Manufacturing Automation

1 week ago | automationmag.com | Carey Fredericks

The old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” certainly applies to manufacturing. Legacy systems, including older PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and non-networked machinery have long been the backbone of industrial operations. However, as manufacturing continues to evolve, and as companies see the benefits of leveraging data, legacy systems start to show their shortcomings.

2 weeks ago | automationmag.com | Carey Fredericks

To keep specialized automation equipment running smoothly for long periods, proper enclosure is obviously critical. While standard enclosures are still used in some manufacturing scenarios, custom enclosures have gained massive ground due to their many benefits. Top among these, note experts such as Rittal Canada president André Bousette, are outstanding value for the price and fast delivery.

3 weeks ago | automationmag.com | Carey Fredericks

Maple Advanced Robotics, a Canadian company, was named the winner of the Hannover Messe Robotics Award for 2025 at the event’s press preview on February 19, for its Autonomous Adaptable Robot System – AARS. The award honours companies that are driving pioneering developments in industry with their robot-assisted automation and logistics solutions. The company’s award-winning AARS project is an AI-driven robotics platform for fast and code-free programming.

1 month ago | automationmag.com | Sukanya Ray Ghosh

Canadian companies have had a rough start to the year as discussions on the potential economic impact of tariffs point towards difficult times ahead. Manufacturers are in strict saving-mode, hoping to emerge from this potential crisis mostly unscathed. While the end of 2024 suggested a growing focus on humanoid robotics and further advancements in AI, automation technologies have taken a backseat in current plans for Canadian manufacturers.

1 month ago | automationmag.com | Carey Fredericks

Since his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump has upended global supply chains with a rapid-fire series of executive orders imposing tariffs with almost immediate effect. Unfortunately, this type of economic shock is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Over the past nine years, businesses have faced Trump’s first-term trade policies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various whipsaw changes during Trump’s second term.