Archives for April 7, 2017

Learning through play: Omron shows off table tennis-playing robot

April 7, 2017 by Sam Francis

For some time, practitioners of mind sports have been grappling with artificial intelligence (AI). Computer brains have already beaten the best human players in chess and Go.

The picture is quite different for sports that require both mental and physical skills. Physical interaction with a human is an enormous challenge for developers of intelligent robots.

Omron, one of the world’s leading companies in industrial automation, has successfully taken on this challenge.

The company is currently in Hannover to show how the third generation of Forpheus, a table tennis robot, adds artificial intelligence to its core skills of sensor and control technology. [Read more…] about Learning through play: Omron shows off table tennis-playing robot

Kinema Systems claims ‘world’s first deep learning 3D vision system for industrial robots’

April 7, 2017 by Sam Francis

Kinema Systems claims to have launched what it describes as “the world’s first deep learning 3D vision system for industrial robots”.

A large part of the world’s commerce moves in boxes arranged on pallets. Depalletizing boxes in warehouses, distribution centers and factories is a difficult task that has become more challenging with changing demographics and an increase in product mix.

Kinema Pick is claimed to be the world’s first deep learning 3D vision system for industrial robots, and addresses the depalletization of both mixed SKU and single SKU pallets. [Read more…] about Kinema Systems claims ‘world’s first deep learning 3D vision system for industrial robots’

Microscan demonstrates industrial robot using MicroHawk smart cameras

April 7, 2017 by Sam Francis

Microscan, a provider of barcode, machine vision, verification, and lighting technology, has demonstrated flexible in-line inspection using the Universal Robots collaborative UR5 robotic arm and Microscan’s latest machine vision smart camera platform.

The robotic demo, at Automate 2017, featured what the company claims is “the world’s smallest Ethernet smart camera”, was given in partnership with Olympus Controls, an engineering services company specializing in machine automation.

The lightweight, flexible, and collaborative industrial robot – UR5 – automates repetitive and dangerous tasks with payloads of up to 5 kg. [Read more…] about Microscan demonstrates industrial robot using MicroHawk smart cameras

Mobile Industrial Robots launches new MiR200 logistics robot

April 7, 2017 by Sam Francis

Mobile Industrial Robots, a developer and manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for logistics, has launched its newest robot, the MiR200.

The company says the MiR200 is “a more powerful mobile robot in almost every aspect” than the company’s flagship MiR100, which has already been installed in more than 30 countries by companies such as Airbus, Boeing, Flex, Honeywell, Michelin, Procter & Gamble, Toyota and Walmart.

MiR says its vehicles are “a dramatic improvement over legacy automated guided vehicles”, which require the expensive and inflexible installation of sensors or magnets into factory floors for guidance. [Read more…] about Mobile Industrial Robots launches new MiR200 logistics robot

Seegrid expands Supervisor API to provide interoperability across automation systems

April 7, 2017 by Sam Francis

Seegrid, a provider of flexible automated materials handling solutions, has expanded its Supervisor application programming interface to offer more advanced, connected solutions for customers.

Seegrid says the new API delivers on the promise of automation beyond materials movement, providing real-time interoperability to improve facility operations.

Interconnectedness is critical for automation systems, and Supervisor’s API addresses that growing demand, says Seegrid. [Read more…] about Seegrid expands Supervisor API to provide interoperability across automation systems