Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Fictiv raises $35 million to expand its digital manufacturing ecosystem

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As the pace of digital transformation in manufacturing continues to accelerate, Fictiv has raised $35 million in new funding led by 40 North Ventures to “aggressively expand” Fictiv’s digital manufacturing ecosystem.

Honeywell, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., Adit Ventures, and M20 also participated, along with previous investors including Accel, G2VP, and Bill Gates, bringing Fictiv’s total investment to $92 million.

The Series D investment will be used to advance its proven cloud-based platform technology and invest in its supply chain operations and network infrastructure. [Read more…] about Fictiv raises $35 million to expand its digital manufacturing ecosystem

Intralogistics market forecast to grow at 15 percent a year

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The global intralogistics market is expected to surge at a compound annual growth rate of 15.5 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to FactMR.com., which would provide more opportunities for automated guided vehicle and autonomous mobile robot suppliers. 

The market burgeoned at a spritely rate of 14.3 percent over the last five years owing to transcendent demand for increased productivity and efficiency across industries, globally.

Moreover, commencement of industry 4.0 has comprehensively compelled industry verticals to go digital with their supply chain networks. [Read more…] about Intralogistics market forecast to grow at 15 percent a year

Merkle relies on Kassow Robots for complete robot welding systems

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Merkle Schweissanlagen-Technik, or Merkle Welding Systems, will use 7-axis cobots from the Copenhagen-based collaborative robot company Kassow Robots as standard in its WeldROB complete robot welding systems from now on.

Dr Ulrich Prank, deputy managing director of the medium-sized company located in Koetz in Bavaria, Germany, says: “We have always focused on innovation. The lightweight robots from Kassow Robots are a new generation of particularly powerful and flexible cobots and offer our industrial customers real advantages.

“Instead of complex, elaborate robot technology with a high need for training and familiarization, welding with the WeldROB 7 is surprisingly simple.”  [Read more…] about Merkle relies on Kassow Robots for complete robot welding systems

OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

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OnRobot has launched the MG10, which it describes as “a versatile, high-performance, easy to use magnetic gripper” for material handling, assembly and machine tending applications in manufacturing, automotive and aerospace environments.

Fully compatible with all major robot brands through OnRobot’s One System Solution, the MG10 offers unique adjustable force and grip detection features that provide users with unprecedented levels of control.

Standard magnetic grippers only provide simple on/off functionality. To adjust the force applied, users have to add rubber ‘feet’ to create space between the magnet and the part. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

Organic wholesaler ‘doubles output’ with AutoStore and Swisslog warehouse automation

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A top wholesaler in the Swiss organic market, Bio Partner, has “doubled its output” following the implementation of innovative robotic logistics from Swisslog at its facility in Aargau, Switzerland, according to the company. 

Bio Partner supplies business customers in the organic specialist trade as well as the rest of the retail and food industry from its location in Seon, in Switzerland.

As a result of the merger with Somona, the warehouse reached its performance and capacity limits, and the wholesaler turned to a local partner with a global footprint to deliver an automated storage system. [Read more…] about Organic wholesaler ‘doubles output’ with AutoStore and Swisslog warehouse automation

Rockwell Automation and OSIsoft extend digital data partnership

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Rockwell Automation has extended its 15-year partnership with industrial data platform provider OSIsoft to “ensure continued” value for industrial manufacturing customers by enabling informed, data-driven decisions.

OSIsoft’s PI System is the market-leading operations data management platform for industrial organizations meeting next-generation demands for efficiency, reliability, security, sustainability, and resilience.

The agreement reinforces the companies’ joint commitment to drive outcome-based digital transformation solutions for customers across essential industries, including energy, mining, oil and gas, utilities, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and more. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation and OSIsoft extend digital data partnership

New study reveals 80 percent of manufacturers see smart manufacturing as key to future success

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The survey’s nearly 300 respondents indicate the pandemic accelerated the need and adoption of smart manufacturing technologies, outpacing earlier predictions

Plex Systems, a provider of cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions, has released the results of its sixth annual study, the State of Smart Manufacturing.

This year’s study, which was conducted in collaboration with Hanover Research, highlights how manufacturers use smart technology to tackle today’s challenges and drive measurable return on investment, and are positioned to take advantage of future opportunities.

The findings demonstrate a need for smart manufacturing technology to address current challenges, including those heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, 83 percent of manufacturers say the pandemic has made adopting smart manufacturing technologies and processes a priority. [Read more…] about New study reveals 80 percent of manufacturers see smart manufacturing as key to future success

Bosch produces its first semiconductor wafers through ‘fully automated’ fabrication process

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Bosch says it has produced the first semiconductor wafers through its “fully automated” fabrication process at its facility in Dresden, Germany.

The industrial giant describes it as “a milestone on the path to the chip factory of the future”.

Bosch says this is a key step toward the start of production operations at the factory, which is scheduled for late 2021. [Read more…] about Bosch produces its first semiconductor wafers through ‘fully automated’ fabrication process

Delivery robot company Refraction AI raises $4.2 million

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Refraction AI, the robotics startup and creator of the REV-1 autonomous delivery robot, has raised $4.2 million in new seed funding led by Pillar VC.

The company says the capital will be used for customer acquisition, geographic expansion and product development.

Founded in July 2019, Refraction AI solves last-mile delivery logistics with a practical, economical and sustainable application of mobile robot technology. [Read more…] about Delivery robot company Refraction AI raises $4.2 million

Seegrid launches Fleet Geek analytics software for mobile robots

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Seegrid, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling, has launched Fleet Geek, a cloud-based analytics solution that provides “a holistic, data-driven view of material flow”.

The company says it provides Seegrid’s customer base – prominent global brands in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics – with “comprehensive, actionable insights into Seegrid Palion AMR performance across their entire network of facilities”.

Fleet Geek tracks and illustrates material flow trends, empowering users with critical insights to optimize workflows, increase utilization, quantify the value of automation, and scale automation initiatives across the enterprise. [Read more…] about Seegrid launches Fleet Geek analytics software for mobile robots