Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for December 2021

Epson unveils ‘no-code, easy-to-use’ robot teaching environment

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Epson Robots has launched what it says is a “no-code, easy-to-use” robot teaching environment.

The business need for automation continues to grow as manufacturers look to ramp up volume and improve quality, cost and employee safety.

Many new entrants to the market with limited automation experience lack expertise in text-based robotic programming language, creating a need for an intuitive robotic teaching environment. [Read more…] about Epson unveils ‘no-code, easy-to-use’ robot teaching environment

Ava Robotics to provide its Tyco robot for security patrols at buildings managed by Johnson Controls

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Johnson Controls has chosen Ava Robotics, a developer of robots for workplace applications, to provide its new Tyco Security Robot for patrols in the buildings it manages.

Tyco debuted recently in the Tyco Demo Room and Innovation Center at the Global Security Exchange (GSX) Conference in Orlando.

Taking a unified approach to solve existing and emerging challenges within the workplace, including for specific and evolving building and facility security needs, this robot is designed to bring access control, video surveillance and security robotics together for a more comprehensive and efficient solution. [Read more…] about Ava Robotics to provide its Tyco robot for security patrols at buildings managed by Johnson Controls

Robot-ready conveying optimizes pick-and-place

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By Ken Tinnell, vice president, general manager, Shuttleworth, a division of ProMach

From a machine builder’s point of view, robots can solve many processing and packaging line problems, but the chosen material handling systems supplying the line can reduce the robot’s performance. Smart Robot-Ready conveying solutions, such as Slip-Torque roller technology, DASH Dynamic Accumulation, SmartFeed, and flexible product control devices, engineered by Shuttleworth, enable precision robotic pick-and-place, maximizing system uptime and virtually eliminating product damage.

Flexibility, speed and accuracy make robotic technology ideal for pick-and-place applications in a wide range of industries. Tremendous gains in productivity are realized through the application of pick-and-place robotic technology. These robots also eliminate the risk of fatigue and injury that human labor is subjected to in these types of applications.

Robotic pick-and-place systems are low maintenance, flexible and reconfigurable, and especially beneficial in manufacturing and packaging applications when dealing with sterile, hazardous and potentially injury-causing materials. [Read more…] about Robot-ready conveying optimizes pick-and-place

Copia Automation raises $16.4 million to bring DevOps efficiencies to industrial automation

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Industrial automation software developer Copia Automation has secured a Series A investment of $14.2 million led by Lux Capital, with follow-on investment from Construct Capital and participation from Ironspring Ventures.

This latest round builds on existing $2.2 million in seed funding led by Construct Capital with participation from Lux Capital and Liquid 2 Ventures. Bilal Zuberi, Partner at Lux Capital, will join Copia’s board alongside Dayna Grayson from Construct Capital.

Copia Automation brings modern DevOps to industrial automation, specifically the coding of Programmable Logic Controllers or PLCs – the computerized brains behind today’s complex manufacturing machines. [Read more…] about Copia Automation raises $16.4 million to bring DevOps efficiencies to industrial automation

Advanced technology adoption will make Indian roads ‘accident-proof’

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A relatively new company called Hi Tech Robotic Systemz (THRSL) says India’s Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s vision for Indian roads will make vehicles “accident-proof”.

In a recent meeting of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), the minister advocated for fixed driving hours for commercial truck drivers like that of pilots, as well as a policy mandating on-board sleep detection sensors in commercial vehicles to reduce road accidents in India and give relief to truck drivers.

The logistics sector, which is a key enabler and the backbone of any growing economy, is primarily dependent on drivers who operate for long hours in tough working conditions. [Read more…] about Advanced technology adoption will make Indian roads ‘accident-proof’

Important reasons why your company needs a managed IT services company

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A lot of the businesses do not have in-house IT support department, which is the reason they have to get third-party services.

If you have a small business and you are not planning to hire a lot of people just for the IT Department, you can easily get help from the third party companies.

But why do you need the IT department in the first place? [Read more…] about Important reasons why your company needs a managed IT services company

Kiwibot partners with Careem for last-mile meal delivery

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Kiwibot, a autonomous last-mile delivery solution, is partnering with Careem, an online fulfillment app for the greater Middle East region.

The plan is for Kiwibot to work with Careem to autonomously fulfill local orders in Dubai.

Kiwibot has already established operations in a variety of other cities around the world, but this is the first deployment in the middle east. [Read more…] about Kiwibot partners with Careem for last-mile meal delivery

Robotics4EU project is response to ‘unprecedented importance of robotics in modern economy’

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The European Commission, the administrative arm of the European Union, says its Robotics4EU project is its answer to the “unprecedented importance of robotics in the modern economy”.

Launched officially in January 2021 under the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme, Robotics4EU aims to take concrete steps to ensure a more widespread adoption of (AI-based) robots in the EU, particularly in the areas of Healthcare, Inspection and Maintenance of Infrastructure, Agri-Food, and Agile Production.

The project’s goal also includes raising awareness about non-technological aspects of robotics, such as ethics, legal, socioeconomic, data, privacy and gender issues. [Read more…] about Robotics4EU project is response to ‘unprecedented importance of robotics in modern economy’

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority seeks volunteers to test connected vehicle technology

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Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is moving to the next stage in testing and implementing connected vehicle technology in Tampa with four auto manufacturers on board.

THEA is recruiting volunteer drivers who drive a Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia or Toyota for the THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot. This research project has the potential to improve driving safety in downtown Tampa and beyond. Eligible participating drivers receive up to a 30 percent rebate for tolls on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

In this phase, THEA expects to equip approximately 300 privately owned automobiles with connected vehicle technology by late 2022. Volunteers’ automobiles will be outfitted with devices that “talk” to other connected vehicles and to roadway infrastructure to help prevent crashes. [Read more…] about Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority seeks volunteers to test connected vehicle technology

GXO pilots customised robotic arm for fashion e-commerce logistics

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GXO Logistics, which claims to be the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, has launched an “industry-first” pilot of intelligent automation at its fashion e-commerce warehouse in Tilburg, the Netherlands. 

GXO’s pilot of the Pick-it-Easy Robot station is tailored for one of its key global customers, in collaboration with value chain tech provider Knapp AG.

The pilot is the first application of Knapp’s Pick-it-Easy Robot technology for automated pocket induction in the sector for apparel logistics. [Read more…] about GXO pilots customised robotic arm for fashion e-commerce logistics