Topeka, KS, High School Unveils New 50,000-sq-ft STEAM/STEM Innovation Center

Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, Kansas, has completed construction on its Innovation Center, which will open to students on October 14, 2024. The 50,000-square-foot center is part of an ongoing series of construction and renovation projects taking place across the Auburn-Washburn district to enhance the student learning experience. Auburn-Washburn celebrated this historic milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

"This facility is more than just a structure filled with cutting-edge equipment; it represents a bold vision for the future of education,” said Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams. “It is a commitment to nurturing creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving in our students. The Innovation Center will serve as a dynamic hub for exploration and discovery, equipping our students with the skills and resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world."

WRHS currently offers 18 career-focused Pathway programs approved by the Kansas Department of Education. A remarkable 75 percent of students will take at least one Pathway course at the high school. Nine Pathway programs – Animal Science; Comprehensive Agriculture; Power, Structural & Technical Systems; Construction & Design: Construction; Construction & Design: Design; Digital Media; Biomedical; Restaurant & Event Management; and Programming & Software — are housed in the new Innovation Center.

"Each of these programs is more than a subject," said WRHS principal Ed Raines. "They are the means by which we prepare our students for a rapidly changing world. In these spaces, they will learn how to think, how to lead, and how to transform. These are the qualities that will allow them to face the future with confidence and resolve." 

According to the Georgetown Workforce Study, 70 percent of jobs will require specialized skills by 2031, but only 35 percent will require a four-year degree. The center will empower students to engage in hands-on learning, collaborate on real-world projects, and develop the skills they need to meet future challenges head-on. 

Other notable education and workforce initiatives in Topeka include $1.5 million in capital investment funds being used to extend Washburn Tech East, Washburn University’s technology institute. This institute offers training in health care, construction trades, manufacturing, and more. For younger learners, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center’s (KCDC) IF/THEN Collection is the largest free resource of its kind dedicated to increasing access to authentic and relatable images of real women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). KCDC is one of two children’s museums in the United States that have this exhibit and recently announced a $10 million expansion that will double its size to over 30,000 square feet.

State of Missouri Awards $9.1M for Higher Ed Collaboration to Boost Manufacturing

Three Missouri higher education institutions are working together to modernize the state’s manufacturing industry and develop its workforce, with $9.1 million in Missouri’s fiscal year 2025 budget being awarded to support their efforts.

“Missouri desperately needs more engineering and technical students educated in emerging advanced manufacturing technology to address the shortage of employees in this industry,” says Dr. Richard Billo, director of Missouri University of Science and Technology’s Kummer Institute Center for Advanced Manufacturing. “We are thrilled to work closely with our colleagues in the state’s community colleges to improve the employee pipeline and help our state’s manufacturers become — and stay — globally competitive with innovative products and processes.”

The funding comes as part of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s MoExcels Workforce Initiative. Missouri S&T will serve as the lead institution for the project titled “Bridging the Manufacturing Critical Skills Gap.” Partner institutions include East Central College (ECC) and St. Charles Community College (SCC).

An advisory board of leaders in the manufacturing sector provided S&T with a list of critical skills needed by their companies and others. Based off these recommendations, S&T will modernize its undergraduate manufacturing curriculum and incorporate new technologies and equipment to ensure the university’s training and education is well-aligned with the needs of Missouri manufacturers.

S&T will also host manufacturing summer camps for students, as well as manufacturing professional development initiatives for K-12 teachers.

The university’s Kummer Center for STEM Education and SCC will visit hundreds of elementary schools with S&T’s STEM Mobile — a STEM outreach van that will be filled with equipment for manufacturing education — and provide hands-on experiences for thousands of Missouri students as young as nine years old.

East Central College

ECC will construct a Center for Advanced Manufacturing, which will be part of its new campus in Rolla. The facility, which will include state-of-the-art equipment, classrooms and laboratory space, is expected to be completed in late 2025.

This will allow ECC to provide more opportunities for short-term credentials, one-year certificates and two-year degrees related to manufacturing.

