Tradeshows are always evolving, and after the massive changes that the Covid-19 pandemic forced on the industry, we saw a cratering in attendance and then a massive rebound. We also learned that sometimes, smaller is better — and where our personal workplace was could mean different, more flexible things. Flexibility came to mind after experiencing…
What impact will EVs have on vehicle architecture?
By Jody Muelaner A vehicle’s architecture describes its key elements, especially how they are laid out and connected to each other. Traditionally, the focus has been on the mechanical architecture; the chassis and frame, powertrain, body, fuel system, and interior layout. Early electric vehicles (EVs) changed internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle architecture as little as…
What’s innovation without usefulness?
By Mark Jones Detroit, or at least the Detroit Airport, has one clear advantage over other airports. This is thanks, I believe, to Ferruccio Ratti. Research was required to identify Ratti. All I had to go on was my observations of an innovation in action. Let me begin by saying I don’t like most of…
How to avoid a safety downfall
By Mark Jones I wasn’t expecting “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” to be particularly relatable to my life, but I found some surprising resonance with my experiences as an industrial chemist. The documentary tells the story of the 737 Max defects that led to two tragic crashes. The filmmakers detail the technical issues but spend…
Rotor Clip website now provides new functionality
Rotor Clip has announced the launch of its new website, designed to meet the needs of engineers, buyers, and distribution partners in search of quality retaining rings, wave springs, and hose clamps. With an extensive range of products, a user-friendly interface, and exceptional customer service, rotorclip.com aims to revolutionize the fastener industry and become the…
The pizza box problem — and why it might kill Teflon
By Mark Jones It looks innocuous in my hand, yet there are growing calls to ban it. The Manhattan Project created the technology, but, in my hand, it doesn’t feel like a weapon. It feels natural, despite the very unnatural materials it contains. I’m not at all cautious as I open it. Reaching in, I…
Taking the electric leap
According to AAPEX, adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the U.S. has increased substantially in recent years — they accounted for 6% of new vehicle registrations in 2022 and are forecast to reach 56% of vehicles sold in 2035 and 81% in 2045. This would translate to 19% of the U.S. fleet being BEVs…
Why didn’t I think of bubbles?
By Mark Jones Bubbles. Bubbles are a brilliant idea. I wish I had thought of it. The sheer brilliance of some inventions fills me with envy. Many innovations create awe. The iPhone. I could immediately see how important it was. It was a collection of inventions put together to create a cool product. There…
Why units are important
By Mark Jones On those occasions when I’m asked, “How stupid do you think I am?” my standard smart-ass response is “What units would you like me to use?” There is, to the best of my knowledge, no recognized unit of stupidity. Lack of recognized units, whether for stupidity or other measures, can be a…
PTDA 2023 Industry Summit offers new discoveries
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) will convene for the PTDA 2023 Industry Summit in Amelia Island, Fl. on October 19-21, 2023. This year’s program — themed “Discover” — will offer cross-channel networking, shared learning and collaborative experiences. “The Industry Summit is a great opportunity for our members to step away from routine of the…
COMSOL launches open-access learning center for Multiphysics modeling
COMSOL, the developer of the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software, has introduced a new online resource that provides free and open access to modeling and simulation learning material across all areas of physics. The Learning Center offers a single entry point for users of all skill levels, where courses, articles, and videos present a clear path…
Parvalux teams with Keller Industrial Products
Parvalux (by maxon), the U.K.’s largest manufacturer of fractional horsepower, geared, electric motors, provides components and systems to OEMs worldwide in markets such as industrial automation, materials handling, and building automation. The company has recently teamed with Keller Industrial Products Inc., headquartered in Rochester, N.Y. The experienced team at Keller has specialized in mechatronic applications…
ABB helps iconic Maid of the Mist boats go green
Anyone who’s visited Niagara Falls in the summer has surely watched the famed Maid of the Mist boats ply the waters of the Niagara Gorge. These sightseeing tour vessels, which appear tiny from above, seem to get perilously close to the thundering water from both the American and Canadian falls, crashing down roughly 180 feet.…
