Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

OnRobot launches new tooling system for ‘full range’ of collaborative robots

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OnRobot says it has launched a new tooling system for “full range” of smaller robots.

The company says its new Digital I/O Converter Kit and Quick Changer for OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) “dramatically simplifies” automation because it provides a single platform for a full range of collaborative and light industrial robotic systems

Denmark-based OnRobot, a specialist EoAT provider for collaborative robot applications, has introduced two new products – the Digital I/O Converter Kit and Quick Changer – which together with other OnRobot EoATs, creates a “unique One-System Solution that dramatically simplifies automation”, says the company. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches new tooling system for ‘full range’ of collaborative robots

Metal working event EMO to put spotlight on robots

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One of the best-known and most well-attended metal working exhibitions in Germany, EMO, is planning to put the spotlight on robots.

In a showcase entitled Robotics for Agile and Competitive Manufacturing, EMO will highlight how new “robotic technologies can be used to improve the agility, productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing companies”, say the organisers.

The conference is organised by Trinity, a European Commission-funded project focusing on robotics, IoT and cybersecurity. [Read more…] about Metal working event EMO to put spotlight on robots

Misty Robotics starts shipping new robot to backers

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Misty Robotics has started shipping the second version of its small robot to the company’s backers.

Writing on the company’s blog, Ian Bernstein, founder and head of product, says: “Misty has already begun to land on doorsteps and she’ll continue to be delivered in the coming weeks. If you’re a backer, keep an eye out.”

Misty II will be shipping with software version 1.0.3 beta and the Misty SDK will be publically available to all developers enabling skill building using JavaScript. [Read more…] about Misty Robotics starts shipping new robot to backers

Magna opens $50 million electronics facility in Michigan

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Automotive components and parts supplier Magna has formally opened a new electronics manufacturing facility in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.

The facility consolidates three nearby locations into a single “state-of-the-art facility that combines 21st-century manufacturing with people-first workplace design and functionality”, says Magna.

By opening the 230,000-square-foot facility with an investment of nearly $50 million, Magna says it is solidifying its presence in Grand Blanc Township and is positioned to continue its leadership in vision-based driver assistance systems. [Read more…] about Magna opens $50 million electronics facility in Michigan

Continental reveals its new virtual dashboard

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Automotive components and parts supplier Continental has unveiled its new virtual dashboard, saying it represents a “complete culture change”.

Continental will be formally launching what it calls its “Integrated Interior Platform” at the IAA 2019 in Frankfurt later this month.

As a high-performance computer, this comprehensive solution for software and hardware provides the basis for interaction between humans and vehicles in the connected cockpit of tomorrow – and at the highest level of quality. [Read more…] about Continental reveals its new virtual dashboard

Škoda opens new $200 million paint shop featuring 66 robots

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Škoda Auto has opened a new automotive paint shop at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav, in the Czech Republic, featuring 66 industrial robots configured for applying the paint.

Up to 168,000 car bodies will be coated with paint there each year, taking the plant’s total annual painting capacity up to 812,000 vehicles.

Škoda Auto has invested €214.5 million in the new building, creating more than 650 new jobs. (See infographic below.) [Read more…] about Škoda opens new $200 million paint shop featuring 66 robots

ThyssenKrupp to invest over €70 million in European warehouses

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ThyssenKrupp’s material handling division is to invest more than €70 million in its European warehousing and logistics network.

The company – which claims to be “the western world’s biggest materials distributor” – says automation and digitalization will “significantly boost productivity”.

ThyssenKrupp Materials Services, the distribution and service provider of the ThyssenKrupp Group, says the €70 million investment in the modernization and expansion will include a state-of-the-art logistics center and new warehouses in Germany, Poland and Hungary. [Read more…] about ThyssenKrupp to invest over €70 million in European warehouses

Scientists make chip using carbon nanotubes instead of silicon

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Scientists have made a microprocessor using carbon nanotubes – not silicon.

As reported by Science News, the innovation marks a milestone in computing.

The prototype chip is said to be slower than equivalent silicon-based processors and is not as small. [Read more…] about Scientists make chip using carbon nanotubes instead of silicon

Scaled Robotics integrates mobile robot into construction site

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Scaled Robotics has integrated a mobile robot called “Husky”, built by Clearpath Robotics, into a construction site’s activities

A construction site is an extremely busy, fast-paced, and interconnected environment. With specific building instructions and deadlines to meet, having a clear overview of the project is paramount.

Barcelona-based Scaled Robotics see the need to provide a beneficial service that has previously not existed in the construction industry.

Since it is virtually impossible to keep track of the hundreds of thousands of variable elements on a construction site, progress tracking was typically accomplished with very sparse spot checks. [Read more…] about Scaled Robotics integrates mobile robot into construction site

Swisslog to build pallet warehouse for Rapunzel

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Swisslog has been contracted to expand a logistics centre for Rapunzel Naturkost, a manufacturer and supplier of organic food in Germany.

The expansion will feature Swisslog’s automated pallet technology in the form of five Vectura pallet stacker cranes and ProMove conveyor for the high-bay warehouse.

Valued at €5.5 million, the project’s scope of services also includes construction of the steel structures and picking stations. [Read more…] about Swisslog to build pallet warehouse for Rapunzel