Dr. Jon Bauer, president of ECC, says the close connections the three institutions share for one common mission can serve as a model for how other schools can come together at the state level.

“East Central College, Missouri S&T and St. Charles Community College are all working hard to make Missouri companies competitive and provide students with the skills and experiences to be employed in great industry positions,” Bauer says. “That is a goal everyone should be able to get behind, and we appreciate the support we have received from our fellow higher education institutions and the state of Missouri.”

St. Charles Community College

SCC will take part in joint K-12 outreach efforts with Missouri S&T, focusing on rural areas to spread awareness about the manufacturing profession and different career paths.

The St. Charles County-based college also plans to develop new manufacturing curriculum focused on emerging energy technologies. SCC will collaborate with S&T on a strategy using dual enrollment programs, internships and continuing education courses to streamline students’ progress from high schools to community colleges and universities to industry roles.

“We look forward to further spreading awareness about the advanced manufacturing industry and how Missourians can be part of it,” says Dr. Barbara Kavalier, SCC’s president. “This is a tremendously rewarding field for our graduates, and further developing the workforce will also benefit the state’s economy.”

For more information, visit www.mst.edu.

Happy Manufacturing Day!

Friday, October 4, was National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day).

According to its founder, the Manufacturing Institute, a body of NAM, National Manufacturing Day, “is the industry’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation, reshape perceptions, and build the foundation for the future manufacturing workforce.” In fact, many organizations and companies treat it as an opportunity not only for the day, but for the entire month, and beyond.

SME will celebrate the month by opening many of its engagement programs to non-members, “offering a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and share knowledge with industry professionals,” according to SME.

Other industry professionals have also expressed the importance of this event and its benefits and opportunities.

Bryan Christiansen, CEO and Founder of Limble CMMs, said, “National Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role manufacturing plays in driving progress and shaping the future of our economy. It is a day to celebrate the unsung heroes that keep the world moving, and come together to address the greatest challenges facing the industry today. According to Limble’s 2024 State of Maintenance in Manufacturing report, more than 50% of manufacturing leaders cited downtime and workforce shortages as their greatest challenges. Implementing advanced technologies, such as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), can help manufacturers overcome these significant hurdles. Implementing a CMMS not only reduces downtime and extends equipment lifetime by streamlining all maintenance operations, but it can also significantly reduce workforce shortage challenges by helping teams optimize their workforce. By introducing automation to task management and quickly surfacing critical asset and maintenance data, CMMS platforms enable manufacturers to increase productivity, improve job satisfaction, and focus on innovation. A huge priority for all industries today is leveraging technology in strategic ways to do more with less, and manufacturing is no exception. This Manufacturing Day should be used to showcase the innovation and technological advancements driving the industry forward, and inspire the next generation of workers to pursue careers in this evolving field. Modern manufacturing is not only about producing goods – it is also about creating solutions that fuel progress and shape our future.”

Neeta Verma, Director at Accuris, said, “On this National Manufacturing Day, it is important to highlight and recognize the ongoing challenges modern manufacturers are facing, and how new technologies can help alleviate some of this burden. First and foremost, manufacturers are struggling with a lack of skilled workers, worsened by an aging workforce and a shortage of tech-savvy employees. To overcome labor shortages, many are adopting robotics, while IoT technology supports their adaptation to a digital-first environment. Rising material costs, wages, and freight charges are also putting pressure on manufacturers. Digital tools can help audit supply chains and renegotiate contracts, reducing costs while maintaining quality. As supply chain disruptions also continue to negatively impact manufacturers, data-driven insights from AI technology can help ease such complexities. By using dashboards and analytics, manufacturers can anticipate disruptions and proactively plan responses. In addition, the technology can help with inventory management and production schedules. ERP systems with real-time data and automation help balance supply with demand, ensuring timely production and delivery. Inaccurate demand forecasting can lead to overproduction or underproduction. Advanced technologies analyze sales data for better alignment with market trends. Manufacturers need agility, not only to keep pace with evolving customer needs but also new regulations. AI technology enables demand forecasting, digital advertising, and market research, helping organizations meet customer needs without compromising quality. Automated compliance systems also help manufacturers stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. Overall, technologies like ERP, IIoT, automation, and AI help manufacturers streamline processes and enhance efficiency in a dynamic environment, while cloud-based platforms and digital twins optimize production. Additionally, leveraging data analytics promotes sustainability by reducing waste and energy consumption.”

