Latest News

  • Making the Invisible Visible: Visualize the Wireless Networks of Your AGV & AMR Systems with MOXA Solutions

    As the demand for automated material handling (AMH) systems continues to rise—driven by the expansion of e-commerce and smart factories—the importance of stable wireless networks in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) has never been more significant. With AMRs projected to grow at a CAGR of 43% and AGVs at 24% from 2022 to 2027, uninterrupted operations for these mission-critical systems are paramount. AGV and AMR systems are mission-critical assets, so smooth operations are essential. Unstable wireless signals can disrupt AMH systems, underscoring the need for dependable solutions with seamless connectivity and easy-to-manage networks.

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    Shaping the Future of Manufacturing: ABB’s Investment in Automation & Growth at Pointe-Claire Facility

    During my visit to ABB’s facility in Pointe-Claire, dubbed T-CAN after its location alongside the Trans-Canadian highway, I saw firsthand how automation is shaping the future of manufacturing. Specializing in plastic injection molding, the plant produces key products for ABB, such as their Marrette wire connectors, NuTek thermoplastic boxes, and Carlon plastic fittings, with impressive speed and precision. In 2021, ABB decided to make a significant investment in the T-CAN facility, pouring CA$16 million into its Installation Products Division. This investment reinforces the company’s commitment to keeping the production of these Canadian legacy products on home soil, ensuring the long-term sustainability of jobs and manufacturing in Quebec. This expansion was completed in late 2024, adding over 40 new full-time jobs to the region and increasing square footage by 30,000 square feet. The expansion comes on the heels of a broader global investment from ABB at US$165 million from 2020, which included advancing robotics and digital technologies, along with regionalizing production.

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    SCHUNK: Digital Engineering in the Industrial Metaverse

    The Industrial Metaverse streamlines and accelerates industrial processes. By utilizing digital twins and the use of artificial intelligence, automation tasks can be digitally planned, simulated, and optimized before their physical implementation. SCHUNK is enhancing its portfolio with digital engineering to unlock new potentials and boost customer productivity. “With software and simulation, we facilitate our customers entry into the world of automation, “says Timo Gessmann, CTO SCHUNK. Industry faces the challenge of producing responsibly, flexibly, and efficiently. The development of new products and the necessary manufacturing concepts must now be implemented much faster and be adaptable to variants and variables. The industrial metaverse creates a virtual, interoperable digital space for this purpose. Here, automation…

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    Design Systems Canada Provides Insights on the Future of Supply Chains in Canada

    The current state of Canadian manufacturing and its intricate supply chain is one of significant change. Over the past few years, global events have exposed vulnerabilities, forcing us to rethink how we move goods and materials. The reality is stark: relying solely on distant, complex supply lines leaves businesses exposed. Recent disruptions have taught us that lesson.  Within these challenges lie significant opportunities. Currently there is a powerful shift towards supply chain resilience; a concept that goes beyond simply recovering from setbacks. It’s about building systems that anticipate and withstand shocks. One crucial strategy gaining traction is nearshoring. Bringing production closer to home not only reduces lead times and shipping costs but also strengthens local economies. Consider this: a recent study by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) indicated that 78% of Canadian manufacturers are actively exploring or have implemented nearshoring strategies. This trend isn’t just a fleeting response; it’s a strategic move to build long-term stability. The role of Supply Chain Ontario and similar initiatives cannot be overstated. These programs are vital in fostering collaboration, providing resources, and driving innovation. They are helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern supply chains, from implementing advanced technologies to optimizing logistics. But what about the future? How can Canada truly solidify its position in the global marketplace? It’s about more than just reacting to crises. It’s about proactive planning, embracing technology, and fostering strong partnerships.

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    Beckhoff: Automation Technology for Sorting Systems

    More and more parcels, rapidly changing formats, less and less time: Intralogistics – the demands on logistics sorting systems and equipment in retail and in parcel centers are increasing rapidly. This development is being fueled by high growth rates in e-commerce worldwide. Market players require fast, high-throughput, and freely scalable sorting and distribution systems to deliver peak performance in this environment. How can these be implemented efficiently and precisely? With innovative automation solutions from Beckhoff.

