Archive for Januari 2013

Kaizen and Kaizen Blitz


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6 important steps can be defined in the Lean Manufacturing Process.
  • understand customer value: the value of a product is defined solely by the customer
  • map the value stream: describes the flow of material and information through the production system
  • implement flow: linking of manual and machine operations
  • let customers pull: customer demand drives the manufacturing process
  • implement lean manufacturing tools: 5S, visual management, SMED, standardized work, TPM etc.
  • improve continuously
In this article, we will talk about the 6th step: continuous improvement or Kaizen.
Kaizen is composed of 2 Japanese words: "Kai", which means "To Change", and "Zen", which means "Make Better".
There are 2 versions of KaizenContinuous Improvement, and Kaizen Blitz (or Event).
1. Kaizen continuous improvement continuously makes small improvements in processes, and focuses on the overall value stream.
The underlying philosophy is that there is always room for improvement, and a culture of continuously becoming better is created.
Kaizen Continuous Improvements are carried out by multifunctional teams.
Value Stream, Current State and Future State Maps are used as roadmaps.
The main benefits are:
  • overall value stream improvement
  • improved communication
  • mutual respect
  • shared responsibility

2. A Kaizen Blitz (or event) focuses on individual processes, and tries to improve them in a short fixed time frame, typically 4 to 5 days.
During this time, a cross-functioning group of managers and employees work together as a result-oriented team.
This is a typical Kaizen Blitz agenda:
  • day 1: training (lean concepts, Kaizen, improvement tools)
  • day 2: observing the process, brainstorming, data gathering
  • day 3: solution development, start implementation
  • day 4: implementation and standardization
  • day 5: assessment of obtained results
The specific Kaizen Blitz benefits are:
  • immediate results
  • other improvement opportunities are discovered

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1027798

The CrazyFlie Micro Quadcopter Goes on Sale!


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Back in 2011, I wrote a post on a micro quadcopter called CrazyFlie. Surprisingly, it has gained a ton of traffic. Aside from that, the CrazyFlie is now available for pre-order. Costing at around $150, you can get the kit that includes al the parts for the 6-DOF robot and it's wireless USB adapter. If you're interested in purchasing this robot, then click the here!

Would you kill a robot?


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Would you kill (turn off) a robot even if it pleaded you not to? Back in 2011, an experiment was held to see how people would react to a robot begging not to be turned off. Overtime, the person volunteering would unplug the robot's wires, and one by one, the robot would beg more and start to turn off slowly. Finally, this resulted in a dead robot and a saddened human volunteer. Although, the robot pleaded and begged not to be turned off, the humans still turned it off. Some people, however, had trouble killing the robot. As for others, it wasn't that hard. The point is that even though robots aren't human, people still interact with them in a certain way. Thanks for reading and check out the video above to see the experiment video!



Source: the video listed above

The SimpleBotics logo, Simplified


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If you thought the logo was already as simple as it gets, then guess again. With a little more gradient and special effects, I was able to create a better logo. The result is the photo above. Comment below to rate the newest logo. Do you like it or not?

New Blackjack Robot is Capable of Dealing Cards


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How awesome would it be if you could play blackjack with a robotic card dealer? Well, now you can! While being completely autonomous, this robotic arm is able to pick up, scan, and deal cards. All though it can deal cards, it does take a few minutes. However, this robot is not even at it's full speed capacity. Maybe later on this robot's real potential willI be utilized. If you're interested in seeing this robot deal cards then check out the video above. Other than that, thanks for reading and follow us on Twitter to stay updated!



Source: the video above

Two New Madera Plants Will Bring 150 Jobs


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The following is an article is from the Fresno Bee about when Nemat, Inc. was first breaking ground in Madera...

Two new manufacturing plants being built in Madera are expected to bring up to 150 new jobs once they open next year.

