ENGtechnica

Tag: SmartManufacturing

  • Dassault Unveils SOLIDWORKS CPQ for AI-Powered Customization

    Dassault Unveils SOLIDWORKS CPQ for AI-Powered Customization

    Image: SOLIDWORKS

    VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France, Feb 27, 2025 – Dassault Systèmes has announced the launch of SOLIDWORKS CPQ, its new configure, price, and quote solution on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. SOLIDWORKS CPQ integrates generative AI capabilities that enable businesses to accelerate the order and delivery of customized products through a dynamic virtual experience connecting product portfolio management, development, manufacturing, and sales.

    With SOLIDWORKS CPQ, companies can define and design a portfolio of configurable products to fit their customers’ requirements and produce precise quotes.  This configure-to-order approach extends the benefits of SOLIDWORKS applications beyond design, bringing product portfolio managers and sales teams into the manufacturing experience. This business solution engages the technologies at the core of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, surpassing the limits of traditional CPQ solutions with the latest advances in virtual twins, virtual design companions, generative experiences, and sense computing.

    By linking product configurability rules to a virtual twin on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, design teams can use SOLIDWORKS CPQ to explore the material selection, structural integrity, availability, cost, and other factors and select the optimal choices in less time. Based on the selections, SOLIDWORKS CPQ helps technical sales engineers generate an accurate quote and a 3D-configured product that can be explored in a virtual reality experience that immerses the customer in the project, facilitating final decisions. 

    SOLIDWORKS CPQ provides the adaptability to modify product definitions in response to changing market trends, business offers, and customer preferences. It also streamlines the process of obtaining technical and financial approvals for quotes, helping to minimize delays in sales orders.

    With product development strategies in various industries increasingly focused on meeting specific customer demands, businesses can leverage these innovative approaches to effectively and profitably manage the balance between product customization and standardization.

    “SOLIDWORKS CPQ builds upon the 30 years of innovation that have made 3D design simple and powerful.  With this new business solution, we’re expanding our scope and reaching new audiences by introducing a complete software ecosystem for manufacturing with next generation technologies that work together in an integrated, effortless way.  These dynamic and intelligent ‘3D UNIV+RSES’ enhance every stage of a business’ journey toward growth,” said Manish Kumar, CEO, SOLIDWORKS, Dassault Systèmes.

    About Dassault Systèmes

    Dassault Systèmes SE, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, is a multinational software corporation specializing in 3D design, digital mock-up, and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. The company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients, and citizens. It offers a comprehensive suite of software applications, including CATIA for product design, SOLIDWORKS for 3D mechanical design, DELMIA for manufacturing operations, and SIMULIA for realistic simulation. The tools serve a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, industrial equipment, life sciences, and high-tech. As of 2023, Dassault Systèmes employs approximately 23,811 individuals across 194 global offices. In 2023, the company reported revenues of €5.67 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the software industry. As of 2024, Dassault Systèmes serves over 350,000 enterprise customers across more than 150 countries.

  • Tokamak Energy Selects Aras Innovator SaaS for Enterprise PLM

    Tokamak Energy Selects Aras Innovator SaaS for Enterprise PLM

    ANDOVER, MA, Feb 25, 2025 – Aras has announced that Tokamak Energy has chosen Aras Innovator SaaS as its enterprise PLM solution. Following an extensive evaluation, the company selected Aras for its flexible architecture, cost-effective licensing model, and comprehensive functionality available from day one.

    “Flexibility and self-sufficiency were key factors in our decision, supported by Aras’ low-code functionality,” said Martin Tsang, transformation lead at Tokamak Energy. “The rapidly evolving nature of our work in fusion technology development requires a PLM platform that can quickly adapt to new opportunities and markets. Aras allows our team to independently develop functionality and expand our capabilities without the additional costs typically associated with modular PLM systems.”

    The selection marks Tokamak Energy’s first enterprise-wide PLM implementation beyond CAD data management and will be delivered under a software-as-a-service (SaaS) agreement. “We are proud to partner with Tokamak Energy in their groundbreaking work,” said Roque Martin, CEO of Aras. “Our flexible platform and unique business model eliminate the traditional barriers to PLM adoption, empowering innovative companies like Tokamak Energy to focus on their core mission – developing commercial fusion energy solutions.”

