Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for September 27, 2018

ABB launches its ‘most compact and lightweight 6-axis robot ever’

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ABB has launched what it describes as its “most compact and lightweight 6-axis robot ever”.

The new IRB 1100 “enhances the industry’s most comprehensive offering for fast, accurate small parts assembly solutions”, claims ABB.

ABB introduced the IRB 1100 at the China International Industry Fair 2018 in Shanghai – its smallest, lightest robot to date as part of its growing offering of solutions for small parts assembly.  [Read more…] about ABB launches its ‘most compact and lightweight 6-axis robot ever’

Synopsys launches embedded vision and AI development kit

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Synopsys has launched its DesignWare High-Performance Core Design Kit for EV6x Processors to help designers meet the performance, power, and area requirements of their systems-on-chips for embedded vision and artificial intelligence applications.

The DesignWare HPC Design Kit, a suite of high-speed and high-density memories and specialized logic libraries, allows SoC designers to optimize the EV6x processor’s vector DSPs and convolutional neural network engines for maximum speed, smallest area, lowest power, or an optimum balance of the three.

Depending on the requirements of the target application, designers using the HPC Design Kit for EV6x can optimize their implementation to achieve a 39 percent power reduction, a 10 percent reduction in area, or a 7 percent performance boost for their SoCs.  [Read more…] about Synopsys launches embedded vision and AI development kit

Comau launches ‘lightweight, wearable’ exoskeleton for workers

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Industrial automation company Comau has launched its first “innovative wearable exoskeleton” for industrial workers.

The exoskeleton, called “Mate”, has been designed to improve work quality in an efficient and highly ergonomic manner by providing consistent and advanced movement assistance during repetitive as well as daily tasks, says Comau.

The “Mate Fit for Workers” exoskeleton, to give the device its full name, uses an advanced spring-based passive structure.  [Read more…] about Comau launches ‘lightweight, wearable’ exoskeleton for workers

HRG Robotics to develop logistics robots with Ground Inc

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HIT Robot Group one of China’s leading robot manufacturers, has been showcasing more than 20 industrial robots at the 20th China International Industry Fair in Shanghai, a major event for industrial equipment manufacturers in China.

Among the systems on show were “logistics robots”, says HRG.

According to the 2018 Analysis Report On the Robotics Industry In China which analyzed the latest trends and challenges of the robotics industry, China has a booming industrial robot industry with a growing demand for automated logistics solutions.

In 2017, the total volume of logistics robots sold was about 12,900 units, representing 103 percent year-on-year growth. E-commerce giants such as JD.com, Alibaba, and Suning have adopted logistics robots to meet their needs of warehousing and distribution.  [Read more…] about HRG Robotics to develop logistics robots with Ground Inc

SkySpecs reaches 33,000 autonomous wind turbine blade inspections

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SkySpecs, a provider of robotic solutions for the wind energy industry, says the company has officially inspected and analyzed over 33,000 wind turbine blades with their fully automated drone solution.

The company’s onshore and offshore inspections spans the globe, and its newly-released software solution, Horizon, enables customers to analyze inspection data and manage their fleet maintenance.

SkySpecs CTO Tom Brady, says: “Because our inspection process is extremely measurable and repeatable, SkySpecs is able to observe the same damages and draw correlations from year to year.  [Read more…] about SkySpecs reaches 33,000 autonomous wind turbine blade inspections

OnRobot launches robotics tool changer

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OnRobot, a specialist in robotic end-of-arm tooling, is launching a new patented tool changer for collaborative applications developed by Purple Robotics, recently acquired by OnRobot.

Weighing only 200 g (7 oz.), the Quick Changer has a low impact on robot payload. Its compact size also adds minimal distance from the tool centre point (TCP) to the robot, which minimises stress on robot joints.

The Quick Changer releases end-of-arm tools with just a click and inserted tools are automatically positioned correctly with a repeatability of ±0.02 mm. The Quick Changer can be used on any robot arm, drone, or other equipment with an ISO-9409-1 flange.

[Read more…] about OnRobot launches robotics tool changer

Mercedes partners with BASF to develop autonomous vehicles

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Mercedes-Benz Vans and BASF plan to collaborate on mobility topics and work together to forge ahead with innovations.

The two companies are starting their cooperation with the optimisation of individual mobility at BASF’s plant in Ludwigshafen, where they will shortly introduce an on-demand ridesharing system.

Beyond individual transport on the factory premises, the partners also want to test solutions in electric mobility, digitalisation and autonomous driving.

[Read more…] about Mercedes partners with BASF to develop autonomous vehicles

ThyssenKrupp elevates in New York

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ThyssenKrupp Elevator has been contracted by Hudson Yards to design and install up to 40 twin elevator systems for its 50 Hudson Yards building; 27 elevators for the 55 Hudson Yards building; and 12 elevator and escalator units for The Shed.

Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in US history and the largest development in New York City since Rockefeller Center.

The site will include more than 18 million sq ft of commercial and residential space, state-of-the-art office towers, more than 100 shops and approximately 4,000 residences.

[Read more…] about ThyssenKrupp elevates in New York