John Sprovieri

Editor-in-Chief at Assembly Magazine

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Articles

Four New Machine Vision Products

2 weeks ago | qualitymag.com | John Sprovieri

All the robots in the world won’t help your assembly process, if your parts are not in the right place or the right orientation for pick up. Vision systems can help. They can recognize different parts, determine how they are positioned, and tell a robot exactly how and where to pick them up and drop them off. The newest technologies take advantage of artificial intelligence to overcome inconsistent lighting or changes in optical scale. Here’s a look at four of the latest technologies.
Let's Talk About Tariffs: Effects on U.S. Manufacturing

2 weeks ago | assemblymag.com | John Sprovieri

Last fall, the CEO of a major supplier of assembly technology supplier assured me that spending on capital equipment would pick up in 2025 after the November presidential election, because manufacturers wanted certainty in the market before making investment decisions. Well, it’s been six months since the election, and certainty has been hard to find. Tariffs are on; tariffs are off. Tariffs are up; tariffs are down. It’s hard to keep up.
Software Analyzes Fastening Data

2 weeks ago | assemblymag.com | John Sprovieri

In 1840, Jerome Increase Case started a small business in Rochester, WI, threshing his neighbors’ crops with horse-powered machines. Over time, Case tinkered with the equipment to improve its performance. Two years later, he came up with a new and improved threshing system powered by water, rather than horses, and he founded a company in nearby Racine to supply the machines nationwide.
Four New Motion Control Products

3 weeks ago | assemblymag.com | John Sprovieri

Motion control technology is constantly evolving. Consider collaborative robots, for example. Cobots are designed to operate safely with or near people. But, that inherent safety goes out the window if the cobots are paired with actuators or end-effectors that are not designed to be collaborative. That’s why Thomson’s new Movotrak cobot transfer unit caught our eye. Read all about that and three other innovative new motion control products below.
Linear Indexing System Is Rigid, Precise

3 weeks ago | assemblymag.com | John Sprovieri

Choosing between linear and rotary indexers for an automated assembly application depends primarily on the size of the product and the space available on the plant floor. Most products assembled on rotary indexers are small, with each assembly process taking seconds, not minutes. Rotary indexers typically range in size from 18 inches to 15 feet in diameter. In general, these systems are best for simple assemblies—eight parts or less—that can be completed with 12 to 16 stations.
Smart Cameras Leverage AI to Improve Inspection

4 weeks ago | qualitymag.com | John Sprovieri

Hikrobot smart cameras from Absolute Gauge Technologies are compact, all-in-one machine vision systems for image acquisition, processing, storage and communication. Applications include defect detection; assembly verification; measurement and gauging; part tracking; robot guidance; presence detection; and sorting objects by color. Several models are available. Artificial intelligence is built into each model. Engineers have free access to VisionTrain software for advanced model building.
Robots Automate Assembly of Air Bag Sensors

4 weeks ago | assemblymag.com | John Sprovieri

There’s no doubt that automotive air bags have saved lives. Especially when used in conjunction with seatbelts, air bags have significantly reduced automotive fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that frontal air bags have saved more than 50,000 lives in the U.S. alone between 1987 and 2016. Frontal air bags reduce driver deaths by 29 percent in frontal crashes and fatalities of front-seat passengers aged 13 and older by 32 percent.
New Fastening Tools Prevent Defects

1 month ago | assemblymag.com | John Sprovieri

It wasn’t that long ago when the only option for installing threaded fasteners on the assembly line was a pneumatic tool with a simple shut-off clutch. These days, thankfully, assemblers have a host of options, including cordless tools, computer-controlled DC electric tools, and even robotic screwdriving systems. If you’re in the market for fastening tools, then you’ll want to attend The ASSEMBLY Show South, which will be held April 16-17 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN.
See the Latest Manufacturing Tech at Assembly Show South

1 month ago | industrytoday.com | John Sprovieri

Nearly 200 exhibitors will display the latest in automation, fastening tools, software, and other technology. Robots always draw lots of attention at the Assembly Show South. Photo courtesy AssemblyBy John Sprovieri, chief editor, AssemblyWatching robots pick and place parts quickly and accurately, it’s easy to think that the machines are just as capable as people, if not more so. In many ways, of course, they are. Robots are tireless, strong, fast and precise.
Nominees for Best in Show at Assembly, Quality and Adhesive Shows

1 month ago | assemblymag.com | John Sprovieri

Technologies More than 180 exhibitors will display the latest products and services at the ASSEMBLY Show South, the Quality Show, and Adhesives in Action, which will be held April 6-7 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN. To highlight the cornucopia of new and innovative technologies on display at the three-in-one event, the editors of ASSEMBLY, Quality and Adhesives and Sealants Industry have nominated the following products as being particularly innovative.