    The initial implementation will focus on connecting with the current design and drawing control systems. It will also build a change management system to support a targeted ISO certification. In the next phase, Tokamak Energy plans to use Aras Innovator’s features to develop a comprehensive digital thread. This thread will link complex fusion technology simulations with design updates.

    Tsang says, “PLM will enable us to establish a digital thread, enhancing our ability to connect complex fusion technology simulation to design iterations. The flexibility will also enable us to adapt and customize our processes to reflect the complexity and developmental stage of our technologies.”

    The platform will be necessary for Tokamak Energy’s efforts to commercialize high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. It will streamline design and manufacturing information and maintain the traceability needed for customer and regulatory compliance.

    Source: Aras

    About Tokamak Energy

    Tokamak Energy, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, is a private company headquartered in Milton Park, Oxfordshire, UK. Specializing in the development of compact spherical tokamaks and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets, the company aims to deliver commercially viable fusion energy solutions. Serving industries focused on clean energy and advanced scientific research, Tokamak Energy has achieved significant milestones, including operating the ST40 tokamak, that reached plasma temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius in 2022. In addition to its fusion energy endeavors, the company collaborates on projects utilizing HTS magnet technology for various applications, such as silent marine propulsion systems. As of 2024, Tokamak Energy employs over 260 individuals. The company has raised substantial funding, including $250 million by 2022, to support its innovative research and development efforts.

    About Aras

    Aras Corp., founded in 2000 by Peter Schroer, provides product lifecycle management (PLM) and digital thread solutions. Headquartered in Andover, MA, with additional offices in Japan, Germany, France, the UK, and Italy, Aras offers the Aras Innovator platform—a low-code solution designed to enhance product development processes across various industries. Aras empowers organizations to manage complex product lifecycles by serving sectors such as aerospace and defense, automotive, high-tech electronics, industrial manufacturing, energy, life sciences, shipbuilding, and medical devices. The company’s technology enables the delivery of flexible solutions built on a digital thread backbone, connecting users across disciplines to critical product data and processes throughout the lifecycle and extended supply chain. As of 2021, Aras employs over 500 professionals and serves approximately 350 customers.

  • Dassault Systèmes, KUKA Drive Next-Gen Robotics Automation

    Dassault Systèmes, KUKA Drive Next-Gen Robotics Automation

    Image: Dassault Systèmes

    VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France, Feb 25, 2025 – Dassault Systèmes has announced its partnership with KUKA to provide manufacturing industries with inclusive solutions that meet growing demands in robotics and automation.

    Dassault Systèmes will join mosaixx, KUKA’s platform for industrial software solutions. The partnership makes it simpler for KUKA customers to buy and use Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and its applications. By expanding customer access to virtual twin technology and better collaboration tools, Dassault Systèmes and KUKA, with its new segment KUKA Digital, can help companies create more flexible solutions that improve their operations.

    The global market value of industrial robot installations is estimated at $16.5 billion, driven by AI, energy efficiency, and other trends. With more than four million industrial robots operating in factories worldwide in 2024, the annual number of installations in 2026 is expected to increase to 718,000.

    The KUKA Group launched mosaixx in 2024 as an open cloud platform for industrial software. The platform supports collaboration in a growing market. It gives system integrators and engineers access to various solutions that enhance the digitalization and automation of factory floors and production machines. The approach is ecosystem-focused and works with any machine type or manufacturer.

    Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications are used across the industrial equipment industry worldwide to design, simulate, and engineer products, processes, and infrastructure virtually with real-time data before producing or implementing them physically.

    “Our collaboration with Dassault Systèmes enables us to expand our mosaixx portfolio with industry-leading virtual twin technology. Engineers can carry out simulations and analyses with real-time data while streamlined collaboration empowers system integrators with flexible applications for enhanced adaptability and innovation,” said Quirin Goerz, CEO, KUKA Digital.

