John Lewis
John Lewis, contributing editor, Association for Advancing Automation (A3).
Articles
How to organize, protect and apply big data in automation
Big data in automation and manufacturing can transform operations, but great care needs to be applied when inserting it into a company.
What’s needed to get started for an automation career
Before getting started on a career in automation, it’s important to assess your goals as well as your interests, background, talents and more.
Machine vision tops sensors in flexibility for Ford body panel selection
Inside Machines: Ford improved flexibility by switching from sensors to machine vision for body panel inspection, increasing reliability, and improving quality and information flow. The noncontact machine vision inspection system avoids significant maintenance required with sensor replacement, easily accommodates new models and design changes, and reduces overall inspection costs.
Machine vision, ID-reader network integration
Integrate Ethernet-based machine vision and image-based ID readers into factory networks for more direct communications and less expense. See photos, examples.
Machine vision cuts PV module assembly time
Photovoltaic (PV) assembly is among industries benefitting from a machine-vision enhanced automated soldering system from Mondragon Assembly, to shorten cycle times, ensure consistently high product quality, and enhance equipment usability.
Machine vision technologies for photovoltaic soldering
A photovoltaic assembly soldering machine uses machine vision to improve quality and throughput. Machine vision technologies include Cognex In-Sight 5100 intelligent vision system to optimize the process of soldering the cross-links between photovoltaic modules. See related application article.
Vision-guided robots automate oil tool assembly
Machine vision locates parts for picking by one robot and checks the diameter and location of the pipe before it is threaded by a second robot, without fixturing or accurate locating. The application may lead to a new generation of vision-enabled robots to improve productivity and quality for oil tools.
Technology checklist for oil tool automated assembly
A machine vision robotic assembly application for an oil tool industry manufacturer used the following technologies. See related application article.