
Rockwell Automation joins the "shapers"
Rockwell Automation is now joining the "Shaper" group of companies to develop a communication solution for real-time and sensor-to-cloud applications in the industrial environment.
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Rockwell Automation is now joining the "Shaper" group of companies to develop a communication solution for real-time and sensor-to-cloud applications in the industrial environment.

Producing according to the matrix concept
On March 20, Kuka will officially open the new 'SmartProduction Center' in Augsburg. Customers and partners will be able to experience live what is behind the idea of matrix production.

Kuka has published preliminary figures for the 2017 financial year. In terms of turnover, the Group achieved significant double-digit growth. However, profits were in the red due to high investments and acquisitions.

Together with partner companies, Siemens is launching the user organization 'Mindsphere World'. The aim of the association is to promote the ecosystem around Mindsphere. It also includes companies that are involved in other IoT platforms.

Andreas Ostermann von Roth joined the management of pneumatics specialist Aventics on January 1, 2018. He succeeds Dr. Thomas Brückner, who retired in mid-2017.
Premium Aerotec has intelligently combined manual assembly steps with robot-supported automation in its Augsburg production halls. The result: waiting and throughput times as well as logistics costs have been significantly reduced.

Together with renowned automation companies, the 'Huawei Wireless X Labs' research platform has announced the establishment of the 'Wireless Connected Factory' special interest group. The aim is to promote applications of 5G technologies in industry.

International Federation of Robotics
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has elected Junji Tsuda from Yaskawa Electric in Japan as its new president. Tsuda succeeds Joe Gemma from Kuka, who is handing over the position to his successor after two years in office. The new Vice President is Steven Wyatt from ABB.

Kuka is acquiring a stake in the Munich-based company Device Insight. In doing so, the Augsburg-based robot manufacturer aims to strengthen the IoT expertise of its start-up subsidiary Connyun and broaden its own portfolio in this area.

The mechanical engineering group Kuka plans to cut 250 jobs at its headquarters in Augsburg. The jobs affected are in the 'Systems' division - the plant engineering division, as confirmed by a spokesperson on November 18, 2017.