Last week, officials with Fremont-based Nemat Management Group broke ground on what will be a $2 million, 40,000-square-foot plant that will use computer-controlled machining tools to make parts for equipment sold around the world and in the central San Joaquin Valley, company owner Mike Nemat said.

And next week, start-up Innovative Rotational Moldings Inc. plans to break ground on a $4.25 million, 33,500-square-foot plant that will produce plastic containers and other custom products, including a new line of electric-powered boats, said company owner Dan Humphries.

Nemat Management Group expects its plant at 19343 Road 24 to be up and running by September in its first phase of manufacturing, with full build-out expected in spring 2009, Nemat said.

"Our goal is to become a domestic, high-quality alternative to off-shoring," said Nemat, who founded his company as a consulting firm in 1994 and expanded into manufacturing for the semiconductor, glass-coating, solar, medical, industrial and agricultural sectors in 2004.

The sole proprietorship had between $4 million and $5 million in revenues this year and could reach $20 million in revenues in the next five years, he said.

Moving to Madera will cut down on the high labor and property costs the company now sees in the Bay Area and will allow it closer access to Central and Southern California markets, he said.

It also will lead to 50 to 75 new jobs paying from $10 to $30 an hour, in a combination of new hires and transfers from Fremont, Nemat said.

Innovative Rotational Moldings is a new company, but Humphries said he has been in the plastic container business since 1979, including starting a Chowchilla company, Central California Container, which he sold in 2001.

His new plant at the corner of Road 25 and Avenue 13 will "start with plastic tanks and products" for the agricultural, industrial and residential markets, he said.

The plant will employ from 15 to 20 people earning $12 to $15 an hour at first, he said.

"As time goes on, we'll put more emphasis on the custom market," he added. "If you can picture a big, hollow part, we can make it out of plastic."

Along with doing custom orders for customers, Humphries plans to start work on a plastic, electric-powered boat that can be used on the more than 1,300 lakes in the state that don't allow combustion engine-powered boats for environmental reasons.

"It's a booming market," he said.

Humphries said he's hoping that his plant will expand to employ up to 75 people within two years.

Follow SimpleBotics on Twitter


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Hello readers. Today, I am glad to say that you can now follow SimpleBotics on Twitter. By following us, you can stay updated with fresh robotics news everyday. Thank you and visit the link to follow us today!

http://www.twitter.com/simplebotics

Techniques We Use:


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We use lean manufacturing techniques to achieve objectives

  • Just In Time Manufacturing; Single Piece Flow, Pull Systems, Kanban, Cellular Manufacturing, Point of Use Warehousing, etc.
  • Reduced Set Up and Cycle Time
  • Visual Factory/Industrial Housekeeping (5S System)
  • Problem Solving Techniques
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Techniques
  • Team oriented development and implementation
  • ISO 9000 documentation
  • Office and plant layout designs

New Hexbug Aquabots to be Swimming by Fall of 2013


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Ever since 2007, Hexbugs have been crawling, walking, and even sliding across the floor. This year, however, Hexbugs will be capable of swimming. At the most recent toy fair in London, Innovation First revealed the Hexbug Aquabot. Measuring at just four inches, this autonomous shark-like robot is capable of submerging, maneuvering, and swimming underwater. It's also capable of switching on automatically in contact with water. All this sounds awesome, but keep in mind that these robots won't be released until fall (confirmed) and that its estimated price is $9.99. Overall, I'm sure Hexbug fans will be excited for this years upcoming Hexbug robot. Thanks for reading and follow our blog to stay updated with new Hexbug info.




Submit News to SimpleBotics


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Whether your a company or hardcore robot enthusiast, SimpleBotics would be glad to post about your latest product or project. To submit a news article, simply visit our contact page.

New Manufacturing Business in Madera


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A look back at when we first moved to Madera! Enjoy! 


