Blog
Size Matters: What Small Business Owners Should Know About Automation
Robotics and automation are no longer reserved for huge,
multi-national corporations. The introduction of affordable automation
technology like collaborative robots changes the game for everyone. While most
of the hype around robotics focuses on increased productivity, reduced labor
costs and operational efficiency, it is imperative that small business owners become
familiar with these new technologies.
Robots will not take
over everything.
A recent study released by PwC predi
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Jun 23rd 2017
Nokia’s Futuristic Factory with 5G IoT
Even after selling its mobile phone handset business to
Microsoft a few years ago, Nokia is still the second largest mobile equipment
manufacturer globally. While the company is focusing efforts on 5G technology, it
is also extending its preparation for the future with Industry 4.0 in its
factories.“We’re building the factory of
the future,” explains Erja Sankari, Head of Oulu Factory at Nokia. “Industry
4.0 includes increased automation, productivity, and use of data.” The
company goes o
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Jun 21st 2017
Welcoming Robots into Our Lives
Robots are all around us: in warehouses, factories, healthcare, shops, the home, and even in our pockets (hello, Siri). On the whole, we have easily accepted the increasingly pervasive impact they are having on our work and personal lives. But, as they become more lifelike at home and at work, how should we treat them?The increasing adoption of robots is raising a number of interesting discussions that might have been pure science fiction just a few years ago. Discussions surrounding robot ethic
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Jun 19th 2017
Are Americans Ready for a Shift in Strategic Manufacturing?
Rising labor costs in countries where US manufacturers have
outsourced over the last 50 years are rising while technological advances are
decreasing the cost of actual production. With reduced transportation and
delivery costs, many companies are reevaluating the possibility of bringing
production back to the US by taking advantage of lower labor costs associated
with advances in automation and robotics technology.Manufacturers investing in new technology can see as much as
a 70% increase
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Jun 14th 2017
Universal Robots and Robotiq Enable NYC Startup to Produce Domestic Products
In 2015, architect Brian Vallario and finance professional Gerard
Masci created a new American-made eyewear company, Lowercase, in New York City.
With most eyewear produced overseas, the pair looked to automation to reduce
production costs while maintaining a consistent quality level. Even with
limited production runs, the company desired a completely in-house production
system.“I had done a little bit of
research on robots when I was in graduate school, but I never really had any
working
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Jun 12th 2017