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The article discusses the concept of "positive-sum automation," which aims to improve both productivity and flexibility in industrial automation. The researchers propose a three-pronged approach to achieve this: incorporating low-code programming interfaces in automation tools, adopting a bottom-up approach to automation based on input from line employees, and developing appropriate metrics to measure the success of automation projects. The article also highlights three emergent technologies that have the potential to improve productivity and flexibility: remote robotics support, automation platforms with centralized communication and integration, and generative AI. These technologies offer innovative solutions to challenges in industrial automation and have the potential to significantly impact various applications. [Extracted from the article]

Mitec Enginy, a systems integrator based in northern Spain, has developed a sophisticated manufacturing system to produce rat traps for household pests. The system utilizes a motion control system with 67 servo axes synchronized by camming function, allowing for the production of a rat trap in just 1.5 seconds. The system also incorporates PC-based control, EtherCAT networking, and TwinCAT automation software solutions. The use of servo drive technology and software control replaces traditional mechanical components, resulting in a more reliable and flexible system. The rat trap machine is equipped with safety functions and is controlled by a Beckhoff CX2062 Embedded PC. Mitec Enginy's success is attributed to their team of specialists in mechanics, electrics, and programming, as well as their collaboration with customers and suppliers. [Extracted from the article]

A recent survey of engineers conducted by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) suggests that the engineering profession is moving towards more equality and equal representation for women and men. However, systemic barriers still limit women's participation and slow the transition. The survey found that some talented engineering professionals are leaving the field to pursue other lines of work. The report also highlighted challenges faced by women engineers, including fewer opportunities for field work and feeling disrespected and undervalued by managers or coworkers. Mentorship programs and addressing these issues can help retain diverse voices in the engineering profession. [Extracted from the article]

Robot Tool Center Point Calibration In aerospace applications, where robots are tasked with riveting plane panels together, precision is critical. This was the year end-to-end process automation made its impression as a dominant theme. [Extracted from the article]

In line with engineers' learning preferences, the survey showed that employers were likely to pay for employees' attendance at trade shows and conferences (37.7%), as well as seminars (33.67%). In an ever-changing field of technology, engineers expect continued learning to be part of the job. [Extracted from the article]

Since the late 1960s technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE) and simulation, have continually evolved to lessen the dependence on physical prototype testing and thus shorten development cycles. Quality inspection testing is used at the manufacturing stage to detect structural flaws or to validate conformance to customer specifications before that product leaves the manufacturing floor. Product development cycles and associated costs have been reduced as the number of physical prototypes needed to validate next generation products has been reduced significantly. [Extracted from the article]

ECM PCB Stator Tech has introduced their PrintStator Motor CAD design-to-manufacture tool, which allows design engineers to create custom electric motors using axial flux, PCB Stator technology. The software, available as a SaaS platform, enables users to apply precise performance and dimensional specifications to design custom motors. The platform offers a catalog of motor designs and allows users to create custom motors from scratch, optimizing for desired specifications. The PCB Stator technology offers smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient motors compared to conventional designs. [Extracted from the article]

In addition to skills development, engaging in professional associations and volunteer community organizations requires that members learn to focus on what is important to them, their careers and their mental/physical health. Engineers who invest time and energy in professional associations and community groups will quickly find that those investments pay dividends in terms of building networks of engineers and design professionals and staying technically relevant. [Extracted from the article]

(Red: engineers with PE licenses; blue: engineers without PE licenses.) In many states a person must hold a PE license to own an engineering firm, provide consulting services and to call themselves an engineer. An important step in an engineer's career is obtaining a professional engineering license. [Extracted from the article]

As technology advances, there should be caution regarding complex software that shifts routine engineering tasks from engineers onto technicians or even end-users. Engineering entails solving societies' real-world problems using machines, systems, materials and processes. [Extracted from the article]

As the chief nameplate engineer behind Ford's all-electric F-150 Lightning, Zhang's role is to lead the planning and electrification effort of the iconic truck. PHOTO (COLOR): President Joe Biden and Linda Zhang, Ford's chief engineer, F-150 Lightning, with the all-new, all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning. There's a story overlap with what Linda Zhang cares about and what the Ford Motor Company's priorities are for its all-electric F-150 Lighting pickup truck. [Extracted from the article]

• Lifecycle: When customer requirements change, machine builders have an easily accessible process for updating machine programming logic or refreshing machine models using the digital twin and simulation. When customer requirements change, machine builders have an easily accessible process for updating machine programming logic or refreshing machine models. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides guidelines for selecting the right hydraulic cylinders for different applications. The author says that the decision between hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders mostly rests on the force density that is needed. According to author, engineers need to know if rods should be thicker or not for handling the load over long strokes.