For more information on SME, visit sme.org/memberbenefits. For access to Limble’s 2024 State of Maintenance in Manufacturing report, visit https://limblecmms.com/maintenance-report/#workforce-manufacturing. For more from Accuris, visit https://accuristech.com/.

Who Doesn’t Like LEGOs? No One!

And they are a terrific way to engage young people, a key to addressing the workforce challenges facing manufacturers.

October 4th was Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), an initiative of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and its affiliated Manufacturing Institute. In its latest “Manufacturing Innovation Blog,” the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and NIST writes, “Thousands of manufacturers [will] open their doors to students, parents, educators, and community leaders to demonstrate the reality and future of modern manufacturing careers as part of this annual event.”

MEP further outlines the opportunities presented by MFG Day, including:

• Dispel misconceptions and outdated or inaccurate perceptions of manufacturing jobs by showcasing the modern, high-tech nature of the industry.
• Inspire future talent by highlighting the diverse range of roles available, the potential for growth, and the positive impact manufacturing has on communities.   
• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders that can lead to partnerships in workforce development, education, and apprenticeship programs.   
• Showcase career paths and highlight industry benefits such as competitive wages and opportunities for continuous learning and advancement in a stable, fulfilling environment.   

“Perhaps the most essential aspect of a successful Manufacturing Day is connecting with America’s youth and young at heart,” said the blog. To the partnership, this means engaging everyone by channeling their inner kid and thinking about the hobbies that people love! These suggested, relatable activities include LEGOs, gaming, and cosplay.

To read the full blog, visit https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/manufacturing-day-engaging-youth-and-young-heart.

For a full list of MEP Center MFG Day events, visit https://www.nist.gov/mep/manufacturing-day.

DMSC Seeks Nominees for 2025 Board of Director Positions

DMSC BoD members are elected from the DMSC membership. At the end of this calendar year, two BoD members will be rotating off, and two will be elected for a three-year, 2025-2027 term.

A list of current DMSC BoD members can be found on the DMSC website at https://qifstandards.org/about-dmsc/.

On November 1, 2024 a list of nominees will be sent to the DMSC membership requesting return votes by CoB on November 29, 2024.

Election announcements will be made on December 4, 2024.

Please direct any questions to Mark Thomas at mark.thomas@qifstandards.org.

Hitachi Completes Acquisition of MA micro automation of Germany

Hitachi Ltd. (TSE: 6501, "Hitachi") has completed the acquisition of MA micro automation GmbH ("MA micro automation", headquartered in St. Leon-Rot, Germany), a leading provider of robotic and automation technology. MA micro automation will be under operation of JR Automation Technologies, LLC ("JR Automation") to grow the company's reach in the global advanced automation market, such as Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Hitachi and MAX Management GmbH (the seller, a subsidiary of MAX Automation SE) signed a stock purchase agreement in April, 2024, and pursuant to this agreement finalized the deal on September 30, 2024. Both JR Automation and MA micro automation have strong, recognized brands and will continue to do business under their existing names.

"MA micro automation's capabilities are a perfect complement to JR Automation's plans for growth in the medical segment," said Dave DeGraaf, CEO at JR Automation. "We have been impressed not only by their solutions and R&D capabilities, but also by their strong culture and shared values."

The acquisition of MA micro automation adds value for customers worldwide with diversified offerings in medical and high-precision automation. The deal also expands sales opportunities for JR Automation in Europe and for MA micro automation in the U.S. as well as business portfolio for the Asia Pacific market with a stronger presence in Singapore.

