T.K. Chakrabarti, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Lokesh Machines Ltd, mentions that the Indian government is progressing in the right direction. The development of infrastructure, particularly roads, is an essential but challenging area of development. Providing an example of my company’s progress, we can now deliver our machines to any part of India within 3-5 days, a significant improvement from the previous 10-day delivery time. Lokesh Machines Ltd. is based in Hyderabad and leading manufacturers of CNC machine tools and SPM machines and serves globally.

How does the defence industry contribute to the economy?
The defence industry will thrive. Having personally visited numerous ordnance factories and being familiar with their product portfolios; the government is also committed to the Make-in-India initiative and exploring the export option. The defence corridor will be instrumental in bolstering the Indian economy. Lokesh Machines Ltd. is well-positioned to contribute to this growth, with its machines being highly suitable for defence component manufacturing.

How will financial schemes help boost businesses?
Startups require adequate financing to get off the ground, particularly when a technician intends to establish a small setup with one CNC machine and 2-3 allied products. The challenge lies ahead of the financial institutions as they will have to support the entrants based on their ability and ground-level technical experience, not their financial strength. The age bar for giving loans should also be discarded. Rather, the criteria can be that the option is available to newcomers in the business.

Will skilling opportunities and measures initiated by the government help sustainability?
Skilling is a challenge ahead, but India has enormous potential. The gap between skill development and skilled force requirements is vast. More skill-development centres located close to rural communities and workshops at the school level should be introduced. I recently learned that Japanese agricultural companies now employ our skilled workers.

How will incentives for the machine tools industry accelerate the pace of local manufacturing?
Machine tools are the foundation of all industries. The government should implement policies to encourage more R&D and new advancements in the machine tool sector. This will enable the production of CNC machines on par with the finest in the world and reduce the import of machines, which still accounts for 65 percent of India’s overall sales. The government wants to decrease imports by 5 percent annually. This means that within 12 to 14 years, India shall be completely self-sufficient in the machine tool sector and import very few machines or machine parts. Atamanirbharta is a significant task, but it is attainable. Our primary goal is to implement the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and strengthen the machine tool industry and the nation from a technical and engineering standpoint.

Indian manufacturing companies are increasingly adopting digital technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning to transform operations. However, exceptional customer experience (CX) has become a crucial differentiator. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into their customer service, manufacturers can deliver high-quality service while reducing operational costs, ultimately future-proofing their business, says Vasudeva Rao Munnaluri, RVP India and SAARC, Zendesk.

How can Indian industrial robot manufacturers use digital tech to improve customer experience and implement automation in customer support and employee experience?
Innovation is at the core of industrial robots, which aim to provide convenience. Research and Markets predict that the Indian industrial robots manufacturing market will grow at a CAGR of 8.7 percent from 2022-2031 due to the adoption of digital technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), the Internet of Things, and machine learning. The Indian manufacturing industry is undergoing the Industry 4.0 transformation, focusing on integrating emerging technologies and strategies. However, delivering high-quality products and solutions is no longer sufficient to stay competitive in the global market.

Exceptional customer experience is now a key differentiator.
While businesses that manufacture smart robotic systems understand the benefits of automation, a 2021 Reuters survey of supply chain executives revealed that only 20 percent of respondents were using fully automated systems. Over half were still reliant on legacy planning systems. According to McKinsey, industrial robots will become automation enablers. Therefore, businesses in this sector should also consider implementing automation in customer support and employee experience areas.

Our 2022 CX Trends Report revealed that 80 percent of customers believe AI should simplify their lives. AI and ML can seamlessly collect and process data, providing insights into device failure, service and maintenance requirements, and part replacements. This information can help industrial robot manufacturers exceed customer expectations. As an industry that thrives on innovation, manufacturers can benefit from ensuring that their customer service matches the technological efficiency of their products.

How can manufacturers balance high-quality customer service and cost reduction in the face of an economic recession and rising expectations, and how can machine learning and AI help achieve this?
The World Bank predicts an economic recession in 2023, raising concerns for businesses across sectors, including manufacturing. As customer expectations continue to rise, manufacturers must deliver high-quality service 24/7 while reducing operational costs. Future-proofing through strategic planning is key.

Investing in machine learning and AI solutions can significantly impact future-proofing. IDC predicts that by 2025, extensive automation of business infrastructure will result in significant cost reductions. Customers want to be self-reliant and expect accessible automated customer service. AI and machine learning integrated with CX can provide customers robust self-service capabilities. Chatbots can provide customers with 24/7 support, directing them to relevant help centre articles or handing them over to a human agent based on query complexity. This reduces the time taken to address each query, and 40% of companies implementing automation and AI saw a 15% improvement in first response time. By freeing up agents’ time from mundane queries, they can focus on tasks that require a human touch, reducing roadblocks associated with human errors. Zendesk’s report found that a single bad experience can drive away 61% of customers. Automation can streamline workflows and processes, improving efficiency and transparency. A well-rounded technological approach can help manufacturers fine-tune their processes, saving costs and increasing success.

How can AI and ML improve manufacturing in predictive maintenance and supply chain management while enhancing customer experience and loyalty?
Manufacturers seek ways to improve their bottom line, and AI and ML are proven to be valuable assets in this regard as data becomes increasingly important across industries.

AI and ML can help with tasks like predictive maintenance, identifying and addressing bottleneck issues, and streamlining supply chain challenges. Manufacturers can analyse demand, forecast future trends, and adjust production and supply accordingly using AI-based order management systems. Additionally, IoT devices can monitor products throughout the production and supply chain processes to ensure they meet regulatory standards. A comprehensive approach to operations can help manufacturers differentiate themselves regarding customer service. By using data-driven and robust CX solutions, companies can exceed customer expectations and foster lasting loyalty. For instance, manufacturers can use help centres and chatbots to facilitate self-service and reduce agents’ time spent addressing many simple queries on the same topic. In the long run, taking a technology-forward approach can reduce the total cost of ownership, deepen loyalty, and improve operational efficiency.

How can businesses in the manufacturing industry benefit from the use of conversational AI and chatbots?
Gartner predicts that chatbots could be the primary customer service channel for a quarter of global organisations within the next five years. As businesses look for cost-saving measures amid economic uncertainty, chatbots are increasingly seen as a cost-effective solution, with two-thirds of manufacturing businesses globally believing they drive cost savings, according to Zendesk’s CX Trends 2022 report. While chatbots can help reduce the workload of human agents, businesses should consider the complexity of queries and integrate chatbots with machine learning technology to hand off to a human agent for more complex requests.

At Zendesk, we aim to make AI and ML-based CX solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes and sectors, including those reliant on legacy systems. Our recently launched AI solutions, Intelligent Triage and Smart Assist, automate the triaging of customer support requests and provide valuable data insights to prioritise revenue drivers, guide agents in real time, and improve coaching and training.

How can LCNC solution help businesses develop a quality CX?
Customers’ preferences have shifted towards digital-first engagement, and they expect more control over how they interact with businesses. However, developers need more supply, making meeting these expectations on modern messaging channels challenging. The low code revolution, which provides an accessible and easy-to-use platform for customisation, is making it easier and faster to develop and meet these demands. The LCNC market in India is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 28.1 percent from 2021-2025, as it allows both developers and non-technical experts to build platforms to meet rising customer expectations.

Our CX Accelerator report found that only 47 percent of Indian companies use AI to make their service teams more efficient. At Zendesk, we want to change that by making seamless customer service accessible to businesses of all sizes through our AI solutions and nocode workflow tools. Our LCNC solution can empower manufacturers and other industries to develop their ideal CX and meet their customers’ needs, ultimately providing exceptional AI-based service solutions.

How can businesses ensure that their implementation of automation adds value to the workflow while maintaining worker safety and product quality?
By 2025, over 20% of products are expected to be manufactured, packed, shipped, and delivered without human touch, according to Gartner. With the rise of automation and AI, exercising caution and ensuring that automated processes add value and enhance workflow is crucial.

Before implementing automation, businesses should consider where it adds value, whether it takes charge of repetitive or unsafe tasks or enhances product quality. It is essential to seamlessly integrate new systems into the existing workflow and regularly review measures and practices. Employee training is crucial for safely and efficiently operating automated equipment and software. Workers should be equipped with the knowledge to conduct quality checks, navigate complex machinery, and interact with automated systems.

Although the future is heavily automated, it is important to remember that human collaboration is necessary. Therefore, regularly revisiting measures and practices ensure that human and automation strategies work effectively.

Can automation provide benefits beyond task automation in the manufacturing industry?
Automation can simplify complex workflows in the manufacturing industry by collating and organising processes and systems. Manufacturers can achieve a high level of transparency by having a single system that tracks and updates all tasks, communications, and data. Automated systems also facilitate cross-departmental collaboration, which can improve team productivity and facilitate the sharing of information and knowledge. This can help identify key challenges and roadblocks within the company and enhance the customer experience.

Employee well-being is a crucial consideration when implementing automation strategies. For instance, a robotics manufacturing company may receive the same query daily “how to turn on the robot?” With automated CX, human agents may respond to countless versions of this query daily, which is not the best use of talent. Chatbots could easily handle such tasks, freeing up live agents to work on other aspects of CX and enhance their technical expertise, ultimately boosting their performance and professional development. Redirecting mundane tasks to automated systems can enhance live agents’ technical expertise, performance, and professional development. This will allow them to work on other aspects of CX, resulting in more efficient use of their talents.

Could you share a case study that illustrates the impact of Zendesk’s services on improving customer experience and relationships for a manufacturer?
Manufacturing businesses have traditionally prioritised product specifications, pricing, and performance over customer experience, but as competition intensifies and the economy faces challenges, many are rethinking their approach to CX. Zendesk offers manufacturers flexible and user-friendly tools to help them digitally transform their services and develop customer-centric operations that build stronger customer relationships.

For example, Stanley Black and Decker had 10,000 monthly tickets and call centres worldwide, but they aimed to centralise data and improve the post-purchase experience for their customers. Zendesk’s Professional Services Team addressed their needs and provided seamless customer experience solutions. This included enabling multilingual support, integrating queries from platforms like Facebook into a unified system, using Web Widget to capture sales, and giving their service team access to additional support channels. As a result, Stanley Black and Decker experienced a 500% increase in sales compared to the previous year and a 300% increase in agent efficiency.

