Digital transformation is an ongoing process so we can expect to see this year's breakthrough trends continuing to shape society into next year. But how will these trends impact robotics and automation and what can the manufacturing industry expect to see next year?

Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy-to-use software tools that address all aspects of the product development process. Solid Edge combines the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric design – made possible with synchronous technology. The following Q&A discusses Solid Edge 2024 with Dan Staples, vice president, mainstream engineering, Siemens Digital Industries Software.

Global market intelligence firm Interact Analysis recently made some revisions to its global manufacturing outlook forecast. According to the company’s latest research, the outlook for global manufacturing is bleak, and this looks set to continue throughout 2024 into early 2025. Europe in particular is feeling the pinch, while the Americas region fared well during the first half of 2023. Due to the semiconductor slump, manufacturing output in the Asia Pacific region is declining – the region accounts for almost 90% of semiconductor and components production.

GT and PTE Presents "Ask the Expert Live," taking place October 17-18 during the Motion + Power Technology Expo at Huntington Place in Detroit. 

This year, rather than focusing on gear basics or the more technical aspects of gear design and manufacturing, we’ve decided to address some of the issues that you’ve told us are most significant to you—the things you’re struggling with, the questions you’re hoping to find answers for, and the troubles that keep you up at night. 

Unless you work for a major network, you’ve probably never heard of them. But without the efforts of Drew Farrow and the team at ShowFab many of your favorite Broadway shows, news programs, and broadcast sporting events would not be possible. That’s because there’d be no colorful backdrops, no glitzy displays, and no lights or cameras moving silently overhead. The reason they’re silent? Nord Drivesystems whose gearmotors position the massive scenery seen moving in and above the sets of The Today Show, Fox News, Fox Sports, The NFL Network, and NewsNation, to name a few. 

The Dune Express is a 42-mile long, fully electric conveyor system that is expected to transform the Permian Basin and substantially improve the unacceptable safety risk existing on the Permian roadways. Originating from the Kermit, Texas facility and spanning into New Mexico, the Dune Express is intended to eliminate millions of truck miles driven across the Permian resulting in avoided traffic, accidents, injuries, and fatalities within the communities. 

New research by market intelligence firm Interact Analysis shows that the ultra-low voltage motors market is experiencing a period of growth. By 2027 the market will be worth almost $6.5bn driven by demand from battery driven applications and a need for greater flexibility in manufacturing and logistics processes. The increased use of mobile robots is having a huge impact on the market for ultra-low voltage motors and, as a result of this, the supplier landscape will change significantly. 

The most comprehensive packaging and processing event in North America this year, Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023 (Sept. 11–13; Las Vegas Convention Center), will be the largest in its history. Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Pack Expo Las Vegas will feature more than 2,000 exhibitors showcasing the newest innovations for more than 40 vertical markets, spanning nearly 1 million square feet of exhibit space.

When engineers at Hoover Dam determined that the original cast iron lantern rings built into some of its turbines needed to be replaced, they were looking for a solution to help them overcome the corrosion issues they experienced with the cast iron.

In paper mills throughout the country, gearboxes provide an integral solution for power transmission. Each is selected particularly and directly to perform a specific task in the production of paper. Due to the critical nature of the equipment, all gearboxes are heavily monitored and periodically inspected for preventive maintenance. If necessary, gearboxes can be reconditioned by replacing or repairing components with the intent to rebuild the entire gearbox to OEM specifications.