Tag Archives: Panasonic

Technology

New Panasonic Auto Setting Feeder Brings Autonomous SMT Production One Step Closer

The Panasonic Auto Setting Feeder is a breakthrough in automated parts supply with automatic loading improving work efficiencies by reducing labour and loss rate while enhancing daily operations on the shop floor.

Munich, DE. September 2024 – Panasonic Factory Solutions introduced its new Auto Setting Feeder (ASF) taking a significant step towards autonomous SMT production. Automatic setting and loading are key aspects of automating the supply of parts in the production process. In an industry-first, the Panasonic ASF technology automates setting and loading reducing set time drastically and removing the need for human intervention.

Components can be smoothly inserted into the production line without requiring operator skills to physically connect the old component reel with the new reel using splices, tapes and clips. Feed speed and accuracy are significantly increased with up to 60 seconds saved per session.

Automated material supply

The ASF automatically peels off the cover tape for feeding surface-mounted components ranging from a width of 4mm to 104 mm. The loading unit then automatically feeds the next tape and refills as required. This enables customers to maintain uptime with predictive maintenance scheduling, reduce work effort and loss rate as well as increase placement and utilisation rates.

The ASF is part of the latest Panasonic NPM G Series and compatible with previous NPM and X-Series. The NPM G Series is an integrated range of Surface Mounted Technology (SMT) production systems designed to respond in real-time to customer supply and demand changes through continuous, autonomous updates – helping to make the autonomous factory a reality.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated production to improve processes, the G-Series includes the Auto Setting Feeder, the NPM-GP / L Stencil Printer and the NPM-GH Pick and Place machine that enable customers to set up individual, flexible, efficient, and economical production lines.

Stefan Hauck, Head of Marketing at Panasonic Factory Solutions comments: “Our factory automation technologies help customers to take a significant step towards 24-hour manufacturing. As supply chain challenges continue to be a major concern for businesses around the world, assembly lines need to respond to sudden changes at any time of the day. The ASF is a game-changer by enabling them to increase efficiencies, stop splicing and keep production running.”

For the full details on Panasonic ASF, visit: Auto Setting Feeder | Panasonic Connect

Business, News

Kärcher equips its service technicians with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 rugged notebooks

Panasonic TOUGHBOOK provides digital solution to improve operational efficiencies and customer service capabilities for Kärcher, the worldwide cleaning equipment manufacturer.

BRACKNELL, UK. 6th July 2022 – Kärcher, the world market leader for effective cleaning machines, has equipped its 100 service technicians with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 fully rugged notebooks. A video detailing the story can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh44SyR9x9w.

The rollout of the 2-in-1 detachable devices has improved operational efficiencies and customer service capabilities for Kärcher, a German family-owned company that operates worldwide and is known for its pressure washers, window vacuum cleaners and floor cleaners, as well as its wide range of professional cleaning equipment. The company, with an annual turnover of €2.7 billion (2020), chose the devices for their rugged and flexible design, which enable the technicians to keep the extensive equipment portfolio running and perform diagnostic tests.

“We use the diagnostic software installed on the TOUGHBOOK notebooks to analyse data from our cleaning machines, including water dispensers, and municipal sweepers,” explained Thomas Wolski, Service Technician at Kärcher. “It is a very flexible device because there are many plug-in options, for example via HDMI cable or USB cable, and there are plenty of connectivity slots. The device is also robust and reliable. When it gets dropped, it always still works and there are no problems operating the tablet even when wearing thick gloves.”

“The most important requirement for the TOUGHBOOK 33 was that it should be a combination of tablet PC and notebook. It means Kärcher can decide if they want to use the system as a tablet on the go, or to plug it in and use it as a classic notebook,” said Andreas Wetzels, Key Account Manager Field Services at Panasonic Mobile Solutions. “The TOUGHBOOK devices help to ensure that Kärcher’s customers can use their cleaning systems for longer, and through this longer use, we are also helping to protect the environment.”

Mobile Tech, News

Panasonic Introduces the Ultimate Rugged Notebook: The TOUGHBOOK 40

Designed for Defence and ideal for Police and Utilities this high performance 14 inch notebook takes rugged computing to another level with the flexibility to meet mission critical operations and every day challenges.

