Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for June 21, 2018

Briefing – Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing: Making America create again

by

In this article, Robotics and Automation News ponders on the prospects for, and recent history in, America’s manufacturing sector.

One of the main reasons Donald Trump won the US presidential election is because he pledged to revitalise the American manufacturing sector and bring back jobs that have been lost to other nations over the past couple of decades.

Some may argue that he’s done well so far, persuading big-name companies such as Apple and General Motors to increase their investment in manufacturing operations in the US rather than spend the money abroad.  [Read more…] about Briefing – Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing: Making America create again

Robotiq launches ‘first’ gripper ready for Universal Robots’ new e-Series collaborative robot

by

Robotic end-effector specialist Robotiq has launched what it claims is the first electric gripper ready for the e-Series, the new generation of collaborative robots from Universal Robots.

Robotiq says the Hand-E was developed within the Universal Robots+ ecosystem. UR+ is like an app shop set up by Universal Robots to enable other companies to develop peripherals and other technologies for use with the company’s robotic arms.

Robotiq says Hand-E’s high accuracy and 50 mm parallel stroke makes it “perfect for precision assembly tasks”. Its sealed design ensures reliability in the toughest manufacturing conditions, adds the company.  [Read more…] about Robotiq launches ‘first’ gripper ready for Universal Robots’ new e-Series collaborative robot

ABB showcases vision of digital factory of the future at automatica

by

ABB announced a new, intelligent design approach to its robotic solution portfolio at automatica 2018, which it says will provide customers with more flexibility and a better return on investment in automation.

The new approach will allow the portfolio to be easily tailored to a wider range of needs, both for today’s dynamic markets and future opportunities.

“The needs of our customers in all industries are changing and will continue to change. ABB is helping them prepare for the future,” said Sami Atiya, President of Robotics and Motion for ABB.

[Read more…] about ABB showcases vision of digital factory of the future at automatica

Helix Linear launches catalog of 3D models of its products

by

Helix Linear Technologies has launched an online product catalog of 3D CAD models for its popular configurable products, including lead screw technologies and PRA actuators.

Built by Cadenas PartSolutions, the configurator enables customers to instantly find, configure and download a digital 3D CAD model of the Helix product they need.

A manufacturer of linear motion and power transmission systems, Helix Linear offers products essential to the medical, industrial automation, aerospace and defense and industries.  [Read more…] about Helix Linear launches catalog of 3D models of its products

Siemens, Lufthansa and Glaxo gear up for 3D printing expo In(3D)ustry

by

The third edition of IN(3D)USTRY is taking shape and the event, organised by Fira de Barcelona, ​​already has the confirmed presence of high level representatives from companies which are successfully using 3D printing.

The event, which this year incorporates new sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, moulds and dies, plastic converters and new materials, will include around thirty speakers and some 50 exhibiting companies.

Amongst the companies which will be taking part in IN(3D)USTRY, from 16 to 18 October at Fira de Barcelona, Spain, are Siemens, Lufthansa Technik, the maintenance division of the German aeronautics company, as well as the British pharmaceutical industry multinational, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

[Read more…] about Siemens, Lufthansa and Glaxo gear up for 3D printing expo In(3D)ustry

Opinion: Super-material graphene could lead to an electric vehicle breakthrough

by

Electric vehicle manufacturers and battery makers have long been searching for the “holy grail” technology that could lower the cost of batteries while also extending their range.

Government research labs, venture capital, startups, and large corporations have all toyed with different ways to get to the promise land.

But one material is emerging as the most promising innovation to date that could actually lead to cheap, long-range and fast-charging electric vehicles: graphite.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Super-material graphene could lead to an electric vehicle breakthrough

Ardenna and HUVRdata partners on industrial asset inspection solution

by

Ardenna and HUVRdata, who announced a collaboration in April to integrate their respective capabilities into one platform, now have a fully automated defect detection, reporting and analytics solution for the energy sector.

This enhanced platform unites Ardenna’s AI-based automated defect detection software with HUVR’s Automation and Enterprise Industrial Asset Management Reporting and Analytic toolset to provide customers with a solution for industrial asset inspections.

HUVRdata’s platform offers the storage of inspection data from disparate sources in a database, customer-defined inspection checklists and report formats, diagnostic analytics, and business system integrations. The integration of Ardenna’s software automates the defect detection process and automated defect labelling.

[Read more…] about Ardenna and HUVRdata partners on industrial asset inspection solution

ABB launches newest member of its YuMi collaborative robot range

by

ABB has launched the newest member of its YuMi collaborative industrial robot family. The company had unveiled the model in Japan towards the end of last year, and this looks to be the formal launch in Europe. 

The company unveiled the new, single-arm version – full technical name the ABB IRB 14050 single-arm collaborative robot (main picture) – at the ongoing Automatica event. ABB says the machine is its “most agile and compact collaborative robot yet and can easily integrate into existing production”.

The single-arm YuMi has the same safety features, precision and ease-of-use as dual-arm YuMi, says ABB, adding that it weighs less than 10 kg and has seven-axis dexterity.  [Read more…] about ABB launches newest member of its YuMi collaborative robot range

Industry analysis: 8 technologies that will transform manufacturing

by

Advisory firm ABI Research has listed what it regards as the most transformative technologies in manufacturing.

The company outlines how the technologies fit together with each other in its report Smart Manufacturing.

The eight transformative technologies the report highlights are:

  1. Additive manufacturing
  2. Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  3. Augmented reality
  4. Blockchain
  5. Digital twins
  6. Edge intelligence
  7. Industrial Internet of Things platforms
  8. Robotics

The manufacturing sector has already seen increased adoption of IIoT platforms and edge intelligence, says ABI.  [Read more…] about Industry analysis: 8 technologies that will transform manufacturing

ABB launches third-generation of its ‘Foundry Prime’ industrial robot arm

by

ABB has launched the third-generation of its “Foundry Prime” industrial robotic arm.

The company says the new robot “reduces maintenance cost by up to 60 percent” and operates at “15 percent less energy consumption”.

The IRB 6790 (main picture) targets high-pressure water-jet cleaning applications in harsh industrial environments with 100 percent humidity.  [Read more…] about ABB launches third-generation of its ‘Foundry Prime’ industrial robot arm