Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for June 2019

Elephant Robotics launches collaborative robot

by

Elephant Robotics has unveiled a collaborative robot, called “Catbot”, saying it is one of the new generation of smart assistant robotic arms. The cobot is available for pre-order, with delivery scheduled for August. 

Human-robot collaborations are happening across factories worldwide, yet very few are using it for smaller businesses, due to high costs or the difficulty of customization, says the company.

Elephant Robotics, a startup from Shenzhen, China – or the “Silicon Valley of Asia”, as Elephant describes it – has set its sight on helping smaller businesses gain access to smart robotics. [Read more…] about Elephant Robotics launches collaborative robot

BD launches solution for high throughput molecular diagnostic testing

by

Medical technology company Becton Dickinson and Co, has launched the CE-IVDD certification of the BD COR System in Europe.

The high throughput solution for infectious disease diagnostics sets a new standard in automation for molecular testing in core laboratories and other large centralized laboratories.

The BD COR System integrates and automates the complete molecular laboratory workflow from pre-analytical processing to diagnostic test result. [Read more…] about BD launches solution for high throughput molecular diagnostic testing

Bühler launches ‘Digital Cell’ for die-casting

by

Bühler has launched what it describes as a “Digital Cell” for the die-casting industry.

Die-casting is similar to injection moulding, but while die-casting uses metals, injection moulding mainly uses plastics.

Bühler says its Digital Cell aims to deliver:

  • 0 per cent scrap;
  • 40 per cent less cycle time; and
  • 24/7 uptime.

Bühler says these benefits will make the die-casting industry “more profitable and efficient”. [Read more…] about Bühler launches ‘Digital Cell’ for die-casting

Nikon invests $7.5 million in computer vision and deep learning startup Wrnch

by

Nikon has invested $7.5 million in Wrnch – or wrnch, as the company prefers – a computer vision and deep learning startup.

Established in 2014, wrnch uses deep learning to develop and provide tools and software development kits (SDKs) that enable computers to see and understand human movement and activity.

Wrnch has also used its advanced work in pose estimation technologies to establish ties with major entertainment and communications companies. The company continues its operations in technical development, while raising funds continuously. [Read more…] about Nikon invests $7.5 million in computer vision and deep learning startup Wrnch

Inventory management using drones

by

FlytBase, Inc., an enterprise drone automation company, has released a white paper highlighting the role of autonomous drones in the digital transformation of warehouses.

Driven by safety, cost and revenue benefits, warehouses across the world are adopting technologies such as Internet-of-Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Drones are playing a central role in the intelligent automation of warehouse operations – given their ability to fly and hover autonomously, avoid obstacles, navigate indoors without GPS, land precisely on docking stations, operate in fleets and be remotely managed.

[Read more…] about Inventory management using drones

Varner expands its AutoStore with Swisslog

by

Varner, one of northern Europe’s largest fashion groups, has chosen Swisslog as its partner to expand its European warehouse in Vänersborg, Sweden.

The automated warehouse was built in cooperation with Swisslog and was put into operation in 2016. Three years later, the warehouse will be expanded with additional automation.

“When the central warehouse in Vänersborg was built, it was already designed to be further expanded within the warehouse’s four walls. Our rapid growth in e-commerce now makes it necessary to basically double our AutoStore facility,” says Anders Eriksson, Supply Chain Director at Varner.

[Read more…] about Varner expands its AutoStore with Swisslog

ABB launches Optimold Control for in-mold casting

by

The recently launched ABB Ability Optimold Control system corrects metal casting problems in the mold and ensures that casting takes place under optimal conditions.

It works in real-time, using feedback from a high-resolution sensor system (such as ABB Ability Optimold Monitor) to actively control electromagnetic devices such as stirrers or brakes which can influence fluid flow.

Combining with ABB’s existing product suite for steel manufacturers, the controller is claimed to give instant and optimal process control in the mold, resulting in higher product quality, improved productivity and enhanced efficiency in the slab casting process while helping avoid quality downgrades.

[Read more…] about ABB launches Optimold Control for in-mold casting

Cobalt Robotics raises $35 million Series B funding with Coatue

by

Cobalt Robotics has raised $35 million in its Series B funding round, led by Coatue.

The company says the investment round will enable it to expand its security robots-as-a-service throughout the US.

Cobalt Robotics is a physical security service provider that builds indoor autonomous robots to make security and facility operations more effective. [Read more…] about Cobalt Robotics raises $35 million Series B funding with Coatue

Bright Machines launches ‘first software-defined microfactory’

by

Bright Machines has launched what it says the “first software-defined microfactory”.

The term “software-defined” is often used in computer networking and implies that a system is less dependent on specific – perhaps expensive – hardware and more defined by the software.

Bright Machines says it is delivering its vision of integrating software and artificial intelligence into every phase of the manufacturing cycle with the introduction of Bright “Microfactories”. [Read more…] about Bright Machines launches ‘first software-defined microfactory’

John Deere in exclusive partnership with Wentworth Club to supply golf course maintenance equipment

by

Wentworth Club and John Deere have agreed a new, exclusive partnership for the supply of golf course maintenance equipment to the world famous West, East and Edinburgh Championship Courses at Virginia Water in Surrey, from spring 2019.

The deal includes automated and autonomous vehicles and equipment.

Wentworth Club has been the host venue since 1984 for the PGA Championship tournament, which is regarded as the flagship event on the European Tour. [Read more…] about John Deere in exclusive partnership with Wentworth Club to supply golf course maintenance equipment