In this episode of Control Intelligence, managing editor Anna Townshend shares machine builder and system integrator news highlights from the month of September.
Transcript
Association report
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reports that as of last year, the U.S. has nearly 400,000 industrial robots in use, marking a 10% increase. Annual installations reached 37,587 in 2023. While installations dipped slightly last year, it was still the third highest result in U.S. history. The U.S. remains a major player in industrial robotics, especially in the automotive sector, which accounted for 33% of installations. Nearshoring efforts have led to changes in economic relationships within North America. China used to be the main source of imports into the United States. Now it is Mexico and Canada, mainly driven by car manufacturers.
Other association news
1. ABB Robotics will donate several collaborative robots and licenses for its RobotStudio simulation programming software to MassRobotics, the U.S. innovation hub and startup accelerator for robotics. The sponsorship will allow startups and engineers to prototype and innovate using ABB’s technologies, potentially leading to new advancements in robotics. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation and support the development of cutting-edge products, aligning with ABB's commitment to advancing robotics and fostering partnerships within the industry.
2. Earlier this year ABB also initiated its Robotics AI Startup Challenge, a global competition designed to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics. Applications have been received and are now being evaluated, with the winning team to be announced coming up this fall.
Partnerships
1. Kivnon, mobile robotics and automated guided vehicles (AGV) supplier, has partnered with machine builder Machine Concepts, focused on bringing AGVs to machinery in North America. This collaboration leverages Kivnon’s advanced AGV technology and Machine Concepts’ custom machinery expertise to deliver tailored automation systems for the manufacturing and logistics sectors. The offering will be comprehensive and turn-key, from installation to post-installation support from both companies.
2. Kivnon has also partnered with Macrovey, which specializes in material handing solutions, to expand market presence for both in North America. The collaboration will focus on several key areas, including sales, marketing, installation services and after-sales support. With this partnership, Kivnon aims to streamline the sales and installation processes for its mobile robots, making them more accessible to a broader range of industries.
3. Sick and InOrbit.AI have partnered to integrate Sick's Tag-Loc system with InOrbit's RobOps platform, enhancing hybrid fleet management by enabling the orchestration of robots, manual vehicles, and other assets within the same platform. This allows real-time tracking and workflow management across autonomous, guided, and manually operated vehicles. The integration improves operational safety and efficiency in industries like third-party logistics and manufacturing by enabling smooth interaction between people, robots and equipment.
4. Cyngn has been granted its 20th U.S. patent, focused on improving the accuracy of data collected by autonomous vehicle sensors through adaptive motion compensation. The technology integrates light detection and ranging or LiDAR and imaging to dynamically adjust for time delays and vehicle movement, ensuring precise environmental data in real-time. This patent strengthens Cyngn’s portfolio of innovations in autonomous driving, enhancing both safety and efficiency by enabling better decision-making in dynamic environments. The achievement also underscores the company’s commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technologies.
Leadership appointments
1. Phoenix Contact USA has announced a leadership transition in preparation for the retirement of long-serving president Jack Nehlig, effective December 31. The company has implemented a new management structure of the U.S. company as a Group Center of Competence. Key executives have been promoted, including Heath Scoggin, Kevin Zak, and Davis Mathews, who will lead the U.S. operations across various business areas. As president of the Device Connectors business area, Scoggin will lead the company development and the manufacturing legal entity, Process Management and Quality. As president of the Industrial Components and Electronics business area, Zak will lead the U.S. sales subsidiary legal entity, Logistics, Government Relations and ESG. As president of the Industry Management and Automation business area, Mathews will lead the legal entity, Human Relations, Digitalization, IT, Purchasing and Faculties. In addition, Kyle Bordner was promoted to vice president of finance and risk management, replacing David Russo, who retired in May.
This transition is designed to maintain the company's growth and influence in electrification, networking, and automation while ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
2. Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, known for its specialized circuit-card assembly and contract manufacturing services across sectors like aerospace and industrial, has appointed chief operating officer Jeff Gilbert as the new CEO following the retirement of co-founder Jeff Riggs. Gilbert, with a background in leading Hughes Anderson Heat Exchangers, plans to drive further growth and efficiency at Spectrum’s Colorado Springs facility, which recently secured more than $1M in state incentives for expansion.
Jeff Riggs celebrated with family, friends and employees on August 15, which was named Honoring Jeff Riggs' Contributions to Colorado Springs Day by the Colorado Springs City Council. The primary Spectrum building was also named the Jeff and Patricia Riggs Electronics Facility. Congratulations to Jeff and his family on an amazing career.
More association news
1. MxD, the Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute, hosted its third sustainability workshop in Chicago, focusing on the benefits of integrating digital transformation with sustainable practices. The event highlighted how advanced technologies like digital twins, predictive analytics, and augmented reality can enhance productivity and profitability while reducing carbon emissions. Industry leaders emphasized that sustainability is not only about compliance but also a pathway to long-term business success, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s investments in decarbonization.
2. Malloy Electric has joined the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA), enhancing its expertise in gearing, power transmission, and industrial controls. As a member of AGMA, Malloy will gain access to technical standards, education, and networking opportunities within the gear manufacturing industry. Malloy, known for its electric motor repair and service, aims to further expand its capabilities and geographic presence, aligning with emerging technology trends in the rapidly evolving industrial market. AGMA is a voluntary association of companies, consultants and academics interested in designing, manufacturing and applying gears, couplings and related power transmission components and equipment.