Madera, CA (KFSN) July 10th, 2009-- A new company comes to Madera County but to owner Mike Nemat, the Valley is a familiar place. A Fresno State graduate, Nemat started his manufacturing and consulting company in the Bay Area ... but last year decided to relocate to the Central Valley.

Nemat said, "It would have cost us three times more to build a facility like this with the extra acreage that we have, in the Bay Area."

A 40-thousand square foot facility sits on 10 acres of land just outside the City of Madera.

Bobby Kahn with Madera County E.D.C. said, "We know that he's got excess land so as he grows and expands he will grow and expand right here in Madera County."

The manufacturing company uses computer-aided machinery to make and assemble parts for medical, solar and agricultural equipment.
They recently purchased these huge milling machines from Detroit that were used to make the high-performance Ford GT's ... and can handle up to 30-foot long parts and 70-thousand pounds.

Nemat said, "95% of our competitors in California don't have equipment like this ... an this will help us to compete where we were not able to compete with our smaller equipment."

"His customer base is a different customer base than what we're used to so its going to raise the bar on the type of company that is coming to do business here," said Kahn.

The company has about a dozen employees so far and plans to hire a dozen more by the end of the year ... and though the jobs are high skill, experience is not necessary.

"If you finished high school with good math skills we will hire you and have you run our machine and train you to grow with us," said Nemat.

Wages for programmers and machine operators range from 10 to 25 dollars an hour.

Project: Terminator


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Back in December, I wrote a post showing off my arduino humanoid robot. At that time, it had one arm and a body. With a few upgrades that I have added, it now has a moving head. The second arm will be arriving very soon. Anyways, just wanted to show you guys a few photos and a video update. Enjoy!

Our Partial Facilities & Equipment List


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INSPECTION (PER MIL-I-45208A):

  • CNC Equipment:Temperature Controlled Inspection Room with the Following:
  • MITUTOYO B710, COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE (28X40X24)
  • MITUTOYO SURFACE ROUGHNESS TESTER
  • J & L 10" OPTICAL COMPARATOR
  • GAETNER TOOLMAKERS MICROSCOPE
  • ROCKWELL HARDNESS TESTER
  • CADILLAC HEIGHT GAUGES TO 27"
  • VENEER CALIPERS TO 40"
  • MICROMETERS TO 12"
  • STANDARD PLUG AND RING GAUGES
  • GRANITE INSPECTION PLATES
CNC TURNING CENTERS:
  • TMC15 7" Swing
  • SLANT #1 13" Swing, 21" Centers
  • SLANT #3 16" Swing, 28" Centers
  • SLANT #3BL 16" Swing, 40" Centers
  • TW10 Dual Spindle 6" Swing, 6 Axis w/Auto Bar Feed
CNC VERTICAL MILLS:
  • ROBODRILL PC 2 15" x 19" Dual Pallet
  • MATSUURA MC560v 16" x 22" with 4th Axis
  • MATSUURA 800v 18" x 31.5" with 4th Axis
  • MATSUURA 1000v 20" x 40"
  • HAAS VF6 32" x 64"
  • CLAUSING FV1 15" x 30"
CNC VERTICAL MILLS:
  • MATSUURA MC700H 23.6" x 29.5" with 4th Axis & Dual Pallet
CONVENTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
  • (3) CLAUSING ENGINE LATHES 13" x 40"
  • (1) CLAUSING ENGINE LATHE 15" x 30"
  • (1) NARDINI ENGINE LATHE 20" x 84"
  • (1) TARNOV ENGINE LATHE 28" x 160"
  • (4) BRIDGEPORT MILS 10" x 48"
  • (1) SHELDON RADIAL DRILL 20" x 48"
  • (1) B&S CYL. GRINDER 10" x 24"
  • (1) B&S SURFACE GRINDER 6" x 18"
  • (2) TOOL & CUTTER GINDERS
  • (2) POWER & BAND SAWS
  • (1) 75 TON HYDRAULIC PRESS
  • (1) BEAD BLAST CABINET 24" x 42"
  • (2) TIG & WIRE FEED WELDERS
CNC PROGRAMMING EQUIPMENT:
  • G-ZERO CAM SYSTEM 3D MACHING & ENGRAVING
  • CAD SYSTEM SURFWARE CAD/CAM 3D
SERVICES:
  • WELDING
  • ELECTRO-MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY and TEST

