THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

FANUC Hails UK Robot Stars

A team representing the UK’s finest young robotics talent, and supported by factory
automation specialist FANUC UK, has been honoured at WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Jason Scott
and Charlie Carson, both from Northern Ireland, were awarded the Medallion for Excellence
in the category of Robot Systems Integration, where they competed against teams from 18
different countries.
The duo attended Northern Regional College and Scott now works at AES Global while
Carson attends the University of Ulster. Over 1500 young people from 69 countries
competed over four days of competition in 62 different skills at WorldSkills Lyon, which was
watched by over 250,000 spectators.
More information www.fanuc.eu

Laser processes with AI intelligence

Machine tool manufacturer Trumpf and machine learning (ML) specialist SiMa.ai have
entered a strategic partnership for lasers with AI. Together, the companies are developing
AI chips and software to improve welding, cutting, marking and 3D printing processes. The
technology will drive more efficient laser applications that accelerate the production of
electric cars, for example.
Edge ML applications that run completely on SiMa.ai’s machine learning SoC (system on
chip) are said to see a tenfold increase in performance and energy efficiency, bringing higher
fidelity intelligence to ML use cases extending from computer vision to generative AI. At
Trumpf, approximately 90 worldwide are working on AI, primarily in product development.
More information www.trumpf.com

HNC receives funding boost

Halifax Numerical Controls (HNC) has received a funding boost having secured a six-figure
loan from Finance For Enterprise (FFE). HNC engineers have extensive experience in all
aspects of advanced machine tool design, build and support. The team has a particularly
high level of expertise in CNC and PLC automation systems.
The new funding will aid working capital and future growth for the company, which makes
machine tools to order all around the world. Current large projects in progress include two
for Mid-West Innovators in the US and two for Hilzinger in Germany. Another machine is
currently undergoing build in Taiwan.
More information www.hncl.co.uk

In-house exhibition at World Machinery

Machine tool supplier World Machinery is hosting an in-house exhibition on 6-7 November
2024 at its UK headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The company will showcase its latest
innovations in laser cutters, tube lasers, all-electric press brakes and automation, among
other technologies. World Machinery’s friendly and professional staff will be on hand to
discuss the optimal solutions to existing challenges and new projects. The company can also
offer flexible and affordable finance agreements. The exhibition will be open from 10:00 to
15:00 both days. Confirmation of attendance is kindly requested.
More information www.worldmc.co.uk

Star announces UK open house

Star Micronics GB, a provider of sliding-head lathes, will host its annual open house on 19-21 November 2024 at its Technology Centre in Derby. The event will feature live demonstrations of the latest production technologies from Star and its partners, with the spotlight shining on the UK premiere of the company’s new SB-20RII sliding-head lathe.

The SB-20RII offers various performance, versatility and ergonomic enhancements. These include additional tool stations, increased power, higher spindle speeds, advanced control features and improved accuracy. Despite its added capabilities, such as the ability to process components up to 25.4 mm in diameter, the SB-20RII has a 10% smaller footprint than the best-selling SB-20R Type G.

More information www.stargb.com/open