It’s already become a cliché to say that 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, will revolutionize manufacturing and supply chains. From prosthetic limbs to automation parts, this disruptive technology is quickly amassing a dazzling array of applications. Here, John Young, APAC sales director at automation parts supplier EU Automation, looks at four novel applications that sound like they are from the future.

A report by Adamas Intelligence predicts that if the global rare earth industry continues to exploit these resources in the same way, in three to five years demand will outgrow supply.

In 2020, Siemens Smart Infrastructure and WUN H2 GmbH partnered up to build one of the largest hydrogen production plants in Germany. The plant will run on renewable energy and will be carbon-free, contributing to Germany’s pledge to become gas-neutral by 2050.

In the era of rapid developments in technologies, newer components or technologies are launched every day.

Considerations for manufacturers expanding their operations.

Tactile technologies for cobots.

In recent years, there has been a global shortage of welders.

In the last ten years, collaborative robots have become almost as ubiquitous as industrial robots, with companies citing increased productivity as the reason for choosing them, according to robotics manufacturer Robotiq.

Energy efficiency and waste reduction through robotics.

Obsolete doesn’t mean game over.