"This collaboration is poised to deliver increased value and support to our customers worldwide, particularly in the medical market vertical where MA micro automation has established a strong foothold," said Joachim Hardt, CEO at MA micro automation.

The field of robotic SI, which involves a massive amount of data, is playing a central role in connecting shop floor and top floor to achieve overall optimization. With this acquisition of MA micro automation, Hitachi is globally expanding and strengthening its capabilities in the robotic SI field and develop "Total Seamless Solution*1" that solve issues between shop floor and top floor to create new value. "By welcoming new colleagues, Hitachi Group aims to be a global leader in the robotic SI business, and strive to increase the productivity of frontline workers and maximize customers' corporate value by utilizing the strength in IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products through Lumada*2's customer co-creation framework," said Kazunobu Morita, Vice President and Executive Officer, CEO of Industrial Digital Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd.

With the deal closed, JR Automation and MA micro automation are carrying out post-merger integration plans and reaching out to key stakeholders including customers and suppliers. The companies also had a celebration at MA micro automation's headquarters in Germany on October 22.

For more information, visit https://www.micro-automation.de/en/, https://www.jrautomation.com or https://www.hitachi.com.

Dorsey Metrology International, MPI Partner to Host Dutchess BOCES Students for MFG Day

Dorsey Metrology International and MPI, Poughkeepsie-based manufacturing companies, are partnering with Dutchess BOCES to host students for Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). MFG Day is an annual event to build excitement about modern manufacturing in the United States and took place on Friday, October 4, 2024.

Dorsey Metrology International and MPI facilities will be hosting tours for the next generation of creators, students from Dutchess BOCES. This year’s event aims to amplify the "Creators Wanted" message that manufacturers are sending to students and people across the country.

“Dutchess BOCES is grateful to our industry partners for their willingness to share their time and expertise with our students,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia said. “Giving them an opportunity to see the future and how what they are learning about in their Career and Technical Institute classes applies can only increase their enthusiasm. With Dorsey Metrology International and MPI being local businesses, it shows our students there are jobs for them here.”

During the student tours, MPI will be demonstrating automation production using their Automated Pattern Assembly System. Dorsey will be demonstrating more traditional, precision-based assembly and machining. With over 120 years of experience in manufacturing combined, Dorsey Metrology International and MPI look forward to touring the next generation and are excited for what the future in their respective industries brings.

For more information, visit www.dorseymetrology.com, www.dcboces.org and www.mpi-systems.com. 

Industry 4.0 for Apprenticeships, Degree Programs

Global challenges and industrial competitiveness are having an impact on the training and continuous education of skilled workers and students. In addition to theoretical principles, practical knowledge is also in demand, particularly with regard to digitized and networked manufacturing processes. Virtual learning factories based on 3D simulation platforms offer interesting possibilities when it comes to Industry 4.0: The Mechatronic Simulation Wall developed by MHJ Software GmbH & Co. KG is a mirror image of real mechatronic systems and can include up to four different stations, e.g. magazine, processing, quality assurance and sorting. This type of configuration makes it possible to program each station individually, or run the entire system, which opens up a wide range of learning scenarios with varying degrees of complexity.

Students at universities, training centers, and in other educational institutions work with control and automation technology either using real mechatronic models, large learning factories, or in 2D and 3D simulation environments. However, real learning factories with multiple stations are often very complex, making them not equally suitable for all students, who have different levels of knowledge. In addition, such a learning factory is beyond the budget of many educational institutions and training departments. Other factors that cannot be ignored are the maintenance requirements and the associated costs, as well as the risk of injuries. Unsupervised learning and testing of one's own programs is hardly possible here. Furthermore, in the worst case, the mechatronic models or components can be damaged if there is a programming error. The training is more practical and, above all, more cost-effective with the Mechatronic Simulation Wall (MSW) developed by MHJ-Software. Real mechatronic learning factories, such as the LT system from Köster Systemtechnik GmbH, are digitized and displayed on a scale of 1:1 or larger using several 3D simulations.