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    Siemens to Establish Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production in Canada

    Siemens will invest CAD$150 million (ca. €97 million) over five years to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development (R&D) Center for Battery Production in Canada. The new R&D center, located initially at Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville, as well as in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, will focus on developing cutting-edge AI manufacturing technologies with an initial emphasis on battery and electric vehicle (EV) production. It will leverage Siemens’ expertise in AI, edge computing, machine vision, digital twins, and cybersecurity to drive innovation and efficiency in battery production, while fostering collaboration with higher education institutions and battery manufacturers. Expected outcomes of the work to be conducted at the R&D center include higher, consistent quality in battery production, increased workforce productivity and capacity, reduction of battery scrap, and improved recycling and circularity. With the Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production, Siemens will contribute to the Canadian government’s strategy to become a global leader in battery manufacturing.

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    Proax: The Complete Guide to DIN Rail Types & Applications

    DIN rail is a standardized mounting solution that has become the backbone of modern electrical control panels and equipment racks. Originally developed by the German Institute for Standardization (Deutsches Institut für Normung, or DIN), these metal rails have evolved into an essential component across various industries. As an authorized distributor of Phoenix Contact DIN rails, Proax is committed to providing you with comprehensive knowledge about these versatile mounting systems. DIN rail is a metal rail of a standardized type widely used for mounting control equipment in electrical panels and equipment racks. The term “DIN” refers to the German national standards organization that first standardized these rails. Today, DIN rails follow the European standard EN 60715 (formerly DIN EN 50022), which has been adopted worldwide.

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    SICK Invests in Industrial AI for Automation – Innovative Strength & Cost Management Secure Profitability in Challenging Business Year 2024

    Innovation, customer focus and active cost management: SICK, an international provider of sensor-based automation solutions headquartered in Germany, set these focus points and achieved a solid result in the challenging business year 2024. Sales and EBIT decreased, while investments in research and development remained high. In a difficult market environment, SICK performed robustly and was able to further expand its position for Industrial AI on the global automation market. The 2024 financial year was marked by a difficult industrial economic development. Ongoing local crises and geopolitical uncertainties, protectionist measures and the threat of higher import tariffs put the industry under pressure. The global automation market also developed slowly and the anticipated recovery in mid-2024 failed to materialize.

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    ATS: Using Criticality Analysis to Optimize Your Operations

    Your products will come out on top, of course, but the machinery and equipment that ensure their production and quality are likely to be a close second. Conducting a criticality analysis is largely about prioritizing and focusing time and effort on the capital equipment assets you’ve determined to be the most important in your operation. When they become damaged or unavailable, they will have a greater degree of severity on your production. The criticality of an asset is determined by different factors, including its impact on product quality and ability to cause long-term disruptions. Obsolescence risks also play a crucial role, as outdated or unsupported equipment can increase downtime and create maintenance challenges, further impacting operational efficiency. Critical assets are integral to the whole operation, from entire machines all the way down to the component level. If these assets are not functioning or accessible, they pose different risks to the integrity of the operation.

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    Powering Up: How Canadian Innovation is Changing Motor Control

    SmartD Technologies is a Canadian startup company that has created what they say is the world’s first clean power VFD. Industries around the world stand to benefit from their clean sine technology, which eliminates the negative effects of harmonics and pulse-width modulation found in traditional systems. Simon Leblond, CEO and co-founder of SmartD Technologies, discusses how they are navigating the evolving geopolitical environment to manufacture and deliver their product. SmartD’s clean power VFD uses silicon carbide (SiC) chips. These groundbreaking materials offer faster switching speeds and lower energy losses than conventional semiconductors. SmartD’s VFDs generate a clean sine wave both on the grid and the load side, eliminating the destructive effects of harmonics on the motors and ancillary equipment. This revolution in motor control with a global impact is proudly a Canadian innovation.

