The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Transforming industrial waste heat into energy and clean drinking water
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Transforming industrial waste heat into energy and clean drinking water

Norwegian industry produces 20 TWh of waste heat each year. Most of this heat is released into the air or the ocean, but there might be a new way to utilize this resource.
AI-powered, car inspection scanner poised to revolutionize car rental industry
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

AI-powered, car inspection scanner poised to revolutionize car rental industry

ProovStation has already sold 200 units worldwide and performed over 200,000 inspections per month.
3D printer + laser = next step in additive manufacturing innovation
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

3D printer + laser = next step in additive manufacturing innovation

Unlike other processes, FMAP offers users the potential to print sensors embedded within a structure.
Robots are better than humans at everything, including solving Rubik's Cubes
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Robots are better than humans at everything, including solving Rubik's Cubes

Our robotic brethren are now able to solve these puzzles in an astonishing, blink-and-you’ll-miss it amount of time.
DIY robot can mimic and replicate your actions in just 40 hours
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

DIY robot can mimic and replicate your actions in just 40 hours

Researchers have engineered a robot that, once shown a desired movement, will mimic and learn how to perform the action itself. It’s equal parts ingenious and creepy.
AI built a better motor (but I still don’t trust it)
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

AI built a better motor (but I still don’t trust it)

Materials Nexus recently used its AI platform to create a new rare earth-free permanent magnet called MagNex.
Uncork the answer to better, greener footwear
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Uncork the answer to better, greener footwear

ReCORK, a company that creates carbon-negative composite materials using natural recycled corks, is setting out to change the footwear industry.
Easy-to-use robotic appendage gets 3 thumbs up (literally)
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Easy-to-use robotic appendage gets 3 thumbs up (literally)

Researchers have engineered the Third Thumb, which is poised to change the way we think about prosthetic devices.
Live out your Star Trek fantasy with the wearable Humane Ai Pin
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Live out your Star Trek fantasy with the wearable Humane Ai Pin

A wearable from Humane Inc. allows you to do everything you already do on your phone, except it's in the form of a pin that clips onto your clothing.
Graffiti-fighting drone is making maintenance workers’ jobs easier and safer 
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Graffiti-fighting drone is making maintenance workers’ jobs easier and safer 

Mike Gauger, a WSDOT maintenance superintendent, came up with the idea after working with the Tacoma Narrows Bridge team, which used drones for bridge inspections.
Boston Dynamics creates Muppet-like fur costume for its Spot robot and teaches it to dance
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Boston Dynamics creates Muppet-like fur costume for its Spot robot and teaches it to dance

What do you get when you combine the playful humanity of Jim Henson with the practical ingenuity of Boston Dynamics?
3D printers are helping surgeons create custom cranial implants
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

3D printers are helping surgeons create custom cranial implants

Now I know that if I suffer a severe injury, especially to my skull, all I really need is a 3D printer.
Manufacturing in space, the final frontier 
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Manufacturing in space, the final frontier 

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is redefining the future of robotics with its research on in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM).
Can gamification make manufacturing more fun?
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Can gamification make manufacturing more fun?

A recent study claims that completion rates for monotonous assembly tasks increased when framed as playing a game.
Industry infographics
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Industry infographics

Get the manufacturing data and industrial insights you need to make the right decisions for your plant.