The MSW consists of four large-format wall-mounted screens, each connected to its own mini-PC. The PCs form a network, and each one runs an extended version of the software PLC-Lab 3D Player (also by MHJ). In addition, each PC is connected to a physical PLC or uses a software PLC such as PLCSIM Advanced. The four stations of the training factory simulate the production of cylindrical workpieces made of different materials, from the delivery of the blanks to processing and testing, and finally sorting.

Now, individual teams can start working on the various stations. Each team develops the control program for its own station, for example for the magazine, processing, testing and sorting, or storage. Different levels of difficulty enable teachers to assign teams based on their performance. Each station can be configured independently; for example, one can be linked to an S7 controller while another uses a CODESYS or Allen-Bradley controller. In computer science classes, MSW stations can also be controlled directly using the Python programming language.

Once the control programs are ready, each team tests their station independently of the other stations with the help of the 3D simulation. Practice-oriented tools help to detect potential errors. For example, students can use the tags window to monitor all inputs and outputs. If necessary, an input or output can be set to a fixed value, a process known as “forcing”. This option for checking and manipulating the variables makes troubleshooting considerably easier and helps to quickly identify and rectify errors in the PLC program.

Once the individual stations are working, the learning factory can be simulated as a complete system. In this phase, the four 3D simulations exchange data to ensure a continuous flow of materials. For example, a workpiece arriving at the end of the conveyor belt from station 1 is automatically removed and inserted at the beginning of the conveyor belt from station 2. Together, the teams can now check to see if their factory is producing the workpieces correctly. Any problems that may occur, such as a material jam, can be discussed together to find solutions. All processes are displayed on the almost 6-meter-long monitor wall, and sometimes even better than in reality. For example, when processing in the real learning factory, a drilling process is only alluded to for security reasons; in the 3D simulation, on the other hand, a “real” virtual hole is drilled.

As a digitized training factory is much more flexible than a real-life setting, it offers a whole range of extra possibilities. In addition to the four stations of the networked production line, the MSW also includes 25 smaller, self-contained simulation models with different levels of difficulty from simple to complex so that there is a suitable task for every level of training. From 2025, the new PLC-Lab 3D-Studio software will even make it possible to create your own 3D simulations from CAD data. This opens up interdisciplinary training opportunities: for example, future design engineers can create the CAD models while apprentices in mechatronics, electrical engineering or automation take over the programming. This opens up a wide range of possible learning scenarios.

The Mechatronic Simulation Wall is available now. MHJ-Software provides the licenses for PLC-Lab 3D Player including the MSW option. The hardware (screens, mini-PCs, PLC) can be set up by the customer or a third party. The manufacturer offers free support for selecting and setting up the components.

For more information, visit www.mhj-online.de/msw.

July 2024 US Cutting Tool Orders Total $191.8 Million, Up 2.5% Year-to-Date

Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report compiled in a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $191.8 million in July 2024. Orders decreased 7.8% from June 2024 but were up 1.7% from July 2023. Year-to-date shipments totaled $1.46 billion, up 2.5% from shipments made in the first seven months of 2023. The year-to-date growth rate has been declining every month since April 2024.

“July is typically a slower month, but overall, the curve has flattened out,” stated Jack Burley, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group. “Commercial aerospace and automotive production have leveled off, and this has a direct impact on cutting tool consumption and new orders. As we near the end of the third quarter, I expect shipments of cutting tools to continue to trend as they have so far this year, and we all remain optimistic that IMTS will provide the necessary boost to our shipments for a positive end to 2024.”

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show was held Sept. 9-14 in Chicago. A biennial event produced by AMT, IMTS is the largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere and regularly provides a boost to manufacturing technology and machine tool orders across all sectors.

Tom Haag, president at Kyocera SGS Precision Tool, elaborated: “Manufacturing production typically slows during the summer months, but it is concerning to see the year-on-year growth in cutting tool shipments continue the decline that began in April. If we consider inflation and price increases, I see the current year as flat. Looking forward, the current Boeing strike could add additional headwinds. However, there is an expectation that lower interest rates and the IMTS exhibition will generate new investment to counter this slowing manufacturing output.”

