features

TAS South Best In Show

What will be the best new product on display at The ASSEMBLY Show South? You decide!

TAS South Showcase

More than 150 exhibitors will be on hand at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN, from April 4-6 to display the latest in assembly machines and systems during the inaugural ASSEMBLY Show South.

The line produces 3,000 assemblies per day with a 94 percent efficiency rate.—John Sprovieri

Robotic Automation System Assembles Switches

A blue Yaskawa robot arm within an industrial assembly system, surrounded by components, trays, and wiring.

The success of microfactories depends not just on sensors and robotics, but on how well data is connected, contextualized and consumed.—Errol Rodericks

The Data Imperative for Smart Microfactories

Workers on a factory assembly line, wearing safety helmets and aprons.

New technology enabled a biotech company to triple production and save more than $1 million.—Jacques Hoffmann

Micro-Scale Leak Testing of Medical Devices

InterTech MED75 leak detection unit connected to a TechPress mechanical test fixture.

Automated system disassembles disused electronics to recover valuable parts and materials.—John Sprovieri

Robots Recycle Electronic Waste

White ABB robotic arm performing additive manufacturing inside a dark chamber.

Tool location systems ensure quality control of safety-critical joints in electric trucks.—Thomas Preuss

Renault Trucks Error-Proofs Assembly

A worker wearing a mask and safety glasses assembles a Volvo engine on a production line.

A new study at a South African automotive manufacturer finds that workers—and productivity—can benefit from ergonomic improvements.—Kapil Gupta, Ph.D.

Can Ergonomic Improvements Increase Productivity?

Medical 3D render of human back, highlighting a painful, glowing red upper spine.

A key component of Renault Trucks’ electric vehicles is the modular power box, which is located between the batteries and the electric motors that drive the wheels. This component contains numerous safety-critical joints. To error-proof assembly, engineers implemented a system to guide workers through each fastening step. This article reports. Photo courtesy Renault Trucks

About the cover

Fastener supplier helps engineers to prototype, refine and launch the automated system in record time.—Marina Wood

How Do High-Velocity Impacts Affect Adhesive Bonding?

Bright, blurry light burst with orange, blue, and green radial lines, conveying speed.

departments

Get Ready for Chip Shortage, Part 2 — John Sprovieri

From the Editor

New automation products emphasize compact, high-load performance.—J.J. Moore

New & Noteworthy

Servo presses play key role in assembling hydraulic suspension components.—John Sprovieri

See It At The Show

‘Assembly Plant of the Year’ award call for nominations.— Austin Weber

Assembly Lines

Laser welding plastic medical devices.—Rieko van Heerbeek

Focus on: Medical Device Assembly

Interviews with leaders and innovators in product assembly.

Assembly Audible

Ad Index

Sourcebook Premium Sponsorship

Staff

Learn how our advertisers are helping assemblers solve problems.

Case History

Special Section

Wire Processing

Options for Braiding Wire Harnesses

Buyers Guide

Search our database of suppliers and products.

February 2026 | Vol. 69, No. 2

Table Of Contents