BRACKNELL, UK. 24th May 2022 – Panasonic today introduced the ultimate 14-inch rugged notebook designed for Defence and ideal for Police and Utilities. Taking rugged computing to another level, the TOUGHBOOK 40 has a modular design that allows mobile workers to modify the device quickly and easily for different challenges by equipping 7 expansion areas. The powerful new all black model is built for use in the most extreme conditions, with military-grade security and communications capabilities to support mission critical operations.

Flexible device management

The TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook is the perfect field companion adaptable to any task. As well as user replaceable battery, RAM and SSD, the device also has four other expansion areas for smartcard and fingerprint readers, including a multi-user authentication for when the notebook is being used by a team. The expansion areas can also be used for a second SSD, DVD and Blu-ray Drives and configurable ports (VGA, True Serial, USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, and a second HDMI or native GLAN).

The device is designed for Defence, including operational use on foot and in vehicle, as well as for vehicle diagnostics and maintenance and for training. For Police and border control the device is ideal for operational service, such as routing, numberplate or suspect identification. In the Automotive and Agricultural sectors, it’s the perfect tool for technicians running diagnostics and repairs on trucks or large machinery at the roadside or in the field. In the Utilities sector, engineers can use the TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook for inspections of pipelines, solar panels and power stations and for maintenance programs.

Performance to meet extreme challenges

This high-performance device can meet the computing needs of any user. The Windows 11 Secured-core PC is equipped with an Intel® Core™ i5-1145G7 vPro® processor (Intel® Core™ i7 vPro® processor optional), 16GB RAM (up to 64GB optional), and a quick release 512GB NVMe OPAL SSD as standard (up to 2TB optional). The TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook is also designed for use with quick release NATO approved VIASAT self-encrypting secure drives, MIL connectors and docking stations. To immediately kill light and electronic transmissions when on operations, it also has a one touch Concealed Mode function.

The high brightness, Full HD touchscreen ensures perfect viewing clarity at night and in the brightest sunlight. For easy use in any conditions, the touchscreen auto-detects between pen, finger, gloved or wet hand and automatically switches to the most appropriate mode. The newly designed Touchpad provides two physical mouse buttons and works with gloves and rain functionality and two-finger operation to allow users to undertake the most complex tasks in the field.

Battery life is designed to support mission critical operation with approximately 18 hours from one battery and 36 hours from two, with hot swap capabilities meaning the device remains fully operational when batteries are switched.

Built to communicate

The TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook has all the latest communications capabilities required on operations, including options for eSIM to switch mobile carriers without changing sims and LTE, as well as 5G options this summer. It is designed for use with all the major GPS navigation systems and offers WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. To ensure effective communications in the field, the Waves MaxxAudio® Stereo Speakers emphasises the human voice to ensure smooth conversations even in noisy environments. The new Quad array microphone with AI noise reduction also removes ambient noise from the microphone input.

The most rugged

The TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook takes rugged to another level with IP66 resistance to dust and water, meeting military standard (MIL-STD810H) for temperature, humidity and vibration and is 26-side drop tested from 180cm*.

“From the soldier on operations and the police officer in the car to the technicians at roadside and the engineers in the field, the new TOUGHBOOK 40 takes rugged computing to a new level with its adaptability for different tasks, computing power, communications and security,” said Dirk Weigelt, European Product Manager at Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business. “With its incredible capability to be tailored for tasks, we expect the TOUGHBOOK 40 to become the de facto rugged device for these specialist operators.”

* Tested by an independent third party lab.

Logistics, News

The Pallet Network Mobilises Forklifts with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Tablets

Latest video shows how The Pallet Network successfully deployed 150 TOUGHBOOK Android tablets on its forklifts to improve productivity and customer service.

BRACKNELL, UK. 17 May 2022 – The Pallet Network (TPN), the UK’s leading pallet freight delivery network, has mobilised its forklift trucks at the company’s three UK depots with 150 new Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Android tablets, helping to improve productivity and customer service in the competitive logistics industry. A video detailing the story can be found here: https://youtu.be/NTDWq-btgsw

“We had ageing Windows 7 devices mounted in our forklifts that were no longer supported and getting pretty tired,” explained Robert Haigh, IT Director at TPN. “These devices are critical to our operations, so it was clear that they needed to be modernised. As well as upgrading the old hardware, we also knew we could make further improvements by moving to the latest Android platform and deploying new software for our forklift operators to use.”