The Cutting Tool Market Report is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production, and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process, the cutting tool. Analysis of cutting tool consumption is a leading indicator of both upturns and downturns in U.S. manufacturing activity, as it is a true measure of actual production levels.

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org.

MSI Viking Expands Partnership with Mahr to Include Advanced Production Metrology Systems

MSI Viking announced the expansion of its long-standing partnership with Mahr Inc. This expanded relationship now includes Mahr's advanced production metrology systems, covering contour, roughness, and form instruments, as well as advanced optical metrology systems. 

The expanded partnership will enhance MSI Viking's offerings across its Southeastern region, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and extends into the Midwest, covering Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. 

Dan Carter, president of MSI Viking, expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded partnership and is looking forward to picking up where they left off a few years ago. "Our companies work very well together," he stated. "Mahr's metrology systems are highly differentiated by their quality, reliability, software, and ability to meet the broad scope of requirements and demanding expectations of our customers. At MSI Viking, we are committed to providing exceptional post-sale service and support for the equipment we sell, ensuring that our customers receive the full value of these advanced technologies." 

Dave MacKenzie, director of sales at Mahr Inc., also commented on the partnership, saying, "MSI Viking has proven itself as a leading distributor of precision metrology systems and calibration services, with an intense focus on the customer. This focus is perfectly aligned with Mahr's objectives of exceeding customer expectations and achieving the highest levels of satisfaction. We are confident that this expanded partnership will bring even greater value to our customers in the Southeastern and Midwestern regions. Customers will have ample support from the MSI Viking sales team, and the Mahr Inc. sales and service teams located in these regions from our Detroit, Cincinnati and Greenville Customer Centers.” 

For more information, visit https://www.msi-viking.com/ or https://www.mahr.com/en-us/.

ABB Robotics Sponsors MassRobotics

ABB Robotics announced its sponsorship of MassRobotics, a leading innovation hub and startup accelerator for robotics in the United States. 

As part of this sponsorship, ABB Robotics will donate several of its versatile GoFa™ 5kg collaborative robots (cobots), and licenses to its RobotStudio® simulation programming software to MassRobotics, providing emerging companies access to cutting-edge technology to drive innovation and development. 

“By providing our cobots and software to some of the brightest and most innovative engineers in the United States, we are not only helping startups push the boundaries of what’s possible but also benefiting from the fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas that emerge from this dynamic community,” said John Bubnikovich, President of ABB Robotics, US.

MassRobotics is dedicated to fostering the next generation of robotics companies by offering a collaborative workspace, advanced facilities, and comprehensive support programs. ABB’s contribution of the GoFa™ cobots will enhance these resources, allowing startups to develop their products and solutions with the backing of ABB’s superior robot arms and software. 

“Our sponsorship represents a significant opportunity for ABB to engage with the next wave of robotics talent and to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of our industry. It's also proof that we are always on the lookout for other innovative partners with whom to collaborate,” said Andrea Cassoni, Global Head of Collaborative Robotics and Partnerships Development.

The GoFa™ 5kg is designed for a wide range of applications, including assembly, testing, and material handling, and are known for their ease of use, safety, and precision. It incorporates a range of features that allow it to be used safely, directly alongside human workers and without the need to design and build bulky barriers or fencing. GoFa™ can continuously share workspace with people, giving it maximum flexibility and efficiency.

The sponsorship underscores ABB’s commitment to innovation and education in the field of robotics. By equipping MassRobotics with its advanced cobots, ABB intends to facilitate the creation of new and impactful solutions that address real-world challenges across various industries. This initiative also aligns with ABB’s broader strategy to support technological advancement and foster collaboration.

