Human workers give manufacturers flexibility, allowing companies to reap the benefits of automation while preserving the ability to fill special orders. The trick is to automate with the human, not automate the human, or automate the human out of the job. Read More
"We think the main technologies that contribute to the factory of the future could yield over half a trillion dollars of savings, which partly will be split between consumers and partly with equipment manufacturers." -Daniela Costa, Head, European Capital Goods Equity Research Team, Goldman Sachs Research
Rethink Robotics - June 17, 2016
Rethink Robotics - June 17, 2016
Rethink Robotics - May 9, 2016
Rethink Robotics - May 5, 2016
By Craig Trudell
via Japan Times
The researcher hired by Toyota Motor Corp. to spearhead its robotics and artificial intelligence efforts says the automaker’s production principles can be applied to build affordable helper robots for rapidly aging societies. Read more >
By Laura Putre
via IndustryWeek
A new book looks at how cities like Akron and Albany have built on their historic manufacturing strengths to be successful in the modern era. The future looks bright, the authors argue, because these “Brainbelts” have what emerging markets don’t: a skilled manufacturing workforce, a well-developed system of research universities and a culture of innovation. Read more >
By SCDigest Editorial Staff
via Supply Chain Digest
Writing last week in the Wall Street Journal, reporter Bob Tita identified nine strategies for getting US manufacturing back on track, including the concept of turning community colleges into career factories. Read more >
By Darrell M. West
via Brookings Institution
We are seeing the rise of automation and robotics in many sectors. Some restaurants now are using robots to deliver food and are deploying self-ordering kiosks for customers. There are driverless cars in California, Washington, and Texas. Amazon now has around 15,000 robots who work along its 50,000 humans. Read more >