3. Emerson has joined the Linux Foundation’s Margo, an open-standard initiative, designed to make edge applications, devices and orchestration software work together seamlessly across multi-vendor industrial automation environments. This is where manufacturers often encounter integration challenges, and this initiative supports Emerson’s vision for modern automation by breaking down data silos and enabling computing at the field, edge, and cloud levels.
Peter Zornio, Emerson's chief technology officer said, “The modern OT edge is the backbone of our next-generation automation architecture, enabling the availability of data and computing closest to where it is needed. Open edge standards that will enable scalable, simplified and seamless interoperability among applications, edge devices and orchestration software, no matter the vendor technology.”
4. Brazil will be the Partner Country at Hannover Messe 2026, emphasizing its role in driving sustainable industrial change and renewable energy technologies. Brazil’s vast resources and diversified industrial sector make it a key partner for Germany and Europe in fostering industrial transformation and reducing carbon emissions. The designation of Brazil as Partner Country spotlights the ambitions of a country dedicated to driving industrial change toward a sustainable economy and enhancing its position as a key player worldwide in the field of renewable energies and sustainable technologies.
This trade fair will be held next in Hanover from March 31 to April 4, 2025. The partner country will be Canada.
Facility expansions
1. Bachmann electronic, known for automation technology in renewable energies and industry, has expanded into Norway with a new branch in Oslo. The company has been operating in Norway since 2014, and this expansion aligns with the growing demand for programmable logic controllers or PLCs in the country. Jonas Helness, an experienced sales engineer, will lead the new office, aiming for 30% annual growth over the next five years. This move underscores Bachmann's commitment to supporting sustainable automation solutions in Norway.
2. This month Motion Industries opened a new 75,000-square-foot repair and services facility in Houston, fully equipped with CNC and manual machine tools, 30-ton lifting capacities, and specialized diagnostic equipment. This facility will focus on repairing mechanical, fluid power, and process pumps. The new site reflects Motion's commitment to offering comprehensive industrial solutions and enhancing their service offerings across the Houston area and beyond.
3. Beckhoff Automation has opened a new regional office in Alpharetta, Georgia, designed to bolster the company’s sales, support, and training capabilities in the Southeast. The 5,000-square-foot facility includes a dedicated training room for the latest in automation technologies and an R&D space for collaborative customer projects. Strategically located in a tech-rich area, the new office underscores Beckhoff’s commitment to customer success and its ongoing expansion in key U.S. markets. In addition to the expansion in Atlanta, Beckhoff, which is headquartered in the Minneapolis area, has opened new or relocated U.S. facilities in 2024 in Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin, Texas.
4. Schneider Electric has partnered with GR3N to develop an open automation system for advanced plastic recycling. GR3N’s MADE technology, or microwave-assisted depolymerization solution, which chemically recycles polyethylene terephthalate (terafalate) or PET. This process breaks down PET into its chemical building blocks that can be recombined to create new PET pellets with virgin-like quality for packaging and textiles, effectively closing the loop for hard-to-recycle plastic. The technology is based on alkaline hydrolysis, and it can manage a relatively high amount of impurities.
5. In March, the MADE process demonstrated its use of Schneider’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert to decouple hardware from software, hoping to scale soon to a full facility in Italy. The software-defined automation system decouples hardware from software, allowing devices and equipment to be freely connected across architecture layers, regardless of manufacturer. It will act as the digital backbone of industrial operations at the plant, providing the foundation to make more informed decisions. The new facility will treat more than 40,000/ton of PET per year by 2027.
Vendor news
1. Spectris, the parent company of Hottinger Brüel & Kjær or HBK, has acquired Piezocryst, a specialist in high-precision piezoelectric sensors. The acquisition will bolster HBK’s portfolio in pressure sensors and accelerometers, particularly for demanding applications in automotive, aerospace, energy, and other industrial sectors. Piezocryst’s integration into the HBK business is expected to enhance their market position in precision sensing technologies, with the deal expected to close by the end of the year.
2. DigiKey has launched its annual Back2School Prize Giveaway, providing college students a chance to win store credit for technical components and automation products. The contest runs until October 18, with prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000 in DigiKey credit. This initiative supports students in building and designing next-generation products, and part of DigiKey's commitment to empowering future innovators in the fields of engineering and design. To learn more or enter the prize givewaway, visit the DigiKey website. Winners will be announced around mid-November.
3. Linda Johnson, executive vice president of operations at DigiKey, has been awarded the Women in Electronics Unity Award for her leadership and advocacy in the electronics industry. Johnson has been an active member of Women in Electronics (WE) since 2018, promoting opportunities for women and fostering professional development within the industry. This recognition highlights her influence as a leader dedicated to advancing the role of women in electronics and related sectors.
4. At IMTS 2024, ANCA marked its 50th anniversary, and 35 years of operating in the U.S. ANCA highlighted its evolution in tool and cutter grinding with the display of a refurbished TG4, the first machine ever sold in the U.S. The North American debut of ANCA’s EPX-SF, an advanced stream finishing machine for micro-cutting-edge preparation and nano-smooth surface finishing, attracted significant attention. ANCA also showcased AIMS Connect, a smart job management and production control solution to increase productivity and reduce costs.