33% The challenges of staying current with new technologies 32% Project deadlines 23% Product reliability issues 22% Product quality issues 20% Concerns about the general health of the economy 22% Nothing keeps me up at night Increasing engineering jobs? 48% say they plan to maintain current levels Continuing education: The five most popular ways for engineers to continue their education: 65% White papers 61 % Webcasts 60% Seminars 60% Technical publications 57% Technical publications websites And one other reader sees engineering as an equally noble profession. There has been an engineering shortage for years, and this year's respondents see it clearly: Two-thirds of respondents agree that not only is there any engineering shortage, but that it's getting harder to find existing candidates. [Extracted from the article]

The article looks at six ways to minimize costs with 3D printing. Topics mentioned include the use of gradual transitions between adjoining surfaces and elimination of differences in cross section and part volume, the importance of performing a design for manufacturability analysis early in the design cycle, and the reason why designers and engineers should avoid over-tolerancing parts.

The article discusses some of the basics about injection molding, highly-engineered manufacturing process that demands careful planning if the finished product is to achieve its full potential. Designers and engineers should determine, what functions will the part serve, what kind of design project is it, the stakeholders in this part design project, etc.

Many engineers and technical professionals define success as working on challenging projects and creating technical innovations or being considered a technical expert. What does career success mean to you?. [Extracted from the article]

A bottom line-first culture is especially dangerous in engineering organizations because one engineering failure can injure and kill many. However, in my judgement, engineering projects guided by PEs are much more likely to protect the public than those guided by non-PEs or non-engineer managers. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the fifth edition of the "Salary and Career Report" of the journal with focus on the changes in the engineering profession. Topics include reference to encouraging job satisfaction trends, positive outlook with green initiatives or efficiency energy standards with regards to job security as well as the year-on-year (YoY) average salaries. Also mentioned are average stock options granted, job challenge perceptions and preference for researching potential design solutions.

The article evaluates several products of interest to engineers, including the PFE1500-12-054XA AC-DC power supply from Bel Power Solutions, the Gramforce Pneumatic grippers, and the LR-27linear variable-inductance transducers from Airpot Corp.

The article explores the various disciplines of engineering and the differences between them for education and career purposes. According to the nonprofit group Dedicated Engineers, the top four engineering courses are electrical, civil, mechanical and computer engineering. It describes the areas of specialization for mechanical engineering. It cites the average starting salary of civil engineers for 2016 according to Payscale.com.

More than a few feet at September's IMTS Show in Chicago without experiencing the impact of digital transformation. In a list of 16 emerging technologies, only 3D printing and software reliability have been embraced by as many as one in four design and operations leaders as an impactful technology today. Some might be tempted to call this a technology gap between the available technology and its implementation. [Extracted from the article]

The article states that engineers in various industries need reliable methods to measure compressive force at time of product development or as anembedded component within a product or machine. According to author, load cells are transducers which when linked to right electronics, return a signal based on the mechanical force applied to the system.

The article reports on the advantages for engineers of going to work for a big company versus a small company or start-up. It is said that large firms offer structure and well-developed benefit plans where a graduate gets the opportunity to specialize in an area of study. Startups favor young, ambitious engineers or marketers.

The article focuses on the advantages of considering electropneumatic control for engineers who are looking for quick, accurate positioning. Topics discussed include basic information on electromechanical systems, the pneumatic advantages of such systems, and the broad range of directional flow control pneumatic-powered actuation provides. It describes the system developed by engineers at AVENTICS that relies on direct-acting proportional control of air pressure to improve system precision.

The article discusses the results of the 2014 Engineering Salary Survey conducted by the staff of the magazine "Machine Design" which looks at engineering wages and attitudes in the U.S. Topics covered include the average salary of engineers for 2014, the indicators of high salaries including company size and the number of years spent in engineering, and the differences in the salaries based on education level.

The article focuses on how engineers can improve machine reliability by connecting drives to mitigate electrical noise in control signals. Topics discussed include the need for engineers to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing the noise amplitude and consideration for the electrical noise generated by ground loops. The minimization of electromagnetic interference produced by servodrive circuits that utilize high-current switching signals is mentioned.

The article reports on the findings of the 2013 salary survey of the engineering profession. It highlights that working engineers are averaging almost 93,000 dollars in annual compensation with lower unemployment compared with the national average. The economic toll on benefits is presented in terms of only 57 percent receiving health-care benefits, only 54 percent enjoying employer-matching of 401(k) contributions, and more than a quarter with companies not funding any retirement.

The article discusses the need for engineers to understand servo-related quantities and conversions to accurately compare motors and program drives. Variations in motor-datasheet units occur due to main electronic-control methods for permanent-magnet, three-phase synchronous servomotors. Servomotors are classified as brushless-dc, servos or brushless-dc/ac synchronous. Particular focus is given to the typical units presented by motor manufacturers.

The article provides insights on the causes and prevention of water or steam hammer, a violent flow transient in piping. Water hammer can affect any fluid system that experiences rapidly changing flows, such as power-plant piping, water-supply systems, and pumped storage facilities. Engineers should recognize pressure-wave propagation in pipes in order to design piping systems that stand up to the forces generated by water hammer. INSET: Calculating water-hammer loads.

The article discusses the extensive interest shown by engineers and technical managers who attended the Technology Exhibition week held in Milan, Italy despite the country's financial crisis, recession and a declining gross domestic product. It cites that amid the crisis, several companies are prospering which include Federmacchine, Saes Getters, and Cariboni. It also states that their success is attributed to customization, reliability, and after-sales support.