    “By partnering with KUKA, we can offer streamlined access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and our many applications such as CATIA, DELMIA and SOLIDWORKS. This will open up new possibilities for customers to benefit from the virtual world and collaborate and innovate in diverse sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, metalworking, logistics, healthcare and more,” said Gian Paolo Bassi, senior vice president, customer role experience, Dassault Systèmes.

    Source: Dassault Systèmes

    About Dassault Systèmes

    Dassault Systèmes SE, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, is a leading multinational software corporation specializing in 3D design, digital mock-up, and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. The company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients, and citizens. It offers a comprehensive suite of software applications, including CATIA for product design, SOLIDWORKS for 3D mechanical design, DELMIA for manufacturing operations, and SIMULIA for realistic simulation. The tools serve various industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, industrial equipment, life sciences, and high-tech. As of 2023, Dassault Systèmes employs approximately 23,811 individuals across 194 global offices. In 2023, the company reported revenues of €5.67 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the software industry. As of 2024, Dassault Systèmes serves over 350,000 enterprise customers across more than 150 countries.

    About KUKA

    KUKA, founded in 1898, is a German automation company headquartered in Augsburg, Germany. KUKA specializes in intelligent automation solutions and offers a range of products, including industrial robots, automated manufacturing systems, and assembly lines. The solutions serve automotive, electronics, metalworking, plastics, consumer goods, e-commerce, and healthcare industries. As of 2022, KUKA reported approximately €4.4 billion in revenues and employed around 15,000 people. In 2016, KUKA became a subsidiary of the Chinese multinational Midea Group.

  • Stial Expands AI Robotics with STFcore Acquisition

    Stial Expands AI Robotics with STFcore Acquisition

    Stial Steven Humanoid Robot

    TORONTO, Canada, Feb 18, 2025 – Amid the rapid evolution of AI and robotics technology, Stial Technologies announced the strategic acquisition of STFcore (ZhongQing Technology. Simultaneously, Stial introduced Stial Steven, the world’s first humanoid robot designed for polishing applications. The initiative not only accelerates Stial’s commitment to intelligent polishing technology but also signifies the dual integration of robotics in industrial and humanoid forms, advancing embodied intelligence towards a higher level of autonomous adaptability.

    Stial Technologies: A Pioneer in AI-Driven Flexible Polishing Robotics

    Stial Technologies has secured a leading position in the global AI-driven polishing robotics industry with its self-developed core technologies. Its technological advantages span flexible force control systems, AI multimodal perception technology, and advanced flexible polishing algorithms. It is a preferred solution provider in high-precision industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and semiconductor electronics.

    Stial focuses on the niche field of polishing, adopting an integrated approach covering hardware, software, algorithms, and process expertise. The company has also made advancements in humanoid embodied intelligence and AI vertical models, further enhancing robotic applications in complex scenarios.

    STFcore: A Breakthrough Innovator in 6D Force Sensor Technology

    STFcore (ZhongQing Technology), founded in 2018, has become a key player in the industry with its advanced 6D force sensor technology. Its products exceed international benchmarks in size, accuracy, and sampling frequency, making them ideal for polishing and humanoid robots that need precise force feedback. Compared to major companies like Germany’s ME System and ATI in the U.S., STFcore’s sensors deliver similar performance and challenge the foreign technology hold, addressing the demand for high-end force sensors in Asia.

    6D Force Sensor: A Core Component in Polishing and Humanoid Robots

    In high-precision manufacturing, 6D force sensors play a significant role in enabling robots to achieve precise operations and adaptive control. The real-time sensors monitor the contact force between the robot and the workpiece, feeding data into Stial’s proprietary NextBrain AI system. This enables the robot to dynamically adjust polishing pressure, direction, and angle, achieving proactive, flexible control.

    6D force sensors are crucial to embodied intelligence in humanoid robots and add significant value to the system. By acquiring STFcore, Stial has the important hardware technology. When combined with its flexible force-control algorithms, Stial has improved its position in force-controlled polishing.

    Stial Steven: The Future Star of Polishing Robotics

    Another major highlight of this acquisition is the launch of Stial Steven, the world’s first humanoid robot dedicated to polishing applications. Unlike traditional industrial robotic arms, Stial Steven is designed with motion characteristics that closely resemble human movement, providing superior elasticity and adaptability. This makes it suitable for fine polishing in constrained spaces and on complex workpieces.

