Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for June 30, 2016

Omron launches its first IO-Link-compliant factory automation devices

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Omron says its IO-Link-compliant factory automation devices will make production equipment smarter 

Omron is launching the IO-Link-compliant Photoelectric Sensors E3Z, Color Mark Photoelectric Sensors E3S-DC Series, Proximity Sensors E2E and E2EQ Series, and IO-Link Master Units GX and NX Series all at once as a first step of integrating sensors into the internet of things (IoT). 

The company says its new technologies are “ideal for use at manufacturing sites”.

Omron says the launch of the IO-Link-compliant sensors is a “big step” in making production equipment smarter to add various information and communication functions to over 100,000 specifications of control components for factory automation devices and achieve integration of factory automation and information and communications technology.  [Read more…] about Omron launches its first IO-Link-compliant factory automation devices

Kuka’s monstrous robotic vehicle manoeuvres gigantic Airbus components with ‘millimetre precision’

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Kuka claims its humungous robotic vehicle can move with utmost exactness as it manoeuvres massive aircraft components within small spaces at Airbus 

Robot-maker Kuka is boasting about how precise its omniMove robotic vehicle has been during a job at Airbus where it was used to manoeuvre supersize aircraft components. 

Airbus uses two powerful Kuka omniMove heavy-duty mobile transport vehicles for the construction of its A380 flagship in Hamburg.

With their Mecanum wheels, they are able to transport aircraft components weighing up to 90 tonnes with “millimeter precision” in confined spaces, claims Kuka.  [Read more…] about Kuka’s monstrous robotic vehicle manoeuvres gigantic Airbus components with ‘millimetre precision’

LeddarTech on a mission to master the auto electronics and software components markets

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LeddarTech unveils its masterplan for ending automakers’ domination of the electronics and software components markets 

LeddarTech has unveiled key insights about its LeddarCore integrated circuits roadmap, which the company says is set to enable low-cost, high-performance solid-state LiDARs  for multiple automotive safety applications – from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to autonomous driving.

During the Sensors Expo held in San Jose, LeddarTech’s management confirmed that two LeddarCore IC programs are in the works: the LC-A2, targeting the automation layers 1 to 3, with the first samples scheduled for the second half of 2017, and the LC-A3, which will meet the specifications for automation layers 2 to 4, with an expected sample availability in 2018.  [Read more…] about LeddarTech on a mission to master the auto electronics and software components markets

PixMap launches ‘revolutionary’ 3D vision system for drones and robots

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PixMap says its “Reality Capture” technology takes robotics from 2D to 3D perception, enabling many new applications for robots and drones 

PixMap has launched what it says is a “revolutionary” 3D real-time robotics localization and mapping technology. 

This new technology, named Reality Capture, enables robots and drones to robustly map their environment in 3D and in a photorealistic manner and to know their position within the world with a millimetric accuracy, according to PixMap.

The company says that by using this technology, robots can, for the first time, see the real world by accurately capturing its geometry and colours. Reality Capture technology will enable many new applications for robots and drones, adds PixMap.  [Read more…] about PixMap launches ‘revolutionary’ 3D vision system for drones and robots

Universal Robots opens new US West Coast headquarters

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Universal Robots is widening its US presence with a 3,000+ sq ft new West Coast base in Irvine.

For the past three years, Universal Robots has doubled sales each year and now has more collaborative robots – or cobots – deployed worldwide than all competitors combined.

Craig Tomita, area sales manager of Universal Robots’ western division, will head up the new team in Irvine providing expanded West Coast operations.

Emphasizing the “ideal” location of the Irvine office, Tomita says: “This office will be key in sustaining our growth. Our cobots are already deployed in a wide range of industries here in Southern California; from medical device manufacturers to machine shops. Having a local presence brings us closer to our end users and sales channel partners, enabling us to offer unmatched service and support.”  [Read more…] about Universal Robots opens new US West Coast headquarters