Overcoming the productivity paradox of partial automation.
January 16, 2026
According to Lifecycle Insights, 85 percent of manufacturers now operate with partial automation. Yet few of these businesses have achieved enough connectivity and visibility to unlock performance gains. This article explores where automation delivers the strongest returns and how manufacturers can align technology, processes, and people to sustain their gains.
Welcome to the ASSEMBLY Audible and Quality Q-Cast! In this episode, Greg Vance of Rockwell Automation, also the SMTA president, shares insights on the evolution of electronic manufacturing, global business travel, and upcoming industry events. Join us at the ASSEMBLY Show in October for more!
Manufacturers struggle with product quality and throughput due to increasing assembly complexity from automation, connectivity, and electric vehicle parts. Process engineers face challenges like strict documentation, short cycles, and safety concerns, emphasizing the need for more efficient manufacturing and quality inspection.
Simulation software lets engineers evaluate and fine-tune stamping lines before dies are cut or parts are produced.
March 12, 2025
PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland—AutoForm Engineering GmbH, a supplier of software for stamping and body-in-white (BiW) assembly processes, has released a new version of its AutoForm Forming R12 software. This version provides new capabilities and enhancements for the sheet metal forming process, in particular for the feasibility and validation phases of stamping processes.
Machine vision quality assurance systems have excelled at automating the location, identification, and inspection of manufactured components through computational image analysis.