Automation

artisan food manufacture

Is the future of artisanal products semi-automated?

This innovation could allow carpenters to focus on more important tasks such as design aspects image courtesy of MIT.

Reconditioned robots could offer value and opportunities

A collaboration between MHP, KUKA and Munich Re, are combining their strengths and jointly developing the ‘SmartFactory as a Service’ concept.

KUKA propose ‘smart factory as a service’ concept

Agribots could offer a wide amount of automation technologies to boost the agricultural sector - image courtesy Depositphotos.

Three agribots revolutionising the farming industry

Top Cat’s automated pet station, with chocolate candy in place of dry pet food - image courtesy of The Manufacturer’s staff photographer Calum McCarron.

Home Automation Challenge 2018: Top Cat proves its top dog

Digital Transformation

Resource efficiency: Is your business best in class? A survey for manufacturers…

Global sales of industrial robots reached the new record of 380,550 units in 2017 due to digitalisation of the shop floors - image courtesy of Depositphotos.

Digitalisation: Industrial robot sales increase worldwide by 29%

Nike and Adidas plan to increase the output of smart factories in the US and Germany, generate data in the factories in China - image courtesy of Adidas.

Could smart factories help boost reshoring? Nike & Adidas seem to think so

What opportunity is disruptive innovation creating for your business?

DS Smith's facility in Blunham, Bedfordshire.

Digital Transformation

Thinking outside the box: A 4IR case study

Utilising 3D printing to create jigs and fixtures - image courtesy of Formlabs

Replacing machined jigs and fixtures with 3D printing