Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for September 2017

Electronics industry boosting sales of industrial robots

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The global growth in the number of data centres, and the corresponding growth in the manufacturing of servers, could provide opportunities for robot makers 

The electrical and electronics sector is one of the fastest-growing markets for the industrial robotics and automation industry. 

The sector bought almost as many industrial robots as did the automotive sector, traditionally the biggest buyer of industrial robots.

This is partly confirmed by new data and analysis by the International Federation of Robotics, but mostly, it can be gleaned from anecdotal evidence all around. [Read more…] about Electronics industry boosting sales of industrial robots

Kawasaki sells 2,000 duAro units in China, looking to sell even more robots amid labour shortages

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Kawasaki Robotics has sold 2,000 units of its duAro dual-armed collaborative industrial robot in China, according to a report on Bloomberg.com. 

The company is now looking to increase sales to 5,000 units of duAro as the country’s industrial sector struggles with labour shortages.

As anomalous as it seems for a country with 1.4 billion people, China is facing labour shortages – believed to be caused by the one-child policy, introduced in 1979 when the country first started moving to a more capitalist-style economy.  [Read more…] about Kawasaki sells 2,000 duAro units in China, looking to sell even more robots amid labour shortages

Universal Logic to supply 100 Neocortex robotic systems for Agricultural Robotics

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Universal Logic is to provide 100 of its Neocortex robotic systems to Agricultural Robotics. 

The two companies have entered a memorandum of understanding which stipulates the provision of artificial intelligence systems for automation in agriculture.

Agricultural Robotics is a consortium of strawberry plant suppliers representing 80 per cent of the strawberry nursery production in North America, producing 500 million plants a year.  [Read more…] about Universal Logic to supply 100 Neocortex robotic systems for Agricultural Robotics

EU expected to make it more difficult for foreign companies to buy European companies

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The European Union is re-examining the rules governing takeovers of European companies by investors from outside the EU. 

The reassessment comes in the aftermath of the takeover of German robotics and industrial automation company Kuka by Chinese household appliances maker Midea.

Midea’s acquisition of Kuka – for about $4 billion – was said by Bloomberg to be part of a “global acquisitions spree” by the Chinese company.  [Read more…] about EU expected to make it more difficult for foreign companies to buy European companies

Kuka to double production capacity in China in bid to overtake ABB and Fanuc

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Kuka is determined to take advantage of its alliance with Chinese household appliances manufacturing giant Midea to become the largest robot maker in China. 

Already one of the largest industrial robot manufacturers in the world, Kuka was taken over by Midea some months ago in a move currently being scrutinised by the European Union, which may change its merges and acquisitions policies as a result.

Such technicalities aside, Kuka is bullish about opportunities in China and has reportedly decided to double its production capacity in the country.  [Read more…] about Kuka to double production capacity in China in bid to overtake ABB and Fanuc

US trade boss warns of oversupply of bad robots because of Chinese government subsidies

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China’s appetite for industrial robots is big and growing. Already the largest buyer of the machines, domestic companies are being encouraged by the Chinese government to build more robots locally, not just import them from overseas. 

Such high-powered encouragement has led to the establishment of numerous robot manufacturers in the country, some of which take advantage of government subsidies.

This has prompted criticism from US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross (main picture), who grumbled about a range of issues, but singled out China’s burgeoning robotics industry, which he apparently believes is built mainly on government subsidies.  [Read more…] about US trade boss warns of oversupply of bad robots because of Chinese government subsidies

IAM Robotics awarded patent for warehouse robot

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IAM Robotics, a Pittsburgh startup that develops and sells autonomous material handling robots, has been awarded what the company says is a “key patent” relating to its robotics technology for logistics.

The patent will be issued on October 10, 2017 as US Patent No. 9,785,911.

IAM says the patent specifies “a system and method for piece-picking or put-away with a mobile manipulation robot”.  [Read more…] about IAM Robotics awarded patent for warehouse robot

Mitsubishi releases new widescreen human machine interface

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Mitsubishi has released a new widescreen human machine interface.

The company says demand for operational efficiencies such as greater visualization into a factory’s automation solutions portfolio has prompted it to launch the new GT25 Wide HMI.

The GT25 Wide HMI is an interface that monitors and controls machine components with a graphical touchscreen that connects to equipment such as programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives and servos. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi releases new widescreen human machine interface

HMS launches new device to connect to CIP Safety with IXXAT Safe T100

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The IXXAT Safe T100 safety module from HMS now supports the CIP Safety protocol according to CIP Volume 5 V2.14.

Previously available for PROFIsafe, the new IXXAT Safe T100/CS, enables easy, module-based implementation of secure IOs for CIP Safety.

IXXAT Safe T100 is an all-in-one safety solution allowing users to implement configurable, safe inputs and outputs in applications up to SIL 3 and PLe Cat.4.  [Read more…] about HMS launches new device to connect to CIP Safety with IXXAT Safe T100

Automated precision milling in the medical technology sector

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Fetzer Medical employs tailored yet universally flexible Hermle machining centres in its role as an original equipment manufacturer, partner building a wide range of surgical instruments and medical technology components to customer specifications.

“From the idea to the finished product, or: All-in-one inclusive labelling” – is the mission statement of Fetzer Medical, a medium-sized company based in Tuttlingen, in Germany, established in 2008 by Peter Fetzer.

In order to build further on the family business’ long-standing tradition in the development and manufacture of surgical instruments and medical devices, Peter Fetzer took the decision.  [Read more…] about Automated precision milling in the medical technology sector