PEOPLE WATCH
IFR confirms leadership appointments
Takayuki Ito has been elected as the new President of the International Federation of Robotics . He will represent the IFR , alongside the newly elected Vice President , Jane Heffner .
Takayuki Ito of Fanuc Corporation , who previously held the position of Vice President , succeeds Marina Bill of ABB who has served the rotating post at the IFR since 2022 .
“ I am proud to continue the work of my predecessor , Marina Bill , who has been a great ambassador for the world of robotics . We are witnessing rapid change in the automation of industrial and service sectors around the world . Together with Jane Heffner of Mobile Industrial Robots , as the new Vice President of the IFR , I look forward to our mission ,” said Takayuki Ito .
Takayuki Ito has a track record of more than
Takayuki Ito is the new President of the IFR .
IFR ’ s new Vice President , Jane Heffner .
40 years in the robotics industry . He currently holds the position of Chief Technical Advisor at the Japanese robot manufacturer , Fanuc Corporation . Since 1981 , Takayuki Ito has worked at the Japanese robot manufacturer in various positions . In 1997 , he became Executive Vice President for Fanuc Robotics in North America . He returned to Fanuc headquarters in Japan in 2002 , taking on the role of General Manager for the Robot Technology Centre .
The IFR ’ s new Vice President , Jane Heffner , has more than 20 years of experience in technology-driven industries including automation , robotics , automotive and aerospace . She currently serves as Vice President Global Sales at Mobile Industrial Robots ( MiR ), a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots . In this role , based in Detroit ( USA ), Heffner oversees the company ’ s global sales strategy and execution . Before joining MiR , Heffner held leadership roles at ABB Robotics and other major industrial companies . n
https
:// ifr . org /
Durgappa to spearhead ‘ electroless ’ nickel plating project for BEP Surface Technologies
BEP Surface Technologies , a UK electroplating and surface finishing specialist , is accelerating its R & D into nanodiamond technology with a key appointment . The Radcliffe-based company has hired chemical engineer , Dinesh Durgappa , to spearhead advances in blending microscopic diamond particles with electroless nickel plating .
“ Mixing nanodiamonds with metal coatings can offer game-changing improvements in components used in many existing and emerging industries because they radically enhance thermal conductivity and improve wear resistance . This strategic hire underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of surface- treatment solutions , following a strategic partnership with Helsinki-based nanodiamond manufacturer Carbodeon in September ,” confimed the company .
Commenting on his new role , Durgappa said : “ By fusing modern nanotechnology with traditional plating methods , we are pushing boundaries that could revolutionise the industry . Nanodiamonds bring a cuttingedge advantage to the table , and I ’ m excited to explore its applications in heavy machinery , mining equipment and nuclear waste management .”
Andrew McClusky .
Dinesh Durgappa .
Durgappa is working on creating electroless nickel plating with mid-phosphorus for industrial use . Mid-phosphorus plating contains 5 % to 9 % phosphorus and balances between low- and high-phosphorus coatings . It is known to be corrosion-resistant , harder and produce smooth , shiny surfaces .
This technology marks a significant shift from traditional electrolytic processes , as it does not require electricity ( offering greater versatility and efficiency ). By integrating nanodiamonds into the electroless nickel plating process , Durgappa aims to improve the performance of plated materials , providing superior resistance to wear and corrosion — two critical challenges for heavy machinery and other sectors .
Durgappa is leading BEP Surface Technologies ’ efforts to conduct in-depth literature reviews and experimental research .
Technical consultant , John Tor , and an industry veteran will support this initiative and guide incorporation of the new technology into existing processes .
Andrew McClusky , Managing Director , BEP , added : “ We are exploring partnerships with chemical suppliers and external companies to facilitate the integration of this technology into the industry . Its particular focus is on overcoming current operations ’ spatial and logistical challenges .”
Before joining BEP , Durgappa was at Rapture Engineering , where he worked on developing copper and brass alloys . He successfully led the development of 35 new products in a year , taking them from prototyping to pilot production . He is a Master of Philosophy in Metallurgy and Corrosion from the University of Manchester and has a bachelor ’ s degree in metallurgical engineering from Jain University , Bangalore . n
https :// bep-st . com
BEP solutions .
12 | ismr . net | ISMR December 2024 / January 2025