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    OMRON: How Predictive Maintenance Technology is Improving Machine Monitoring

    Predictive maintenance is changing the way industries manage their equipment. Unlike traditional maintenance methods, which rely on fixed schedules, predictive maintenance uses real-time monitoring to detect potential issues early. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of unexpected downtime and ensures that maintenance activities are performed only when necessary, optimizing resource allocation and reducing costs. One of the key advantages of predictive maintenance is the consistency and reliability of its data-driven approach. Real-time data is available for everyone to read and act upon, minimizing the variability that can arise from individual expertise. This ensures that maintenance decisions are based on accurate and up-to-date information, leading to more consistent and reliable operations. This not only frees up skilled labor for more critical tasks but also reduces overall maintenance costs. By automating the monitoring process, factories can achieve more efficient operations, ultimately improving their bottom line.

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    EtherCAT Reaches 88 Million Nodes – Strong Growth Despite Difficult Market Conditions

    EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) now reports around 88 million EtherCAT nodes worldwide and even if the pace of growth in recent years could not be maintained due to the current global economic climate and the after-effects of chip overstocking, the result is impressive: another 11 million EtherCAT nodes were added in 2024 – an outstanding result in a challenging business environment. These node figures are very reliable as they are based on actual chip sales, which are reported by the chip manufacturers to Beckhoff Automation, the inventor of EtherCAT technology. “And they have no interest in exaggerating these figures, as this would entail additional costs for them,” explains Martin Rostan, Executive Director of the EtherCAT Technology Group. With EtherCAT, the technology license is included directly in the chip, so there are no additional license fees for device manufacturers and users. Beckhoff uses the license revenue to finance the activities of the EtherCAT Technology Group and thus the ecosystem surrounding the technology.

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    Siemens: Machine Builders – Unlocking New Business Opportunities with Siemens Industrial Edge

    In today’s competitive landscape, machine builders face increasing pressure from low-cost providers and the need to innovate continuously. Siemens Industrial Edge offers a transformative solution, enabling machine builders to enhance their offerings, optimize operations, and create new revenue streams through digital services. Digital services are crucial for machine builders to stay competitive. They provide opportunities to differentiate from global competitors, save internal resources, and increase customer loyalty by offering enhanced knowledge and services.

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    Rockwell Automation: Why Integrated Architecture Can Be Your One Plant-Wide Control System – 3-Part Webinar Series

    This 3-part webinar series will consist of topics highlighting some of the major value propositions of integrated architecture from Rockwell Automation. The first will focus on the value of unifying process and power control. It will show how leveraging information across disciplines typically controlled by different islands of automation reduces risk, lowers costs, and empowers faster and better business decisions. The series will look to highlight the value of integrated architecture scalability, simplification and productivity.  Attendees will also learn about the latest developments in Logix, as well as the latest developments in our visualization platforms. In totality, these webinars will highlight why consideration of an integrated architecture as your plantwide control system offers unique value, cost savings and productivity enhancements.

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    Proax: Prevent Costly Downtime – The Critical Importance of Removing Water from Your Factory Air

    At Proax, they understand that unexpected downtime can devastate your production schedule and bottom line. As a reliable distributor of SMC pneumatic solutions, they have seen firsthand how one often-overlooked culprit—water in compressed air systems—can silently undermine your operation’s efficiency. While many manufacturers focus on removing oil and particulate contaminants through standard filtration, water vapor presents a more insidious challenge. A standard 100 hp compressor operating in typical conditions (86°F, 80% relative humidity, 100 psi) can produce a staggering 30 gallons of condensate during a single eight-hour shift.

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    Hammond Manufacturing: Canada’s Colocation Data Center Market

    Canada’s data center colocation market is experiencing rapid expansion, fueled by increasing demand for digital infrastructure, data sovereignty concerns, and the rise of cloud computing. As enterprises and hyperscale providers seek scalable, efficient, and secure solutions, colocation facilities in Canada are evolving to meet the growing needs of businesses while prioritizing innovation and sustainability. Organizations across industries are rapidly adopting cloud computing, AI-driven applications, and big data analytics. This digital transformation necessitates robust data center infrastructure, driving enterprises to seek colocation services that offer reliability, scalability, and connectivity.