DreamBots introduces WheeMe at CES 2013


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Need a massage? Don't worry, WheeMe has your back (pun intended). Developed by DreamBots, WheeMe is a small little robot that is capable of giving you a wonderful back massage. Using its specially designed wheels, this little robot is able to travel up and down your back silently while gently pressing down on your body. The robot is also equipped with special sensors that keep it from slipping and falling off your back. Although this robot gives amazing massages, it does cost around $100. Other than that, all these features add up to one very relaxing massage. Thanks for reading, and check out the video above to see WheeMe in action!

About Precision CNC & Integrated Manufacturing


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We are a contract manufacturing company providing high precision production machining services to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and High Tech development companies throughout the United States since 1984. Our staff is a dedicated team of Engineering, Programming, and Manufacturing professionals .

New BioQuell Robots Decontaminate Rooms at the John Hopkins Hospital


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Usually when a hospital room has to be disinfected, it involves people coming in and doing the job themselves. However, the cleaners at the John Hopkins Hospital are $40,000 BioQuell robots. Their purpose is to clear out "Super Bugs." Since these abnormal bugs are resistant to normal anti-biotics, these bugs can still lurk inside hospital rooms even after human cleaners have disinfected it. Thats where these new robots come in to play. Their cleaning process involves letting Hydrogen Peroxide into the air to make condensation form. Then the Hydrogen Peroxide condensation that forms on the room's surfaces exterminates the lethal bugs. So far, over 4,000 rooms have been disinfected by these robots, and three infected rooms are cleaned each day. Thanks for reading and check out the video above to see the robot in action!

The Top 10 Best Robots of 2012 (with video)


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Looking back on the year of 2012 reminds me of some pretty awesome robots. Thats why I have compiled a list that features ten of the best robots from 2012. Thanks for supporting SimpleBotics, and I hope you enjoy the list below!




1. Karatus

  • An fully-functional mech-robot
  • Allows a person to pilot it via cockpit
  • 13 feet tall


2. LS3
  • Can carry a payload of 400 lb
  • Capable of following soldiers even through rough terrain
  • Has well-designed legs that enable to walk on rough surfaces


    3. Cheetah Robot
    • Can run nearly 30 miles an hour (28.3 mph)
    • Created by Boston Dynamics



    4. Romo from Romotive

    • Developed from the new start-up, Romotive
    • Can be controlled via iOS device
    • Has "emotions"


    5. Baxter
    • Can show expressions through its "face"
    • Low-cost
    • 7-degrees of freedom per arm


    6. Nano-quadrotor swarm
    • Can maneuver around each other to create shapes
    • Small in size
    • Sounds like a swarm of bees


    7. CHARLI
    • Can play soccer
    • Can perform Gangnam Style
    • Developed by RoMeLa


    8. Mint Plus
    • Utilizes advanced navigation systems
    • Can sweep edges
    • Is compatible with micro-fiber cloth pads


    9. Disney Humanoid Robot
    • Can juggle 
    • Is able to catch and throw a ball
    • Made by Disney


    10. Rock-Paper-Scissors Robot
    • 100% winning rate
    • Uses a high-speed camera
    • Can predict movements of its opponents















    Precision CNC & Integrated Manufacturing Mission and Services


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    Our mission is to use our team's strong Engineering and Technical expertise to develop state of the art processes that will meet and exceed customers' expectations by manufacturing quality products on time at a competitive price.