In a recent interview with Mani Narayanan, CEO of Messer Cutting Systems India Private Limited, he discussed the evolving Indian industry,  growth opportunities, and the key drivers of growth in the manufacturing sector. Narayanan also shared insights on potential opportunities for growth in the thermal cutting industry and how organisations can stay ahead of the competition through innovation and process automation.

How do you see the Indian industry evolving in the next decade, and what are some of the major opportunities for growth that you foresee?
The Indian industry has witnessed tremendous changes over the past two decades, and it is imperative to adopt these changes in order to stay competitive. With the Indian economy ranking as the 5th largest in the world, there are enormous opportunities for growth in various sectors. The 2023-24 budget has allocated significant investment capital for infrastructure development, particularly in railways. As a result, we foresee many opportunities for growth in infrastructure and related sectors.

What are some key drivers of growth in the Indian manufacturing sector, and how can organisations stay competitive in an increasingly digitised and automated environment?
The Indian industry has significantly improved over the last decade, especially in manufacturing. Productivity has significantly increased with advancements in process automation, digitalisation, and robotics. Industry 4.0 has played a crucial role in making organisations more data-driven, and technology-based startups have emerged to cater to the growing demand for innovation.

What are some potential opportunities for growth in the thermal cutting industry, and how can organisations stay ahead of the competition in terms of innovation and process automation?
The thermal cutting industry has seen significant developments in the last five years, with laser technology playing a major role in sheet metal cutting. We are witnessing more aggressive developments towards cutting thick metal plates with lasers, and there is a potential opportunity for advanced systems and attachments to CNC in mechanised plasma systems. Bevel attachments have become more affordable, and there is potential to offer bevel-attached machines to meet the upcoming market demands. With the need for process automation on the rise, we have prepared ourselves with modular products that can be customised to meet customer demands.

Can you describe a specific example of how your company has helped a customer achieve cost savings by adopting IoT and process automation?
Every customer has unique needs and requirements when adopting new technologies or features. At our company, we take the time to understand each customer’s specific applications and suggest the best products to suit their environment. We have observed that customers can benefit in many ways from adopting IoT and process automation, including increased effectiveness through data analytics, improved quality and consistency in production, and significant cost savings through automated material handling solutions. Our modular design allows us to customise solutions to meet our customer’s needs and optimise their supply chain practices.

Can you tell me more about the Messer Intelligent Solution and how it differs from other plate management solutions in the market?
Our company provides several products in different segments of the market. One of our products is OmniWin, an advanced nesting software capable of handling various nesting jobs and optimising plate utilisation. Another product we offer is OmniFab, which integrates all the data from OmniWin, Production, Machine and ERP systems into one solution for plate management. Additionally, we provide bevel attachments for applications in Oxyfuel, Plasma, and Laser systems, which serve various welding preparations. Lastly, we offer Messer Intelligent Solution, a completely customised solution for plate management, including loading and unloading sheets, auto storage and retrieval of plates, sorting of parts, and many other solutions for plate handling.

How does your extensive experience and application knowledge in the thermal cutting industry help in providing solutions to complex issues faced by your customers?
Messer Cutting Systems is a leading partner in the thermal cutting industry, having served customers for 125 years in the global market. We have extensive experience and application knowledge in this industry, enabling us to provide solutions to complex customer issues. Our innovative products feature state-of-the-art technology and cater to all three energy sources: Oxyfuel, Plasma, and Laser. Additionally, we offer after-sales support for infrastructure and personalised service support. We also provide material handling and automation solutions throughout India, making us the partner of choice for our customers.

By streamlining routine processes, organisations can reduce costs and improve productivity and efficiency, making these processes good candidates for automation with the help of AI and MI. In addition, the shift from 4.0 to 5.0 in the manufacturing industry is expected to bring significant changes, with the adoption of IoT-related technologies like IoT-based sensors and AI and MI to improve competitiveness.

Growth in the automation industry
India’s manufacturing sector is rapidly adopting automation in the service sector, particularly with hyper-automation integration. This integration involves collecting real-time data and utilising it in artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. This information can be used to develop equipment, machine learning, and artificial intelligence with good data and analytical integration. Over time, this digitisation of routine processes can streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve productivity and efficiency, making these processes good candidates for automation with the help of AI and MI. Process automation is particularly relevant to manufacturing organisations, making it a suitable candidate for deploying hyper-automation, which includes AI, MI, robotic process automation, and business process management. Low-code and no-code tools can also be utilised to integrate with standard platforms based on the process, facilitating hyper-automation deployment.

New technology developments in automation industries in recent times
The manufacturing industry in India is undergoing a major shift towards automation, with hyper-automation being integrated with real-time information systems such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. When good data is available and analysed, it can be used to develop equipment or AI and MI. Streamlining routine processes with this information can reduce costs and improve productivity and efficiency. These processes can be automated using AI and MI. The shift in the manufacturing industry from 4.0 to 5.0 is becoming evident. The availability of data will be enhanced with the new 5G technology, and data processing and interpretation will be faster, leading to quicker decision-making. These technologies are taking shape in India and helping drive artificial intelligence. Robotic automation, including collaborative robots or cobots, will also change the face of robotics. To take full advantage of these two new technology trends, deploying certain IoT-related technologies, like IoT-based sensors, will also be necessary. New data-related technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cobots, data science, blockchain, and cybersecurity, drive the 5G industry. The risks associated with data, including cybersecurity, are also becoming a priority with the introduction of data science. While the manufacturing industry needs to be faster to adopt these technologies, the shift from 4.0 to 5.0 is expected to bring significant changes to the sector.

AI and MI to improve competitiveness in manufacturing sector
To leverage AI and MI for business growth, it is crucial to identify processes that can be automated strategically. This involves determining where AI technology can be utilised to streamline complex and time-consuming operations, such as multi-level approval processes, which can impact employee productivity. By implementing a well-controlled system with AI and ML deployment, businesses can gain a competitive advantage by expediting efficiency and optimising overall cost and employee productivity. A survey conducted by HR revealed that managers spend almost 60 to 70 percent of their time on administrative tasks, which are routine and repetitive. To allow managers to focus on more skilled and value-adding tasks, AI can be used to automate these processes and drive workflow through artificial intelligence. This can improve capital skills, upskill employees, and enhance business competitiveness.

Hyperautomation to mechanise information
To utilise AI and MI for business growth, it is essential to identify which processes can be strategically automated and where AI technology can be leveraged to streamline operations and workflows. This can reduce unnecessary complexity and time-consuming processes and increase employee productivity. A well-controlled system with artificial and machine learning deployment can expedite efficiency and productivity, optimise overall cost, and help employees focus on value-adding tasks.

Disclaimer – Views expressed in the article are solely from the Author. 

Omron’s Motion & Drives technology is revolutionising shop floors by combining Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with drives to enhance equipment efficiency, improve precision and positioning, increase speed, and provide smarter torque controls. With innovative features such as speed, accuracy, space-saving, flexibility, and customised solutions, this cutting-edge technology transforms industries such as packaging, material handling, inspection, robotics, and automotive and food & beverage manufacturing. Let’s explore how Omron’s Motion & Drives technology adds value to shop floors and revolutionises the automation industry.

Using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with drives is a crucial component of the automation ecosystem on a shop floor. This combination enhances equipment efficiency by saving energy, improving precision and positioning, increasing speed, and providing smarter torque controls to meet cost and productivity goals. Drives regulate and control the rotation of equipment such as fans, conveyors, pumps, and machine spindles.

One example of a drive is the Variable Frequency Drive, which saves energy by consuming only the necessary power and provides better motor control, a simplified user interface, and the ability to perform more complex applications. Another example is the Servo drive, which positions a motor shaft using control signals precisely, making  it ideal for robotics and high-speed machines. This feature is particularly useful for controlling a robot arm or positioning a conveyor for item picking or placing.

Drives can also interpret and analyse different indicators with the advent of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The growth of the drives business is driven by application-based segments such as packaging, material handling, inspection,  robotics, and the automotive and food & beverage manufacturing sectors.

Omron’s Motion & Drives portfolio includes Servo Systems, Motion Controllers, and Frequency Inverters that provide speed, accuracy, space-saving, flexibility, and customised technology to meet specific load conditions and add value to shop floors.

Automation technologies are revolutionizing the manufacturing and logistics industries, providing advantages such as increased productivity, enhanced quality, and reduced labor-related risks. With autonomous robotics, AI, and IoT, manufacturers can improve their productivity, accuracy, repeatability, and quality by incorporating robotics and automation solutions into their production lines. The Indian industries are rapidly adopting these technologies. As a result, the industrial automation market is projected to increase from USD 205.86 billion in 2022 to USD 395.09 billion by 2029, representing a CAGR of 9.8 percent.

Automation aims to improve manufacturing quality, efficiency, and productivity. This involves using autonomous robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the internet of things (IoT) for predictive maintenance to detect and fix product defects. Automation offers several advantages for warehouses, such as increasing productivity and reducing labour-related risks. Using advanced technology in smart factories leads to higher productivity and better quality. Logistics companies use AI to optimize various operations, including demand forecasting and robot delivery.

Retailers’ investments in automation are expected to drive significant growth in the industrial automation market, which is predicted to increase from USD 205.86 billion in 2022 to USD 395.09 billion by 2029, representing a CAGR of 9.8 percent. Furthermore, the warehouse automation market is projected to reach USD 51 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 23 percent. Manufacturers can improve productivity, accuracy, repeatability, and quality by incorporating robotics and automation solutions into their production lines. For instance, robots with three- or six-axis robotic arms can handle materials and pick-and-place tasks more quickly and efficiently.

Smart factories
Smart factories, which deploy automation technology in every connected machine to enhance output, represent a new generation of manufacturing under Industry 4.0. According to Himanshu Sharma, Head of Marketing & Corporate Communication at B&R Industrial Automation, adopting new technologies focusing on industrial application patterns and techniques leads to interconnectivity and smart automation, resulting in improved efficiency, maintenance, and machine data security.

When we discuss a “smart factory,” we’re primarily talking about automation and data exchange on the shop floor, which results in real-time visibility and analysis. While automation has become synonymous with robotics and machines to reduce employee workload, other manufacturing automation forms, such as robotics, conveyance, and vision, can be integrated into production tasks.

