neXt | Future Factories: Applied Research with Industry Partners at U of SC

The state of modern manufacturing is becoming highly reliant on new industry concepts such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0. The University of South Carolina’s neXt research group has created lab spaces dedicated to the development of future factories and the exploration of emerging technologies. The neXt Future Factories Lab is an integrated environment meant to leverage the resources of industry and academia for the validation of current standards, the conception of new research paths, and the training of future factory employees. Working in conjunction with industry partners, a multi-robot manufacturing platform is being built with the goal of incorporating novel new technologies such as virtual commissioning, artificial intelligence, next generation IoT, and predictive maintenance. In service of this, the Office of Economic Engagement (OEE) has created an environment for the neXt platform to begin meeting the demands of industry. The University of South Carolina created the OEE, led by Industry Expert and Entrepreneur Bill Kirkland, to create a one stop shop for corporations, government, entrepreneurs and innovators to connect to the people, assets, and intellectual property of the flagship University for the State of South Carolina. The mission of OEE is to be the partner of choice for true wealth and value creation in the areas of Health Care, Advanced Manufacturing/ Supply Chain, Cyber Security, and Aerospace.

Today’s manufacturers are under pressure to shorten lead-times and reduce costs more than ever before and are increasingly adopting data-driven manufacturing to achieve these goals. However, it is not enough for manufacturers to just monitor machines to achieve maximum efficiency and profitability. They must also ensure shop floor data is collected automatically, and in real-time, and then must analyze and act appropriately upon the data collected. In this presentation, MEMEX will use actual case studies to discuss a strategy for monetizing real-time shop floor data that is rooted in a pragmatic repeatable approach, focused on the business case and expected outcome.

• Realize how easy it is to implement a data-driven manufacturing solution

• Understand the (5) steps to Success with data-driven manufacturing – Connect / Visualize / Analyze / Optimize / Monetize

• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to create the factory of the future

• Comprehend the value proposition data-driven manufacturing offers

This discussion will cover a number of different gearing technologies that can and should be used in the world of automation using servo driven gearboxes. Many engineers working in this field have predominantly an electrical and controls background and typically have very limited knowledge related to mechanical gearing. Planetary gearboxes are the most common designs used in automation, not because they are the best tech available, but because they were the only type of gearing technology initially offered in the automation world. This discussion will review a variety of gearing technology and why they may be a better choice than a typical planetary for a given application.

DieQua has been in the business of mechanical power transmission for 39 years. Over the past 15+ years we have developed an extensive offering of gearboxes and gearing technology specifically for the automation world. Every servo application is unique. Let our extensive knowledge and experience help you make the proper selection of gearing technology. Let DieQua be your mechanical engineering partner.

Today’s end-of-arm-tooling (EoAT) is the key to smarter automation adoption and optimizing processes and growing your business with greater flexibility, higher output and improved quality. Collaborative robot arms (“cobots”) have leveled the playing field for small and mid-sized manufacturers as collaborative automation has become a versatile, cost-effective and user-friendly technology that allows businesses of almost any size (and any level of technical expertise) to increase productivity, improve quality and respond more nimbly to changing customer demands. But while cobots have become easier to buy and implement, they’re only part of the equation.

The robot itself can’t do any work without end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) such as grippers, sensors, and other automation peripherals. With new EoAT technology advances, small and mid-sized manufacturers can now automate even more processes, including those that require the delicacy and precision of human fingers along with the repeatability and productivity of a robot. Smarter and more versatile robotic tools, or EOAT — sensors, grippers and quick changers —empower robots to take over repetitive tasks, freeing them to handle adaptive, higher-precision and more intelligent applications that in the past were too complex to automate. More importantly, these advanced tools enable collaborative applications that allow workers and robots to operate safely side by side due to the user-friendly nature, intuitive programming and safety features of EOAT-fitted robots.

Buying new equipment or expanding factory footprints are two ways of making manufacturers more productive. There is also a complimentary way of achieving that same goal: data driven manufacturing, using Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, that is drawing information directly from the machines, people and ERP systems to accurately optimize operations. The impact of data driven manufacturing is much more than merely knowing whether or not machines are in cycle. Data driven manufacturing involves the capture and collection of real-time machine data and the transformation of that data into useful, readable business and operational information that enables employees to do their jobs better, and increase key production metrics including availability, quality, performance, and throughput.

• Understand the (5) steps to success with data driven manufacturing – Connect / Visualize / Analyze / Optimize / Monetize
• Learn what is required to make a data driven manufacturing implementation successful
• Comprehend the value proposition data driven manufacturing offers
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to create the factory of the future

Sponsored by:   

EOS’s first customer was BMW in the late 1980s and rapid prototyping was born. In the 30 years since then, aerospace and medical have been the lighthouses transitioning 3D printing into additive manufacturing. Over the last 18 months, rapid prototyping’s original customers have created one of the busiest growth areas. The advanced transportation segment is now poised to lead the AM revolution toward high volume serial production and Industry 4.0. With unique challenges relating to cost per part, limited availability of accepted industry materials, and volumes not previously thought possible with AM, the automotive segment is succeeding against all odds. EOS will guide you on a journey explaining what economic and technical changes have occurred to spur this transformation. This presentation will explain which “non-traditional” auto materials are being chosen and why, which styles of machines are being used, and the use cases currently in production. The customers highlighted in this presentation will include Daimler-Benz, BMW Group AG, GM, and Volkswagen Group AG.

Sponsored by:      

Cost is the largest issue gating the adoption of metal AM for serial production. Machine build volume, number of lasers, powder layer thickness and part build orientation all have a major impact on the economics of 3D printing. This presentation will address these topics and share practical considerations to optimize machine productivity and reduce production costs.

Sponsored by:     

Cost is the largest issue gating the adoption of metal AM for serial production. Machine build volume, number of lasers, powder layer thickness and part build orientation all have a major impact on the economics of 3D printing. This presentation will address these topics and share practical considerations to optimize machine productivity and reduce production costs.

Sponsored by: