Go Frölunda!!!

Today was another long day in Goteborg! Our company visits were Hasselblad and ABB Robotics (talk about high tech!) and we ended the day at the Frölunda Indians hockey game!

If you’re not familiar with Hasselblad, they are a world-class camera brand that has such a strong, historical background. Some of history’s most iconic photos were taken by Hasselblad cameras, including the “first” footstep on the moon. Unfortunately, the cameras were left on the moon due to weight restrictions. Other iconic photos include Earthrise by William Anders, Abby Road Album Cover by Iaian Macmillan, and Get Up and Fight by Neil Leifer.

Our presentation at Hasselblad was led by Ove Bengtson, product manager. He took us through the history of Haselblad as a company and then showed us some of the cameras. He then let us take a few shots with some of the cameras they hand on-hand. After the presentation, we got to tour the “factory” which consisted of just a few rooms and labs where each camera is assembles and calibrated by hand. This process can take anywhere from three to six hours!

Next we went to ABB robotics where we were treated to a traditional Swedish lunch by Bert Thorvaldsson, Global Product Manager, Software Products. Apparently every Thursday in the winter, Swedes eat pea soup and pancakes. I opted for a goulash soup since I HATE peas, but I did enjoy the pancakes (crepes with whipped cream)!

After lunch, Bert opened up our eyes to technology in manufacturing and the quickly advancing world of Virtual Reality. The first robot evolution started in 1982 and while there have been slower points, it could be argued that it never really stopped. I don’t think I need to go into detail about robots in manufacturing after telling you about the plants at SKF and Volvo.

The back half of the presentation was full of insights into the rapidly growing world of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. This technology is so advanced that I’m still not sure I fully understand the difference between them. One piece of technology that we looked at in detail was the Hololens 2. I found it super interesting and would totally get one if I was a millionaire. Others thought it was disturbing and was taking technology a little too far.

Although both presentations were engaging, the hype of the hockey game was VERY welcomed! Sylvia and Morgan (from Volvo!) joined us for dinner and Chinese restaurant and THANK GOD for them because the entire menu was in Swedish! They had tickets to the game too so they taught us a few cheers and gave us a rundown on the “rules”. These cheers paid off because some nice fan bought us scarves (a tradition of Frölunda Indian fans).

Coffee Break
We found another fancy coffee machine at Hasselblad! I went for a simple espresso shot and, of course, cinnamon buns!

Cocktail Hour
What’s a hockey game without a few beers? Well apparently the Swedes know how to answer this question better than us Americans do. The only alcohol that can be brought to your seat has to be under 2.5%. But have no fear, there was a bar downstairs that we ran down to for a vodka shot between the second and third period!

Today’s Top Three
1. There really is bread station at every.single.meal. I don’t understand how everyone here is so skinny!
2. Swedish hockey doesn’t have any fighting and only their fan section is allowed to stand and cheer.
3. The technology is already here for robots to “take over the world”