IT for Manufacturing Executives
Can An iPhone Save Your Life?
September 29, 2010 11:54 am | Videos | CommentsThere's an iPhone app available that has the potential to make stethoscopes a tool of the past. iStethoscope can be purchased by anyone with a smart phone for the low, low price of $1. The fact that mass-produced items such as smart phones and tablet computers make the devices and their applications more affordable, and attractive, to those medical companies who would typically buy custom medical devices.
Raytheon Develops An 'Iron Man' Suit
September 29, 2010 11:27 am | Videos | CommentsRaytheon — which has been in the news lately for a variety of military technologies, including a "death ray" — has recently announced its XOS 2 exoskeleton, which has been developed to provide users additional strength and support when lifting or carrying heavy objects. This new model uses 50 percent less power than its predecessor, which brings the "Iron Man"-esque technology one step closer to seeing international deployment.
Obama's Wireless Plan
September 29, 2010 11:21 am | Videos | CommentsBroad new regulations being drafted by the Obama administration would make it easier for law enforcement and national security officials to eavesdrop on Internet and e-mail communications like social networking Web sites and BlackBerries. According to a recent report in the New York Times, the White House plans to draft and submit legislation next year that would require all online services that enable communications to be technically equipped to comply with a wiretap order .
Mr. Roboto Goes To A Meeting
September 29, 2010 11:15 am | Videos | CommentsCan't make that all-important business meeting? That's okay, send a robot instead. A new telepresence robot enables users to remotely drive a chat screen from one place to another. All that's needed is a Wi-Fi connection, a webcam, and...well...a robot. The idea would be best used in companies where there are a lot of remote workers who need to collaborate with other workers.
GM Buyer Drops Bid After Union Rejects Pay Cut
September 29, 2010 4:55 am | News | CommentsINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The potential buyer for a General Motors stamping plant in Indianapolis has dropped its bid after workers overwhelmingly rejected pay cuts it sought. The 457-96 vote against the concessions also was a repudiation of a deal national United Auto Workers officials had backed in hopes of keeping the factory open after GM announced last year it planned to shut it down in 2011.
U.S. Probes Mini Cooper Power Steering
September 29, 2010 4:53 am | by Ken Thomas, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — The government opened an investigation on Tuesday into potential power steering problems in Mini Coopers built by German automaker BMW AG. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website that it had received 54 complaints about the loss of power steering in Mini Coopers from the 2004-2005 model years.
Senate Blocks Bill Seeking To Tax Firms That Export
September 29, 2010 4:52 am | by Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday blocked tax legislation that would have punished U.S. firms that export jobs. But the political symbolism of trying to save American jobs, not passing a bill, was the Democrats' closing argument on the economy in the waning weeks of the congressional elections.
HP Offers No Update On Identity Of Next CEO
September 29, 2010 4:50 am | by Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer | News | CommentsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hewlett-Packard Co. offered a rosy financial outlook Tuesday without giving any guidance on the biggest issue hanging over the world's largest technology company: the identity of its next CEO. The leading maker of personal computers and printers has been looking for a new leader since its board pressured Mark Hurd, its CEO of five years, to step down in an early August scandal revolving around allegations of sexual harassment and deceptive expense reports.
Eroding Confidence In Economy Creates 'Unvirtuous Cycle'
September 29, 2010 4:49 am | by Anne D'Innocenzio, AP Retail Writer | News | CommentsNEW YORK (AP) — Americans in both the living room and the boardroom are growing more fearful about the economy, creating a Catch-22 for the job market: Shoppers won't spend until they feel more secure, and business won't hire until people start spending. The eroding views were revealed Tuesday by two separate surveys, one that found everyday Americans are increasingly pessimistic about jobs and another that found CEOs have grimmer predictions about upcoming sales.
Caterpillar To Open Manufacturing Plant In China
September 29, 2010 4:47 am | News | CommentsNEW YORK (AP) — Caterpillar Inc., the world's largest marker of construction and mining equipment, said Wednesday it plans to open a new facility in Wujiang, China, to build mini hydraulic excavators. The company currently supplies Chinese customers with mini excavators produced at a facility in Xuzhou, China, and with machines produced in Sagami, Japan.
Increase Sales By Adding New Services
September 28, 2010 9:03 am | by Mike Collins, Author, Saving American Manufacturing | Articles | CommentsIt is hard to fight the fact that things can often be made cheaper elsewhere, but services are another matter. Services usually need to be delivered and “consumed” closer to the point of sale. In order to take a progressive approach to new opportunities, begin thinking about purchasing the things you make from the customer’s point of view.
If At First You Don't Succeed, Dry Again
September 28, 2010 9:00 am | Articles | CommentsAmesbury Group’s Textile Facility recently completed a compressed air reduction project which will yield a $41,000 annual electricity cost savings, but arriving at that success was the result of close work between client and customer. When it comes to fenestration, the components of today’s energy efficient doors and windows should be made with the same attention to resource management.
iPad's Little Brother
September 28, 2010 8:42 am | Videos | CommentsLook out, iPad! BlackBerry maker Research In Motion has developed its own tablet computer and unveiled it to the public on Monday. Aimed at businesses, the PlayBook is RIM's first tablet offering, and the company hopes it will be able to steal some tablet market share away from tech giant Apple. Here is a breakdown of the new device and what it can offer business-oriented tech consumers.
Segway Owner Dies... In Segway Accident
September 28, 2010 4:37 am | by Gregory Katz, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsLONDON (AP) — All police found at the bottom of a cliff was a man's body in a frigid river and a Segway, the two-wheeled electric device that was supposed to revolutionize personal transport. It was Jimi Heselden, a one-time laid-off coal miner turned self-made millionaire who had bought the Segway company only 10 months earlier.
Chrysler Fires 13 Workers Caught Boozing On Job
September 28, 2010 4:36 am | News | CommentsDETROIT (AP) — Chrysler Group LLC says it has fired 13 plant workers a Detroit TV station caught drinking alcohol and smoking what appeared to be marijuana during breaks. Chrysler manufacturing chief Scott Garberding told WJBK-TV in a Sept. 22 report that the automaker identified some of the workers from Detroit's Jefferson North plant on tape and was pursuing the others.