Robotics
Robotics, humans, and machines collaborate to deliver consistent quality. Human employees can concentrate on more complex issues by delegating mundane tasks to robots. Additionally, incorporating robots on the factory floor has significantly reduced error margins and increased precision.

Collaborative robots offer a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional industrial robots, according to Senthil Kumar V., Head of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric India, and can operate alongside human workers, making them ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that require flexibility in their production processes. Robotics is being used to build robots that can handle various tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and other industries. They can be programmed to execute repetitive tasks with high accuracy, speed, and consistency.

IoT-enabled machines
From a technological standpoint, there is a growing interest in fast and accurate IoT-enabled machines that are essential for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to build the factories of the future. Adopting industrial automation systems as part of Industry 4.0 has transformed Indian industries, providing them with the necessary tools to execute predictive maintenance and minimize downtime. Augmented and virtual reality technologies are used to run production lines efficiently and remotely commission and troubleshoot machines. Furthermore, leveraging machine learning (ML) algorithms enables industries to diagnose issues, minimize manufacturing errors, and save time and money.

Indian industries are focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability to an unprecedented degree, driving the adoption of advanced drives and control technologies. Automation technologies, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic arms, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), are transforming the Indian logistics and warehousing industry, reducing costs, improving productivity, and enhancing competitiveness through operational accuracy. According to Senthil Kumar, industrial automation reduces production costs and improves product quality, resulting in long-term profits.

 

Senthil Kumar V., Head of Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric India.
“Robotics is being leveraged to develop robots that can perform various tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and other industries.”

Himanshu Sharma, Head Marketing & Corporate Communication, B&R Industrial Automation.
“There are newer trends that will dominate the market in the coming years. This is mainly due to the adaptation to the new digital life.”

Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Managing Director –India and Infrastructure, Business APAC, Kennametal India Limited.
“Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies are being used for the efficient running of production lines as well as remote machine commissioning and troubleshooting.”

Amol Bari, Head – Services Business, Pilz India Pvt. Ltd.
“Today, machine builders, factories, and plants look at automation as a means to optimise operations and processes, helping them become more productive, efficient, and profitable.”

B. Karthik, Vice President & Business Head -Automation Division, Fuji Electric India Pvt. Ltd.
“Industrial automation is confronted with new difficulties and opportunities due to digitisation, particularly Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things.”

Sandhya Pande, Director and Site Leader, Connected Care Business, Philips HIC Pune.
“The shift in the manufacturing industry from 4.0 to 5.0 is becoming evident. The availability of data will be enhanced with the new 5G technology, and data processing and interpretation will be faster, leading to quicker decision-making.”

Integrating advanced technologies, such as AI, ML, IoT, and robotics, has optimised various processes across industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing. Furthermore, adopting smart factories has been vital for promoting sustainability, reducing energy consumption, and providing safer and more efficient work environments for employees. Schneider is one of the companies that recognise the importance of smart factories and advocates for the industry’s shift towards this setup for efficient and sustainable operations.

What benefits have Indian industries gained from Industry 4.0 technology and smart factories?
Indian industries are experiencing a transformation through the increasing adoption of automation and robotics. Deploying industrial automation systems, such as Industry 4.0, empowers Indian businesses to participate in the next industrial revolution. This technology gives the manufacturing industry the tools to execute predictive maintenance and minimise downtime. The use of advanced equipment in smart factories improves productivity levels and quality. Leveraging machine learning algorithms helps industries diagnose concerns, reduce manufacturing errors, and save time and money.

Collaborative robots provide a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional industrial robots, making them ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that require flexibility in their production processes. Adopting automation technologies, such as automated guided vehicles, robotic arms, and automated storage and retrieval systems, is transforming the Indian logistics and warehousing industry, reducing costs, improving productivity, and enhancing competitiveness. Indian industries also focus on energy efficiency and sustainability by adopting advanced driving and control technologies.

How do emerging technologies optimise industrial automation and benefit businesses?
Industrial automation decreases production costs and improves product quality, leading to long-term profits. This digitalisation of the industrial sector makes processes efficient by leveraging robots, computers, and other control systems to supervise various tasks. AI and ML technologies are being used to develop intelligent automation solutions that can learn and adapt to changing conditions. IoT technologies connect and integrate different devices and systems within an automation environment, allowing businesses to optimise operational and functional practices.

Robotics is being leveraged to develop robots that can perform various tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and other industries. Cloud computing technologies store and process large amounts of data generated by automation systems, enabling businesses to analyse data in real time and make informed decisions. Advanced sensors collect data on various aspects of an automation environment, such as temperature, pressure, and vibration. AR and VR technologies are used to develop training and simulation tools that help operators and maintenance personnel to learn and practice complex tasks in a safe and controlled environment.

How can SMEs and MSMEs overcome automation adoption barriers, and what role can technology providers play in providing the necessary expertise and technology?
The adoption and implementation of automation for SMEs and MSMEs face several barriers, including proprietary industrial automation architectures that constrain innovation and increase the total cost of ownership. Lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits and potential of these technologies also hinders their adoption.

Therefore, it is crucial to educate business owners and decision-makers about the advantages of automation and conduct cost-benefit analyses to make informed decisions. Collaboration with technology providers can help businesses access the necessary technology and expertise to implement automation and develop flexible and customisable solutions that meet their needs. Appropriate training programs and initiatives should be provided to develop the necessary skills among employees to operate and maintain these technologies.

What are the advantages of introducing robots into the manufacturing industry, and how have they positively impacted the work environment?
The manufacturing industry has seen immense growth due to the integrating of industrial robots and automation, leading to a collaborative effort between humans, robots, and machines to deliver consistent quality. Employees can focus on solving more complex problems by delegating repetitive tasks to robots.

The introduction of robots in factories has reduced error margins, increased precision, and created a safer work environment for employees. Additionally, the rise of robotics has led to better job opportunities in programming, software development, testing, maintenance, and servicing. Technological advancements, such as robotics, have become necessary for companies to stay competitive in a constantly evolving industrial landscape. Therefore, it is crucial to embrace these advancements to achieve long-term success.

How does the implementation of factory automation benefit manufacturers in terms of cost and efficiency, and how can it help them adapt to a constantly evolving industrial landscape?
Implementing factory automation requires a long-term outlook to evaluate its cost and benefits. Although the initial investment in factory automation may seem expensive, the higher ROI returns make it a compelling business case to upgrade the manufacturing process. The traditional method of establishing a new factory infrastructure for every new product iteration must be updated. The modern, software-centric approach has introduced a-la-carte automation solutions for boundless innovations.

Future factories must be aligned with the rapidly evolving world by producing top-notch products in line with global standards. The implementation of factory automation presents an opportunity for manufacturers to future-proof their operations by moving towards a smart factory setup.

How do smart factories promote sustainability and boost productivity? Any example of how Schneider uses them?
Smart factories connect people with machines to optimise overall operations, achieve higher business profitability and productivity, and empower the workforce to make data-backed decisions for integrating safety and efficiency across processes. The easy access to information through user manuals, instructions, and diagrams, among other data, reduces operator errors and ensures effective information delivery.

Additive manufacturing guarantees sufficient supply to meet demand without compromising quality, while IoT-enabled monitoring systems pave the way for predictive maintenance, increasing asset performance and reducing downtime. Most importantly, smart factories are essential for sustainable development, as they reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint. Schneider recognises the importance of smart factories and strongly recommends the manufacturing industry shift towards this setup for efficient and sustainable operations.

In a recent industry talk hosted by OEM Update magazine in March 2023, Mr. Raman Sopory, Founder & President of the Aerospace & Defence Consultants Association of India, shared his views on the current state and potential for growth in India’s aerospace and defence industry. With increasing interest from investors and government policy initiatives promoting the industry, India is poised for significant opportunities in this sector.

India’s aerospace defence industry is experiencing significant growth and profitability, making it an attractive investment opportunity for private equity players. Despite a limited number of listed Indian companies in this sector, there is enormous potential for growth and profitability, with private equity players showing keen interest in unlisted smart companies.

The Indian government has implemented various policy initiatives to promote the aerospace and defence industry, including the PLI scheme for the production of drones in different sectors. The Aerospace & Defense Consultants Association of India (ADCAI) has successfully convinced the government to reduce the GST on the MRO industry from 18 to 5 percent, which could fuel further growth in the industry. Although COVID has impacted the industry, the long lifespan of aerospace platforms provides significant business opportunities for India in the maintenance and repair services sector. Investing in such industries could also help fulfil offset obligations.

The private sector in India is now encouraged to participate in the space industry, and bureaucratic processes have become more efficient and accessible. Individuals, startups, or medium-sized enterprises can approach the Indian MoD or Service HQ to discuss their ideas and receive a positive hearing. If the idea is promising, it can be acted upon and funded through various government schemes. The drone industry is devising a comprehensive vision document, and integrating artificial intelligence and robotics is underway.

India’s ecosystem for young entrepreneurs is flourishing, with increasing support from OEMs such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Thales and foreign players like Israelis and Russians. Over the next five years, three or four Indian private sector companies are expected to feature in the defence top 100 lists. Two or three Indian startups will likely achieve unicorn status within three to four years.

The investment sector is also interested in India’s defence and aerospace industry, focusing on infrastructure and development. Funding is now readily available for projects and ideas of all sizes. Even students aged 18 and above can submit their ideas to the Army Design Bureau and receive funding and an audience presentation. The industry has become more accessible and inclusive, encouraging innovation and collaboration.

The government has also extended schemes and implemented emergency purchase provisions, reducing the project process time to around six months, unlike when projects used to hang for 10-20 years and then get discarded.

In an interview with Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Managing Director –India and Infrastructure Business APAC, Kennametal India, we discuss the latest industry trends and how they integrate them into their product development process. We also explore a machining challenge in the aerospace industry and how they resolved it while ensuring tooling reliability and precision. Moreover, we discuss a customer collaboration experience where they identified machining challenges and suggested solutions while ensuring maximum productivity and optimal cost per edge.

How do you keep up with industry trends and integrate them into Kennametal’s product development process?
The industry is experiencing a surge of interest in IoT-based machines that can multitask, delivering fast and accurate results. This trend is crucial for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) seeking to create the factories of the future. Additionally, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are being deployed to improve the efficiency of production lines and enable remote machine commissioning and troubleshooting. Automation is another technology gaining traction, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and quality.