    Equipped with Stial’s proprietary process database, 6D force sensors, and a multimodal AI model integrating vision, haptics, and auditory perception, Stial Steven can adjust force, angles, and trajectories in real time during polishing tasks. Its flexibility allows it to handle intricate polishing operations that traditional robots struggle with, enhancing both production efficiency and processing precision. Whether working on complex curved surfaces or performing precision polishing on small components, Stial Steven can achieve a level of detail comparable to human workmanship while operating continuously, boosting enterprise productivity and competitiveness.

    Industrial Synergy and Future Prospects

    Through the acquisition, Stial gains advanced 6D force sensor technology and achieves robust integration from essential hardware to intelligent software. In the future, Stial will focus on improving AI multimodal technology. The company will use its knowledge of force, vision, sound algorithms, and data accumulation to make polishing robotics effective and intelligent.

    Whether in industrial robotics or humanoid robotics, Stial is leveraging its technological advantages and industrial synergies to become a benchmark in the polishing sector and lead the global intelligent manufacturing industry to new heights.

    Conclusion

    With the acquisition of STFcore, Stial has reinforced its technological position in AI-driven polishing robotics, making innovative advancements in integrating humanoid robots and 6D force sensors.

    Stial’s Founder & CEO, Hongbo Wang, stated: “Looking ahead, we will continue to advance AI and robotics, reshaping industrial production as a vertical ecosystem builder, and leveraging internationalization to create a new paradigm in global intelligent manufacturing.”

    Source: Stial

    About Stial

    Stial Tech, headquartered in Canada, has been a leader in AI-driven flexible polishing robots for over 15 years. Their advanced robotic systems simulate the touch of skilled craftsmen, offering solutions like the Magic Series and Model Series robots, the PolishX flexible force control system, and the NextBrain AI Mushroom Cloud System. The innovations serve industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and household goods, enhancing manufacturing processes with precision and efficiency.

  • PTC Launches Onshape CAM Studio Beta

    PTC Launches Onshape CAM Studio Beta

    BOSTON, MA, Feb 12, 2025 – PTC has announced the launch of Onshape CAM Studio Beta, which integrates CAD, CAM and product data management (PDM) to give design and manufacturing teams the opportunity to plan, simulate, and collaborate on machining processes.

    This release offers a complete design-to-manufacturing solution, enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities for leading manufacturing brands across the globe.

    “With the release of CAM Studio directly into Onshape’s cloud-native platform, users gain built-in version control and centralized storage for their manufacturing strategies,” commented David Katzman, general manager of Onshape and Arena at PTC.

    “This ensures seamless collaboration, eliminates the risks of file-based workflows, and provides unmatched traceability throughout the design-to-manufacturing process. CAM Studio reinforces our commitment to empowering teams with tools that enhance productivity and drive innovation.”

    CAM Studio supports 2.5 and basic 3-axis machining, with the common manufacturing strategies and machines. For users with advanced manufacturing needs, CAM Studio advanced will offer enhanced capabilities, including advanced 3, 4 and 5-axis machining strategies.

    Other features and benefits of Onshape CAM Studio include:

    • Access to the latest manufacturing information faster, while utilizing Onshape’s built-in PDM functionality for G-code and tooling strategies
    • Streamlined communication and easy sharing between CAD designers and manufacturing engineers
    • All stakeholders work from a single source of truth, saving time and money while also reducing manufacturing errors
    • No additional software installations, licensing costs or administrative costs
    • Cloud-native accessibility anytime, anywhere

    CAM Studio is available to Onshape users who are subscribed to the Professional and Enterprise plans.

    Source: PTC

    About PTC

    PTC Inc., founded in 1985 and headquartered in Boston, MA, is a software company specializing in product lifecycle management (PLM), CAD, augmented reality (AR), and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and industrial equipment, PTC’s technologies are utilized by 95% of Fortune 500 discrete manufacturing companies. As of September 30, 2024, PTC Inc. supports more than 30,000 customers globally. As of February 10, 2025, the company has a market capitalization of $20.3 billion. PTC employs around 7,500 people globally.

