As ATMs became popular, the number of tellers at local bank branches across the nation dropped by a third. Before accepting this figure as proof that automation causes job loss, there’s a twist. Banks have opened more branches and the number of working bank tellers is higher than ever. Automation makes it possible for companies […]

North American Machine Vision Market Sets New Record in 2016 Ann Arbor, Michigan – March 9, 2017 – North American sales of machine vision components and systems grew to $2.3 billion in 2016, its highest annual total on record, according to new statistics issued by AIA, the industry’s trade group. Read More Artificial intelligence: Understanding […]

Interview: The Automation Boom in Mexico Jeff Burnstein, President of A3, says Mexico may be the next global player in the automation arena, but the international skills gap could be problematic. Last year proved record-setting for robotics in terms of orders and shipments in North America, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). Read More Gill […]

Have you considered advanced motion control to improve your machines productivity? The manufacturing plants of our fathers and grandfathers are gone forever, along with the “three Ds” (dirty, dangerous, and dull) describing the jobs therein. Machine and worker productivity is the heart of economic growth, and emerging consumer applications (online shopping, smartphone connectivity, growing environmental […]

The consumer trend toward keeping a home comfortable and one’s body in shape sheds light on behaviors and data related to the Internet of Things (IOT). Smart home devices and personal fitness trackers use low-cost sensors, but it isn’t about the technology. Wants, behavior and motivation are compelling reasons why consumers connect to the IOT. […]

Global shipments for motion control products increased by 10.3% to $3.3 billion in 2016 According to new statistics released by the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA), the industry’s trade group… “New opportunities in automation for motion control and motors help drive this growth,” said Dana Whalls, Vice President of MCMA. “Automation technologies are enabling […]

Businesses Ordered More Robots Last Year Than Ever Before North American businesses ordered 35,000 robots in 2016, a 10% increase from 2015, according to a report on Tuesday by trade organization Robotic Industries Association. Meanwhile, sales on those orders in the region reached an all-time high of $1.9 billion last year, beating the previous record […]

Automation need not lead to job cuts The era of automation has already begun in Singapore with robotic processes being implemented in industries such as transport, financial, and food and beverage, often making human workers redundant. “Automated talent” may soon replace foreign talent as the target of criticism by workers that are affected by corporate […]

Association for Advancing Automation (A3) Launches Trade Association in Mexico The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating, announced that it is forming a not-for-profit trade association that is specifically dedicated to supporting and promoting the rapidly growing Mexican automation industry. With the world’s 11th largest economy, Mexico […]

Robots and automation save jobs; standards help Manufacturing competitiveness, expansion of embedded machine vision, and greater collaboration among humans and automation are hot technology topics, according to representatives for industry associations for robotics, machine vision, and motion control in advance of the annual A3 Business Forum. Read More Smart Cameras Target Simplicity in Operation, Communication […]