Tech Updates

DETROIT—At General Motors’ Defiance, Ohio plant, a high-tech tool helps ensure engine components meet high standards for quality and precision. The 3D Metra Scan doesn’t just measure parts faster; it sees them differently, according to a company release. “As...

The Heavy-Duty Dynamometer Test Facility is a national resource that will help lower the risk of investments in new technologies for heavy-duty vehicles. The facility integrates real-world research, testing, and simulation to reduce development time and strengthen...

DETROIT—General Motors Company reported in August that Automotive News recognized three standout General Motors employees, selected for their roles in developing cutting-edge technologies that create better vehicles for GM’s customers. Automotive News named Shriram...

An industry-wide program introduced by FANUC is designed to improve part quality and increase production speed by aligning workflows with modern machining best practices. ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.—FANUC Corporation reported in August that it is introducing a new...

By Kaeli Dickert OAK RIDGE, Tenn.—Using neutrons at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers from The Ohio State University (OSU) are studying residual stress caused by friction stir welding (FSW) to reveal how to strengthen armor steel...

The company will use an $80 million award to deliver an integrated digital and physical advanced manufacturing environment at the Anniston Army Depot. ARLINGTON, Va.—Aided by an $80 million award from the Army Contracting Command, Siemens Government Technologies...

A new biomimetic robot from Mantis Robotics combines strength with dexterity, with the ability to lift up to 70 pounds and move at speeds of more than 10 meters per second, the company said. PLEASANTON, Calif.—A new robot introduced by Mantis Robotics in June is...

The Mantis Robotics MR-1 robot arm meets the international standard for industrial robot safety requirements, and is said to lay the foundation for safe humanoids and AI robots everywhere. PLEASANTON, Calif.—In February, Mantis Robotics announced what it described as...

The cutting-edge cooling hardware, manufactured with Fabric8Labs’ proprietary ECAM process, is reported to provide superior thermal performance. SAN DIEGO—Fabric8Labs is working to pioneer the next generation of manufacturing with its patented ECAM (Electrochemical...

X-Bow Systems is partnering with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to develop and demonstrate AMSP—Additive Manufacturing of Solid Propellant—technologies for production of solid rocket motors. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—X-Bow Systems Inc. (X-Bow®), a U.S. non-traditional...

According to a new report from Boston Consulting Group and the BCG Institute, upgrading factories can outperform offshoring—even in high-cost countries. BOSTON—AI-enabled factory of the future technologies are fundamentally reshaping the economics of manufacturing,...

Peak Technology’s platform is designed to provide rapid prototyping, new product introduction, and high volume manufacturing solutions. SAN JOSE, Calif.—A new product development and realization platform introduced by Peak Technology is reported to provide “true...

Apollo robots work in environments designed for people—on Earth and in space. WASHINGTON—While autonomous robots are playing larger roles in factories and warehouses, certain tasks still require the arms, legs, and eyes of a human. A self-driving tugger train that...

Laserax’s new laser workstation enables ultra-fine marking and micro-processing on delicate components while minimizing heat impact, the company said. QUEBEC CITY—Medical device manufacturers are challenged today by increasing demands for traceability, precision, and...

Teradyne Robotics systems are part of Flex’s effort to standardize automation and accelerate productivity across its global manufacturing footprint. AUSTIN, Texas—An newly expanded collaboration between Flex and Teradyne Robotics is intended to help accelerate...