Schaeffler presenting solutions for industrial robotics at Automate show
Schaeffler is exhibiting an array of advanced innovations for the industrial automation and robotics industries under the theme “Driving Smart Manufacturing at Every Axis” at the Automate 2023 trade show, which takes place through May 25 in Detroit’s Huntington Place Convention Center. Beyond its extensive portfolio of linear and rolling bearings, Schaeffler has also established…
Beckhoff celebrating 20 years of EtherCAT
Beckhoff Automation is proudly commemorating the 20th anniversary of EtherCAT, the groundbreaking industrial Ethernet system that transformed the world of industrial networking. Since its introduction at Hannover Messe in 2003, EtherCAT has emerged as the leader in speed, flexibility and openness, solidifying its position in the global market through its reliability and continuous technical advancements.…
Hannover Fair update: igus’ Blase looking forward to AI tools for engineers
Members of the media got a sneak peek at the igusGO app at last month’s Hannover Fair, a fascinating new cloud platform that uses artificial intelligence in a very creative way. A beta version of the app was demonstrated by CEO Frank Blase as we walked around the company’s booth. A user simply takes a…
Giant solar-powered butterfly shows climate change solutions
The SolarButterfly is focused on reaching millions of people, alerting them to the companies and individuals that are integral in transitioning societies away from fossil fuels toward clean energy technologies. Presently on a four-year journey around the world, the SolarButterfly plans to identify, record, and publicize at least a thousand climate protection pioneers and their…
Mouser Electronics’ CEO Glenn Smith celebrating 50-year anniversary
Mouser Electronics Inc. has announced the 50th service anniversary of company President and CEO Glenn Smith, who continues to impress with his dedication to the company, employees, and the industry. Much has changed since 1973 when college junior Smith got a part-time job in the warehouse of what was little more than an electronics startup…
Hannover Fair update: Microsoft, Toyota work together on warehouse management system
At the recent Hannover Fair industrial trade show in Hannover, Germany, more than 130,000 attendees from across the globe came together to experience the latest technology and products over the five day event. Visitors to the huge Microsoft booth were able to explore four key areas for the future of manufacturing: empowering a connected workforce,…
Bosch Rexroth named winner of Hermes Award 2023
Bosch Rexroth was presented with the prestigious industrial prize, the Hermes Award, at the opening ceremony of Hannover Fair by Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Federal Minister of Education and Research, in the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This year the jury, chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer Society, awarded the prize for…
Machine Heat Recovery System from igus heats factories with waste coolant water
Engineers from igus are now using a simple technology for heat recovery. It heats industrial factories with the waste coolant water from machines, saving on gas costs and CO2 emissions. The company is making the technology available online, with all the details available to other industrial companies. If all injection moulders worldwide were to use…
Danfoss to power all North American facilities with solar
With an eye toward achieving its global decarbonization goals, Danfoss North America recently signed a power purchase agreement with CIG Capital, a U.S.-based project financing firm, to purchase about 75 MW of solar power from a solar farm in Texas, starting in 2025. The initial agreement term is 12 years, allowing Danfoss to fully replace…
Ford Aerospace acquired by SPIROL
SPIROL has announced that Ford Aerospace Ltd., based in South Shields, U.K., will be joining the SPIROL group of companies. Ford Aerospace was founded at Tyne Dock in 1910 by Robert Ford, and the family business has most recently been led by the founder’s great-grandson, Chris Ford. The company specializes in manufacturing high precision metal…
LUTZE cable solutions catalog for industrial automation
LUTZE Inc. is releasing a new LUTZE Cable Solutions for Industrial Automation North America Catalog to support the fast-growing customer base in North America. LUTZE’s flexible and continuous motion cables such as LUTZE SILFLEX, LUTZE SUPERFLEX, MOTIONFLEX and DRIVEFLEX VFD cables are designed for harsh industrial environments and carry multiple approvals for code compliance. An…
Tuna, but no Thimbleberries
By Mark Jones The tuna was perfectly prepared, lightly seared, perfectly seasoned. It was a meal fit for a seaside bistro, but I wasn’t oceanside. I was in Ironwood, Mich. Delicious as the meal was, it was no locavore meal. We had stopped in Ironwood, a town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, looking for thimbleberry jam.…