  • RRD Invests in Robotics, HP Print Presses to Upgrade GA Facility

    RRD Invests in Robotics, HP Print Presses to Upgrade GA Facility

    Image: Business Wire

    CHICAGO, IL, Feb 6, 2025 – RRD is investing in robotic technologies and advanced HP digital print presses to upgrade its Austell, GA facility into a modern commercial print hub.The investment doubles the site’s workforce and sets a benchmark for rapid, high-volume digital production and automation.

    “RRD is driven by a passion for innovation,” said Craig Roberton, president of commercial print, RRD. “Our latest investment exemplifies a commitment to lead the industry and stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and trends that benefit our clients. We’re not just working to enhance RRD’s capabilities — we’re empowering our clients to achieve measurable results and thrive in an ever-evolving industry.”

    The investment enables RRD to deliver high-speed, high-quality, variable print-on-demand services to meet evolving client demand and anticipated industry shifts. The Austell site features HP’s new Indigo 120K Digital Press and PageWide Advantage 2200 with HP Brilliant Ink. The equipment is designed to empower high-volume production businesses by delivering speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency. The equipment also elevates RRD’s capabilities and delivers benefits such as:

    • higher ROI customer acquisition products
    • hyper-personalization, which enables brands to tailor messaging to each consumer based on their unique relationship with the brand
    • productivity and quality that rival offset printing
    • added versatility for short, medium and long runs on a variety of substrates
    • accelerated job production with AI-driven automation
    • Pantone color matching to ensure brand consistency
    • aqueous and ultraviolet coating options
    • increased sheet and saddle stitch booklet options
    • minimized waste

    RRD’s Austell location will also be among the first commercial print manufacturing facilities in America to implement industry-first robot technology.

    RRD Austell Facility. Image: RRD

    Through an ongoing partnership with HP, RRD will deploy two autonomous mobile robots designed specifically to bolster efficiency. The robots feature intelligent software that communicates with HP Indigo presses. The communication allows for interfacing with presses, manages pallet locations in the warehouse and near presses and finishers. The robots can load and unload media directly into and out of presses, streamline workflows, eliminate safety risks, and keep the presses continuously operational to bring client projects to life faster.

    “Our longstanding and deep partnership with RRD demonstrates our mutual commitment to delivering innovative solutions that create new business opportunities in an industry where speed and personalization are increasingly important,” said Oran Sokol, VP & global head, Strategic Accounts, HP.

    RRD’s Austell facility is expanding production space and introducing new features for clients. These upgrades include rooms where customers can observe the production process firsthand. The improvements are set to finish in early 2025, with more digital updates planned at other RRD locations in the coming years.

    About RRD

    R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD), founded in 1864, is a global provider of multichannel solutions for marketing and business communications. Headquartered at Chicago, IL, RRD offers a comprehensive portfolio of proficiencies, including commercial printing, logistics, supply chain management, and digital marketing services. The company serves a diverse range of industries, such as retail, financial services, healthcare, and technology, assisting organizations worldwide in creating, managing, and executing their multichannel communications strategies. As of 2022, RRD reported net sales of $5.37 billion. The company employs approximately 28,000 individuals across various locations globally.

  • SICK Acquires Accerion, Expands Autonomous Mobile Robot Solutions

    SICK Acquires Accerion, Expands Autonomous Mobile Robot Solutions

    WALDKIRCH, Germany, Jan 31, 2025 – SICK has announced the acquisition of the Dutch technology company Accerion. Accerion specializes in AI-based image processing with a focus on positioning technologies for mobile robots. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are primarily used in logistics and manufacturing. They improve efficiency by automating tasks in warehousing, intralogistics, manufacturing, and other industries. With the acquisition of Accerion, SICK will offer a complete solution portfolio of positioning solutions.

    Innovation Hub for Software-Driven Localization

    Accerion was founded in 2015 in the Netherlands and has established itself as a tech startup specializing in AI-based image processing for the positioning of autonomous mobile robots. With the software-driven positioning solution “Triton”, Accerion introduced the world’s first industrialized, infrastructure-free localization solution for floor structures based on camera technology for mobile robots. Since 2021, SICK has been partnering with Accerion to support industrial customers worldwide in the precise localization, positioning, and navigation of mobile robots.

