Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Industry 4.0 to ‘revolutionize’ use of safety sensors and switches, says report

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The so-called “Industry 4.0” trend – an umbrella term for a range of connectivity and automation technologies – will “revolutionize” the use of safety sensors and switches, according to a new report.

The Global Market Study on Safety Sensors and Switches, by Persistent Market Research, says the global market is projected to expand at “a meteoric rate” to register annual growth of 10.7 per cent throughout the period of assessment, 2017-2025.

In 2017, the global market for safety sensors and switches was valued at around $13.8 billion and is estimated to touch a valuation higher than $30 billion by the end of the period of forecast. [Read more…] about Industry 4.0 to ‘revolutionize’ use of safety sensors and switches, says report

What is a ‘digital twin’ and why it matters

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Seeing double? That’s a good thing when it comes to improving efficiency and anticipating problems in refineries.

A refinery is a high stakes environment with no room for error.

Operators must learn how to run production facilities, but training on the real asset would be risky. A minor error could put workers in harm or cause downtime, costing hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. [Read more…] about What is a ‘digital twin’ and why it matters

Mazak showcases machining centre with ‘world’s fastest CNC’

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Mazak has demonstrated a new machining centre which it says has the “world’s fastest CNC”.

Mazak says its Integrex i-400S Multi-Tasking machining centre at the upcoming Autosport Engineering and Southern Manufacturing 2019 exhibitions.

The i-400S features a large 1500mm machining bed with a completely new design offering higher performance machining and greater workpiece capacity than any other multi-tasking machines in its size range. [Read more…] about Mazak showcases machining centre with ‘world’s fastest CNC’

Festo presents BionicSoftHand and BionicSoftArm

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Festo has presented the latest innovations in its BionicSoftHand and BionicSoftArm technologies.

Combined with the BionicSoftArm, a pneumatic lightweight robot, the Future Concepts are “suitable for human-robot collaboration”, says Festo.

Whether its grabbing, holding or turning, touching, typing or pressing – in everyday life, we use our hands as a matter of course for the most diverse tasks. [Read more…] about Festo presents BionicSoftHand and BionicSoftArm

BMW invests €400 million in Dingolfing plant for BMW iNEXT

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The BMW Group is investing around €400 million in its Dingolfing vehicle plant for production of the BMW iNEXT.

In doing this, it is preparing for the manufacture of pure battery-electric and highly automated BMW cars at its largest European production location.

With the launch of the BMW iNEXT in 2021, Plant Dingolfing will be capable of producing the right mix of fully-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and models with combustion engines to suit demand on a single assembly line. [Read more…] about BMW invests €400 million in Dingolfing plant for BMW iNEXT

BMW claims it has ‘half a million’ electric vehicles on the road

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BMW claims it has “half a million” electric vehicles on the road, and is looking to double that number to reach 1 million by the end of 2021.

To mark the reaching of this milestone, Sebastian Mackensen, BMW Group senior vice president market Germany, handed over the keys to a very special BMW 330e to its future owner at BMW Welt today.

Oliver Zipse, chairman of BMW, says: “Half a million vehicles is the best proof: Our broad range of electrified vehicles is meeting exact customer needs. [Read more…] about BMW claims it has ‘half a million’ electric vehicles on the road

$50 billion merger of leading automakers creates global behemoth

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Leading automakers Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA have agreed a $50 billion merger, creating the biggest automaker in Europe and the fourth-largest in the world in the process.

Completion of the proposed merger is expected to take place in 12-15 months, subject to regulatory requirements and approval by both companies’ shareholders.

Carlos Tavares, chairman of the managing board of Groupe PSA, says: “Our merger is a huge opportunity to take a stronger position in the auto industry as we seek to master the transition to a world of clean, safe and sustainable mobility and to provide our customers with world-class products, technology and services. [Read more…] about $50 billion merger of leading automakers creates global behemoth

Nvidia launches ‘world’s most advanced’ chip for robotics and autonomous driving

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Nvidia has launched what it describes as the “world’s most advanced” chip for robotics and autonomous driving.

The Nvidia Drive AGX Orin is said to be a highly advanced software-defined platform, powered by a new system-on-a-chip called Orin.

The new chip consists of 17 billion transistors and is the result of four years of research and development investment. [Read more…] about Nvidia launches ‘world’s most advanced’ chip for robotics and autonomous driving

Genesis Robotics to showcase latest innovations at IREX 2019

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Genesis Robotics and Motion Technologies is planning to showcase its revolutionary direct drive motor technology and innovative gearing solutions for robotic applications at the International Robot Exhibition (IREX).

IREX 2019 will take place from December 18-21 at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. Genesis’ booth location is W4-33.

Since entering the market with its LiveDrive Direct-Drive Motor (LiveDrive), the company has continued to develop high torque, low profile form factor solutions that enhance productivity and lower total cost of ownership across robotics and industrial automation. [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics to showcase latest innovations at IREX 2019

OnRobot launches ‘small but powerful’ new gripper

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OnRobot, a manufacturer of robotic end-of-arm tooling, has launched a new gripper which it describes as “small but powerful”.

OnRobot says the VGC10 compact electric vacuum gripper addresses customer demand for a small, powerful and highly configurable gripper for nearly any application.

The new gripper has no compressor and requires no air supply, which eliminates the cost, noise, space, and maintenance of producing compressed air, says OnRobot, adding that the compact electrical gripper is “easy to implement and move”. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches ‘small but powerful’ new gripper