Over the next decade, tens of millions of batteries will be necessary to keep up with skyrocketing demand for electric vehicles. A new breed of supersized battery factories must deploy state-of-the-art automation while harnessing advanced supply chain strategies.​

The automotive industry is evolving toward new types of tire technology to meet the unique challenges of electric and autonomous vehicles. Long-time suppliers such as Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli, which have made rubber products since the dawn of the horseless carriage era, are scrambling to adapt to 21st century demands.

Battery thermal management is a huge challenge in electric vehicles. In addition to increasing the risk of fire, high temperatures can have a direct influence on range. By efficiently controlling EV temperature levels, battery range can be maximized.

More than 3,000 manufacturing professionals saw the latest robots, fastening tools and automation at the ninth annual ASSEMBLY Show, which was held Oct. 26-28 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.

Valves are a key component of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. For example, in systems that use water as a medium for heating and cooling, balancing valves regulate the flow of hot or cold water to the various terminals in the system. In air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, expansion valves control the flow of refrigerant between the compressor, condenser and evaporator.

In 1951, at the height of the Cold War, the U.S. Army Chemical Corps and Ordnance Corps initiated a program to develop a new rocket that could deliver chemical weapons over a large area. The result was the M55 rocket, which was equipped with a unitary warhead filled with sarin or VX—highly toxic nerve agents. The rocket was rushed into production, and tens of thousands were produced from 1959 to 1965.

Compared to manual inspection, vision systems deploying area-scan cameras offer improved accuracy and far higher consistency. Plus, they work nonstop without suffering fatigue or requiring a paycheck.

Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) programs have been around for decades. But, not all programs are created equal. The difference between good and great programs involves a host of variables.

People are imperfect, but, on occasion, they can perfectly perform a complex task. A pitcher can toss a perfect game in baseball. A gymnast can earn a 10.0 in international competition. A student can ace an exam.