Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Archives for February 2021

Continental develops ‘quieter’ conveyor belts for flood protection projects in Tokyo

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Continental has developed what it says are “quieter” conveyor belts for flood protection projects in Tokyo.

The company says its “Sicon” pouch conveyor belt transports bulk material safely and cleanly, with low noise and emissions, through residential districts of Japan’s capital.

The conveyor belt are being used in the construction of an underground catch basin for 150,000 cubic meters of water. [Read more…] about Continental develops ‘quieter’ conveyor belts for flood protection projects in Tokyo

Bürkert releases new pressure controller for precise time-pressure dosing

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Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has developed a new pressure controller for gases. It ensures stable pressure conditions inside the dosing tank, thereby allowing even the smallest of quantities to be dosed with a high level of precision.

As a result, the fluidics expert offers coordinated system components for time-pressure dosing from a single source. Customers profit from a shorter development period. Further, the digital variant enables automated documentation.

The bidirectional control of the pressure controller Type 8763 allows the pressure inside the container to be increased or actively reduced for precise and repeatable dosing. [Read more…] about Bürkert releases new pressure controller for precise time-pressure dosing

Badger Technologies launches ultraviolet disinfection robot

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Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil, introduces the Badger UltraViolet Disinfect robot, an autonomous ultraviolet (UV) disinfecting robot designed to combat Covid-19 and high-risk pathogens commonly found in grocery, food-service and retail environments.

The latest in the lineup of Badger Technologies autonomous robots, the Badger UV Disinfect robot is equipped with advanced UV-C technology developed by UltraViolet Devices Inc (UVDI), a leading provider of air and surface disinfection solutions.

Early testing of the new Badger Technologies autonomous robot with UVDI’s 254 nanometer UV-C technology indicates 99 percent and greater inactivation of coronaviruses, E.coli, Salmonella enterica and Influenza A. [Read more…] about Badger Technologies launches ultraviolet disinfection robot

Getting Projects off the Ground with Outsourcing

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What works for the largest businesses doesn’t necessarily work for the smallest ones.

Startups in particular often lack the resources to pursue ideas for completely new projects and services because they may not have accumulated funds, or an experienced team, in order to begin development on the scope they desire.

Companies that want to increase their project output tend to benefit a lot from outsourcing development as a way to get around this. [Read more…] about Getting Projects off the Ground with Outsourcing

UPS sells UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million

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Logistics giant United Parcel Services has entered into an agreement to sell UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments.

Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, says: “We’re excited about the future and the opportunities this creates for both UPS and UPS Freight as part of TFI International.

“The agreement allows UPS to be even more laser-focused on the core parts of our business that drive the greatest value for our customers.” [Read more…] about UPS sells UPS Freight to TFI International for $800 million

Last mile: Micro-fulfillment centers bring supply chains to the consumer

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Over the last few years, as e-commerce sales have increased and customer expectations have shifted, there has been a steady race to move fulfillment closer to the customer.

Something once so innovative as two-day delivery has led to next-day delivery, which is quickly becoming obsolete as consumers demand same-day delivery.

This trend has accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially as more consumers become comfortable with online ordering of perishable items and groceries. One of the significant changes in supply chain strategies we are seeing as a result of this is the rise of fulfillment centers that bring fulfillment closer to the consumer. [Read more…] about Last mile: Micro-fulfillment centers bring supply chains to the consumer

Walmart begins to scale local fulfillment centers

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Walmart, the world’s largest supermarket chain, has started to scale its local fulfillment centers in the apparent belief that highly automated micro-warehouses are the way to go. 

The company has been working with a range of robotics companies on changing many aspects of its operation, and Alphabot (main picture) is one of the robots it has been testing.

Brian Roth, senior manager of pickup automation and digital operations for Walmart US, says: “With Alphabot, our associates should be able to put even more focus on helping the customer.” [Read more…] about Walmart begins to scale local fulfillment centers

Asyril launches new control system for its robotic system

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Asyril has launched Eye+, a new “intelligent control system” that manages the Asycube, hopper, vision and robot. (See video below.)

The company says the system allows the control of all components required for a modern and flexible assembly line.

With Eye+ Asycube users will be able to easily optimise the performance of their system without in-depth knowledge of machine vision and at a highly competitive cost. Eye+ also enables vision configuration and hand-eye calibration. This control system is easy to integrate and simple to use. [Read more…] about Asyril launches new control system for its robotic system

Autonomous Inductive Charging Needed to Capture AGV Robotics Value

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By Julian Seume, Chief Marketing Officer, Wiferion

Data evaluation for efficient logistics processes must include inductive charging.

Inductive charging also has numerous advantages in terms of data evaluation. The battery and charging system together form an overall solution for energy supply and are connected via a CAN interface.

This means that all data on the energy level, operating times, and vehicle status can be recorded in real-time. Industry 4.0 applications such as condition monitoring or predictive maintenance can be executed. [Read more…] about Autonomous Inductive Charging Needed to Capture AGV Robotics Value

Fetch Robotics and Honeywell launch new ‘integrated pallet conveyance’ solution

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Fetch Robotics and Honeywell Intelligrated have partnered to launch a new “integrated pallet conveyance” solution for distributions centers.

Fetch Robotics says its new PalletTransport1500 is an autonomous mobile robot that supports cross-docking, returns and case picking workflows for contactless pallet transport in distribution centers.

The PalletTransport1500 will utilize Honeywell Intelligrated’s Momentum warehouse execution system software, known as Momentum WES, to safely move pallets and other large payloads up to 1136kg (2504 lbs). [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics and Honeywell launch new ‘integrated pallet conveyance’ solution