    Accerion Now Part of the SICK Group

    With the acquisition, the entire product portfolio and the Accerion team with technology and sales experts, fully transitioned to SICK on January 16, 2025. The product development of the new SICK subsidiary “SICK Accerion B.V.“ will continue at the current location in Venlo, Netherlands.

    SICK Expands Software Portfolio for Autonomous Mobile Robots

    Dr. Niels Syassen

     “We are very pleased to welcome the Accerion team to SICK and to further strengthen our software portfolio for autonomous mobile robots for the future,” says Dr. Niels Syassen, executive board member for Technology & Digitalization at SICK. “The market for sensor solutions for autonomous mobile robots offers enormous growth potential, as the demands on industrial companies for an efficient supply chain in terms of throughput, availability, flexibility, and safety are steadily increasing. To best support customers worldwide in their automation projects, we are further developing our own sensor solutions and investing in new technologies,” adds Dr. Niels Syassen.

    Vincent Burg

     Vincent Burg, CEO of Accerion, says: “With our dedicated team, we built Triton, a cutting-edge localization solution, entirely from the ground up. Today, Triton delivers high-performance localization for thousands of robots around the globe. Our close collaboration with SICK has shown how perfectly our products and cultures complement one another. We are thrilled to officially join the SICK family, where we can leverage this synergy to scale localization solutions worldwide.”

    Autonomous Mobile Robots – a Global Growth Market

    The global market for Autonomous Mobile Robots is valued at about four billion euros. With growth rates exceeding 15 percent, industries like intralogistics focused on efficiency are increasingly adopting these robots. Advanced sensors and software for navigation, localization, and positioning allow mobile robots to move accurately and safely in changing environments. When working near people, it is critical for autonomous robots to detect surroundings and human presence.

    About Accerion

    Accerion is a technology startup based in Venlo, Netherlands, established in 2015 by Willem-Jan Lamers. The company specializes in developing advanced, infrastructure-free positioning technology for mobile robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Their innovative sensors provide sub-millimeter accuracy, enabling precise navigation in dynamic environments without external infrastructure. This technology is particularly beneficial in industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics, where automation and efficiency are paramount. As of 2025, Accerion operates in 13 countries, serving key customers across multiple markets.

    About SICK

    SICK AG, founded in 1946 by Dr. Erwin Sick, is a global provider of sensor-based solutions for industrial applications. Headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, the company specializes in intelligent sensors and systems that improve automation across various sectors, including factory, logistics, and process automation. SICK’s product portfolio comprises of photoelectric sensors, safety light curtains, laser scanners, and identification solutions like barcode scanners and RFID readers. These technologies are integral to industries such as automotive, electronics, food and beverage, and packaging, where they ensure efficient process control, safety, and environmental protection. With nearly 60 subsidiaries and numerous agencies worldwide, SICK employs over 12,000 people and reported a group revenue of €2.3 billion in the 2023 fiscal year.

    Source: SICK AG

  • SPX FLOW, Siemens Showcase Digital Twin Tech at MxD

    SPX FLOW, Siemens Showcase Digital Twin Tech at MxD

    CHARLOTTE, NC, Jan 29, 2025 – SPX FLOW has collaborated with Siemens to highlight cutting-edge digital twin technology at the MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) center in Chicago. A premier hub for innovation in manufacturing, MxD is driving advances across industries such as food and beverage, chemicals, and batteries.

    At MxD, SPX FLOW and Siemens are demonstrating the transformative potential of digital twin technology. The technology is enhanced by industrial 5G connectivity and modular production using software-defined module type package (MTP) concepts, showcased through an automated mixing tank with an associated digital twin.

    The collaboration combines SPX FLOW’s fluid processing solutions (including mixers, pumps and valves) and expertise with Siemens’ IoT connectivity solutions and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)simulation capabilities to create a digital twin (a precise virtual replica of the physical systems) of an autonomous mixing tank concept. This enables users to design, test, and optimize fluid systems virtually, mitigate risks, improve efficiency and accelerate innovation.

