When preproduction of the next-generation Tempest fighter jet ramps up next year, assemblers at BAE Systems will be using cutting-edge technology.

Manufacturers of automated machinery often receive requests to feed and orient ordinary plastics caps, but even an ordinary cap can have features that can cause part "behaviors" that present challenges during the feeding process.

In many industries, automation is an afterthought—considered only after a process is stable, “everything works,” and an organization assesses the “risks and paybacks.” Ideally, however, automation should be considered from day one.

A gentle nudge is often a more effective way to bring out the best in a worker than a firm push. Two common scenarios where this approach applies are just-hired workers and veteran ones that need to learn a new task.

When it comes to assembling wire harnesses, humans still do it better than automation. That's why wire processing remains a largely manual process. However, it also poses a number of ergonomic issues and concerns, including the risk of back, finger, neck, shoulder and wrist injuries.

Based in Ilshofen, Germany, Bausch+Ströbel (B+S) manufactures filling and packaging equipment for the pharmaceutical industry.

A construction equipment manufacturer needed a way to feed a family of large, heavy castings. The castings range in weight from a few ounces up to a few pounds and come in many geometric shapes.