Scott Rohlfs

Wisconsin Automation is helping manufacturers bring operations state-side with the help of robotics. Check out our latest blog showing how robotic automation enables cost-effective reshoring of manufacturing. https://lnkd.in/gyBQCiJs

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How do robots "see" mirrored surfaces? 📸 Most automation integrators struggle with high-gloss parts because standard vision systems "go blind" due to light reflections. I’ve been looking into DHR Engineering, and their technical approach to this is impressive. Instead of relying on software "hacks," they use a specialized hardware-physics mix: Tunnel Lighting: Eliminates "dead zones" on chrome or polished surfaces. Polarizing Filters: Physically cutting out light noise before it even hits the sensor. Precision part-picking with an accuracy of 0.05 mm, which is a massive engineering feat for mirrored surfaces. In industrial automation, the physics of light is just as critical as the PLC code. ⚙️ Do you prefer fixing vision errors via software algorithms, or do you invest in advanced optics/lighting first? Let’s talk shop in the comments! 👇

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There's no time like the present! Recent legislation at the federal level makes manufacturing investments more attractive: - 100% Bonus Depreciation - Immediately deduct full cost of qualified assets. - Section 179 Expensing - Doubled to $2.5 million - Section 199A Deduction - Deduct a portion of income up to 20% - Section 174A - Full R&D Expensing - Interest Expense Deduction - Financing relief

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🤖 Onsite Robot Programming 🤖 Spent some time onsite last week doing some robot program updates and improvements for a new product on an existing line. A few things we commonly help customers with: • Improving program efficiency to reduce cycle time • Cleaning up and simplifying existing robot programs • Adding new products to an existing cell • Troubleshooting issues causing stops or inconsistent performance • Optimizing motion paths and logic for smoother operation • Programming new robots for new processes Small programming changes can sometimes make a surprisingly large impact on throughput and reliability. If you have a robot cell in need of any of these things, Kustom Automation would be happy to help.

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GDevCon N.A. - We are looking forward to another great year and exchange with the LabVIEW™ community! Coming from the manufacturing and test world(s) prior to coming to Beckhoff - I am hopeful to shed light on the power of leveraging LabVIEW™ with Beckhoff technologies can be for various test solutions. See you in July! 🎯

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 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞? 🔵 Retrofit legacy systems? 🔵 Smart sensors? 🔵 Buying new lines? We asked Amos Purdy on Ep. 242! 👇 Want to hear more about this? Join us all month long on Manufacturing Hub Network, where we dive deep into this topic! ****** Follow Dave Griffith and 🔔.  Follow Manufacturing Hub Network for new episodes.  #automation #manufacturing #industry40

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Why Manufacturing Grants Matter in the Midwest The Midwest isn’t just America’s manufacturing backbone — it’s where the next wave of innovation is being funded. If you’re a manufacturer in Indiana or Illinois, there are millions of dollars available right now to modernize equipment, implement automation, improve energy efficiency, and train your workforce. Through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, manufacturers can access: 1️⃣ Manufacturing Readiness Grants (MRG) Supports investments in advanced manufacturing technologies (automation, robotics, IoT integration). Eligibility: Small to mid-sized Indiana manufacturers. Outcome: Matching grants that offset capital equipment costs and accelerate modernization. 2️⃣ Skills Enhancement Fund Funding for workforce training programs. Eligibility: Indiana-based employers investing in upskilling employees. Outcome: Reduced training costs, stronger retention, improved productivity. 3️⃣ Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs Incentives for upgrading systems to reduce energy consumption. Outcome: Lower operating costs + sustainability alignment. https://lnkd.in/g4iyMKYE Through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois supports manufacturers through: 1️⃣ Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Focused on strengthening supply chains and semiconductor-related manufacturing. Eligibility: Companies expanding or modernizing operations in Illinois. Outcome: Capital investment support + job creation incentives. 2️⃣ EDGE Tax Credit Program Performance-based tax credits for companies that create or retain jobs. Outcome: Long-term tax relief tied to growth. 3️⃣ Workforce & Apprenticeship Funding Grants to support talent development and technical training programs. https://lnkd.in/gRkYvrpM In Industrial Automation and Vacuum Conveying, I’ve seen this firsthand: A manufacturer wants to upgrade to automated material handling. The ROI makes sense — but capital constraints stall the project. A grant changes the equation. What was a 3-year payback becomes 18 months. What felt risky becomes strategic. Grants aren’t just “free money.” They are leverage. Leverage to: ✔ Improve OEE ✔ Reduce contamination risk ✔ Increase throughput ✔ Attract and retain skilled talent Funding + engineering excellence = exponential growth. 📌 Comment “GRANTS” if you’d like a checklist of what to evaluate before applying. 📌 Or share this with a manufacturer who should be leveraging these programs. #manufacturing #industrialautomation #midwestmanufacturing #economicdevelopment #automation #leadership Piab - A brand by Piab Group Piab - A brand by Piab Group #development Indiana reps: R-Cap Process Equipment & Henry M Wood Company Illinois reps: R-Cap Process Equipment

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“Don’t start with the robot. Start with the problem.”    In my conversation with Winn Hardin back in May at Automate, we talked about how fast automation is evolving and what manufacturers should prioritize over the next three years. My advice:  1) Define the problem  2) Look for standard solutions  3) Prioritize platforms that scale There’s so much innovation in the market right now. The smartest automation strategy isn’t about custom design - it’s about speed, repeatability, and ROI.

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**A Game-Changer in Robotics: What This Means for the Future and Your Purchases** This development is nothing short of extraordinary — truly wild and incredibly exciting! As advancements in robotics continue to accelerate at a breakneck pace, the potential implications are vast. From revolutionizing industries to transforming daily life, this innovation signals a new era for robotics technology. So, how will this impact the robotic market? Expect faster developments, more accessible options, and smarter, more capable machines entering the mainstream. For consumers and businesses alike, it could mean more affordable, efficient, and versatile robotic solutions than ever before. And on a personal level, how might this influence your purchasing decisions? If you're considering investing in robotics — whether for business automation, home assistance, or personal projects — now might be the perfect time to explore emerging options. These cutting-edge advancements could make robotic technology more practical and cost-effective, opening up exciting new possibilities for everyone. Stay tuned, because as this wild ride unfolds, it will undoubtedly reshape our expectations and experiences with robotics — making the future brighter, smarter, and more accessible for all.

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