Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for February 2022

Symbio Robotics reveals details of its work with Toyota

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Symbio Robotics, a provider of software that automatically powers AI-controlled industrial robots for flexible auto manufacturing, has revealed some details about its latest work with Toyota Motor North America.

SymbioDCS software enables robots to automate assembly processes and allows robots to learn, adapt and execute tasks on Toyota’s highest volume production lines, including both traditional and hybrid electric Camry, RAV4, Sequoia, and Tundra models.

Symbio says its automation technologies are designed to solve car manufacturing pain points and “outperforms” conventional robotic systems. [Read more…] about Symbio Robotics reveals details of its work with Toyota

Universal Robots products: Transforming the industrial landscape

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Universal Robots, a Denmark-based manufacturer of industrial robots, is widely known for the production of collaborative robots – cobots.

The company – which has already transformed the industrial landscape – is aiming to reach industries of all sizes so as to enable them reach their maximum production.

Cobots are flexible, lightweight robot arms that are built to suit the needs of a company that are otherwise harzadous, bulky or too dense for humans. They are designed for human interaction and therefore work together with humans. [Read more…] about Universal Robots products: Transforming the industrial landscape

NHTSA Opens Investigation into Tesla Vehicles Over Game Feature

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The National Highway Transport and Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently launched investigations into Tesla’s 580,000 vehicles over its passenger game feature capabilities at the center of its dashboard.

However, the video game capabilities on Tesla vehicles are not a new feature. It has existed in all Tesla models released between 2017 to 2022, including models 3, S, X, and Y. [Read more…] about NHTSA Opens Investigation into Tesla Vehicles Over Game Feature

Why Are Servo Motors Used So Widely in Robotics?

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Servo motors will always come up when the topics of robotics and automation are discussed. Servo motors are useful in applications where precise positioning, power, and torque are required.

Almost all industries have some form of automation and robotics used in different processes, with robotics especially having lots of advantages and applications. But why do servo motors fit these applications so well, and why are they so widely used? [Read more…] about Why Are Servo Motors Used So Widely in Robotics?

Alstom wins €156 million contract for driverless metro trains in Italy

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Alstom, a large transportation vehicles manufacturer, has won a €156 million contract from the Italian city of Turin to supply its latest generation of fully driverless metro trains.

Turin’s transportation infrastructure agency, Infra.To, actually placed the order. Infra.To is owned by the city of Turin and is one of Europe’s largest public companies.

The contract is for the supply of Alstom’s latest generation of fully driverless train-to-train CBTC system for line 1 of Turin Metro along with four new Metropolis trains. The contract includes an option for 12 more Metropolis trains. [Read more…] about Alstom wins €156 million contract for driverless metro trains in Italy

Caterpillar claims ‘world’s largest’ number of autonomous trucks

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Industrial vehicles manufacturer Caterpillar claims it now has the largest number of autonomous trucks in operation anywhere in the world.

The company calls it “a significant milestone”, adding that it has “long been recognized as the industry leader” in autonomous vehicle implementation.

Caterpillar says the achievement is “exciting” not only for the mining industry, but also its customer base as it looks to expand its autonomous technology offerings into quarry and aggregates and construction industries’ product lines with competitive offerings. [Read more…] about Caterpillar claims ‘world’s largest’ number of autonomous trucks

John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas

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Deere & Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural and forestry vehicles, is expanding its US footprint and technology operations with a new office in Austin, Texas.

Deere says the new location enables it to further strengthen its technology capabilities and attract talent interested in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges – including feeding a growing population.

Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, says: “Austin is a growing destination for some of the brightest minds in technology. Opening this office was a strategic decision from both a talent and collaboration perspective, particularly in software and data analytics. [Read more…] about John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas

Festo unveils extended version of robotic systems design software

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Festo has unveiled an extended version of its robotic systems design software, saying it enables the design of Cartesian robots “in minutes”.

Festo’s Handling Guide Online (HGO) now includes 3D cantilever systems in addition to linear, planar surface and 3D handling systems.

The company says these improvements mean that design engineers can now plan “extremely compact or extremely dynamic Cartesian robots in a matter of minutes” using the HGO’s intuitive configuration and ordering software. [Read more…] about Festo unveils extended version of robotic systems design software

Festo ‘investing heavily’ in automating electric vehicle battery production

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Manufacturing automation specialist Festo says it is “investing heavily” in automating the production of batteries for electric vehicles.

Festo says the trend towards electrification has led the company to pour in almost three-quarters of all its investment money into electrification initiatives.

Basically, there are many “gigafactories” and other types of battery manufacturing facilities being planned and built – and Festo is involved in developing manufacturing systems for a good number of them. [Read more…] about Festo ‘investing heavily’ in automating electric vehicle battery production

China aims for global leadership in robotics with new five-year plan

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The new five-year plan for the robotics industry in China, released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in Beijing, focuses on promoting innovation.

The government wants to make China a global leader for robot technology and industrial advancement.

The statistical department of the International Federation of Robotics reports about the domestic and foreign engagement on the world’s largest market.

Milton Guerry, president of the International Federation of Robotics, says: “China is by far the biggest robot market in the world regarding annual sales and the operational stock. [Read more…] about China aims for global leadership in robotics with new five-year plan