Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for March 16, 2016

iRobot launches floor-mopping robot

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iRobot Braava
iRobot’s new floor mopping device, the Braava

iRobot has launched a household floor cleaning device, calling it the Braava jet mopping robot.

Designed to mop hard floor surfaces with high amounts of traffic, the company says Braava jet is “great for the kitchen and bathroom”.

The price of the perfect gift for the slacker of today starts at $199. Braava jet combines a compact design, vibrating cleaning head, precision jet spray and Braava jet cleaning pads to lift dirt and stains, even in hard-to-reach places, like under kitchen cabinets and around toilets.

“iRobot is focused on significant growth opportunities in the consumer robotic technology market,” says Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot.

“To capitalize, we will continue to diversify our home robot offerings, identifying new product categories ripe for growth and exploring other opportunities within the connected home. We are excited to bring Braava jet to market, a robot that addresses yet another important customer cleaning need.”  [Read more…] about iRobot launches floor-mopping robot

‘Ergonomic design saves time and money, and is less annoying’

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industrial ergonomic design

Robert Holloway, head of order fulfilment at industrial automation parts supplier European Automation discusses the importance of ergonomics for facilities using industrial automation.

Kettles that release red hot steam onto their handles, cupboard drawers that don’t quite slot in and of course, those pesky USB sticks that take three or four attempts to insert before realising you had right the first time. These niggles are part of everyday life and albeit annoying, their poor design is usually pretty easy to ignore.

But in industry, the bad design of manufacturing environments and equipment is much more significant than a few seconds wasted twisting a USB stick.

As part of the modernisation of manufacturing facilities, industrial automation has become invaluable. The undeniable benefits of increased productivity, improved efficiency and reduction in costs have meant that automation has quickly secured its place as a reigning champion of manufacturing operations.  [Read more…] about ‘Ergonomic design saves time and money, and is less annoying’