Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for July 14, 2016

The role of experts in distribution center robotics and automation

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viastore

By Thomas R. Cutler

Distribution centers are facing ever shorter delivery times, requiring higher flexibility and efficient goods management; distribution centers are vital competitive factors for companies in trade and industry.

Perfect supply chain management is the basic requirement and there are few tested experts in the planning and implementation of customized warehousing systems for distribution and logistics.

From small warehouse facilities (under 50,000 square feet) to very large DCs (1M+ square feet), finding the right solutions for distribution centers or logistics centers must be turnkey, including warehouse technology, equipment, control system, software, and construction work.  [Read more…] about The role of experts in distribution center robotics and automation

Oh no… Not another sub-optimal robotic process automation implementation!

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Make your robot perform like a rock star: achieving the remaining 15 per cent. An article by the head of transformation at Genfour, Rita Brunk, who has been involved in hundreds of robotic process implementations 

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen back-office robotics implementations that are functioning about 85 per cent as well as they should be.

Companies often get robotic process automation running perfectly in say, 7 of 9 sub-processes, but when it comes to that remaining 15 per cent, many companies are in the dark as to how to get the robot to perform like a real rock star. 

From experience, I’ve learned that there are several quite clear cut reasons robots underperform: lack of process documentation, lack of “the human touch”, or simply development teams that don’t video record processes or hold them up to high enough standards.  [Read more…] about Oh no… Not another sub-optimal robotic process automation implementation!

Does anyone care to understand robotic process automation?

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New research from Redwood Software and Shared Services Link reveals that limited understanding is hindering the potential of the robotic process automation 

Robotics and automation specialist Redwood Software has  launched new research in association with Shared Services Link, the online community for finance, shared services and outsourcing company.

The Power of Robotics in Shared Services report surveyed over 100 shared services professionals, revealing that 67 per cent of respondents plan on using robotic process automation in the next 12 months.  [Read more…] about Does anyone care to understand robotic process automation?

Kuka launches new version of Agilus small industrial robot

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Kuka’s new KR 3 AGILUS small robot
Kuka’s new KR 3 Agilus small robot

Kuka has introduced the newest member of its KR Agilus family of small robots. The company says the “extremely compact” KR 3 Agilus completes the series of small robots.

The KR 3 Agilus is used for production applications where very short cycle times and maximum output are required, such as assembling small components, performing handling tasks, screw fastening, brazing, adhesive bonding, packaging, testing and inspecting.

Kuka says the new Agilus family of small robots enables automation in cells with dimensions of 600 x 600 mm.  [Read more…] about Kuka launches new version of Agilus small industrial robot

How motion systems transform airline seating from cramped into comfortable

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actuators and airline seats

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As the demand for air travel keeps on growing, so does the needs of the passengers that come aboard.

Aero planes tend to have very limited space for which much of the facilities have to be fitted in and made to the standards that the customers are willing to pay for.

As such, engineers are tasked with figuring out how best they bring about that element without compromising on the size of the air craft and safety among others, while maintaining the economic aspect of the airline owners.  [Read more…] about How motion systems transform airline seating from cramped into comfortable

The wheel robot: intelligent modular actuator concept

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wheeled robot 1

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Wheel robots

The wheel robots are for the larger part derived from the Mars rovers, which have actuators integrated into the wheels to help with the movement on the rugged grounds in space. This is made possible with the help of 12 volt linear actuators.

There is some elemental aspects of robotics that are involved in the setup. For there to be synchronous movement on a ground that is not evenly leveled, there is need for each of the units to have its own local control unit.

The local control units are then connected to the central control unit to make sure that they all are moving in the same direction, despite the fact that the wheels they control are experiencing variance in travel and elevation.  [Read more…] about The wheel robot: intelligent modular actuator concept