Day: June 18, 2020

  • Festo launches lab automation ‘superconductor’ system that moves objects without contact

    Festo launches lab automation ‘superconductor’ system that moves objects without contact

    Festo has launched a lab automation “superconductor” system that moves objects without contact. The company says its “SupraModule” concept enables wireless control of functions on a magnetic, floating carrier with an autonomous energy supply. In future-oriented fields such as laboratory automation or biotechnology, the requirements placed on the cleaning of production facilities and their purity…

  • Fetch Robotics partners with Build With Robots and Albuquerque airport to launch autonomous disinfecting robot

    Fetch Robotics partners with Build With Robots and Albuquerque airport to launch autonomous disinfecting robot

    Fetch Robotics, a warehouse robotics and automation company, has partnered with Build With Robots and the City Of Albuquerque to launch the “Breezy One” disinfecting autonomous mobile robot. (See video below.) Designed to protect Albuquerque Sunport airport employees and passengers from both harmful pathogens and cleaning agents, Breezy One can quickly, safely and effectively decontaminate…

  • Opinion: Automation as a complement, not a replacement of the human workforce

    Opinion: Automation as a complement, not a replacement of the human workforce

    By Dr Paul Rivers, CEO, Guidance Automation Smart automation has the potential to deliver great economic benefits, but there remain many concerns that the use of AI and robotics could displace many existing jobs. With the desire for automation increasing and more sectors looking to deploy the technology, particularly within manufacturing, logistics and distribution, it’s…

  • Internet industry organisation calls for strengthening EU against tech giants

    Internet industry organisation calls for strengthening EU against tech giants

    The internet industry association ECO has called for the strengthening of the European Union against tech giants that have caused enormous disruption across Europe and the world. ECO has drawn up a six-point “catalogue of requirements” on behalf of the internet industry for the strengthening of Europe as a digital location. The organisation says the…

  • Swiss micro-technology trade show EPHJ to go ahead despite coronavirus

    Swiss micro-technology trade show EPHJ to go ahead despite coronavirus

    The EPHJ Trade Show – for the watchmaking, jewellery, and micro- and medical technologies sectors – says it is “stepping up to the plate” for the relaunch of the economy, confirming that its 2020 edition will take place from 15 to 18 September this year. Having been obliged to postpone its 2020 edition to September…

  • OnRobot launches ‘intelligent screwdriver’ for collaborative robots

    OnRobot launches ‘intelligent screwdriver’ for collaborative robots

    OnRobot, the maker of tools for collaborative robots, has released a screwdriver end-effector for collaborative robots. (See video below.) OnRobot says its “smart, complete-out-of-the-box” Screwdriver allows manufacturers to automate a wide range of assembly processes quickly, easily, and flexibly. The company says this provides welcome relief for manufacturers who are eager to automate repetitive, unergonomic,…

  • Geek+ raises more than $200 million in latest funding round

    Geek+ raises more than $200 million in latest funding round

    Geek+, a global provider of advanced robotics for logistics, has closed its Series C funding round at over $200 million in early 2020. Geek+ continues to lead the industry with the largest fundraising to date, following a $150 million B series in November 2018, already the largest in the industry. C1 was led by GGV…