    Services

    • CNC Milling & Turning
    • Automated CNC Drilling & Milling
    • CNC Horizontal Milling
    • Conventional Milling
    • Conventional Machining
    • Stamping & Forming
    • Welding Assembly

    Robot band plays Heavy Metal


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    Last year, I wrote a post on the drummer robot featured in the video above. Instead of that robot going solo, he now plays in a band with two other robots. Enjoy the performance, and be sure to visit tomorrow for a normal post!

    Hate shoveling snow? Meet roboplow!


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    As of now, shoveling snow snow yourself is a chore of the past! Well, only of you have Roboplow. Roboplow is a homemade RC robot that is capable of plowing through snow. Using a 50 inch shovel, 6 heavy-duty wheels, and a webcam, this robot can shovel a whole sidewalk in less than a minute. Doubtful in this robot's strength? Don't be, because even a foot of snow won't slow it down.

    Quality Assurance


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    Nemat Management Group is a quality-oriented CNC machining company. Our 15,000 square foot facility contains dedicated sections, allowing precise control of the complete manufacturing process. NMG combines quality and engineering with service in the following areas.

    • CNC Turning and Milling
    • Conventional Machining
    Metrology department, located in an environmentally controlled facility, with:
    • CNC Coordinate Measuring Machines
    • Precision Surface Measuring Equipment
    • Microscopes
    • Conventional Inspection Equipment and Gages
    All inspection equipment is calibrated to MIL-STD-45208 and MIL-STD-45662A calibration system requirements.

    Lego Mindstroms EV3, the newest Lego mindstorms kit


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    Back in 2007, Lego released the Lego Mindstorms NXT, and then the came the NXT 2.0 in 2009. However, this fall, Lego will release a whole new type of Lego Mindstorms. They call it the Mindstroms EV3. Unlike its predecessor's, the latest Mindstorms kit has some pretty advanced features. For example, it is now equipped with a USB port, and SD card slot, and it can be controlled via an iOS or Android device. The robot's "brain" has also been equipped with multiple upgrades. This includes a better processor and more memory. All these new features add up to one amazing robotics kit. With literally hundreds of projects, the sky's the limit. Thanks for reading and check out the CES 2013 video above.




    Original source: http://aboutus.lego.com/en-us/news-room/2013/january/new-smarter-stronger-lego-mindstorms-ev3/

    Quality Control Inspection


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    Nemat Management Group's inspection room is maintained at 68 degrees F. We have a CNC coordinate measurement system along with all the conventional inspection equipment and gages. All materials and machined parts go through receiving inspection, in process inspection and final inspection. Quality control conforms to the requirements of MIL-STD-45208 and MIL-STD-45662A calibration system requirements.

    Lego mindstorms NXT 2.0 humanoid


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    After purchasing the Lego NXT 2.0 kit, I decided to build to the humanoid robot. The robot itself took me 4 hours to construct and the programming took me 20 minutes. It's features include walking, moving its arms, and avoiding obstacles. To top it all off, I added in a little Walle-E "woah" sound. That means that the every time this robot encounters an impeding obstacle, it says "woah." Thanks for reading and check out the video above!

    Results We Achieve:


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    Nemat Management & Productivity Group (NMPG) is a proven process improvement and problem solving company with extensive background in manufacturing. Majority of our projects result in a payback period of less than 4 months.



    1. Culture Change:
    Employee DevelopmentEmployee Ownership 
    Employee Participation Implemented By Employees 
    "Out of Box" ThinkingEager to Eliminate Waste 


    Enhanced Employee Motivation, Teamwork, & Communication

    2. Up to 50% Process Improvement:
    Cycle Time ReductionQuality Improvement 
    Capacity Improvement Inventory Reduction 
    Productivity ImprovementSpace Utilization Improvement 


    Workplace Organization & Cleanliness Improvement
    We Guarantee Results; No Results, No Fees. 

    Happy New Year from Nemat, Inc


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    Happy New Year to all. We hope that 2013 is your best year ever.