Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Archives for December 2020

How robotics is helping those with disabilities

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Government statistics show that 14.1 million people reported a disability in the UK in 2018-19 – a figure that equates to 21% of the population. Of course, disabilities can range in severity and further data from the authorities reveals 4.1 million disabled people are in work.

Although that represents almost 30% of all disabled people, Scope’s 2019 disability price tag study found that on average, those with a disability face extra living costs of nearly £600 per month.

The encouraging news is that plenty is being done to improve the quality of life for disabled people, to help them enjoy the sense of freedom and independence that more able members of the population may take for granted. [Read more…] about How robotics is helping those with disabilities

The 4 Most Important Steps to Search for Someone

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Were you looking for someone online? If yes, then I am here to help you out.

In this age of the internet, almost everyone is online, or they have their information on the internet. As a result, finding information about anyone is not a challenging task.

There are countless methods available which you can use to find information about anyone
instantly. However, to help you out, I will share some of the essential steps to search for
someone online. [Read more…] about The 4 Most Important Steps to Search for Someone

Do EVs reduce or increase CO2 emissions?

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Electric vehicles (EVs) seem to be the answer to many of our environmental issues. These include greenhouse gases and poor-quality air.

Cars that run on electricity are supposed to reduce smog, slow global warming, and eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels. But are they really helping us accomplish these things?

The answer is complicated. [Read more…] about Do EVs reduce or increase CO2 emissions?

Comau unveils new ‘lightweight, ruggedized’ version of its exoskeleton

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Comau Robotics has unveiled a new “lightweight, ruggedized” version of its exoskeleton.

The new Mate-XT wearable exoskeleton “fully accommodates the specific needs of workers in demanding industrial, non-industrial and open-air environments”, says Comau.

Featuring a slim, lightweight carbon fiber structure and an intuitive regulation system, the water, dust, UV-light and temperature resistant design can be quickly adjusted to fit virtually any body frame. [Read more…] about Comau unveils new ‘lightweight, ruggedized’ version of its exoskeleton

Gerald Vogt appointed new CEO of Stäubli Group

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Stäubli is starting the new year with a new chief executive officer – and it’s someone this website has interviewed before. (See video below.)

Gerald Vogt, previously responsible for the global business of the Robotics Division, will take over as CEO from retiring Rolf Strebel on January 1, 2021.

With Gerald Vogt, an experienced manager from within the company’s own ranks will take over the management of the diversified and growing family-owned company. [Read more…] about Gerald Vogt appointed new CEO of Stäubli Group

Universal Robots sells 50,000 collaborative robots

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Collaborative robot manufacturer Universal Robots is celebrating “unprecedented sales” with the delivery of its 50,000th unit to German company VEMA.

Collaborative robots – or cobots – remain the fastest growing segment of industrial automation, projected to grow at an annual growth rate of 30.37 percent during 2020–2025.

Cobot market pioneer Universal Robots solidified its frontrunner position today by selling its 50,000th cobot, which was purchased by a German manufacturer to enable higher productivity and better employee safety. [Read more…] about Universal Robots sells 50,000 collaborative robots

Hyundai to acquire controlling stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank

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Hyundai Motor Group and SoftBank Group have agreed on the main terms of a transaction through which Hyundai Motor Group will acquire a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics in a deal that values the world’s leading creator of creepy robots at $1.1 billion. 

The deal came as Hyundai Motor Group envisions the transformation of human life by combining world-leading robotics technologies with its mobility expertise. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor Group will hold an approximately 80 percent stake in Boston Dynamics and SoftBank, through one of its affiliates, will retain an approximately 20 percent stake in Boston Dynamics after the closing of the transaction. [Read more…] about Hyundai to acquire controlling stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank

AutoGuide Mobile Robots Opens New European Office

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AutoGuide Mobile Robots,  a leading manufacturer of high-payload autonomous mobile robot (AMR) systems, today announced the opening of a new European office. The office in Munich supports sales, service and support, as well as deployment and training, throughout greater Europe. Local staff will work closely with its European system integrators to meet increasing demand for AutoGuide’s innovative autonomous mobile robots.

“With a strong demand for our high-payload AMRs across the region, we felt expanding our European operation would deliver the highest level of support for our distributors and customers,” said Jan Nicolay, director for European Operations, AutoGuide. “Munich’s highly talented and efficient workforce, business-friendly climate and central location made it the ideal choice.” [Read more…] about AutoGuide Mobile Robots Opens New European Office

SICK launches ‘ready-made, very versatile’ quality control system

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SICK’s newly-developed MQCS (Modular Quality Control System) is an “off the shelf”, multifunctional machine vision system, and is sold as a ready-to-use package of hardware and pre-written software. Suitable for code reading, 2D or 3D inspection duties, the MQCS reduces cost and development time needed to set up automated quality inspection and logistics applications.

Originally, developed as a solution for non-contact 3D inspection of chocolate moulds in the confectionery industry, the MQCS soon demonstrated its versatility to be adapted for other applications such as “right product/right packaging” code matching, counting and aggregation of varied packages, monitoring the cycle life of materials handling equipment, and other 3D inspection and measurement tasks. [Read more…] about SICK launches ‘ready-made, very versatile’ quality control system

Flexiv Launches 100th Adaptive Robot

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The company also released its new product, Rizon 4s

Flexiv, the world-leading robotics company that created the first adaptive robot Rizon, has announced it has completed production of its 100th robot, marking significant progress in the mass production of adaptive robots, at the Force-Controlled Robotics Forum 2020 in Foshan, China.

At the forum, Flexiv showcased its newest version of the adaptive robot, Rizon 4s, featuring stronger force control performance, better disturbance-rejection abilities and multi-contact force control. [Read more…] about Flexiv Launches 100th Adaptive Robot