    SPX FLOW supports Siemens in showcasing how virtual simulation can transform production. By creating a digital twin of a flexible, autonomous process, manufacturers can improve production, verify throughput, and adapt easily than with traditional fixed production lines. This method also enables continuous mixing of materials or ingredients while an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) navigates the plant, ensuring maximum production capacity and consistent quality.

    Image: A Guide to Fluid Mixing, J.Y. Oldshue, et al.

    “Our innovative fluid technologies combined with simulation-based digital twins and AI-driven modeling enables us to deliver faster, customer-focused solutions,” said Tyrone Jeffers, SPX FLOW vice president of global manufacturing and supply chain. “Together with Siemens, we are prioritizing flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability, paving the way for a new era of manufacturing excellence.”

    CFD modeling and IoT conditional monitoring support SPX FLOW’s product development by:

    • Accelerating Innovation: Reducing modeling time while improving precision.
    • Improving Efficiency: Refining designs with enhanced flow analysis.
    • Integrating Seamlessly: Aligning digital twins with real-world applications.
    • Smart Products: Leveraging IoT conditional monitoring to optimize equipment performance and enable predictive maintenance.

    “This collaboration is a win for us and a huge win for our industrial customers,” said Del Costy, managing director, Americas, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Working together with SPX FLOW and harnessing the power of live connections between the physical and digital worlds in digital twin models, we are helping customers to achieve faster time to market, optimize system performance, reduce costs and resource usage, and deliver tailored, application-specific solutions to meet their unique needs.”

    About SPX FLOW, Inc. 

    SPX FLOW, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a leading provider of process solutions for nutrition, health, and industrial markets. The company was established in 2015. It specializes in engineering, designing, and manufacturing a wide range of products, including pumps, valves, mixers, filters, air dryers, homogenizers, hydraulic tools, separators, and heat exchangers. These solutions serve industries such as food and beverage, power and energy, chemical processing, compressed air, mining, and other industrial sectors. Operating in more than 25 countries with a workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, SPX FLOW has a global presence and serves customers in over 140 countries. The company is recognized for its innovative and sustainable solutions that improve the world through advanced process technologies.

    About Siemens Digital Industries Software

    Siemens Digital Industries Software provides comprehensive solutions for digital transformation, offering software and services that enable companies to improve product design, manufacturing, and operational processes. It serves a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, electronics, and consumer products. Siemens Digital Industries Software has contributed towards innovation in manufacturing and product lifecycle management (PLM). The company is headquartered in Plano, TX, and is part of Siemens AG.

    Source: SPX FLOW

  • IDC MarketScape Names Siemens Leader in Manufacturing Execution Systems

    IDC MarketScape Names Siemens Leader in Manufacturing Execution Systems

    PLANO, TX, Jan 28, 2025 – Siemens Digital Industries Software announced that it has been named a leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) 2024–20251 vendor assessment. The IDC MarketScape report evaluates software providers in the MES market serving the manufacturing industry.

    “The recognition of Siemens as a manufacturing execution system leader in the IDC MarketScape report, we believe, highlights our fast pace of innovation to provide our customers with world-class integrated manufacturing execution systems technology,” said Tobias Lange, senior vice president manufacturing operations management, digital manufacturing, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Our continued commitment to delivering open, configurable, easily deployable and inherently scalable software is truly benefitting customers across the globe.”

    Siemens’ Opcenter at a glance

    Opcenter is Siemens’ software for MES, and with support for multi-plant architectures, it reduces the burden on regional IT teams and helps to lower overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). It seamlessly integrates with solutions from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industrial software, including Teamcenter software for Product Lifecycle Management, Simcenter software for simulation, Insights Hub for data analytics, AX4 and Supply Chain Suite, and Tecnomatix software for factory simulation to bring new levels of agility and productivity to the shop floor.

    To address the growing complexity of product and process management, disruptive technologies, supply chain volatility, and tightening margins, Siemens has introduced Opcenter X to empower small and medium businesses to embark on a progressive digital transformation journey through cloud technologies and accessing as software as a service (SaaS), which lowers the time and cost barriers for organizations to adopt MOM capabilities.