“We are extremely grateful for ABB’s support and donation,” said Tom Ryden, Executive Director of MassRobotics. “The addition of ABB’s cobots to our facilities will provide our member companies with unparalleled opportunities to experiment, prototype, and refine their robotics solutions. This partnership will undoubtedly accelerate the pace of innovation and help our startups bring their ideas to life.” 

Earlier this year ABB initiated its Robotics AI Startup Challenge, a global competition designed to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in robotics. Applications have been received and are now being evaluated, with the winning team to be announced this fall. The winners of the challenge will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with ABB's world-class engineers, access advanced robotic technologies and tap into the company's global network of customers and partners.

For more information, visit go.abb/robotics or www.massrobotics.org.

REGO-FIX Announces Partnership with Omega TMM for Presetting Solution

REGO-FIX, a Swiss toolholding company and inventor of the standard-setting ER collet, has partnered with tool measuring and management solution company Omega TMM for the creation of ORION powered by REGO-FIX – a tool measuring machine using REGO-FIX’s powRgrip® toolholding system with Omega TMM’s presetting technology.

ORION powered by REGO-FIX was created based on customer requirements that demanded reliable, innovative and precise tooling to ensure the best and most satisfying experience possible with an easy-to-use and robust tooling system.

The REGO-FIX powRgrip® toolholding system creates simple, heatless toolsetting in under 10 seconds using a hydraulic press to insert special shallow-tapered collets into holders with a matching taper. Its superior clamping force, vibration damping and precision with toolholder-to-collet and collet-to-tool shank interfaces provide extreme accuracy and high-quality tooling from high-speed milling and drilling to coolant-free cutting.

REGO-FIX is a Swiss manufacturer of premium toolholding systems from toolholders and clamping collets to clamping nuts and accessories. Inventor of the original ER collet, REGO-FIX helps manufacturers achieve toolholding excellence in fast-paced industries including aerospace, automotive, computers, communications, consumer electronics, heavy duty equipment and medical devices. From its U.S. headquarters in Whitestown, Indiana, the company provides sales and support to customers across North America.

“We are excited to partner with Omega TMM in creating a unique and easy-to-use presetter that utilizes the innovative powRgrip® toolholding system,” said Bill Obras, General Manager Americas at REGO-FIX. “Our powRgrip® delivers fast, high-quality precision with adjustable tooling that goes hand-in-hand with Omega TMM’s cutting-edge presetting technology.”

For more information, visit www.REGOUSA.com.

A2LA’s First President, John William Locke, Dies at 91

With great sadness, The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) shared the passing of founding member and first president, John William Locke, at the age of 91. Locke passed away on September 11, 2024, after a brief illness.

John Locke served as A2LA’s first president for 10 years from 1986-1996 and made monumental contributions to the global accreditation industry throughout his long, successful career.

“Without John, A2LA wouldn’t be here today,” said A2LA’s current President and CEO Lonnie Spires. “Once I began traveling internationally and working with APLAC and ILAC, I saw his fingerprints everywhere on the international accreditation landscape,” said A2LA Vice President of Accreditation Services Trace McInturff. “John’s vision went beyond just establishing a domestic accreditation body that could service all industries in the United States. It included the goal of ‘one accreditation accepted everywhere’—which has been achieved with ILAC today.”

Since 2006, A2LA has presented an annual award in John’s namesake, the John Locke Award—and is the highest honor presented by the association. The award honors a distinguished recipient for their years of hard work and dedication in accreditation. To achieve this honor, the recipient must achieve six out of seven of the following criteria:

• A commitment of their time and services to A2LA towards the advancement of accreditation
• Commitment to and furtherance of the A2LA mission and vision
• Extensive expertise in their industry, academia, and/or service sector
• Innovative ideas adopted by their industry, academia, and/or service sector
• Leadership in their industry, academia, and/or service sector, which has made a significant impact on accreditation
• A high degree of respect from their peers
• An impeccable reputation for statesmanship, diplomacy, and fairness

John was born in LaSalle, Illinois on January 27, 1933, and grew up on a farm tending to animals. He attended high school and junior college at St. Bede Academy and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois. In 1955, John married his wife Margaret Kincius, and together, they had six children.

