In numerous industries and applications, high-performing structural adhesives are replacing standard joining methods such as welding and the use of mechanical fasteners like rivets and bolts.

Sonotrode design is critical to a successful ultrasonic plastic welding application.

No matter which method you use to assemble plastic parts, you would have found the latest technologies at The ASSEMBLY Show. There were at least 10 suppliers of plastics joining equipment on the show floor, including first-time exhibitors Rinco Ultrasonics and Thermal Press International Inc.

ANN ARBOR, MI—Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in 2015, according to Robotic Industries Association. A total of 31,464 robots valued at $1.8 billion were ordered from North American companies during 2015, an increase of 14 percent in units and 11 percent in dollars over 2014.

DETROIT—Working with robotics manufacturer FANUC, networking giant Cisco, and hardware maker Rockwell Automation, GM has installed a “mother brain” at its Lake Orion assembly plant. The system accepts data flowing to and from robots, conveyors, temperature sensors and other devices and sends that information to a cloud network. That enables plant managers and supplier technicians to monitor assembly technology and prevent mishaps.

Enhanced process-control, preheating and data-gathering capabilities make vibration welding an even better choice for joining thermoplastic parts.

Shape memory alloys offer numerous benefits, but cause assembly headaches.

Every retailer faces one major ongoing challenge: Showcase as many new products as possible on limited shelf space.

TOKYO—Toyota has bumped up efforts to reduce waste by recycling old vehicle bumper covers and other scrap parts.

LIBERTY, SC—Cornell Dubilier, a manufacturer of power capacitors, has deployed two Baxter collaborative robots at its assembly plant here to streamline its labeling and inspection processes.