Motion Control & Drives


Harnessing robotics for a sustainable future

Technews Industry Guide: Sustainable Manufacturing 2024 Motion Control & Drives


Andrew Crackett, managing director of Yaskawa South Africa.

Sustainability has become a critical focus for forward-thinking industries, none more so than manufacturing. Yaskawa South Africa stands at the forefront of this green revolution, leveraging advanced robotics to drive sustainable manufacturing practices. Managing director of Yaskawa South Africa, Andrew Crackett discusses how integrating cutting-edge technologies with environmental responsibility at Yaskawa not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also prioritises a sustainable future.

Promoting sustainable manufacturing

Yaskawa has several initiatives that promote both Industry 4.0 and green manufacturing. These include:

• Embracing Industry 4.0: Integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, big data analytics and IoT into manufacturing processes improves efficiency, productivity and quality.

• Green manufacturing: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and reducing carbon footprint.

• Eco-friendly products and services: Offering solutions that promote sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact.

• Research and development: Investing in research and development to improve existing products and develop new ones that support sustainable manufacturing.

• Sustainability challenges and targets: Identifying and addressing materiality issues, such as environmental performance, new technologies, business domains, and setting quantitative and qualitative KPIs.

Alignment with business strategy

Yaskawa’s commitment to green manufacturing is seamlessly aligned with its overarching business strategy. According to Crackett, Yaskawa implements this in several ways. In terms of contributing to the evolution of society, the company positions itself as a catalyst for societal progress, driving technological evolution that underpins sustainable societies. This is reflected in its dedication to the welfare of humanity, aiming to enhance safety, health and quality of life through innovative solutions. This relentless pursuit of advanced technology not only positions Yaskawa at the technological forefront, but also underscores its commitment to universal societal development. By addressing global challenges like environmental sustainability through its technological innovations, Yaskawa contributes to the global development of society.

Robotics and sustainability

Yaskawa’s robotics solutions are pivotal in reducing environmental impact within manufacturing processes. For instance, Yaskawa champions continuous research and development by investing in innovation and technology advancements. “We work with customers, suppliers and industry experts to stay informed about emerging sustainability trends, while designing robots and systems with energy-saving features and optimised performance,” says Crackett. Resource conservation is another significant benefit, with robotic systems optimising production schedules, enhancing inventory management and streamlining supply chain operations.

Economic and environmental benefits

Integrating Yaskawa’s robotics for sustainable manufacturing brings substantial economic benefits. Companies experience increased productivity, cost savings from reduced energy consumption and waste, improved product quality, and enhanced supply chain efficiency. These improvements lead to a higher return on investment and increased competitiveness in the market. Yaskawa’s solutions also aid businesses in meeting environmental compliance requirements and sustainability goals.

In conclusion, Yaskawa South Africa’s commitment to green manufacturing, driven by advanced robotics and continuous innovation, exemplifies how technology can be harnessed for a sustainable future. By aligning its initiatives with broader business strategies and societal goals, Yaskawa is not only improving manufacturing processes, but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Solving common automation challenges with Festo’s servo drive and servo motor solutions
Festo South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Automation projects face challenges that include limited installation space, the need for precise and repeatable linear motion, rising cycle-speed demands, and seamless integration with existing control architectures. Festo’s servo portfolio directly addresses these issues with compact, modular drive and motor solutions designed for specific applications.

Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.

Read more...
Filtration as a reliability driver in motion control systems
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Motion Control & Drives
This article highlights the importance of filtration in motion control systems, how contamination affects performance, and what fleet managers, operators and maintenance teams in southern Africa can do to reduce downtime, avoidable wear and costly repairs, aided by Baldwin Filters.

Read more...
Supporting construction of next-gen floating offshore wind turbines
Motion Control & Drives
While windy locations naturally make ideal spots for offshore wind farms, they bring challenges when it comes to assembling wind turbines, particularly in ports. Mammoet was approached by Euroports to support with the marshalling and assembly of the components that make up the three turbines at Port-la-Nouvelle in France.

Read more...
Rollers excel where profits balance on a knife edge
igus Motion Control & Drives
Polymer component specialist manufacturer, igus has developed a range of lubrication-free long-life knife edge rollers designed to improve the transfer of products between conveyor belts in high-speed production environments.

Read more...
Bringing physical AI to the factory floor by deploying humanoids in industrial operations
Siemens South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Siemens and Humanoid have marked a landmark milestone in the journey to bring physical AI from vision to industrial reality. Humanoid’s humanoid robothas been successfully tested in operations at Siemens’ electronics factory in Germany, performing autonomous logistics tasks.

Read more...
Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings
WEG Africa Motion Control & Drives
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.

Read more...
Rising demand for advanced coolant technology
Motion Control & Drives
As modern engines become smaller, more powerful and increasingly complex, coolant technology has undergone a fundamental transformation.

Read more...
Addressing cost, supply and disease pressures in Africa’s feed industry
Motion Control & Drives
Feed producers across Africa are operating in an increasingly complex and volatile environment. The pressures are forcing producers to rethink how they operate, balancing cost control, production efficiency and the need for greater flexibility in an unpredictable market.

Read more...
Rapid headframe replacement for Canada’s biggest potash mine
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet has supported Ledcor with the construction of BHP’s new Jansen potash mine.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved