DAC102021

October 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com 10 n NEWS BRIGHT MACHINES, the US automation start-up that was valued at $1.6bn when it announced its plans to go public earlier this year, has released a software package “that liberates manufacturers from the constraints of traditional factory automation and introduces a new self-service capability that enables flexible automation at greater speed and lower cost”. The Brightware Studio software gives production line operators and technicians the ability to program, run, analyse and debug assembly process on the shopfloor. It adds extra functions to Bright Machines’flagship Microfactory technology which combines intelligent software and modular building blocks to automate repetitive assembly and inspection tasks. Microfactories will now come with the software which can be used to reprogram lines and accommodate product changes. “Software-driven automation has proven to be one of the most effective ways for manufacturers to stay resilient and competitive in today’s unpredictable economic environment,” says Bright Machines’ CEO and co- founder, Amar Hanspal. “Brightware Studio elevates our current Microfactory offering with enhanced software functionality that equips customers with the flexibility to quickly respond to changing consumer demands.” Once a Microfactory is installed, operators and technicians can use the software to make changes or add steps to the production line – including reconfiguring assembly instructions or adjusting device settings. Bright Machines claim that the software will deliver the following benefits: n Reduced vendor dependency Unlike traditional automation, manufacturers no longer need to rely on technical experts, system integrators or other automation vendors to make changes, thus improving their ability to respond to market changes and to increase efficiencies. n Advanced customisation Users can set up customised warnings, alerts and diagnostics to tailor their automation experience. n Line monitoring without downtime Users can view their equipment status, track key performance indicators, set up alerts and notifications, customise data visualisations and more. Installations are said to work from day one, because all of the integration work associated with data collection, modelling and visualisation has already been done. n A standardised user experience An intuitive user interface and easy-to-use controls reduce the need for training and make it easier to manage Brightware Studio lines. “Manufacturers face many bottlenecks in the path to automation, including vendor or system integrator lock-ins, long deployment times, and clunky user interfaces,” explains Bright Machines’ chief product officer, Abhishek Pani. “By removing many of the hurdles that have traditionally made factory automation challenging or laborious, Brightware Studio makes the management of next-generation automation virtually effortless.” Brightware Studio is being offered on a subscription basis with all new Microfactories. Bright Machines, based in San Francisco, was founded in 2018 and now has more than 550 employees worldwide, with r&d centres in the US and Israel. It says it is pioneering a new approach to intelligent, software-defined manufacturing using computer vision, machine learning, 3D simulation, and robotics to change the flexibility, scalability, and economics of production. www.brightmachines.com $1.6bn automation start-up says that its software will ‘liberate manufacturers’ Bright Machines claims that its new software will empower manufacturers to configure and optimise automated assembly operations quickly and easily Advanced Engineering 03–04 November, 2021 NEC, Birmingham The manufacturing and engineering event returns for its 12th year, offering an opportunity for the UK manufacturing supply chain to source innovation and technology across multiple sectors. The Enabling Innovation zone is returning, hosting ten start-ups and innovators, and showcasing their inventions and innovations. In 2019, more than 10,000 visitors attended the show. www.advancedengineeringuk.com Digital ManufacturingWeek 10–11 November, 2021 Exhibition Centre, Liverpool More than 120 exhibitors are expected at the digital manufacturing event which includes the Smart Manufacturing Expo, the Manufacturing Leaders’Summit and the SME Growth Summit, as well as hosting The Manufacturer Top 100 and MX Awards. There will be more than 125 speakers, and at least 2,000 visitors are expected. www.digital-manufacturing-week.com SPS (Smart Product Solutions) 23–25 November, 2021 Nuremberg, Germany SPS returns as a hybrid event with the online“SPS on air”running in parallel with the physical show in Nuremberg, giving people around the world the opportunity to take part in the event. An on-site studio will broadcast a programme of presentations and discussion panels covering topics such as digitalisation, Industry 4.0, communications, robotics, AI, visualisation and control. https://sps.mesago.com/nuernberg/en.html Mach 2022 4–8 April 2022 NEC, Birmingham The exhibition, organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association, will be part of part of the UK’s largest showcase for advanced engineering and manufacturing, which includes the Drives & Controls Show. New for 2022 are extended IT for Manufacturing Zone and 3D Printing Zones. www.machexhibition.com Drives & Controls 2022 05 - 07 April, 2022 NEC, Birmingham, UK The Drives & Controls exhibition and co- located events return to the NEC covering areas including automation, robotics, drives, machine safety, energy efficiency and motion control. A live robotic demonstration area will reflect this dynamic sector. Running alongside the Drives exhibition will be the Air-Tech, Fluid Power & Systems, Smart Industry Expo and Plant & Asset Management exhibitions, as well as the Mach show. www.drives-expo.com