There is much going on in the world of fluid power and motion control, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the industries in which they work.
Delta Computer Systems Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Motion controller manufacturer Delta Computer Systems Inc. is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022. Since the company's start in 1982 it has grown into a key supplier of motion control solutions for industrial hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics used in a range of applications including manufacturing, automotive, testing and more.
To coincide with the company's anniversary, it is unveiling a new logo which demonstrates its focus on industrial motion control technologies. For now the company name will remain the same, but CEO and co-founder Steve Nylund said in Delta's press release announcing the anniversary and new logo that eventually the plan is to change the name to Delta Motion Inc.
Bosch Implementing Quantum Digital Twin Tech for Manufacturing Improvements
The Bosch Automotive Electronics plant in Madrid will conduct a research project with Multiverse Computing, a supplier of quantum computing solutions, in which quantum computing will be used to create a digital twin of the factory. This will be achieved through the use of quantum-based algorithms.
Multiverse's software will gather data to assess machine performance and production processes within the Bosch factory. By doing so, the companies can determine if there are improvements to make which will lead to enhanced quality control for the electronics produced. Overall operational efficiencies, energy and waste management could be improved as well.
"The collaboration with Multiverse is focused on improving the productivity and competitiveness of our factory by researching the use of quantum and quantum-inspired machine learning tools, aligned with our global Smart Factory strategy. We have a great expectation about the results of the algorithms development using our Big Data and about to spread this knowledge within Bosch organization.”
Results from the project are expected later in the year. There is also potential for implementation of the technology at other Bosch production sites.
Autonomous Truck Demonstrates Emergency Vehicle Interaction Capability
Embark Trucks Inc., developer of autonomous technology for trucks, has completed a public demonstration of its autonomous system's ability to safely interact with emergency vehicles.
The company worked together with the Texas Department of Public Safety (Texas DPS) and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) to integrate the capability for Embark-powered trucks to properly identify and stop when encountering law enforcement vehicles. Embark first announced development of the technology in June to ensure autonomously driven vehicles react appropriately during traffic stops or other events involving emergency vehicles.
To enable this capability, Embark built communication protocols and standard operating procedures into its autonomous driving technology which consists of sensors and software that dictate how a truck drives.
"The ability to engage safely in emergency vehicle interactions is necessary to operate an autonomous vehicle on public roads," said Emily Warren, Head of Public Policy at Embark Trucks. "Law enforcement always needs to be able to stop a commercial vehicle – autonomous or not – to ensure compliance with the law. This capability was designed to work seamlessly within existing law enforcement workflows, without requiring new training or technology investment by first responders."
The public demonstration consisted of an autonomous truck being pulled over by a police officer on a public highway.
Timken Names Leadership Promotions
The Timken Company has announced new positions for three of its leaders as part of the company's continued growth strategy.
Christopher Coughlin, who has been with the company since 1984 and held various positions, has been appointed executive vice president and president of Industrial Motion. In this position he will work to continue diversifying and growing Timken's bearing and industrial motion solutions.
Timken has also appointed Andreas Roellgen, another long-time company employee, to the role of executive vice president and president of Engineered Bearings. He will be responsible for leading this business and driving profitable growth.
In addition, Timken has appointed vice president of human resources Natasha Pollock an executive officer by the company's board of directors. During her time at the company she has helped to make it place which attracts good talent and has emphasized workplace diversity and inclusion, among other vital initiatives.
Electric Tractor Manufacturer to Begin Full-Rate Production in 2023
Monarch Tractor, developer of driver-optional electric agricultural tractors, plans to begin full-rate production of its MK-V Series tractor in the first quarter of 2023. This follows production of the company's Founder Series machine in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Founder Series tractors will be produced at Monarch Tractor's facility in Livermore, CA. For the MK-V Series, the company has signed a manufacturing agreement with Hon Hai Technology Group, better known as Foxconn, to build the OEM's next-generation machines and battery packs at Foxconn's facility in Ohio.
With this manufacturing partnership, Monarch Tractor will benefit from Foxconn's manufacturing knowledge and global network of suppliers. "This partnership reflects Foxconn’s growing center of gravity for autonomous electric vehicle production and the potential that can emerge from forward-thinking collaborations," said Young Liu, Chairman of Hon Hai Technology Group, in the company's press release announcing the partnership.
Foxconn's Ohio facility, a former GM plant, encompasses approximately 6.2 million sq. ft. of scalable production space which will benefit manufacture of the electric tractors.
