Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for April 20, 2020

A digital skills crisis is looming in manufacturing – but there could be a game-changing solution

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According to recent research, there’s an escalating talent shortage in the manufacturing industry. As the sector benefits from advances in technology, including implementation of automated processes and robotics – the digital skills gap has only widened.

In the 2018 Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute skills gap and future of work study, researchers predicted a potential shortage of around 2.4 million workers over the next 10 years.
The study was US-based, but the findings are likely to resonate with manufacturing firms worldwide. Job openings have been growing at rapid rates, but employers are struggling to find the skilled talent needed to fill them. [Read more…] about A digital skills crisis is looming in manufacturing – but there could be a game-changing solution

Fanuc launches new vision sensor for robotic warehousing applications

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The world’s largest industrial robot maker Fanuc has launched a new vision sensor for robotic warehousing applications.

The company’s new 3DV/1600 vision sensor quickly finds and snaps boxes of varying sizes and shapes in a large bin – an ideal application for the warehousing, e-commerce and logistics markets.

Fanuc claims to be the leading supplier of robotics, CNCs, RoboMachines and industrial internet of things solutions in America. [Read more…] about Fanuc launches new vision sensor for robotic warehousing applications

Automotive robotics market forecast to reach $6 billion by 2024

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The automotive robotics market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $4 billion to over $5.96 billion by 2024, according to the latest study by Global Market Insights.

Growing utilization of automated machines for production and assembly of automotive parts is estimated to drive global automotive robotics market.

The automotive robotics industry is growing steadily on the back of expanding automotive industry. [Read more…] about Automotive robotics market forecast to reach $6 billion by 2024

Mobile robots and autonomous vehicles: Coronavirus pushes logistics automation higher up the agenda

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Last month, Amazon announced that it planned on hiring 100,000 extra workers to meet the rise in demand for online shopping created by Coronavirus-caused shutdowns and social distancing.

In late March, unions said workers were demanding that Amazon takes their lives seriously. The night before a facility in Queens, NY, had been closed for deep cleaning after an employee tested positive for the virus.

There are reports that some Amazon warehouse workers in Italy and Spain have tested positive. [Read more…] about Mobile robots and autonomous vehicles: Coronavirus pushes logistics automation higher up the agenda

Mirka launches project to develop robotic surface finish solution for industrial customers

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Surface finishing technology company Mirka has launched what it says is the world’s first patent pending Automated Industrial Programme to develop robotic orbital sanding systems.

The initiative is being launched globally by Mirka in April 2020, and is spearheaded by the Mirka Airos.

The aim is to build an “innovative, electric Automated Industrial Random Orbital Sander”, which integrates with manufacturers’ robotic systems to carry out intensive, high work load sanding, where precision and minimal maintenance is critical. [Read more…] about Mirka launches project to develop robotic surface finish solution for industrial customers

Senseye adds new feature to its AI-powered predictive maintenance software

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Senseye, the industrial software company, has launched “Attention Index”, a new feature in its software that alerts users to issues that need immediate attention.

The company call Attention Index a “pioneering technology”, which is now available within Senseye PdM, the “only AI powered predictive maintenance product with automated condition monitoring and prognostics techniques”.

Claiming it to be “an industry first”, Senseye says its PdM software now pinpoints assets that appear to require immediate attention based on an abnormal behavior detected. It notifies the appropriate user when it detects anomalies. [Read more…] about Senseye adds new feature to its AI-powered predictive maintenance software

Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

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Agriculture in the future will see increasing use of scientifically precise farming techniques, where automated “agro-bots” monitor, treat and work the land, using advanced technology designed to help maximise yields and minimise disease. 

With its extensive experience in automation and agricultural mechanisation, agritech specialist Yanmar is now showing the way in advanced field robotics research.

Time for change in our changing times?

It’s hard to think of a more important economic sector than agriculture. This is an industry that directly affects the lives of everyone the world over, despite being beset by challenges from all sides.

Changes in temperature and precipitation are influencing crop yields; farmers and agricultural workers are directly exposed to the effects of weather extremes, while millions more in food-related jobs are already feeling the impact of our changing climate. [Read more…] about Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

OnRobot launches new 2.5D vision system

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OnRobot has launched “Eyes”, its new 2.5D vision system. The company says it brings together “unrivaled ease-of-use to vision-guided robotic applications”. (See video below.)

Eyes’ advanced, affordable 2.5D vision adds depth perception and parts recognition for all leading robotic arms, offering seamless integration, one-picture calibration, intuitive programming, and none of the complexity of existing vision systems.

Eyes can be flexibly mounted both on the robot wrist or externally, making it ideal for almost any unstructured application in need of vision guidance. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches new 2.5D vision system

ifm electronic launches new RFID system ‘ideally suited to production line’

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ifm electronic has launched a new RFID system which the company says has long user-adjustable operating range, robust construction and choice of fieldbus interfaces.

ifm adds that the HF RFID systems in the new DTE60x range “are ideally suited to production line applications”.

The new units provide RFID antenna, evaluation electronics and fieldbus interface in a single compact module, which makes them easy to install, even when space is limited. [Read more…] about ifm electronic launches new RFID system ‘ideally suited to production line’

Hitachi Automotive Systems acquires German automotive device software developer seneos

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Hitachi Automotive Systems has completed the acquisition of all shares in seneos.

Through this transaction, seneos, a German automotive device software developer, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Automotive Systems.

Hitachi Automotive Systems supplies products and systems in growth areas such as electrification and is expanding its customer base of European automakers, growing sales of new products and solutions. [Read more…] about Hitachi Automotive Systems acquires German automotive device software developer seneos