Industrial robots play a vital role in manufacturing. They’re powerful, precise, efficient, and they can handle heavy workloads with minimal downtime. Despite their importance to industry factory robots have room for improvement, though. These robots are typically large, immobile, expensive, and too dangerous to deploy in the vicinity of human workers. Researchers in the robotics… Read more »

If you work in the United States you have to pay taxes. While most people dislike paying taxes, it is important to do so. Taxes go towards retirement benefits, food and nutritional assistance, government programs, and a number of other things that benefit society. Without income taxes, it would be difficult for governments to pay… Read more »

The outlook on the future of U.S. manufacturing employment is different depending on who you ask. Some say that manufacturing jobs are less common now due to various trade deals and outsourcing, and the U.S. will see a rise in manufacturing employment if the right decisions are made. Others maintain that regardless of why those… Read more »

You may have noticed an increasing number of self-checkout kiosks at your local grocery store over the past few years. When self-checkouts first found their way into stores they were novel and interesting. They were fun and exciting and people opted for the self-checkout just for the experience. Now, regardless of whether you use the… Read more »

Quality is making a comeback. There’s a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship. Once, consumers expected things to be well made. Something had to be high quality, otherwise it wouldn’t sell. Ah, you have a shoddy coffee table for sale? No thanks. Oh, that hammer is held together with cheap glue? I think I’ll pass. Then, things… Read more »

Everyone’s heard of Leonardo da Vinci, but it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what he’s best known for. In some circles, Leonardo da Vinci is best known for his contributions to pop culture through movies and literature. Others would say he’s most famous for his paintings, but there would then be dispute over whether the Last… Read more »

The debate over whether humans can compete with machines may seem hot and fresh, but it’s not. In fact, there’s a popular American folk story from the 1800s about a man competing with a machine. John Henry ultimately outperformed the steam drill, but he died in the process. Optimists might view the outcome as testament… Read more »

Those in manufacturing know that February is the time to put hearts on packages and morph products into the most romantic of ideographs – hearts. That’s not because it’s American Heart Month, either. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Consider that a public service announcement for any forgetful fellows with significant others. People are eagerly anticipating tomorrow… Read more »

When you think of a robotics competition you probably imagine an impressive display of cutting edge technology – a showcase of expensive robots glistening in the sun, displaying the capabilities of our current technology, and offering glimpses of the future. You need lots of hard work, ingenuity, copious amounts of research, and deep pockets to… Read more »

Gutenberg’s printing press is one of the most important and influential inventions of all time. It’s difficult to imagine just how different the world would be without the invention  of the printing press. Many argue that Gutenberg’s printing press was the catalyst that brought about the Renaissance. But what made Gutenberg’s printing press so important?… Read more »