The article looks at electrically conductive adhesives being used by engineers to meet design challenges. The new ways by which engineers are developing to address electronic circuits that are becoming more complex include flip-chip assemblies, systems-in-a-package (SiP) designs and ultra-pitch electronics. The benefits from using environmentally friendly adhesives are also discussed. Also presented are examples of electrically conductive adhesives composed of epoxy or silicone resin.

The article highlights findings of the 2012 annual salary survey of "Machine Design," particularly the responses from engineers regarding the places they work. The survey found that engineers share many complaints with non-engineering professionals and workers, the most common which are include poor compensation, long hours and not enough people to get the job done. The survey also revealed that respondents did not have many engineering-specific gripes, which include too much engineering work.

The article discusses the efforts of engineers to develop high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) devices which could operate at 20,000 psi and above. It states that the life-sciences industry cannot expect to achieve its pressure goals by focusing only on better seal designs and materials. It mentions that engineers should also consider the changes to pump and seal together.

The article discusses the advantages of structural thermosets. It notes that several engineers are opting to use structural-thermoset compounds as metals and thermoplastics exhibit intrinsic limitations. It states that several structural thermosets are available in the form of sheet-molding compound (SMC) which is a cost-effective, lower-weight alternative to metals. Advantages of structural thermosets include tensile and flexural strength, dimensional stability and design flexibility.

The article reports on challenges that new engineers face in real-world engineering projects. It is noted that engineers must go through various obstacles in projects, such as economic realities, departmental conflicts and managers with minimal technical background. It is asserted that pitching ideas is important as sound technical arguments.

The article discusses the importance of grease specification in sleeve-bearing operation among engineers. It states that predicting grease-lubricated bearings' performance is more complicated compared to oil-lubricanted bearings and that solid and liquid phases of grease must be considered by engineers. It also mentions the need of special additives by grease due to its high amount of asperity contact against plain bearings and lower viscosity level.

The article discusses the challenges faced by new engineers in current work environment of limited resources. It is stated that when a new engineer joins the apprenticeship programs of any firm, they find less work involving technical issues. Experts state that the problem arises as the corporations have started decimating their engineering departments. They state that the engineers find it difficult to communicate with non-technical managers.

The article discusses the role of simulation software in automotive design. It notes that simulation software aids engineers in creating a less-expensive and fuel-efficient diesel engine, eliminates cabin noise, and creates aesthetic seating. It mentions that engineers started using application-specific modules of the simulation software to develop detailed representations of engine control, fuel injection, and compression ignition combustion.

The article discusses the cryogenic process which exposes the electronic machines to elongate product life in the U.S. The author notes that cryogenic process has numerous application like treating electronic parts, reduce electrical resistance and household applications. He adds that engineers at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) first notice the effect of Cryogenic to metal from the extreme cold of orbit.

The article offers information about online job boards and websites for engineers. According to career experts, websites like Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com, might be useful for entry-level job seekers in non-technical fields. It is stated that one of the problems with career boards is that they advertise career marketing services disguised as job notices.

The article focuses the innovativeness of the engineers in Germany. According to the article, the country has been known due to its engineering and technology, where it offers several career opportunities in that particular field. In addition, its engineering is frequently compared to its U.S. counterparts and cites that its universities are offering hands-on internship for its students who are in senior year. Despite the promising career, its citizens are unhappy due to educational system. INSET: Fast facts about German engineering.

The article reviews several Web sites including the engineeringtv.com, minco.com, and periodicvideos.com.

The article discusses the factors to consider on how manufacturing companies optimize performance and reduce energy costs associated with compressed air. Engineers can calculate the minimum piston diameter to get the job done if they know the force and stroke requirements in sizing a cylinder. In selecting a pneumatic valve, the flow required to move an actuator within an allotted time should be calculated. Reducing pipe volume between the valve and cylinder saves energy. INSETS: NOMENCLATURE;Leaks negate good engineering.

The article focuses on how Toyota Motor Corp. develops its products. At Toyota, quality is ingrained in the way engineers think and work. The company approaches product development as a fuzzy front end which refers to the process of exploring multiple sets of possible design alternatives. Philosophy behind this set-based approach includes producing redundant systems as backups. The company also stays as flexible as possible until relatively late in the development stage. INSET: The Toyota development philosophy.

The article focuses on the high status of engineers in Israel. Despite their high status in the society, Israeli engineers work 12 hours a day without overtime. Many of them go back to school for a masters degree to increase their earning ability. The content of the Israeli engineering education is comparable to that of upper-level engineering schools in the U.S. Most engineers are working in software where the greatest growth is happening both terms of salaries and entrepreneurially.

The article profiles some engineers who aspire to change the world with their works. Dan Delong of XOR Aerospace is the lead engineer on a rocket engine developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Meanwhile, Susan Benysh, a learning partner at IBM Corp., is developing a program that would teach other software engineers how to design leaner and better products. Mauro Morandi created an octagonal Tetra Prisma Aseptic package for Tetra Pak.