As we operate in sectors that are witnessing the emergence of new technologies, such as the transition to e-mobility, the adoption of sustainable solutions, and the use of alternative materials to enhance performance and productivity, we at Kennametal are continuously developing new and innovative products to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Can you describe a machining challenge you faced in aerospace and how you resolved it while ensuring tooling reliability and precision and managing thermal and mechanical stress to avoid part damage?
The aerospace market is experiencing growth, with a rising focus on materials with high strength-to-weight ratio, heat-resistant superalloys, and components with complex geometries and tighter machining tolerances. Sustainability has also become an integral part of the industry’s performance requirements, necessitating lower fuel consumption to reduce CO2 emissions, using new-age materials to reduce NOx emissions, and optimising the number of components to minimise external noise while ensuring a green product lifecycle.

However, machining aerospace components presents some challenges. For example, Heat Resistant Alloys (HRAs) have a high-chemical reactivity that can cause the chip to weld to the tool, resulting in premature failure. Moreover, the chip-tool contact area is relatively small, causing significant stress concentration due to the higher cutting forces and temperatures that can cause the cutting tool to fail prematurely. Even Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs), which are extensively used in aircraft structures, are highly abrasive and can cause flank wear to the tool, which may distort the surface quality of the materials. As a result, machining critical components for aero engines and structures at optimal production rates necessitates reliable, high-precision tooling for roughing and finishing operations. The entire process must be secured to avoid any damage to the part, which requires thermal and mechanical stress management in the machining zone, along with tooling that ensures HP coolant delivery systems and heat-resistant substrate and coating.

Can you share a customer collaboration experience where you identified their machining challenges in aerospace and suggested a solution that met their requirements while ensuring maximum productivity and optimal cost per edge?
As mentioned, the aerospace industry demands advanced tooling solutions that maximise metal removal rates, cutting speeds, and flexibility while ensuring exceptional tool life. Kennametal is committed to working closely with customers to identify their machining challenges and suggests the optimal solution. For instance, Kennametal’s new HARVI Ultra 8X helical milling cutter features attributes that deliver maximum productivity at the lowest possible cost per edge. The cutter can consistently remove up to 20 cubic inches of titanium per minute, with a tool life of one hour or more. The flutes and coolant nozzles ensure the maximum flow of chips, enabling the removal of high quantities of material without jamming. At the same time, double-sided inserts offer a lower cost per edge and the ability to increase speeds and feeds beyond what was previously feasible.

How do the recent policy changes allowing foreign investment in India’s aerospace industry impact the MRO sector? What opportunities does this create, and how can companies capitalise on it?
India’s aviation market is expected to be among the top three in the world by 2024, driven by increasing income and a preference for air travel. The Indian government’s recent decision to allow foreign investment up to 49 percent is expected to boost investment and advanced technologies in the industry and increase private sector participation. These developments are also expected to support the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry, projected to reach $2.4 billion by 2028. Land allocations have already been made for MRO facilities, indicating progress in this sector.

In summary, there is positive momentum in the aerospace industry in India, but success will depend on the speed of execution and support for ease of doing business.

How will 3D printing impact the aerospace industry’s future in terms of innovation, manufacturing, and supply chain management?
The global industrial 3D printing market is experiencing significant growth and has great potential for future development. As an early adopter of this technology, the aerospace industry is leading the way regarding its applications and benefits. Kennametal recognises the potential for 3D printing to improve our customer’s performance and deliver value through optimised designs, and we are actively exploring opportunities in this area.

Industry experts discussed emerging opportunities and challenges, self-reliance in design capabilities, advanced technologies like Industry 4.0, AI and IoT, collaborations, 3D printing, enhancing the productivity of Indian manufacturing and growth of the economy.

India’s defence and aerospace sector has transformed from a major importer of weapons and defence systems to a promising manufacturing destination. The country’s aviation and defence industry is now focused on the ‘Make in India: make for the world’ plan to establish itself as a global manufacturing hub. The 14th edition of Aero India showcased over 800 defence companies, including MSMEs and startups, from India and abroad, providing new avenues for employment.

To achieve complete self-reliance in the aerospace sector, indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines is crucial. Technologies like AI, robotics, and IoT are being employed to design and develop essential weapon systems indigenously. As India is set to become the world’s third-largest aviation market by 2024, the future of this sector depends on smart factories and Industry 4.0 technologies. These technologies can potentially revolutionise manufacturing in India, and Machine Learning can find various applications in the aerospace sector and beyond.

Development in automation technologies to increase defence aircraft manufacturing
The Indian aerospace and defence industry has incorporated global best practices from the US, Europe, and other regions, which has helped it integrate into the global supply chain. The Indian armed forces are now participating in joint exercises worldwide and using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 in their machines. This evolution in equipment has transformed soldiers and the Navy, allowing for greater effectiveness in modern warfare. The aerospace and defence industry now demands solutions produced quickly and affordably to meet customers’ needs.

The Indian defence industry has undergone significant changes, especially in public-private partnerships, which have positioned India as a competitive player in the global market. Many leading institutions, such as IIT Delhi, Kanpur, Chennai, and Bombay, are engaged in defense-related research and development. The Indian private sector has emerged as a hub for innovative solutions, even for small businesses operating from home. Despite concerns about the risks of introducing 3D-printed parts into the defence quality management system, India is witnessing an evolution in 3D printing technology, and many entrepreneurs are investing in this technology.

The Indian Army has issued requirements for high-altitude logistics drones, and the Indian private sector has come forward to deliver medicines and rations to the Indian jawans and to drive last-minute connectivity. Digitisation is critical to staying competitive and meeting increasingly stringent customer demands. Newer innovations are preferred over traditional methods, and there is a surge in business volume despite growing competition and declining prices. While there are concerns about the quality of software products, especially in critical missions such as aviation and defence, companies can address these issues with 3D metal printing.

Although the software is invisible, it accounts for 70 percent of the cost, and profitability comes from this. However, no software is 100% defect-free or has zero defects, and one defect could be undetected, making infinite tests impossible. Companies involved in the software business for defence aerospace should attach equal importance to workforce turnover. 3D metal printing has revolutionised the aerospace and defence industries by reducing failure modes and simplifying complex shapes.

Use of alloys and metal compositions
Reflecting on the past, Mr. Raman recalls how soldiers stationed in high altitudes, like during the 1960 war, often suffered due to inadequate warm clothing. However, the emergence of smart clothing offers a significant opportunity to address this issue. The field of technical textiles is rapidly expanding, with promising avenues such as nanofiber and graphene, the world’s lightest and strongest carbon composite. In the aerospace and space technology sector, technical ceramics can be used to make soldier’s uniforms more durable and bulletproof, as well as vehicles.

Today, Indian soldiers have access to advanced technology, including a camera integrated into their uniforms, which will soon become part of the system. They also carry software-defined radios, significantly improving from when they had to take multiple radios with separate batteries and charges. The radio software can be easily updated, and the Indian government has clarified that the software will be developed in India, giving the country complete control over the data. This is an exciting time, as the demand for this technology is high not only in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force but also in the paramilitary. The role of technical textiles in this context can also be explored.

Skill development in the aerospace industry
The government’s Kaushal Bharat initiative aims to provide basic training to all those joining the coastal training program. While the program has some setbacks, according to Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President of the All India Association of Industries, it is an excellent way to initiate the training process. The training focuses on developing competencies in defence and aerospace, promoting the use of technology and artificial intelligence. To streamline this process, introducing skill centres could be considered and categorised into three to four areas, such as disruptive technologies.

The military and other sectors, such as the BSF and the police, require bulletproof jackets and defence uniforms. In the past, during the Mumbai attacks of 26/11, the defence jackets were provided to the police, but they were unable to wear them, rendering them ineffective. Fortunately, the government has now implemented firm policies in this regard over the last decade.

The Aayush Ministry works for all sectors and focuses on skill upliftment. The current skilling program is good, but it can be further improved. Countries like Singapore have compulsory military training, and similar training and skilling of individuals can go a long way in strengthening our forces.

Next-generation technology
The interdependence of manufacturing, software, and telecommunications technologies is undeniable, all of which rely heavily on the processing power of computers. As these technologies advance, they become increasingly more powerful and transformative. For instance, the transition from 2G to 3G and subsequently to 4G was a game changer in India, with 70 to 75% of the country now connected through 4G. The next generation of technology promises to make even more things possible, including people in remote areas accessing advanced training and programs. It will also reduce development time and improve efficiency. Additionally, the advent of 5G will provide better connectivity for commercial and military aircraft in the field, as noted by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar.

Factors leading the growth of the aerospace and defence sector in India
Until recently, the aerospace and defence sectors were highly restricted, but now the government has opened up the private sector, which presents opportunities for the MSME sector. During the Kargil War, the bullets provided to the Defence Ministry were from the small-scale sector, and the profit margin in this sector was also high. Mr. Vijay Kalantri believes that Indian entrepreneurs are tech-savvy, adaptive, and can create miracles in this sector. The manufacturing sector has room for many players, and the government provides support.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri emphasises that we are in a new era where everyone needs to defend themselves, and disruptive technology and artificial intelligence are a part of it. The nation’s entrepreneurs should contribute to the defence and aerospace areas, and government support is necessary for them to deliver. Indian entrepreneurs can excel in this sector, just like JRD Tata pioneered in the technical textile market. With the proper support, Indian entrepreneurs can significantly contribute to the defence and aerospace sectors.

Mr. Raman Sopory, Founder & President, Aerospace & Defence, Consultants Association of India.
“The aerospace and defence industry has moved beyond traditional hardware and software components, as machines now incorporate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and Industry 4.0.”

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Head of Business Development India, Renishaw Metrology Systems Limited.
“All the technologies associated with manufacturing, software, and telecommunications go hand in hand. The technologies are possible due to the processing speed of the computer and the introduction of 4G.”

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries.
“The manufacturing sector is dominated by a few key players today, whereas it has scope for many. Indian entrepreneurs are tech-savvy and adaptive when opportunity knocks.”

