Software & Digital Solutions

Rethink Robotics announced the upcoming release of Intera 5.2, an expansion of its Intera software platform that provides critical data insights to manufacturers in real time.

Beckhoff Automation announced the incorporation of comprehensive image processing capabilities into its PC-based control system with new TwinCAT Vision software. TwinCAT unites a comprehensive range of machine functionality – PLC, motion control, robotics, high-end measurement technology, IoT, HMI and now machine vision – all in an end-to-end engineering and control platform.

In the digitized manufacturing world being born, the product that a job-shop produces is less a piece of engineered metal and more a piece of intellectual property. So said Tom Kelly, the executive director and CEO of Detroit's Automation Alley. That difference brings risks but also unprecedented opportunities for those who are ready.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence today announced its support for Workshops for Warriors (WFW), a non-profit school created to train military veterans in the field of advanced manufacturing. Hexagon has contributed several portable ROMER Absolute Arms to help expand the program into metrology education with industrial grade equipment and expert mentoring.

Tebis America has announced the latest Release 5 of its Version 4.0. Tebis has especially optimized the performance of its software with the current Version 4.0, Release 5. This helps users significantly accelerate their processes without functional restrictions.

Christopher "Chris" Mendicino established Kairos Manufacturing Solutions, Sturbridge, Mass., in partnership with Adion Systems, Vancouver, British Columbia, the developer of ProShop comprehensive enterprise resource planning management software, to sell and support ProShop in the New England region.

Earlier this week we shared the conclusions of the McKinsey Report, which concluded that it may be possible for U.S. manufacturing to grow by 20 percent and add more than 2 million jobs by 2025. That was the good news. It can only happen, however, if manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0 technology.

Parker Steel Co., Maumee, Ohio, hired Shawn Kaelber as information technology manager.

Increase the speed and accuracy of doing business in today's complex manufacturing environment and streamline operations. With the new innovations available in Macola 10, you can easily configure your own workspaces at the user level – without the need for developers or consultants.

Last week's blog post on the successors of Rosie the Riveter inspired a reader to share her own experience as an early woman in manufacturing. Lois Anderson was tasked with walking into plants in Southwestern Michigan to convince dubious managers and workers to use new methods to improve their production quality and efficiency.

My October 20 post on adding capabilities to your current CNC brought a response from a reader who who shares a problem. "We have a few Kitamura MyCenter 4XiF VMCs with FANUC 16iMB controls running daily on our shop floor," he writes, "The control hasn't given us a single problem since they powered on for the first time.

MVTec Software GmbH, Munich, is expanding its team.