Manufacturers need solutions to mitigate labour challenges & Panasonic’s robotic surface-mount technology the NPM-GH can help, says Gustavo Sepulveda
Panasonic Connect has expanded its autonomous factory offerings to include robotic surface-mount technology, the NPM-GH.
This will allow customers to manage their manufacturing operations with advanced efficiency. Panasonic Connect North America is due to showcase its smart manufacturing solutions at IPC APEX Expo 2024.
Panasonic’s cutting-edge automation solutions
Panasonic is a multi-appliance brand originally specialising in light bulb sockets. The company now offers a range of appliances such as rechargeable batteries, cameras and industrial systems. First founded in 1918 and now headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Panasonic has an average of US$59bn in annual sales.
The company recently expanded its battery manufacturing capabilities in India, following India’s Production Linked Incentive Scheme.
As manufacturers face continued labour, quality and cost challenges, automated technology is an answer to secure, future-proof operations and in keeping with digital factory floor trends.
The NPM-GH is a pick-and-place machine with superior mounting accuracy. Its light mounting head ensures high-level productivity, reaching 51,000 chips per hour.
Panasonic’s NPM-GH can enable the latest digital factory floor fashions – and more:
- The NPM-GH reduces material waste costs
- Lessen the labour shortage impact
- Help manufacturers to reach Industry 4.0
- Maximise decision quality, resource efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
“Manufacturers are embracing technology and digital transformation to increase efficiency, quality, and mitigate labour challenges,” said Gustavo Sepulveda, Robotics and Automation Business Head at Panasonic Connect North America. “Panasonic Connect’s new NPM-GH Pick-and-Place machine supports this transition. It provides manufacturers with automated, accurate, and reliable placement capabilities in an intuitive and connected package to promote better worker experiences.”
How Panasonic is using R&D to move towards net zero
Panasonic is setting out how it will harness the power of research and development to add impetus to its efforts to hit its sustainability targets.
Senior leaders at the global electronics company have outlined how R&D is being used to “create a world you would never see without us”.
Tatsuo Ogawa, Panasonic Holdings Corporation (PHD) Executive Officer and Group CTO, and Hideo Ohara, General Manager of the Technology Division’s Manufacturing Innovation Division, said R&D and sustainability should have strong links.
“To realise a society that is sustainable and promotes wellbeing, we are actively working toward co-creation and new businesses, communicating with likeminded people both inside and outside the company,” said Tatsuo.