Automation: extending electronics in manufacturing
Article Abstract:
Japan used about two-thirds of all the industrial robots in 16 leading industrialized nations in 1989, which Tokyo University Institute of Industrial Science professor Fumio Harashima says is the equivalent of about two million workers. The use of robots and other factory automation tools, including computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines and transportation, and such storing machines as unmanned forklifts, will be vital for the continued competitiveness of all manufacturing industries as labor shortages increase and global competition intensifies. The Japan Industrial Robot Association claims the number of robots in the country doubled between 1986 and 1991 and will double again by 1995. Leading Japanese robot manufacturers are Fanuc Ltd, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd and Yaskawa Electric Manufacturing Co; robotics in Korea and Singapore is discussed briefly.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1991
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Ways to verify the U.S.-Soviet arms pact
Article Abstract:
The intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) treaty bans all ground-launched nuclear missiles that travel from 500 to 5500 kilometers (intermediate-range). The US and the Soviet Union will install sensors and provide inspectors on each other's oil, according to the treaty. Sandia labs developed a tabletop model embodying the technologies that will likely be used by the US for monitoring purposes. The first installations and use will probably be at a plant in Votkinsk, which the US is to start monitoring continuously within six months after the treaty takes effect. The Votkinsk plant was designated as the sole manufacturer of several missiles covered in the treaty. They also produce refrigerators and prams. Other sites, technologies, and procedures are discussed.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1988
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Howard S. Jones, Jr.: this U.S. government engineer kept improving antenna design while becoming a generous mentor to younger engineers
Article Abstract:
Howard S. Jones Jr is a semi-retired electronics engineer who spent 37 years at the US Army's Harry Diamond Laboratory and has 31 patents. Howard is still in demand as both a technical consultant and a role model. He began as part of a lab team that explored troublesome details that were unforeseen in contracts, and he worked within strict aerodynamic parameters that limited the volume, weight, size and electric properties of the antennas. Jones' most important contribution to engineering was probably conformal antenna arrays; a related contribution was his idea for metallic depositions on plastic foam. The depositions enabled the development of especially lightweight antennas. Jones is still known for his professionalism and enthusiasm.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1992
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- Abstracts: Inventory and capacity trade-offs in a manufacturing cell. Analysis of an inventory system under supply uncertainty
- Abstracts: Job shop scheduling with alternative process plans. Manufacturing cells design with flexible routing capability in presence of unreliable machines
- Abstracts: Listening to the voice of the employee. Improving team effectiveness. My process is too variable - now what do I do? How to produce and use a successful multi-vari study
- Abstracts: Consumer electronics. Cleaning up: electronics manufacturers are rethinking their processes to remove toxic threats to workers' health and the environment
- Abstracts: Refreshing curricula: to cut down on dropouts, U.S. engineering schools are devising lively courses that emphasize hands-on design and teamwork