New Ventures, Partnerships, Strong Growth Power Additive Manufacturing

Wohlers Associates provides an update on the state of additive manufacturing (AM). "AM contributes to product improvements, increased efficiency, green initiatives, global partnerships, material developments, and groundbreaking innovations," write Ray Huff and Terry Wohlers of Wohlers Associates. "As new players adopt AM for production, interesting applications emerge....The promise of AM far outreaches past accomplishments."

Are Cobots Inherently Safe?

A recent report found that 79 percent of automation distributors do not believe their customers understand the safety requirements of installing a collaborative robot, or cobot, writes Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics Inc. "Because cobots are one of the fastest growing sectors of the robot market, this lack of knowledge could be dangerous," he says. There is "plenty of literature on the safety requirements of collaborative robots, but it is often...

Plug Power, Lightning Systems to Build Zero-Emission Trucks

Plug Power Inc., Latham, N.Y., a provider of hydrogen engines and fueling solutions, announced a partnership with Colorado-based Lightning Systems, a global developer of zero-emission drivetrains. This collaboration enables both companies to offer fuel cell-powered Class 6 trucks (up to 12.5 tons) capable of supporting middle-mile delivery logistics between warehouses and distribution centers.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center Appoints a COO

Robert Lyscas has been promoted to the newly created position of chief operating officer at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Plymouth, Mich. He had been vice president of manufacturing services. He now is responsible for overseeing seven departments including Manufacturing Services, Information Technology, Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, Research Services and Facilities.

The U.S. Manufacturing Recession May Have Ended: CNBC

An economic contraction in manufacturing may have ended, CNBC reported, citing business surveys conducted by the Philadelphia and New York Federal Reserve Districts. The indexes are percentage measures of companies expecting growth or contraction. The "measures taken together show a manufacturing sector on the rebound," according to CNBC. However, the business channel said, "pockets of trouble" remain.

Sandvik Coromant Schedules Tech Days for March 25-26

Sandvik Coromant will host Tech Days, March 25-26, 2020, at its Productivity Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. With a goal to demystify Industry 4.0, Tech Days will provide tangible and tactical information for attendees to learn about how to transition from tribal knowledge to system knowledge, according to the company. The event includes breakout sessions and a panel discussion about topics such as cloud computing and how to utilize data to drive efficiency and transparency.