Mr. Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Managing Director –India and Infrastructure, Business APAC, Kennametal India Limited.
“We see positive momentum in the aerospace industry. The success of fruition of these policies would of course, depend on the speed of execution and support to ease of doing business.

Kemppi introduces new portable and versatile welding equipment for MIG/MAG welding: Master M 205 and Master M 323.

Kemppi introduces new portable and versatile welding equipment for MIG/MAG welding: Master M 205 and Master M 323. The new welding equipment is perfectly suited for industrial welding in shipyards and repair shops, and furthermore for dedicated hobby welders. Thanks to their small size and transportability, the Master M series is also an ideal choice for repair welding. The Master M series delivers excellent usability, best-in-class welding performance, and a smooth parameter setup. Both Master M 205 and Master M 323 are developed in collaboration with professional welders and are manufactured in Finland.

Master M 205 is developed specifically for welding tasks that require lightweight, easy-to-move welding equipment, but also high-quality welds. Master M 205 is a portable but powerful MIG/MAG welding machine for manual, synergic, and pulse MIG/MAG welding of stainless and light steel, and aluminum. The 200 A, 1-phase power source operates with a 40 percent duty cycle. In addition, the Master M 205 comes with 17 welding programs for pulse MIG and 20 welding programs for 1-MIG.

Master M 323 is an ideal choice for sheet metal welding, and thanks to its portable size and versatile accessories, it is also well suited for welding environments with challenging spaces. Master M 323 is a portable powerhouse for manual and synergic MIG/MAG welding. The 320 A power source operates with a 40 percent duty cycle. Moreover, Master M 323 has 28 welding programs for Fe, Ss, AIMg5, AISi5, CuSi3, CuAI8, and FC-CrNiMo filler materials and four welding programs for the MAX Cool arc welding process.

Master M 205 and Master M 323 are equipped with a Weld Assist function that automatically sets the welding parameters to make daily welding work faster and easier.

”High-quality welds, ease of use, and efficiency are combined with best-in-class ergonomics and transportability in the Master M series. Master M 205 and 323 come with the latest technology to offer reliable and compact quality for shipyards and repair shops without compromising cost-efficiency”, said John Frost, Product Manager.

Master M 205 and Master M 323 will be available starting from April 2023.

For the first time in parts2clean’s twenty-year history, this year’s edition will feature a  highlight topic, “High Purity”.

As a result of structural changes in industry, plus several new megatrends and the energy transition itself, the tasks and requirements in industrial parts and surface cleaning are also in a perpetual state of change. The 20th parts2clean  takes this development into account with an expanded range of solutions and a new highlight topic: “High Purity”. This anniversary edition of the leading international trade fair for industrial parts and surface cleaning will take place from 26 to 28  September at the Stuttgart Exhibition Grounds. 

As the leading international networking hub for industrial parts and surface cleaning,  parts2clean reflects the requirements of a number of user industries and offers a  globally unique portfolio of solutions. This will become even clearer at this year’s anniversary event, thanks to an expanded range of offerings and the event’s new claim titled “Cleaning redefined”. In the words of Hendrik Engelking, Global Director at  Deutsche Messe: “In addition to the familiar core areas of industrial parts cleaning, we are thus also covering new and ever-changing tasks that arise – for example, from the mobility and energy turnaround, the trends of automation, digitization and AI,  sustainability, and, in some industries, stricter regulatory requirements. For example,  cleaning solutions for electronics manufacturing, e-mobility, sensor technology,  optical industry, medical and pharmaceutical technology will play a greater role,” he adds. And the energy efficiency of cleaning systems and processes is another area to be covered by the upcoming parts2clean.  

High purity – more than just cleaning 

For the first time in parts2clean’s twenty-year history, this year’s edition will feature a  highlight topic, “High Purity”. “The focus here will be on tasks that need to be solved,  among other things, for complex mechanical components for the semiconductor supplier industry, in the precision optics and optoelectronics industry, thin-film technology, medical technology, as well as vacuum-technology components for the  UHV, XHV and UCV sectors,” reports Engelking. The extremely stringent specifications for ultra-fine particulate, film-chemical, organic and inorganic purity required in these areas can only be met if the entire process chain is taken into consideration. Of course,  the cleaning system also plays an important role here, but factors such as the cleanliness of the pre-process, production materials and media, handling influences, and ambient conditions, for example an adapted cleanroom, are just as decisive for stable, achievable results. It is also important to avoid recontamination and cross-contamination.

Future-proof solutions for current and future requirements 

“With its expanded range of solutions, as well as the highlight topic of High Purity,  parts2clean continues to gain in attractiveness as the world’s most important tradeshow for industrial parts and surface cleaning,” reports Engelking. And this is also the case in industrial sectors that may not have felt addressed in the past. This is because the cross-sector and cross-material offerings also enable companies to find out about cleaning applications and solutions in sectors of industry in which they have not previously been active. In addition, users from all manufacturing sectors as well as from remanufacturing and recycling will find future-proof solutions to meet current and new requirements in a stable and efficient manner.

Knowledge transfer included – bilingual Expert Forum 

The bilingual Expert Forum will also make a valuable contribution. The simultaneously translated (German <> English) presentations by renowned speakers from science,  research and industry will address current tasks and developments from a number of different business sectors. “parts2clean thus offers national and international visitors one of the most sought-after sources of knowledge for learning about trends,  innovations, benchmark applications and reports from the field,” says Hendrik  Engelking. The knowledge meeting point, which is organized jointly with the  Fraunhofer-Business Area “Cleaning” and the German Industrial Parts Cleaning  Association (FiT), is integrated into the flagship trade fair, and attendance is free of charge for visitors and exhibitors. 

Croda India, Dahej site fully supports the company’s sustainability ambition and will be a zero-carbon and zero-liquid discharge facility. 

Croda India, a subsidiary of UK-based Croda International Plc, the company that uses smart science to create high-performance ingredients and technologies that improve lives, celebrated breaking ground on its greenfield manufacturing plant at Dahej, Gujarat with an investment of Rs 500 crore in the first phase. 

The new facility will increase Croda’s capacity to serve rising regional consumption of its Consumer Care products and growing opportunities in Pharma and Crop Care, to provide advanced and sustainable solutions to its customers, further increasing its manufacturing presence to meet fast-growing demand in Asia.

In addition to expanding Croda’s manufacturing capacity, the Dahej site fully supports the company’s sustainability ambition and will be a zero-carbon and zero-liquid discharge facility. 

Murali Duvvuri, Managing Director – Croda India, said, “The Group has been present in India for over two decades and operates a world-class manufacturing and innovation centre in Navi Mumbai and alongside offices in Ahmedabad. This investment at Dahej is a demonstration of our commitment to the Indian market and a recognition of its immense potential for growth”.

In 2022, Croda International reported historic sales of over £ 2bn and adjusted operating profit exceeding £500 million for the first time. Operating in 39 countries, Croda is focused on providing solutions in high-value niches in life science and consumer markets.

Schneider Electric announced the appointment of Mr. Deepak Sharma as Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO, SEIPL effective 1st May 2023.

Schneider Electric announced the appointment of Mr. Deepak Sharma as Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO, SEIPL effective 1st May 2023. Deepak Sharma will take over from Mr. Anil Chaudhry. 

Deepak has 30 years of experience with ~ 24 years at Schneider Electric handling diverse roles based out of India, France, China, and the USA across Energy Management & Industrial Automation businesses. In his previous role, Mr. Sharma led the integration of L&T Electrical and Automation Business with Schneider Electric, as SVP, Mergers & Acquisition. This integration was a key enabler in making India as one of the four global hubs of Schneider Electric with ~ 34500 employees and 30+ factories.  

Mr. Anil Chaudhry spent 10+ years as Zone President – Greater India, Schneider Electric and MD & CEO, SEIPL. He will be relocating to France to take over a new Global leadership role within Schneider Electric Group. 

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Anil Chaudhry says, “My stint as the Zone President of Greater India Zone has been extremely satisfying. In the past decade we have consistently grown within the Schneider Electric group and outside. I am also extremely proud to position Schneider Electric as an important partner for Smart infrastructure growth, Skill India, Digital India and societal work done with the Access to Energy program, benefitting millions of Indians. I wish Deepak Sharma good luck for his new role in making India more electric. more digital and more sustainable.”

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Deepak Sharma says, “I am excited to be designated as the Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO, SEIPL. Schneider Electric is committed to the growth of India through investments in R&D, innovation, manufacturing, and talent development. We are one of the most local, amongst global companies, with an augmenting footprint in the country. In my new role, I look forward to scaling up our capabilities and accelerating our contribution toward making India more digital and sustainable during Amrit Kaal. With India taking decisive steps towards becoming climate positive, I foresee enhanced collaboration and partnerships with the Governments, Public and Private enterprises in their sustainability and digitization journeys.” 

He has graduate, postgraduate degrees and diplomas in management and Electrical Engineering and is successfully trained through executive education programs of IIM-Ahmedabad, INSEAD France and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, USA.

The centralized monitoring and real-time data access ensures a high degree of safety and efficiency of the pipeline network for ABB.

ABB India has delivered integrated automation and control solutions to enable the safe, secure, and reliable operation of the 130-kilometer Indo-Bangla Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL), which will carry diesel from India to Bangladesh. The cross-border pipeline was jointly inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on March 18. With a potential capacity of one million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), it will enable Bangladesh to access large volumes of energy to meet its growing domestic demand.

ABB Ability™ SCADAvantage, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), and leak detection system will allow Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) to remotely monitor and control vital pipeline parameters such as flow, pressure, and temperature, as well as detect leaks. ABB solutions will provide real-time data on the performance of the pipeline network by generating reports, history sheets, critical messages, and alarms, all of which will maximise efficiency and safety.

The diesel will be transported from NRL’s marketing terminal at Siliguri, to the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s oil depot in Parbatipur. Approximately 6 km of the pipeline – which is the first of its type between the two countries – will be within the territory of India, with the remainder within the territory of Bangladesh.

“We are proud to be associated with NRL in this landmark project, which will be critical in ensuring fuel security in Bangladesh. The ABB Ability™ SCADAvantage system will enable safe and reliable monitoring of the pipeline network, allowing operators to access real-time data and make more informed decisions,” said G Balaji, SVP, Head of Energy Industries, ABB India “The rapid evolution of automation and IT in the energy industry requires a high level of expertise and resources to manage, maintain, and ensure the security and optimization of oil pipelines and facilities at all times. ABB is committed to meeting these evolving needs.”