    “The need for shop floor processes to coordinate with rapidly evolving value chains requires that MES work seamlessly with other enterprise and manufacturing-focused applications to ensure visibility from the shop floor to the top floor,” said Lorenzo Veronesi, associate research sirector, IDC manufacturing insights. “Innovation drivers such as cloud computing, edge analytics, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), is significantly influencing the development of MES.”

    About IDC MarketScape

    IDC MarketScape is a vendor assessment tool in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, It serves industries such as information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology. It evaluates products, services, strategies, and potential for market success. This tool helps technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of both current and potential vendors. Established in 1964, IDC is headquartered in Needham, MA.

    About Siemens Digital Industries Software

    Siemens Digital Industries Software provides comprehensive solutions for digital transformation, offering software and services that enable companies to improve product design, manufacturing, and operational processes. It serves a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, electronics, and consumer products. Siemens Digital Industries Software has contributed towards innovation in manufacturing and product lifecycle management (PLM). The company is headquartered in Plano, TX, and is part of Siemens AG.

    1 IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Manufacturing Execution Systems 2024–2025 Vendor Assessment (doc # US51813624, December 2024)

    Source: Siemens

  • Volta Insite Will Use Apolo’s Generative AI to Monitor Electrical Equipment

    Volta Insite Will Use Apolo’s Generative AI to Monitor Electrical Equipment

    CHARLOTTE, NC, Jan 27, 2025 – Volta Insite has announced a collaboration with Apolo to enhance its automated intelligence capabilities using generative AI. This partnership focuses on transforming how businesses track and address equipment performance, improving efficiency and minimizing downtime.

    The collaboration brings generative AI capabilities into Volta’s AI framework, leveraging Apolo’s powerful AI platform that combines high-performance computing (HPC) resources, an enterprise-grade MLOps platform, and expert AI/ML consulting services. These AI-powered notifications will adjust based on the unique conditions of each piece of equipment at customer sites. They will provide clear, actionable insights to help improve operations. Using Apolo’s platform, Volta Insite is able to process large datasets, train machine learning models, and generate insights in less time, minimizing errors.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Apolo to integrate generative AI into our platform,” said Denis Kouroussis, CEO of Volta Insite. “Apolo’s combination of HPC power, advanced MLOps tools, and expert consulting has elevated the scalability and relevance of our notifications, ensuring our customers receive precise, actionable insights in real time. It’s a major step forward in predictive maintenance.”

    Volta Insite’s Electrical Signature Analysis solution has already redefined predictive maintenance by providing deep insights into equipment health. Its ability to detect issues ranging from belt degradations in mechanical systems to contactor-type faults and ground faults in electrical distribution systems sets it apart in the industry.

    “Partnering with Volta Insite to integrate generative AI into their groundbreaking predictive maintenance technology is a game-changer,” said Bill Kleyman, CEO and co-founder of Apolo.us. “By combining their innovation with Apolo’s advanced AI platform, we’re setting a new benchmark for data centers, hyperscaler’s and critical infrastructure. This collaboration will redefine operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and unlock transformative potential across the industry.”

    About Volta Insite

    Volta Insite, founded in 2022 and based in Cornelius, North Carolina, provides AI-powered tools for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of electrical systems. Their InsiteAI platform analyzes data to detect potential problems early, helping prevent equipment failures. They serve industries including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, wind energy, oil and gas, entertainment, mining, cement, water treatment, hydro energy, airports, data centers, steel and metal, cryptocurrency mining, HVAC, chemical, and utilities. Volta Insite is known for improving electrical asset management, increasing efficiency, and minimizing unplanned downtime across multiple sectors.

    About Apolo

    Apolo, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, focuses on upgrading data centers for AI capabilities. The company provides a white-label platform that works directly with existing systems. Their solution includes an abstraction layer and orchestration for AI tools, allowing collocation and hybrid cloud providers to offer GPU-as-a-service near clients’ data. The setup avoids data migration and complies with security, privacy, and regulatory standards. Apolo serves data centers, businesses, and startups needing advanced AI and machine learning solutions. They deliver customized options to improve operations and support AI development.

    Source: Volta Insite