Industrial robots have moved from maturity into a fast-growth phase

As a result of COVID-19, the industrial robot market has moved from a mature and conservative phase into an exciting, fast-growth, almost start-up-like phase.

Advice on meeting engineering recruiting goals

There is a major push by system integrators and other engineering firms to find qualified talent, but the COVID-19 pandemic has created a shift in many ways. Two experts offer advice on finding the right engineering talent.

Layered COVID-19 controls significantly reduce risks

QuaRAD method quantifies efficacy across thousands of scenarios; rating system anticipated

Four ways to unshackle the supply chain

COVID-19 has caused many supply chain challenges, but being proactive and aggressive can help manufacturers reduce potential headaches. Four tips are highlighted.

Turning face masks into smart monitoring devices

Northwestern Engineering researchers have developed a new smart sensor called FaceBit, which is a quarter-sized sensor that uses a tiny magnet to attach to any N95, cloth or surgical face mask.

Nanotube-based sensor can detect COVID-19 proteins

MIT engineers have designed a nanotube-based sensor that can detect COVID-19 without any antibody and could be used for other pandemic, improving worker health.

UV light is effective, safe deterrent against COVID-19 in public places

A specific ultraviolet (UV) wavelength was found to be effective in killing the COVID-19 virus as well as other respiratory viruses while still being safe for public use.

Capacity planning in a post-COVID manufacturing world

Capacity and supply-chain strategies help manufactures remain competitive

Manufacturers encourage COVID-19 vaccinations but stop short of mandates

Manufacturing supply chains continue to adapt to COVID-19 and vaccinations are one way. A recent report indicates, however, a slight majority are encouraging their employees to get the vaccine.

Engineers develop COVID-19 saliva test

Engineers at MIT and Harvard University have designed a small tabletop device that can detect COVID-19 from a saliva sample in about an hour.

Airport logistic automation market stays strong in spite of COVID-19

Overall airport logistics automation sales only fell by 5% in 2020, from $4.3 billion in 2019 to $4.1 billion in 2021, and is expected to have a gradual rebound in the next few years, according to Interact Analysis.

Six ways COVID-19 will change food plant design

COVID-19 has impacted the way food plant facilities are being built from restrooms to automation and worker satisfaction and overall safety.

Four ways site location can affect construction costs

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of construction materials has skyrocketed, labor is scarce and demand is surging. But that doesn’t mean the food supply chain can stop.

The current state of the maintenance function

Urgent issues face the manufacturing industries amidst resurgence.

Top 5 Plant Engineering articles June 7-13, 2021

Articles about tips on calibration for automation and control engineers, advanced valve diagnostic drive savings, how to build scalable data models with MQTT Sparkplugs, and more were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from June 7-13, 2021. Miss something? You can catch up here.

Managed services close the gap in adopting edge computing

A practical solution for limited staffing adds assurance at the edge.

How to make your virtual Kaizen initiative a success

See steps on how to schedule and plan the next Kaizen event and ensure everything is accounted for to make it successful.

Augmented reality can transform manual labor

As AR-driven spatial computing makes its way into industrial workplace settings through real-time step-by-step instructions and remote mentoring, even the most complex and intricate tasks will no longer require extensive experience to manage and complete them effectively.

Developing a warehouse and supply chain strategy

For good or bad, our COVID-19 crisis shows the global impact of supply chain and warehouse protocols.

Data-driven decisions improves COVID-19 vaccine production

Process engineers enabled with advanced analytics can have better operational control.

How to engage employees through plant optimization

Plant optimization results in much more than increase productivity and KPIs.

Supply chain management lessons for manufacturers

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught several supply chains lessons that can be valuable for the future.

How to ensure OT cybersecurity

Despite advances, operational technology network cybersecurity still lags information technology cybersecurity.

What a bad or non-existent maintenance program costs manufacturers

A maintenance program is only as good as the work put in behind it and the effort going forward. Planned maintenance, rather than reacting to a problem, can save companies enormously in the long term.

Top 5 Plant Engineering articles May 3-9, 2021

Articles about how to keep spare part inventories accurate for maintenance departments, cybersecurity throwback attack, and energy management for industrial networks were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from May 3-9, 2021. Miss something? You can catch up here.

Effective communication in a high-noise environment

High-noise manufacturing environments are already difficult places to communicate, but COVID-19 and social distancing make it even harder. Learn how to overcome this challenge.

Protective cleanroom clothing essentials

Everything that enters a cleanroom must also be highly regulated to prevent the inadvertent introduction of pollutants, which includes protective cleanroom clothing.

New production sources for tungsten are critical for increased global supply

Little known tungsten has a multitude of use cases

Effective communication in a socially distanced world

Manufacturing facilities have unique challenges because of constant ambient background noise that limits effective communication. Practice and investing in the right technology can help mitigate these problems.

Post-pandemic, employee wellness powered by predictive analytics

Who else is tired of talking about COVID-19?

Commitment to the work: One constant in a changing world

2020 Plant Engineering Salary Survey: Who we are, what we think and what we earn

Change packaging to meet grocery delivery demand

Food manufacturers may have to adapt their packaging to meet the requirements of grocery delivery due to COVID-19.