Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

ABB launches FlexLoader M range to ‘bring the power of modularity to machine tending’

by

ABB has launched a new range of modular machine tending application cells for the metals industry aimed at maximizing flexibility and machine utilization while minimizing lost productivity caused by unforeseen production stoppages.

Featuring six different versions, the FlexLoader M family offers a variety of ways of loading and unloading machines based on the size, shapes and amount of the workpieces being handled, making it ideal for applications such as foundries and die casting operations producing multiple types of products in varying quantities.

Andrea Cassoni, managing director for business line general industry for ABB Robotics, says: “As customers demand greater variety and shorter delivery times, metals producers need to have a manufacturing process that can respond quickly and offer the flexibility to achieve high mix, low volume and batch size one production. [Read more…] about ABB launches FlexLoader M range to ‘bring the power of modularity to machine tending’

BrainBox AI raises $24 million to expand into building automation

by

BrainBox AI, specialising in autonomous building technology, has raised $24 million to implement its technology in the built environment and develop its next phase of innovation.

The first close of its Series A round includes new lead investor, ABB, and investments by Esplanade Ventures and Desjardins Capital.

BrainBox AI offers predictive and self-adaptive artificial intelligence to optimize buildings’ energy usage, carbon footprint, and operational efficiency. [Read more…] about BrainBox AI raises $24 million to expand into building automation

Seegrid gives select customers early access to its new autonomous lift truck

by

Seegrid, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, is giving select customers early access to Seegrid Palion Lift AMR, the company’s newest AMR – and “the only autonomous lift truck with 3D perception in the industry”.

The select customers receiving first priority access to the highly anticipated Palion Lift are part of the Seegrid Technology Early-Access Program (STEP).

Participants in STEP receive a dedicated Seegrid team, gain exclusive opportunities to experience and provide feedback on new Seegrid technology, obtain insights into product roadmaps, and have the ability to impact innovative new products like the Palion Lift, an AMR that uniquely addresses major supply chain challenges. [Read more…] about Seegrid gives select customers early access to its new autonomous lift truck

Microtechnology exhibition EPHJ successfully holds 19th edition

by

Switzerland’s largest international trade show dedicated to high-precision technologies, EPHJ – which showcases microtechnology innovations in sectors such as watchmaking and medicine – has successfully held its 19th edition.

The organisers say this year’s event has shown “positive results”.

They add that, in a delicate event context in a period of health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the satisfaction and attendance indicators at the end of the EPHJ trade show are “encouraging”. [Read more…] about Microtechnology exhibition EPHJ successfully holds 19th edition

UVD Robots sends its machines along supermarket aisles

by

UVD Robots, a specialist manufacturer of autonomous ultraviolet disinfection robots, is partnering with OCC Commercial Consulting to offer “complete hospital-grade disinfection solutions” for supermarkets, with the aim of providing a safe shopping experience for employees and customers.

UVD Robots says that the average consumer spends about 60 hours grocery shopping per year – hours spent in an environment that may harbor different germ colonies, include shopping carts, refrigerator doors, and produce.

A study showed that grocery store carts have 361 times more bacteria than a bathroom door knob, with 75 percent of the germs found on those carts considered harmful to humans. [Read more…] about UVD Robots sends its machines along supermarket aisles

Sea Machines completes ‘world’s first’ 1,000 nautical mile autonomous voyage

by

Sea Machines Robotics​​​​, a developer of autonomous command and control systems for the maritime industry, has completed what is believed to be the world’s first 1,000+ nautical miles autonomous and remotely commanded journey of a commercial vessel at sea.

Under the project name The Machine Odyssey, the autonomous tug Nellie Bly completed its journey in just 129 operational hours over 13 days.

The program was commanded by US Coast Guard-licensed mariners remotely stationed 3,000 miles away in Boston, many of whom are also members of the American Maritime Officers union. [Read more…] about Sea Machines completes ‘world’s first’ 1,000 nautical mile autonomous voyage

Aim Robotics becomes part of Kassow Robots’ ecosystem

by

Aim Robotics, a Danish company with headquarters in Copenhagen and an R&D centre in Odense, and Kassow Robots, also a Danish company with its headquarters in Copenhagen, have entered into a partnership.

The two companies have developed an “innovative dispensing solution” for collaborative robot use, and Aim is now part of the Kassow Robots ecosystem.

Dieter Pletscher, sales manager at Kassow Robots, says: “Innovation is crucial to us, also when it comes to our network. This electronically based robotic dispenser by Aim Robotics offers great advantages to our customers. High repeatability and quality control help companies automate their dispensing application very efficiently and effectively.” [Read more…] about Aim Robotics becomes part of Kassow Robots’ ecosystem

Sfera Labs unveils ‘first’ industrial programmable I/O module based on new Raspberry Pi microcontroller

by

Sfera Labs has introduced the first industrial product based on the new Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller chip – a few months after its release.

The Iono RP is a compact programmable I/O module that combines the ease of use of the Raspberry Pi with a wide choice of digital and analog input and output interfaces.

The result is a rugged, safe, reliable, and easy-to-connect module – fully CE, FCC, and IC compliant – suited for installation in industrial and residential environments. [Read more…] about Sfera Labs unveils ‘first’ industrial programmable I/O module based on new Raspberry Pi microcontroller

Pittsburgh set to become ‘major player globally’ in autonomous vehicles sector

by

The Pittsburgh autonomy sector has reached critical mass and has the potential to become a major player in the global market, according to a new study. It adds, however, that “urgent action is needed” to compete more effectively against other regions and to encourage autonomy companies to locate and remain in Southwestern Pennsylvania as they mature and grow.

The report – Forefront: Securing Pittsburgh’s Break-out Position in Autonomous Mobile Systems – was issued by Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) and the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce with research conducted by TEConomy Partners.

The culmination of a nine-month long study, the report finds that the Pittsburgh region is one of the top centers for autonomous mobile systems – a sector predicted to grow to a $1 trillion+ global market by 2026, with an estimated 5,000 jobs and a $10 billion impact for a region that captures 1 percent of that global market growth. [Read more…] about Pittsburgh set to become ‘major player globally’ in autonomous vehicles sector

Zepth and Boston Dynamics develop construction robotics solution

by

Zepth, a construction industry solution provider, has agreed a new collaboration with Boston Dynamics, a builder of canine and humanoid robots.

As part of an early adopter program, the project management platform now offers users seamless integration with Boston Dynamics’ mobile robot Spot, enabling project teams to automate routine inspection tasks and capture data safely and with greater precision.

The collaboration combines the data collection capabilities of Spot with Zepth’s cutting-edge intelligent technology, allowing users to draw powerful insights from captured data to enhance efficiency, productivity, and collaboration throughout each phase of a project lifecycle. [Read more…] about Zepth and Boston Dynamics develop construction robotics solution