ABB Ability™ SCADAvantage enables the pipeline to operate safely and within its design parameters, reducing the risk of any adverse incidents. It helps in acquiring data from remote locations distributed across different geographies and supports the efficient identification of leakage volume. ABB India has a track record in pipeline automation for cross-country projects, including the Indo-Nepal petroleum pipeline, which was the first of its kind in South Asia when it opened in 2019.

“With ABB’s system, we can effectively monitor and optimize our pipeline operations by having access to real-time information, detailed analysis, and timely interventions,” said Rahul Goswami, Chief Manager Projects, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. “ABB is a reliable partner in the field of automation, and their prior experience with cross-country pipeline projects proved beneficial.”

Schmersal to showcase Time-of-Flight technology for the first time at Hannover Messe 2023.

At the Hannover Messe 2023, the Schmersal Group will present for the first time a 3D camera for the automated acquisition of digital process data in real-time in Hall 09, Stand D09. The AM-T100 is a Time-of-Flight camera (ToF), which uses a Sony DepthSense™ sensor to create 3D depth images with millimetre accuracy. The camera uses ToF technology, i.e., runtime measurement of emitted light pulses in the infrared range (850 Nm), which are reflected off the objects being captured. This enables high-speed creation of a 3D image of the scene with millimetre accuracy that is available as a point cloud.

The high image rate of up to 60 fps allows efficient use in industrial manufacturing processes as well as in logistics and robotics. The camera can be used for tasks such as packaging support, box filling, stacking, volume detection and labelling in logistics and packaging as a means of boosting the efficiency and accuracy of processes.

The camera is also capable of ‘looking into’ containers or large load carriers to detect their current fill level. In addition, the camera facilitates volume determination of general cargo and birds-eye monitoring of staging areas in production, assembly, storage and order picking. Other uses include the capture of dimensions and surface quality. With high-performance IR illumination and an image resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, the AM-T100 achieves a visual range of 67° x 51° at a range of 6 metres.

The image data are made available over the standardised GenICam data interface and can be edited with common image processing software. An Ethernet interface enables rapid and comprehensive data transmission, as well as a 24 V power supply if required (Power over Ethernet).

Pre-installed configuration software

The AM-T100 comes pre-installed with the CONSAM-T configuration software. This software allows the camera to be configured to monitor complex and individually defined 3D zones. If it detects an object within the zone, it will switch digital outputs. In addition, digital inputs allow for switching back and forth between different 3D zones. An integrated SDK (software development kit) offers support to software developers and system integrators with software configuration and application creation.

Visit Schmersal at Hannover Messe between 17 and 21 April 2023: Stand D09, Hall 09

RSB met stringent global quality standards and has won several awards from global giants.

RSB Transmissions (I) Ltd bags triple award –  “Champion of Manufacturng” – at a grand function held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath Road, New Delhi, with the gracious presence of Ministers, dignitaries, and industry stalwarts. This fete is yet another feather in the cap for RSB Group.

The awards were respectively received by:

Mr Durga Prashan Das, Plant Head – Pune Plant

Mr Onkar Nath Singh, AGM(Corporate TQM) – Jamshedpur Plants

Mr Rakesh Pandey, Head – QA, Pant Nagar Plant

RSB has carved a niche for global business excellence practices for which they have been bestowed with the world-renowned Deming Prize from JUSE, Japan, and Total Productive Maintenance Awards from JIPM, Japan,  and have excelled always in producing high-quality products meeting stringent global quality standards and have won several awards from global giants.

Socomec, a leading global specialist in Low Voltage (LV) power management, announced that Sushil Virmani, Regional Managing Director, will retire from its India operations effective 31^st March 2023.

Meenu Singhal will spearhead all four business applications and play a vital role in contributing to the company’s strategic growth plans.

O’ Neil Dissanayake, CEO- APAC, Socomec commented, “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sushil Virmani on behalf of the APAC board members for his tremendous contribution over the last 8 years to Socomec’s success in India. Under his leadership, Socomec has expanded significantly, becoming a market leader in power management products, built a dependable brand reputation, and is in a sound financial position. He has gained the utmost respect from not only Socomec employees but also from our esteemed clients, partners, and stockholders due to his industry understanding and focused leadership. We wish him the absolute best in his upcoming stage of life and a happy and healthy retirement.”

Sushil Virmani added,“I am grateful for the many chances and experiences I’ve had throughout myjourney and feel privileged to have led Socomec India during its centennial year. I am extremely proud of our team members and their unwavering commitment to take care of our customers. Given the strength of our people, culture and values, I strongly believe the organization is well-positioned to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”

“The APAC Board is glad to announce the appointment of Meenu Singhal as Sushil’s successor,” stated O’Niel. “We are pleased to welcome Meenu Singhal on board at this momentous time when India is poised to embark on a growth trajectory and opportunities are emerging across a wide range of industries. We believe that Meenu, with his proven track record of leadership and strong Industry expertise, will further solidify our market position as preferred partner for our clients’ critical loads and power management demands.”

Meenu Singhal holds a degree in electrical engineering and a marketing management degree from IMT in Ghaziabad. He has served as a panel member for IIM workshops and guest faculty at IIT Delhi. He is a certified NLP for business and people. He has over 30 years of extensive industry expertise and has worked with well-known global multinational corporations, where he had the chance to develop digital transformation go-to-market strategies while overseeing operations, profit & loss, sales, marketing, and human resources. He spent more than 20 years working with Rockwell Automation, the majority of which were spent in general management, where he oversaw numerous organizational transformations. He served as the Vice President and Head of Global Industry Automation Distribution at Schneider Electric before to joining Socomec.

Meenu Singhal says, “I am excited to embark on this new responsibility particularly during a time of profound challenge and unprecedented opportunity. I want to congratulate and express my gratitude to Sushil for his strategic leadership in establishing a solid foundation for Socomec in India. To continue this success story, an inspiring vision for our future in 2025 will serve as our guide. I’m confident and energised about developing a strong and sustainable future with our exceptionally skilled resource, who is deeply committed to innovation and outstanding customer service.”

Sushil concluded, “A visionary organization requires a strong successor. Meenu’s strategic vision will be instrumental to realising our firm goals through continuing product innovation, top-notch customer service standards, technology, social and corporate responsibility, and our steadfast values and culture. We are confident that he will build upon the strong foundation that Socomec India has built. I wish him all the very best.”

Under the Fevicol Jowat brand name, Pidilite will manufacture the Jowat range of hot melts in India at the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Vapi, Gujarat.

Pidilite Industries Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and construction chemicals has further strengthened its collaboration with Jowat SE, a German family-owned enterprise and one of the leading suppliers of industrial adhesives worldwide. Strengthening the partnership further, Pidilite will now exclusively offer Indian customers locally manufactured Jowat hot melts. 

Since 2018, Pidilite has been exclusively handling sales and distribution of the entire range of Jowat adhesives in India and other neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. 

Mr. Sudhanshu Vats, Deputy MD, Pidilite Industries Limited, said, “Pioneering is an important value at Pidilite. We have consistently pioneered new categories and technologies in India. Our collaboration with Jowat is another example of the same. With support from Jowat’s team, we have now set up a best-in-class manufacturing and testing facility in Vapi, Gujarat, to manufacture hot melt adhesives in India. The hot melts will be co-branded as Fevicol Jowat. This will enable us to serve clients in high-growth segments such as furniture, packaging, automotive, and textiles, among others, where specialized adhesives are used.”

Mr. Klaus Kullmann, Managing Director, Jowat SE, said, “Pidilite Industries is a leader in adhesives in Asia and we are delighted that we are taking this to the next level. Innovation in both technology and R&D are pivotal as we continue to deliver outstanding service to our customers. Jowat has pioneered the development of several high-end adhesive products and has constantly undertaken development work at the cutting edge of adhesive technology. With this Indian manufacturing facility, both the companies will closely work to serve and offer the best solutions and products to the customers.”

Inspired by the nation’s call for an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, this collaboration will provide a comprehensive range of locally manufactured thermoplastic hot melt adhesives, Fevicol Jowat, for use in several industrial segments.

 

The new manufacturing facility will help Fuji serve customers with the annual production capacity of 120K Drives & excess of 200k PCB’s. 

Fuji Electric India, a top industrial automation and energy-efficient solution provider and a part of the 100-year-old Fuji Electric, reached a major milestone in India, with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art and environment-friendly factory on March 15, 2023. Present during the inauguration ceremony at Fuji Electric India’s plant were Yosuke Ishizaka, MD; Shivaji Waghmare, CEO; Kentaro Yamaguchi, Head of Automation; B Karthik, Business Head – Automation Division from Fuji Electric India team. 

Shivaji Waghmare cited two major reasons for the expansion. “The first is to invest in latest manufacturing technology in close collaboration with our parent company in Japan to provide high-quality products. The second is to increase capacity ahead of market requirements to meet our customers’ growing demand,” he said. “This facility will remain a testimony to our relentless drive to improve all aspects of our operations and to maintain our status as one of the best in the industry,” he stressed. 

“The new facility is borne out of extensive interaction and participation of our executives. Some of the critical equipment have been imported from Japan to match the manufacturing processes between Fuji Electric India and Fuji Electric. We also improved the overall layout of the various functional areas of the factory to ensure a more efficient flow of materials, from receiving and storage to assembly, packaging and finally shipment,” said Yamaguchi. 

Fuji Electric India produces world-class automation products for various applications. It is the leading supplier of drives and automation products in both the domestic and export markets. It has a strong distribution network for the sales and distribution of replacement parts.  

Built at a cost of Rs 150 Crores, the factory is expected to produce 3500 drives/month in a single shift. There are plans to make 2,00,000 PCBs annually out of the new facility. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is fully automated and has the capacity to produce a range of products on a scale of 0.4 kW to 75KW, as of now. There are plans to scale it up to 710 KW. 

The factory will cater to requirements from Cranes, Lift, Cement, Boilers, HVAC, Oil & Gas and Heavy Industry.   

