Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for May 2021

New S&P Analysis: Stressed semiconductor industry needs water, gets liberal sprinkling of state support

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By Christopher Rogers, senior researcher, Panjiva, part of S&P Global

The global semiconductor industry is in the midst of a period of upheaval driven by both short- and long-term factors.

The most obvious has been the imbalance in supply versus demand shown by shortages in the automotive industry, as discussed in Panjiva’s research of May 18, resulting in higher prices.

There are also emergent challenges from water shortages in Taiwan – which accounted for 14.4 percent of global exports in 2019 – that are causing power shortages and potential semiconductor fabrication facility closures, according to Nikkei Asia. [Read more…] about New S&P Analysis: Stressed semiconductor industry needs water, gets liberal sprinkling of state support

Seegrid creates ‘Blue Labs’ research and development group

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Seegrid, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has established something it calls “Blue Labs”, a research and development group to further the company’s technical progress.

With an in-house team of innovators in mobile automation building upon Seegrid’s proprietary, artificial intelligence technologies, the company will accelerate its expanding footprint throughout the manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics sectors it serves.

This year the company has launched multiple new automated workflows for its fleet of Palion AMRs along with a cloud-based data analytics platform, and has been heavily focused on faster development of new products and rapid expansion of its product offering. [Read more…] about Seegrid creates ‘Blue Labs’ research and development group

Everything You Should Know About Managed IT Services

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Doing business in the digital era means using technology to expand your business. If you don’t have an IT department to manage your digital needs, hiring managed IT services may be good.

By understanding what managed IT services are, you can weigh their importance and how they can affect your business. [Read more…] about Everything You Should Know About Managed IT Services

Maximising uptime in industrial robotics

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Castrol’s advanced lubricants for robotic applications are designed to reduce industrial robot downtime while having a positive effect on the quality, cost and efficiency of your production process.

Industrial robots have transformed manufacturing companies across every industry, helping to increase quality and efficiency while decrease costs.

However, the threat of unplanned downtime caused by robotic failure remains a challenge for factories looking to enhance levels of automation. A single minute of interruption can cost an automotive manufacturer dearly. [Read more…] about Maximising uptime in industrial robotics

Automated Guided Vehicle Systems in Use at Audi

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State-of-the-art automotive manufacturing calls for modularity and versatility when it comes to planning and implementing material supply trolleys for intralogistics. (See video below.)

This is especially clear if you explore the Audi site in Neckarsulm, Germany, where the Audi A8 is manufactured over several floors.

Top-of-the-range models such as the Audi A8 allow customers to choose from a wide range of design options and additional extras to customize their vehicle however they want.

This means that the production teams must stock different types of components in the warehouse and utilize precise advance planning to have the required materials arrive at the line in sufficient quantities and, most importantly, in the right order. [Read more…] about Automated Guided Vehicle Systems in Use at Audi

634AI selects RTI software to manage autonomous mobile robots fleets

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Real-Time Innovations, a software framework company for autonomous systems, says 634AI, a MushashiAI spin-out, has selected its RTI Connext DDS for real-time connectivity between its Maestro system, a robot-as-a-service software solution, and its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platforms.

Connext allows for real-time connectivity between systems, supports fast, reliable communication, and enables 634AI to offer a central control tower that can streamline the management and control of AMR tasks on an industrial floor.

As the automation landscape advances rapidly, more suppliers are replacing forklifts with AMRs to complete a wide variety of tasks including navigating around factories and warehouses, and guiding autonomous cargo ships across oceans. [Read more…] about 634AI selects RTI software to manage autonomous mobile robots fleets

The robot smiles back: Columbia scientists teach robot how to respond to human facial expressions

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Columbia Engineering researchers use AI to teach robots to make appropriate reactive human facial expressions, an ability that could build trust between humans and their robotic co-workers and care-givers. (See video below.)

While our facial expressions play a huge role in building trust, most robots still sport the blank and static visage of a professional poker player.

With the increasing use of robots in locations where robots and humans need to work closely together, from nursing homes to warehouses and factories, the need for a more responsive, facially realistic robot is growing more urgent. [Read more…] about The robot smiles back: Columbia scientists teach robot how to respond to human facial expressions

AutoStore sells 600 robotic systems for warehouses

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DSV, a large-scale Danish transport and logistics company, is expanding its position in the third-party logistics market through the use of AutoStore technology.

Implemented by Element Logic, the system uses AutoStore robotics and Element Logic’s proprietary software to provide a leading solution for e-commerce players.

The solution is being implemented in nine countries and represents AutoStore’s 600th system implementation. [Read more…] about AutoStore sells 600 robotic systems for warehouses

Vention and OnRobot partner to offer ‘one-stop shop’ for cobot applications to manufacturers

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Vention, an online software application that offers manufacturing capabilities, is partnering with OnRobot, which makes tools for collaborative applications.

This partnership combines Vention’s online-first manufacturing automation platform with OnRobot’s library of plug-and-play end-of-arm tools to accelerate the design and deployment of end-to-end cobot applications.

Vention’s MAP provides users with the engineering software and modular hardware they need to design, automate, order, and deploy factory equipment in a single digital environment. [Read more…] about Vention and OnRobot partner to offer ‘one-stop shop’ for cobot applications to manufacturers

Epicor acquires KBMax

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Epicor, a provider of enterprise resource planning software, has acquired KBMax, a configure-price-quote (CPQ) company.

The acquisition drives continued growth for Epicor with the ability to offer KBMax software as a stand-alone cloud first, low/no code toolset, or integrated into the Epicor productivity suite to generate new, cross-and-up sell potential.

Builds a bridge between Epicor’s customized ERP modules and the sales-to-order process, delivering better customer outcomes. [Read more…] about Epicor acquires KBMax