Work Platform (AWP) at a height services installation, the Zero G system improved the productivity of the drilling work task by over 50% while reducing worker fatigue and improving safety and efficiency. Thomas Ho, Chief Executive of Gammon Construction, is a passionate supporter of innovation and highlights the Zero G system as one of the […]

Developing smart machines and equipment to meet manufacturers’ demands

Visitors to the Rockwell Automation stand at AUSPACK 2017 will experience first-hand how The Connected Enterprise drives new opportunities to optimise production and supply chain More than 70 million people are joining the middle class every year, increasing demand on manufacturing resources and infrastructure. Meeting this demand means being more productive, sustainable and flexible. Fortunately, the convergence of new technologies including mobile devices, the cloud, and big data, can help securely connect plant information with enterprise systems. “With the right network infrastructure and the ability to integrate information across IT and control systems, industrial enterprises can coordinate operations and communications – facilitating a demand-driven supply chain,” explained Bob Hicks, OEM Segment manager at Rockwell Automation. By bridging the gap between systems, Rockwell Automation is helping connect industrial enterprises to improve operations. Smart Manufacturing, enabled by The Connected Enterprise, is driving new opportunities for end-users to optimize their production and supply chain. According to Matthew Treeby, commercial marketing manager at Rockwell Automation, “Our AUSPACK exhibit will feature machinery in action and never before seen technology. Visitors will have the opportunity to download the new Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk TeamONE app, redefining smartphone use on the plant floor to make individual workers more productive and ultimately connect all pillars of The Connected Enterprise vision.” Attendees will see how TeamONE delivers a completely new user experience and helps industrial teams improve productivity. Rockwell Automation will demonstrate how they are helping customers optimize their operations today. This interactive demo will highlight how data from smart, connected industrial assets can be transformed into meaningful insights to drive positive business outcomes. To improve communications between equipment builders and manufacturers and boost performance, Rockwell Automation recently launched a new FactoryTalk Analytics for Machines cloud application. This application will be demonstrated at AUSPACK where visitors will have the opportunity […]

Robot couple Xiaolan and Xiaotao carry food at a restaurant in Jinhua

Robotic process automation increases competitiveness

Despite the acknowledged productivity benefits of automation, many companies still handle common business practices manually, missing out on efficiencies and potential competitive advantage. Organisations should consider robotic process automation for back-office operations, and even some front-office processes, which are currently still done manually, according to NICE. Gerry Tucker, managing director, ANZ, NICE, said, “Businesses can gain significant benefits by automating certain business processes through robotic process automation. There are two types of robots: attended robots, which are used on a desktop to help humans optimise their work; and unattended robots, which live on the server and replace human activity. Using attended or unattended robots can help organisations deliver a consistent customer experience and makes workers more efficient. “For example, one of the world’s largest furniture retailers worked with NICE to implement a robotic process automation solution that could streamline order entry and fulfilment for customers. The system eliminated 100 per cent of order entry errors. It automated the processes and tasks associated with the equivalent of 16 full-time employees, letting those workers focus on more value-adding tasks. In total, the robots reduced the company’s manual workload by 5,000 hours per year, delivering a faster, more accurate automated order and delivery system. This dramatically improved the customer experience.” Robotic process automation has been defined by the Institute for Robotic Process Automation as “the application of technology that allows employees in a company to configure computer software or a ‘robot’ to capture and interpret existing applications for processing a transaction, manipulating data, triggering responses and communicating with other digital systems”. NICE has identified five ways robotics can improve an organisation’s business processes, enhance the customer experience and deliver greater employee satisfaction: 1. Increasing employee satisfaction: By relieving employees of repetitive, menial actions, organisations can improve customer service and employee satisfaction at the […]

Promapp process management software supports global expansion

Medifab, a leading New Zealand headquartered medical device company, has announced the deployment of Promapp’s cloud-based business process management software to support the company’s global expansion as well as compliance with the US Food and Drug Administration and international quality standards. Medifab’s products make a positive difference to the lives of persons with a disability through the provision of leading edge postural support solutions for a wide range of special needs. It offers more than 130 products which include everything from wheelchairs, standing aids, beds and bathroom aids through to strollers and push chairs, indoor seating, car seats and harnesses. Operating in a highly regulated industry, the company must comply with significant quality systems and regulatory requirements to meet its customers’ needs. These requirements are intended to ensure that Medifab consistently designs, produces and markets medical devices that are safe and effective for their intended purpose. Indeed, the latest revisions in global quality standards and regulations has meant an increased emphasis and focus at Medifab to identify and manage its product and business risks. In recent years the company’s manufacturing and operations centre has been certified to the ISO 9001 Quality System and ISO 14001 Environment Management standard. However, Medifab’s growth and business plans to export to overseas markets requires compliance with specific Medical Device regulations, in particular ISO 13485 (Medial Devices Quality management systems – Requirements for regulatory purposes) and the USA FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations, 21 CFR 820. These regulations govern the methods and controls Medifab uses to design, manufacture, package, label, store, distribute and service its products. Finding the Right Solution Medifab went to market for a solution which would support the organisation’s ability to meet the requirements of the global market. A business process management tool would also support the creation of the […]

Robot rights: at what point should an intelligent machine be considered a ‘person’?

Science fiction likes to depict robots as autonomous machines, capable of making their own decisions and often expressing their own personalities. Yet we also tend to think of robots as property, and as lacking the kind of rights that we reserve for people. But if a machine can think, decide and act on its own volition, if it can be harmed or held responsible for its actions, should we stop treating it like property and start treating it more like a person with rights? What if a robot achieves true self-awareness? Should it have equal rights with us and the same protection under the law, or at least something similar? These are some of the issues being discussed by the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs. Last year it released a draft report and motion calling for a set of civil law rules on robotics regulating their manufacture, use, autonomy and impact upon society. Of the legal solutions proposed, perhaps most interesting was the suggestion of creating a legal status of “electronic persons” for the most sophisticated robots. Approaching personhood The report acknowledged that improvements in the autonomous and cognitive abilities of robots makes them more than simple tools, and makes ordinary rules on liability, such as contractual and tort liability, insufficient for handling them. For example, the current EU directive on liability for harm by robots only covers foreseeable damage caused by manufacturing defects. In these cases, the manufacturer is responsible. However, when robots are able to learn and adapt to their environment in unpredictable ways, it’s harder for a manufacturer to foresee problems that could cause harm. The report also questions about whether or not sufficiently sophisticated robots should be regarded as natural persons, legal persons (like corporations), animals or objects. Rather than lumping them into an existing […]

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