Working with trusted IT services partner Renovotec, the company set about evaluating options and assessed all the leading industry providers alongside Panasonic TOUGHBOOK and its rugged Android A3 tablet. The critical factors in choosing the Panasonic devices were their ruggedness and reliability in the challenging working environment and the ability to run TPN’s in-house developed software application for managing and moving the pallets. In addition, ease of management and long-term support for the devices were other important considerations.

“The Panasonic device immediately stood out as different,” said Robert. “It was a much more polished and complete package in terms of design and robustness. Ultimately, we now have a solution that is ideal for our working environment and that we can rely upon to do the job, allowing us to concentrate on delivering a fast, transparent and competitive service to our customers.”

Manufacturing, News

Industry 4.0 & beyond on show at the Manufacturing Innovation Forum

Manufacturers and technology leaders will show how data and digital solutions are transforming manufacturing at the Manufacturing Innovation Forum from 10:00-12:00hrs CET on March 17th

BRACKNELL, UK. 8th February 2022 – Manufacturers such as Lamborghini and technology leaders including Panasonic, Deloitte, Librestream, Zetes and Logiscend will be showing how Industry 4.0 data and digital solutions can transform production at the online Manufacturing Innovation Forum, from 10:00 to 12:00hrs CET on March 17th

“Harnessing the power of data and digital solutions to drive lean and profitable manufacturing operations has never been more important,” said Luca Legnani, European Field Marketing Manager for Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business Division Europe. “This online forum brings together the customers and technology experts that are already implementing Industry 4.0 solutions to share their learnings with other manufacturing leaders and managers in a not to be missed event.”

Speakers will be discussing how technologies can help transform productivity in every area of manufacturing from goods receipts through production and into the supply chain. The line-up includes:

  • A tour of Deloitte’s state-of-the-art Smart Factory of the Future to see an overview of all the possibilities for manufacturers.
  • Lamborghini talking about their smart factory journey.
  • Zetes showing how to achieve real-time visibility and full inventory control from goods receipt to shipment in the connected warehouse.
  • Librestream demonstrating how to use Augmented Reality-enabled remote collaboration technology to increase efficiencies.
  • Panasonic Connect Europe showing how its range of solutions, from smart mobility for quality control to smart factory solutions and smart container management, can deliver immediate returns for manufacturers today.

For more information and to register for this free, online event, visit: https://hopin.com/events/manufacturing-forum

News

Fire service continues to unlock value from Panasonic demountable rugged devices

Latest video shows how Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service can access vital information at the scene.

BRACKNELL, UK. 31st January 2022 – When Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) upgraded its Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) to Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 devices in 2018, it was also one of the first fire services in the country to install demountable devices in the rear of the appliances to accompany firefighters when they leave the vehicles. More than three years on and these demountable Panasonic TOUGHBOOK notebooks are regarded as an “operational tool” by the firefighters. DWFRS has over 200 devices in total, with just under 100 demountable devices in its vehicles that it calls Risk Information Tablets (RITs). See the full video story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwzaVLb1gRU.

DWFRS chose the rugged Panasonic TOUGHBOOK notebook, after evaluating over 20 ruggedised and non-ruggedised devices, because it could evolve to meet future needs – with double the memory, the latest Bluetooth technology for the future addition of third-party peripherals and an integrated RFID reader to enable secure but easy-to-use authentication.

Today, the devices are used for a wide range of applications. They can be used to assist fire crews with detailed schematics of vehicles to help them rescue trapped people, accessing site specific risk information, as well as location information on water pipes and hydrants, alongside tools for carrying out community fire safety assessments. Additional applications include the integration of What3Words for specific locations, access to internal systems for email, video communications and intranets and even a simple screen cleaning application where the screen becomes non-responsive for 20 seconds to allow the user to quickly wipe water and grime from the display.

With the Panasonic devices already ESN-approved, the fire service is also ready for the switch to the new Emergency Services Network as it comes online.