The Thomas Blog

Can A Robot Write Your Marketing Materials?

One of the greatest fears among today’s industrial workers is the possibility of being replaced by machines. While many companies have opted to embrace automated technologies in their day-to-day industrial manufacturing operations, the results aren’t always detrimental to employees. 

Can Disruptive Technologies Lead To Disruption For Your Business?

As new technologies emerge, new possibilities for disruption do as well. Smartphones and apps enabled Uber and Lyft to disrupt the staid taxi business, while the widespread availability of high-speed Internet allowed Netflix to bury Blockbuster and, ultimately, become one of the most profitable companies in the world. Even brick-and-mortar industries, like hotels and hospitality, aren’t immune to disruption, as evidenced the growing popularity of Airbnb.

The American Inventions That Revolutionized Manufacturing

American inventors have had a tremendous impact on the United States and people around the world. 

The manufacturing industry has also felt the impact of these innovators who were willing to push the possibilities of their times and technologies.

Thomas took a look back at a few of the awesome American inventions that have shaped the industry.

Are Robots Taking Our Jobs?

You've seen the headlines. Kiosks are replacing cashiers, autonomous vehicles are putting taxi drivers on the side of the road, and robots are now writing blog posts. 

Clearly, robots have already started to replace workers in various industries. Are they coming for industrial jobs next?

The short answer? Kind of.

The longer answer? While they will most likely change the makeup of the industrial workforce and the way people do their jobs, the situation is not as dire as many people think. In fact, it could be a positive development for industry.   

Video: Soldiers Will Get A Boost With Exoskeletons

Soldiers are about to get a big upgrade courtesy of engineers at the U.S. Army Research Lab. The engineers are creating a DARPA-funded exoskeleton suit that will help soldiers carry heavier equipment, march longer distances and improve mental acuity. 

The suit is made of pulleys and gears that help prevent and reduce musculoskeletal injuries, which is a common occurrence for many soldiers. The suit is already making major impacts as servicemen and women have reported improved endurance and reduced stress on their joints during tests. 

Hyperloop One's First Pod Test Is A Success

The future of high-speed transportation blazed one step closer to reality last week. Hyperloop One, based in Los Angeles, just tested its pod for the first time, and the test was a big — and really fast — success.

Video: Space Tourism Gets Closer To Becoming A Reality

Zero 2 Infinity, a space tourism company headquartered in Spain, just unveiled the final design of its Bloon pod, which will launch people to the edge of the Earth's atmosphere.  

Digitizing Our Buildings & Facilities: How To Create Intelligent Environments

Businesses are transitioning to LED lighting in the 5.6 million commercial buildings in the United States. And, in many regions, the addition of solar solutions for energy independence is also underway.

Video: Fruit And Animals Will Pave The Way For Safer Industrial Equipment

Safety on the shop floor is about to get better, and you can thank fruits and animals for their help. Groundbreaking research from BMW's Bio-Inspired-Safety Systems (BISS) Consortium is leading the way to create new safety prototypes based off of natural models.