“The investment put into setting up this modern manufacturing plant in India will fulfil our vision to manufacture automation products, help us meet customers’ demands and also propel to becoming a 1,500 crore company by the end of 2024. Initially, we would be recruiting more than 250 employees for the new factory. With all the factors working to our advantage, we are expected to grow over 25% in coming years,” said Ishizaka.  

 

Lithium Americas, a division of Aquatech,  has achieved over 99.9% purity of Li₂CO₃ from Thacker Pass lithium-bearing clays. 

Aquatech has been awarded a contract for the lithium refining and purification process plants by Lithium Americas Corp, for the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada, the largest known lithium reserve in the U.S.

Aquatech has commenced work on the project, which includes multiple process trains incorporating evaporation and crystallization systems for the purification and chemical production of lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃). Lithium Americas and Aquatech will work closely together to deliver the best available technology incorporating environmental stewardship for this flagship project.

In partnership with ICD Process Technologies, a division of Aquatech, Lithium Americas has achieved over 99.9% purity of Li₂CO₃ from Thacker Pass lithium-bearing clays. For over two years, Lithium Americas and Aquatech have worked jointly to conduct pilot work and demonstrate the complete process line to produce high-purity Li₂CO₃ at Aquatech’s Applied Development and Testing Facility in Wisconsin and Lithium Americas’ Technical Development Center in Nevada. The demonstration results will enable Lithium Americas to advance with Phase 1 of the Thacker Pass facility producing 40,000 tpa LCE.

“Starting construction is a momentous milestone for Thacker Pass,” said Jonathan Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer at Lithium Americas. “We are excited about the prospect of working with our partners to generate economic growth in Northern Nevada and play a major role in the domestic lithium supply chain for electric vehicles.”

Aquatech specializes in delivering innovative process technology for the refining and purification of battery-grade lithium chemical products from clays, brines, and hard rock. Aquatech has state-of-the-art process development, validation and testing capabilities, supporting the optimization and long-term sustainability of lithium production to ensure the lowest carbon and water footprint resulting in minimal environmental impact.

“Aquatech is fully committed to our partnership with Lithium Americas and proud to be a part of the team working towards this landmark achievement at Thacker Pass,” said Venkee Sharma, Aquatech’s Executive Chairman. “Delivering innovative process technology to enable critical mineral recovery from extraction to high-purity products for electric vehicle battery production and battery recycling is a top priority at Aquatech. Moving towards energy decarbonization is a critical step to adapt to a changing climate, and we are devoted to supporting industries in these efforts.”

Thacker Pass is expected to be one of the largest lithium developments in the world, with the potential to produce over 80,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate per year. The project is a key part of Lithium Americas’ efforts to meet manufacturers’ increasing demand for battery-quality lithium products for electric vehicle batteries and contribute to the global transition to clean energy.

 

DIC targets to meet increasing demand with its 5th plant in India which will generate 100 + direct employment. 

The leading manufacturer of printing inks, innovative packaging solutions, and allied material in the country, DIC India Limited, part of DIC group, Global Leaders in printing and packaging Inks, inaugurated its advanced and latest Toluene free plant ‘Optima’ for Liquid Ink manufacturing at Saykha in Bharuch district, Gujarat. 

Spread across a vast area of 92,500 sqm, the plant has the capacity to manufacture over 10,000+ Tonnes of TF, KF/NTNK (Toluene Free/ Ketone Free) liquid inks in two shifts in phase -I. The plant will be further augmented to produce value-added and specialty products for domestic and export markets.

Set up with a total investment of INR 1100 Mn for phase -I the new plant will provide direct employment to more than 100 associates with the aim to cater to the growing demand of toluene-free and ketone-free based inks in the country. 

With this new plant, DIC India will now have an expanded footprint in India. Its other four plants are at Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat (Ahmedabad), Karnataka. 

Established at the center of the chemical hub of India, the strategic location gives the company close access to the Northern and Western markets that drive majority of the demand in the segment. The plant boasts of a bulk line manufacturing facility for supplying standard and specialty TF, KF/NTNK inks. 

Constructed with care, the plant, called OPTIMA plant is laden with latest technological features to cater to the growing demand in the country at present. The plant has also been designed to accommodate  future expansion needs of the company. The Optima plant will also work towards strengthening the company’s business in export markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Paul Koek, Regional Managing Director, DIC Asia Pacific said,

” The Indian market is a priority market for DIC group and this new manufacturing facility has been established with the vision of catering to the new demand as well as usher in new growth prospects for us in the country. As a market leader in printing ink manufacturing, we are bringing more advancement in our manufacturing processes to augment our quality and customer service, meet the rising demand and maintain global standard at all our touch points. This facility , with a strong inbuilt design features which will expand the sustainability footprint of DIC India will benefit customers, generate employment as well as solidify our over 75 years presence and leadership in India.”

Mr. Manish Bhatia, MD & CEO at DIC India Limited, said, “India is a strategic market for us and our long-standing journey in the country is a testimony to the success we have achieved over the years.  The market is witnessing increased demand for technological superior and specialty printing inks for packaging. The inauguration of the new facility is another stepping stone for the company’s future expansion plans here. The new plant setup has been constructed using leading technological features to modernize as well as to increase production efficiencies. This plant is a completely Toluene-free plant for DIC India. We are optimistic that the manufacturing facility will help in catering to both domestic as well as international demand and expand our footprint in India.”

Out of the plant’s  92,500 sqm, 45,000 sqm has already been constructed under Phase 1. The area will be used for consolidation of different plants and different types of products of DIC Indian Operations.

DIC is in the process of getting green certification for the site. This will be probably the first plant in India to achieve this accreditation. Optima site, as the plant is called produced TF and KF products are also compliance with international regulations.  The company also aims to achieve ISO and OSHAS certification post the stabilizing of production of the Optima plant by the year 2023-34.The plant will support our customers in their sustainability compliance.

 

The company doubled on smart manufacturing to facilitate premium air conditioning production, with an annual manufacturing capacity of over 6 million units.

TCL announces the doubling down on smart manufacturing to facilitate premium air conditioning production, with an annual manufacturing capacity of over 6 million units. The TCL Wuhan Intelligent Industrial Park for Air Conditioners is a three-phase project valued at USD497 million. Within premises of up to 390,000 sq. mtrs., the Park comprises a full AC supply chain – R&D, smart manufacturing and smart logistics – from where TCL’s high-end air conditioners are exported to over 160 markets around the world.

TCL develops sixty percent of the Park’s production automation. The Park is digitally driven to wield the technology of AI, IoT, big data and machine learning to raise operation efficiency and product quality and lower costs. Besides applying smart technologies, TCL also lays a sustainable foundation throughout manufacturing. The Park is significantly run by harnessing solar power, monitored by EMS (energy management system) and fed by a smart hydration system to ensure energy consumption and carbon emission are sustainable.

TCL has been building high-quality air-conditioning products for more than 20 years with an established global production network – 10 manufacturing bases spanning across China, Brazil and  Indonesia – of an overall capacity of more than 30 million units. TCL Air Conditioning models, such as Fresh Air 1.0, Gentle Cool, Elite, Q-Series, have been available in many countries. Besides a refreshing air experience, TCL’s Red Dot award-winning air conditioners are well-designed fashionable furniture pieces that subtly blend into your home décor.

In the 2023 CES, TCL introduced the second generation of TCL Fresh Air AC Technology. Unlike conventional AC that circulates air inside the house, TCL’s proprietary FreshIN+ fresh air system transports the fresh air from the outdoors to the indoors with a capacity of up to 60 cubic meters per hour thanks to its powerful air engine, which helps increase the oxygen and humidity levels.

With the latest upgrade, the TCL Fresh Air Technology is taking air quality to the next level. Its proprietary circulation technology inhales fresh air from outdoor and exhales stale air from indoors – just like breathing. Its built-in sensor detects the total volatile organic compounds TVOC in the air. The detection results are presented in the ‘dynamic display of air quality’ in real-time, on top of the already powerful fresh air functionalities.

To know more visit at https://www.tcl.com

Inovance India is proud to have been certified a “Great Workplace” by an internationally-recognized organization.

Conferred by global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace culture Great Place to Work, the status means Inovance India has once again been acknowledged as an employer that creates an outstanding employee experience. The status was awarded to Inovance India following an extensive two-stage certification process, which included employee surveys and independent analysis.

Inovance India stands by and support all of its employees, both personally and professionally, by providing them with a quality workspace and encouraging mentors to help them build powerful teams, develop good work-life balance and maintain job satisfaction.

Anil Kumar, Director of Inovance India, says, “Great Workplace status is a big achievement for us and we are delighted to have our efforts to make sure we create a good place to work internationally recognized. Jobseekers often use Great Workplace certification to identify which organizations offer a great company culture.

“Inovance is an employee-oriented company which strongly supports its employees’ opinions, uniqueness and wellbeing. This certification process has given us the opportunity to understand our employees better and analyze our strengths as well as weaknesses as a company.”

This year’s Pragyan will feature events such as Jalyan, Quad Combat, and RoboWars that will test the participants through a trial of innovation.

Pragyan has long reigned as the premier techno-managerial fest of India and has over the years prided itself on its reputation of being ISO 9001 and 20121 certified annual fest of NIT Trichy. The combination of fun events, inspiring workshops, and entertaining pro-shows offer a reprieve from the mundane while offering exciting opportunities to technology and management enthusiasts alike.

The road to Pragyan ’23 has been endowed with glorious events and initiatives like never before. The annual Sangam Hardware Hackathon was announced along with the Ingenium exhibition. An exclusive set of events under the title of Inhotts was also held between January 21st to 30th so that the younglings of NIT Trichy can integrate themselves into the multiverse of technological innovation.

Pragyan has remained steadfast in its dream to expose students to the world of technology from a very young age. The Young Techie 3.0 and Techids were steps in that direction that sought to provide school children the opportunity to contribute to the realm of innovation.

With much anticipation and breaths across the country, the stage is set for Pragyan ’23, which is scheduled to be held from the 23rd to the 26th of March. This year’s Pragyan will feature events such as Jalyan, Quad Combat, and RoboWars that will test the participants through a trial of innovation. Furthermore, event clusters of the likes of Concreate, ByteHoc, and Manigma are conceived with the intent of having something of interest to just about anyone.

Pragyan ’23 has also partnered with OEM Update, their Technology Magazine Partner, to mechanize the Roborex cluster into existence. So, be sure to catch Pragyan ‘23 at NIT Trichy, where people come to celebrate technology and stay for the festivities.

 

The objective of this initiative is to provide technology education to students. This will ensure that future engineers are well-equipped with technology skills that Indian industrial employers value.

Cadmatic Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and the Electrical Engineering Department of DKTE have inked an MoU whereby the institute will be the first educational centre in India for CADMATIC Electrical. The MoU covers collaboration in digital and intelligent 3D-based design and information management software solutions for electrical engineering. The main objective of this initiative is to provide technology education to students and to ensure that future engineers are well-equipped with technology skills that Indian industrial employers value.

Roshansingh Navlur, Director (India & SEA) Cadmatic, was invited to share his Electrical Engineering knowledge and experience with the students, further motivating the education. He said, “We believe in educating the next generation with the latest technologies as this partnership will benefit the students and provide the industry with a larger talent pool. With DKTE, we ensure that the best professional education is offered to students keen on joining the industry. This partnership allows technical experts to upgrade their skills, which will benefit the industry in the future.”

Cadmatic will assist DKTE in setting up a technology lab in the college, allowing their students to learn with CADMATIC Electrical. Cadmatic India will also conduct training sessions to enable the faculty members and students to explore Cadmatic software technology. Additionally, refresher training will keep them regularly updated on newer advancements.

R. N. Patil, HOD Electrical, DKTE’S Textile & Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji said, “We are happy to be the first educational centre in India for CADMATIC Electrical. This will help us in providing and teaching our students the latest technologies. With the growing demand for electrical engineering, there is a need to adopt new technologies. This will minimise errors and help deliver better productivity, thus creating a huge demand for professionals.”

The DKTE’S Textile & Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji provides quality technical education with adequate industrial exposure and innovative teaching methods. The institute will include a special certification course on CADMATIC Electrical in their curriculum where they will teach their students CADMATIC Electrical.

For more information, visit www.cadmatic.com

With this acquisition, KSB Limited becomes the sole and exclusive owner and shall have rights to the Technology of the products manufactured by BP&CL.

KSB Limited, one of the world’s leading suppliers of pumps, valves, and systems, recently announced the acquisition of technology from Bharat Pumps and Compressors Ltd. Naini, Prayagraj. With this acquisition, KSB Limited becomes the sole and exclusive owner and shall have rights to the Technology of the products manufactured by BP&CL.

BP&CL is a major manufacturer of a wide range of products including reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps, reciprocating compressors, and high-pressure seamless gas cylinders. KSB Limited SupremeServ, a dedicated segment of KSB Limited for aftermarket services, will handle this newly acquired venture to undertake spare parts business and service around 5000+ BP&CL products installed in various industries and locations across India.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Farrokh Bhathena, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, KSB Limited said, “We are delighted to announce the technology acquisition of Bharat Pumps and Compressors. This acquisition will enable us to keep growing our pump business. This is a significant milestone in the company’s history as we take a step further to strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative whilst continuing to serve industries of national importance such as oil and gas exploration, refineries, nuclear power plants and other projects.”

With this acquisition, KSB Limited would leverage its existing strengths and market potential to expand its product line in both the new pump and aftermarket markets by utilising BP&CL’s technology.

Customers can trade-in perpetual licenses for subscription access to AVEVA’s entire portfolio where benefits include lower upfront costs, faster ROI, improved scalability, and greater business agility.

AVEVA, a world leader in industrial software, has announced its portfolio-wide transition to a subscription business model. To accelerate access to modern solutions and meet dynamic business needs, customers can trade-in their existing perpetual licenses for subscriptions spanning any mix of cloud, hybrid, and on-premises solutions across the design-operate-optimize industrial lifecycle.

The AVEVA Flex subscription program revolutionizes the way industrial software is purchased and consumed. It can help reduce upfront costs as much as 65%, while enabling flexibility and scalability to respond to changing business needs, industry standards and regulatory requirements.

New licenses for major engineering and operations solutions in AVEVA’s software portfolio are now subscription only, and the company has set a target to transition 80 percent of customer licenses from perpetual to subscription by 2025. 

Saadi Kermani, Vice President of Cloud Platform and Digital Business at AVEVA, said: “Industrial organizations, taking a hybrid approach to their software architectures, are capitalizing on the increased data insights and functionality that cloud-based solutions provide – without giving up much-needed tools on-premises. A single subscription program that spans edge-to-cloud solutions and from engineering to operations can empower teams to connect and collaborate in new and agile ways.

He added: “As opposed to traditional perpetual software, where ownership creates incentives to use dated and potentially unsupported software over time, AVEVA Flex instead ensures you are always on your software’s latest, most capable version—and you always know what your software costs are.” 

European Energy uses AVEVA Unified Engineering in the cloud to enable a scalable, secure engineering workflow across their global footprint to empower their latest Power-to-X projects. Power-to-X technology produces green e-methanol based on renewable wind, solar, and bio-waste energy sources. As projects ramp up around the world, a flexible software subscription model allows tighter control and alignment between technology investment and business requirements. 

Michala Mulvad-Thiim, senior project manager of European Energy said: “Our vision is to be a major global force in driving the green energy transition. To achieve that requires innovative approaches. AVEVA Flex subscription removes the barriers to innovation and will be instrumental to our success.”

 

The DC rotary solenoid GDA converts the linear magnetic force to a rotary movement.

You need a quick rotary movement of maximum 110 degrees? A conventional solution with an engine, gearbox, and limit switch seems too elaborate to you?  

Magnet-Schultz rotary solenoids are your solution. We provide you with ON/OFF and proportional rotary solenoids as well as versions with or without return spring. The application areas: Optical devices, medical devices, packaging machines, food technology, and apparatus construction.

Long-life rotary solenoid-type GDA

The DC rotary solenoid GDA converts the linear magnetic force to a rotary movement. The axial component of the magnetic force is supported via the installed armature bearing of the solenoid.

During the rotary movement, no linear movement is performed.

ON/OFF rotary solenoids turn the drive shaft in the end position, when supply voltage is applied. Due to the increasing torque characteristic, no control of magnetic force or rotation angle is possible.

Sizes (Ø): 25 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 75 mm
Rotation angles: 95°, 65°, 35°
Torque: 0.16 Ncm – 195 Ncm

• Clockwise and anti-clockwise versions through shaft protruding on both sides
• With and without return spring
• Electrical connection via free flexible lead ends 
• Fastening via tapped holes at the end faces
• Protection class: IP20
• Voltage type: direct current, DC

Proportional rotary solenoid-type GDR

Unlike the ON/OFF rotary solenoids GDA, the proportional rotary solenoid GDR works to an electrodynamic operating principle, featuring proportional relation between torque and current as well as a constant torque over the entire operating range. Therefore, by using an appropriate control and a rotation angle sensor, it is possible to realise force and position-controlled actuators. 

Sizes (Ø): 35 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm
Rotation angle: 110°
Torque: 2.1 Ncm – 85 Ncm

• Reversal of the direction of rotation by reversing the polarity of the supply voltage
• Electrical connection via free flexible lead ends 
• Fastening via tapped holes at the end faces 
• Versions with attached rotation angle sensor to the measuring principle hall sensor 
• Protection class: IP20
• Voltage type: direct current, DC
• Option: versions with programmable hall sensor, flange option of a return spring

The new HVAC measuring instruments deliver precise results wherever you need them – fast, flexible, user-friendly, and connected to smartphones and tablets. 

Testo launches new compact HVAC measuring instruments onto the market.

The right measuring instrument for every application:
The new HVAC measuring instruments deliver precise results wherever you need them – fast, flexible, user-friendly, and connected to smartphones and tablets. Whether installing and maintaining air conditioning and ventilation systems, servicing heating systems, ensuring indoor air quality and comfort, measuring pressure in industrial applications, or measuring temperature in food and laboratory environments – the world market leader in measurement technology has the right measuring instrument for every relevant parameter and with its compact products, sets new standards in the everyday work of HVAC contractors and technicians because the new HVAC measuring instruments incorporate Testo’s proven precision, quality, and reliability.

Little time, endless to-do lists and complex tasks:
These are the moments when the user can depend on the new compact measuring instruments from Testo. Fast in determining and displaying measured values, flexible and user-friendly in use and with smart support from the testo Smart App. With the smartphone App, you have all measurement menus always with you stored for analysis and documentation.

Air conditioning and ventilation systems are easily under check
Regular measurements of the relevant parameters can only ensure smooth and energy-efficient operation of air conditioning and ventilation systems. With the new compact measuring instruments testo 417, testo 416 and testo 425, flow and volume flow measurement in ventilation ducts, at air inlets and outlets and when adjusting balanced residential ventilation is child’s play.

More comfort indoors
We spend almost 90% of our time indoors every day. Therefore, indoor air quality and comfort are essential for minimizing health risks and ensuring human performance in the workplace. Thanks to the new compact measuring instruments testo 535, testo 545 and testo 625, CO2, illuminance, temperature and humidity are controlled quickly, easily and precisely, ensuring a healthy indoor climate that promotes performance.

Pressure measurement is simple and compact.
The two differential pressure measuring instruments testo 512-1 and testo 512-2 can be used to measure low and high pressures quickly and precisely, for example, when checking heating systems and burners. The testo 512 is also a reliable partner for pressure measurement in industrial applications or for checking filters and Pitot tube measurement on air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Versatile and precise measurement of temperature
Temperature is the most universal measured value when controlling heating, cooling or ventilation systems, industrial equipment or in a laboratory and food environment. With the new temperature measuring instruments testo 922, testo 925 and testo 110 (HACCP-compliant) and the large selection of probes (TE Type K, NTC, Pt100), even low and extremely high temperatures can be measured precisely, easily and quickly in almost any medium. And with the optional Top Safe, the instruments are protected against dust and water according to IP65.

The testo Smart App supports all measurements with intuitive menus for all HVAC applications, fast configuration, tabular and graphical display of measured values, second screen function and uncomplicated documentation. The App can be downloaded and used free of charge from the App stores and is constantly updated.

A global, year-long campaign supports the market launch of the new measuring instruments. Under the slogan ‘Made to make it easy’, the instruments’ benefits and unique selling points are communicated.

Our new compact measuring instruments are now available: For more information, visit www.testo.com.