During his career, John worked on Cold War era airplanes and missiles, and later on, worked for various government agencies. He then transitioned to developing standards for the accreditation of laboratories. After John retired from a successful career in the accreditation industry, he studied at seminary and was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church.

John’s legacy will forever be remembered by A2LA’s leadership, staff, assessors, and even many longtime customers. A2LA’s headquarters, located in Frederick, MD, includes a conference room named in John’s honor, the Locke Conference Room.

Donations may be made in John’s name to SOME (So Others May Eat), the Asbury Foundation, Maryknoll Lay Missioners, or a charity of your choice.

For more information, visit https://A2LA.org/.

Manufacturing Technology Orders Look to Rebound as IMTS 2024 Opens, Rate Cuts Loom

Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $321.7 million in July 2024. Orders declined 19.3% from June 2024 and declined 7.8% compared to July 2023. Year-to-date orders reached $2.53 billion, a decline of 10.5% from the first seven months of 2023.

July is typically one of the slower months of the year for manufacturing technology orders. Despite that, July 2024 is 3.8% above the pre-2020 average for the month. Cancellations were the highest since July 2023, and the ratio of cancellations to new orders remained above the historical average in all but two months of this year. Despite these mixed messages, there are signs that the industry may be at the beginning of the anticipated rebound. While the value of orders declined from June to July 2024, the number of units ordered in July 2024 increased by 1.9% over June 2024.

Contract machine shops, the largest customer of manufacturing technology, outperformed the market for the first time in several months. The value of manufacturing technology orders contracted less than 5%, while the number of units ordered increased nearly 10% from June to July. This indicates that shops are beginning to expand capacity in anticipation of their customers placing additional orders for parts.

Conversely, medical equipment manufacturers increased the value of their orders from June to July 2024 while decreasing the number of units. With a manufacturing process that requires high precision, traceability, and customization, the medical industry typically places orders for more sophisticated machinery. Some estimates predict this industry will grow by 50% between now and 2029, so this sector is poised to become a reliable customer of manufacturing technology.

Orders from manufacturers of electrical generation and distribution equipment were flat from June to July 2024. However, because July was a down month, they comprised a larger share of the total orders. This sector has pulled back orders from their peak in early 2023 but remain on an upward trend. Increased power demand from data centers as well as a larger focus on grid modernization has made this a very important sector for manufacturing technology.

For more information, visit USMTO.com or AMTonline.org.

Automated Solution for Long-Life Laser Modules by Robot Colleague at LASER COMPONENTS

LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH has taken a decisive step towards more efficient production processes by acquiring a new robot. For almost a year now, the "mechanical colleague" has been carrying out a crucial first step in the production of laser modules: It ensures that the laser diodes, which later generate the light for the FLEXPOINT® modules, are firmly attached to their heat sinks.

This allows the manufacturer to completely eliminate any use of glue during this production step. Since September 2023, the robot has pressed and installed some 2,800 laser diodes. "Our robot allows us to kill several birds with one stone," says Felix Berres, the technologist in FLEXPOINT® production who takes care of everything related to the new "worker". "The automated pressing process makes our FLEXPOINT® modules more robust. By replacing the glued connection with a pressed connection, we can also optimize heat dissipation, which in turn has a positive effect on the service life of our modules."

The robot also reduces the workload for employees in production, as it relieves them of a tedious part of their work so that they can concentrate more on their most important task: configuring the FLEXPOINT® modules so that they precisely meet the customer's requirements.

"At LASER COMPONENTS, we focus on our customers and their wishes and requirements," emphasizes Dr. Lars Mechold, Technical Director at LASER COMPONENTS Germany. "By transferring monotonous routine tasks to the robot, we can put more focus on this important part of our work. No two customer orders are the same for us. The technical experience and skill of our employees ensures that every customer gets exactly what they need for their application."

For more information, visit https://www.lasercomponents.com/us/products/emitters/laser-modules/