Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 25.73
…manufacturing leaders examining the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19. This survey informed the NAM’s “COVID-19 Policy Action Plan Recommendations” released earlier this week, which highlighted key policy areas where legislative and administration action would help combat COVID-19 and future public health emergencies successfully. Survey findings included: 78.3% of manufacturers anticipate a financial impact 53.1% of manufacturers anticipate a change in operations 35.5% of manufacturers are facing supply chain disruptions When commenting on supply chain disruptions, respondents noted issues with parts arriving late and delivering to customers late as a result. While some said these disruptions are “manageable at this…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 23.38
…(NIH), America Makes launched the next phase of the COVID-19 Health Care Needs and Additive Manufacturing (AM) Capabilities Repository, where additive manufacturers can upload 3D print designs to be reviewed and placed on the NIH 3D Print Exchange. Designs submitted through the America Makes design submission form in connection with NIH 3D Print Exchange, will be placed in a fast track workflow for faster review. Designs not submitted through the America Makes process may not be considered for the fast track workflow. All designs will be publicly accessible through the NIH 3D Print Exchange website with their designation. “We have…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 22.29
…automation sector was not in a great place before COVID-19 struck, having been slowed by flat capital expenditure and declining industrial production, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The virus has since closed factory after factory worldwide with workers sent home. The reality, according to GlobalData, is that despite much hype over the years, advanced factory automation has not been substituted for human workers at scale. “By the time it expires, COVID-19 may have served to at last accelerate an investment in factory automation when the global economy eventually rebounds,” said David Bicknell, principal analyst, Thematic Research at…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 22.20
…the programs they are pursuing in the battle against COVID-19. AMUG reports that many have asked how they can help, so the organization has put together a limited list of programs that are actively using AM/3D printing technology to develop and print solutions to assist in tackling COVID-19. The following provides resource links to global standards from ASTM, regulated government programs in the Americas, links to Asia, Europe and Oceania programs, state and university programs in the U.S., and global additive manufacturing OEM programs. This is not a comprehensive list and some programs may require additional fees, specific products and…
Found in Robotics White Papers & Archives, with a score of 21.78
The COVID-19 pandemic changed our world overnight. Buying behaviors that were predicted to become the norm by 2026 are suddenly a reality. FORBES reported that COVID-19 has accelerated ecommerce growth by four to six years and it shows no signs of slowing down. Prior to COVID-19, ecommerce and B2B fulfillment operators were increasingly turning to Collaborative Mobile Robots (CMRs) to gain operational flexibility and maintain growth. Early efforts to meet the unexpected demand have included retooling warehouses to handle the increase in each picking and launching or expanding fulfill-from-store initiatives. Now, more than ever, supply chain leaders know that fulfillment…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 19.01
…2020 State of Manufacturing Report, revealing the extent of COVID 19's impact on the industry. According to Fictiv's data: eighty nine percent (89%) report a direct business impact because of COVID-19 including lower sales, increased costs of materials and production, and canceled or delayed product launches; only 17% gave top marks to their supply chain’s performance over the last year; a majority are revisiting their reliance on China and looking to the U.S. as the next key manufacturing center; nearly all (97%) said COVID-19 has created new opportunities, with 87% making digital transformation a high priority; and supply chain resilience…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 18.80
…mixed reality market to be over $30 billion. With COVID limiting physical interaction, virtual communication and interaction will be even more important moving forward. The company outlines these trends in a new report, “Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality 2020-2030: Forecasts, Markets and Technologies”. According to the company, virtual, augmented and mixed reality products have continued to receive high levels of funding and investment during the 2010 decade. The report outlines the history of the VR/AR industry, as well as key technologies and industries that are using the devices. COVID-19 has increased the adoption of VR and AR in a number…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 18.23
…for 3D printing materials has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but plenty of market drivers point to a strong future, according to research by business intelligence firm IDTechEx, published as “3D Printed Materials Market 2020-2030 - COVID Edition.” Indeed, IDTechEx forecasts that the global market for 3D printing materials will be worth $18.4 billion in 2030. Dr. Jonathan Harrop, director of IDTechEx, has recently published an article on the topic of 3D printed materials. This article follows the release of the new IDTechEx report, “3D Printed Materials Market 2020-2030: COVID Edition.” 3D printing is moving into mainstream manufacturing and…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 17.90
…announced its global contribution to the combat against the COVID-19 pandemic. By dedicating its resources and mobilizing its network of over 100 customers and distributors worldwide, ergonomic PPE Face Shields have been conceived and produced to address the demand by medical teams caring for the victims of the pandemic. Massivit 3D’s high-speed additive manufacturing technology allows for the supply of hundreds of face shields off each machine every day. In addition to devoting all of its manufacturing resources to producing and donating thousands of face shields to medical teams at local hospitals with a less than one-day turnaround, the company…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 16.94
…its Rizon adaptive robot arms can be used for COVID-19 testing and massages. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said its robots take advantage of computer vision, force control, and artificial intelligence to complete a range of applications designed to help reduce human labor. When testing people for COVID-19, for example, Flexiv’s robot arms can independently swab people’s mouths and deposit samples in sterile containers. “With no need for human-to-human interaction, health workers can be redeployed and their workload reduced,” the company said in a statement. Robotic back rubs Flexiv also had a robot giving attendees massages during the event, which…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 16.86
…employers (including AutoGuide) and the workforce landscape pre- and post-Covid. Walker outlines plans to replicate eKAMI's model and offers lessons for other employers and communities striving to optimize their workforces. “Employers are calling left and right,” Walker says, noting that the next class graduates in late August. “Covid did exacerbate the need to automate. I believe we'll see explosive growth in this arena.” The eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute – or eKAMI - is a workforce development training center focused on reskilling the region’s workforce, including displaced coal miners, for new careers in CNC machining and other forms of automation such…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 16.81
For many firms, the outbreak of COVID-19 has meant staff working from home and more use of teleconferencing rather than face to face meetings. However, according to global tech market advisory firm ABI Research, it’s a different situation for manufacturers because, despite investments in automation and reducing the need for staff on assembly lines, they still need to receive raw materials. The impact of Coronavirus is both global and unpredictable, and the supply chain shock it is causing will most definitely and substantially cut into the worldwide manufacturing revenue of US$15 trillion currently forecasted for 2020 by global tech market…