Based in Genoa, Italy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is one of the best research centers throughout all of Europe. Researchers there focus on several specialties, including robotics, computer vision and optical microscopy.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) is quickly gaining a foothold in manufacturing for several reasons. The radio-based communication technology offers fast (up to 27 megabits per second) and secure data transmission, centimeter-accurate location measurements within 70 meters and low power requirements.

Manufacturing high-quality products on a consistent basis is never easy. This is especially true for complex products used in consumer, business and industrial electronics.

Above all else, electronic products for aerospace and defense equipment must be durable and reliable. Based in Gloucestershire, England, Ultra Electronics Precision Control Systems (UPCS) has been making such products for both industries since 1925.

Gentherm Inc. has been assembling a wide range of thermal management products for the automotive industry since 1991, when it was known as Amerigon. In 1996, the company created the industry's first thermoelectrically heated and cooled seat system (called Climate Control Seat).

Every process change made by a manufacturer brings with it one or more unique challenges. Consider, for example, the challenges involved when switching from manual or pneumatic presses to servo models for low-force-pressing applications.

Clearly defined processes and parameters are highly valued in assembly. But, that doesn't mean there is no room for a little flexibility now and then.

Like workers in other industries, those on assembly lines can never afford to take the wrong things for granted. Assuming that automation will always be reliable or that just-good-enough products will keep customers coming back definitely shows a lack of foresight.

High performance is not always the only focus of production. Optimum flexibility is equally important.

Market analysts frequently point out that there is an ever-increasing demand for digital data storage. This is great news for Flexon Technology, a Bangkok-based integrator that serves manufacturers of cases for hard disk drive (HDD) data storage devices.