Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Human-like hands for robots move one step closer with Italian scientist’s invention

by

An Italian scientist has invented a robotic end effector that could bring the goal of robots having human-like hands one step closer.

Corrado De Pascali and his colleagues on the Italian Institute of Technology have unveiled an end effector which uses tiny, 8-gram actuators to power many different joints in the complex component.

According to report in New Scientist and several other outlets, the actuators – although small – can actually lift “1,000 times their own weight”. [Read more…] about Human-like hands for robots move one step closer with Italian scientist’s invention

Veo Robotics named in CB Insights’ advanced manufacturing top 50

by

Business research website CB Insights has named Veo Robotics, the Waltham-based industrial automation company building sensing and intelligence for robots to collaborate with humans safely, to its first-annual Advanced Manufacturing 50 ranking, showcasing the 50 most promising private advanced manufacturing companies in the world.

Founded by Patrick Sobalvarro, Clara Vu, and Scott Denenberg, Veo has pioneered the creation of software and hardware that allow for fluid, efficient, and flexible production lines within manufacturing facilities.

Also making the list within the robotics and collaborative robots category were Rokae, Novarc Technologies, Linkwiz, Exotic, and Locus Robotics. [Read more…] about Veo Robotics named in CB Insights’ advanced manufacturing top 50

ABB launches new, ‘fastest’ five-axis Delta robot

by

ABB has launched a new five-axis Delta robot which it claims is “the fastest for lightweight product picking, packing and reorientation”.

The new machine is part of the FlexPicker Delta robot portfolio and is called the IRB 365. With five axis and 1.5 kg payload, the IRB 365 is both flexible and the fastest in its class for reorienting packaged lightweight products such as cookies, chocolates, peppers, candies, small bottles, and parcels.

Responding to the rise in e-commerce and growing demand for shelf ready packaged goods, the IRB 365 has been developed for applications including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, where production line speed and adaptability are essential. [Read more…] about ABB launches new, ‘fastest’ five-axis Delta robot

RC Mowers expands dealer network with addition of West Coast equipment company

by

RC Mowers, a manufacturer of remote-operated robotic mowers, has added another West Coast dealership to its expanding network with the onboarding of Cal-Line Equipment in California.

Tim Kubista, vice president of sales and marketing for RC Mowers, says: “Cal-Line has had a fantastic reputation as a top-notch equipment sales and service provider for nearly 40 years.

“While they’re primarily known for the sale and rental of large tree-clearing equipment, their strong standing in the landscaping community makes them a welcome addition to the RC Mowers family.” [Read more…] about RC Mowers expands dealer network with addition of West Coast equipment company

Top 6 Tips for Las Vegas Tourists

by

Las Vegas is a huge metropolis that always attracts a lot of tourists. This city has many things to see: numerous casinos, expensive shops, Michelin-starred restaurants and beautiful architecture.

Planning a trip to this region can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if you are going to Las Vegas for the first time. Before traveling to this city, you need to know about many things. It is for this reason that we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the main tips when traveling to this city. Be sure to read to the end. [Read more…] about Top 6 Tips for Las Vegas Tourists

Multiverse Computing to develop quantum digital twin for Bosch manufacturing facility

by

Multiverse Computing, a quantum computing solutions provider, is collaborating in a research project with the Bosch Automotive Electronics plant in Madrid to leverage the power of quantum computing in the virtual replica or “digital twin” of a factory.

Multiverse is implementing quantum-based optimization algorithms at Bosch, delivering cutting-edge electronics components to several original equipment manufacturers around the world.

The Multiverse software solution will leverage data to assess the performance of individual equipment as well as broader production processes to enhance quality control and improve overall efficiencies, including energy and waste management. [Read more…] about Multiverse Computing to develop quantum digital twin for Bosch manufacturing facility

Amazon to begin drone deliveries in two US states

by

Amazon is preparing to start deliveries of its retail products to its customers by drone. The first areas chosen are Lockeford, in California, and College Station, in Texas.

The world’s largest online retailer says “hundreds of residents have expressed interest in receiving their Amazon orders via drone”, and the company has built new facilities to support the expansion into the air.

The company’s drone service is called Amazon Prime Air, one of only three companies given certificates by the Federal Aviation Authority to operate drone deliveries. [Read more…] about Amazon to begin drone deliveries in two US states

Rapid Robotics unveils robot with ‘fastest setup time in the industry’

by

Rapid Robotics says it has developed a robot with the “fastest setup time in the industry”.

The Rapid Machine Operator (RMO) from Rapid Robotics is “the first industrial robot that can get up and running in a matter of hours”, according to the company.

It’s also the first manufacturing robot that can move between jobs “in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee”. [Read more…] about Rapid Robotics unveils robot with ‘fastest setup time in the industry’

Small-batch medical shop triples production with robotics

by

Figuring out how to meet rising production demand can be deceptive. On the surface, it’s a simple math problem. If you have one machine on the floor and it makes eight parts per day, and you need to produce 16 parts per day, just add another machine, right?

Meeting demand in a consistent, cost-effective manner is a bit more complicated. Sometimes, it takes a little more due diligence to uncover the best way to increase throughput or meet rising demand.

The operations group at Ultradent Products, a leading developer and manufacturer of high- tech dental materials and devices, faced such a problem. In 2017, the company sought to increase production of its industry-leading Valo curing light, used by dental clinicians to cure dental composites, sealants, and various other chemistries. [Read more…] about Small-batch medical shop triples production with robotics

Hexagon and ESAB to help manufacturers ‘optimise robotic welding processes’

by

Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence division has signed a partnership agreement with ESAB, a fabrication specialist, to create a “streamlined welding solution” combining Hexagon’s simulation software with ESAB’s InduSuite solutions to help fabricators perform more efficient and successful welding operations.

Hexagon’s simulation intelligence, embedded within ESAB’s software and automation portfolio, will ensure that users have the tools required to “consistently manufacture high-quality products without costly trial and error”, according to the companies.

Producing successful welds can be challenging without the benefit of many years’ shop-floor experience and, even with an extensive welding experience, can incur high costs from waste and time. [Read more…] about Hexagon and ESAB to help manufacturers ‘optimise robotic welding processes’