Many of today's everyday batteries are made of lithium, but this is a finite element. Researchers have now found a way of using sodium instead, which they believe will transform the battery industry.
It is not always practical to manufacture construction tools or components and then transfer these to a site to be used. The answer to this issue? A smart device controlled pop-up factory.
Manufacturing is already undergoing significant changes, and a report published by the World Economic Forum earlier this week has set out the four key drivers that it believes will accelerate this industrial transformation.
Will robots ever take your job? Latest research from the World Economic Forum suggests no. It forecasts that by 2022, robotics and AI could create over 130 million jobs, this almost double the figure they are set to displace.
Growing numbers of enterprises are using immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality to deliver better efficiency, productivity and safety, with augmented rather than full virtual, expected to lead the way.
The world’s largest glass manufacturer Owens-Illinois (O-I), has announced a new technology enabling it to customise bottles at industrial speeds via digital printing.
The amount of rubbish in our Oceans has become a critical issue for the well-being of the planet. According to the World Economic Forum, unless things change, by 2050 the oceans are expected to contain more plastics than fish (by weight).
Reconditioned robots could offer more cost effective ways to automate repetitive processes, enabling manufacturers to run more efficient operations, save money and upskill the workforce.
![Manufacturing technologies will be accelerated, through digital advances, such as augmented reality [AR] and the Microsoft HoloLens – image courtesy of HVMC.](https://www.themanufacturer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Sam-Turner-Hololens-May17-375x214.jpg)
