Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Briefing – Design and Prototyping: CAD spells the end of paper and pencil

by

In this article, Robotics and Automation News provides an overview of software available for designers of products, components, and systems 

It’s very unlikely that paper and pencil will disappear completely – the headline’s just journalistic hyperbole. But they’re certainly not used by as many people as in the past. 

Pencil and paper will probably always be used to sketch out ideas in the initial stages at least, but with more tablet computers around, along with digital pens or pencils designed for use with them, even those most humble of materials and instruments are getting serious updates.

It’s very unlikely that more than, say, one in a hundred people would continue to use pencil and paper once it has gone past the sketching stage into the actual design phase with a view to producing prototypes.  [Read more…] about Briefing – Design and Prototyping: CAD spells the end of paper and pencil

GM breaks ground on $65 million ACDelco and Genuine GM Parts processing facility

by

General Motors has broken new ground on an all-new $65 million ACDelco and Genuine GM Parts processing center on a vacant 141-acre lot near the intersection of Genesee and Davison roads in the City of Burton, in the US.

The facility is being built within the Customer Care and Aftersales division of GM.

GM says the new building is the company’s largest single investment in a warehousing and logistics facility in the United States in nearly 40 years.  [Read more…] about GM breaks ground on $65 million ACDelco and Genuine GM Parts processing facility

Employers and employees alike ‘welcome robots’, says Epicor

by

Robot co-workers plug industry-wide skills gap, boost efficiency, automate mundane work, and don’t get involved in office politics, according to new report

With employers struggling to find people with the skills they need, even for entry-level jobs, industrial workers are increasingly seeing the benefits of working with robots, rather than humans, to improve productivity and relieve the pressures they are under.

This is one of the findings of the latest research from Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth.

According to the research, which questioned around 2,500 business respondents in 14 countries, staff are aware of the many benefits of working alongside robots.  [Read more…] about Employers and employees alike ‘welcome robots’, says Epicor

Daimler Trucks confirms ‘significant increase’ in unit sales worldwide

by

Daimler Trucks claims it is seeing a “significant increase” in unit sales across many key regions around the world.

As part of its Capital Market & Technology Day, Daimler Trucks today confirmed its positive outlook for unit sales and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and remains optimistic about its outlook for the current business year.

In the Trucks division, the world’s most successful manufacturer of commercial vehicles anticipates a significant increase in unit sales and EBIT compared with the previous year.  [Read more…] about Daimler Trucks confirms ‘significant increase’ in unit sales worldwide

Nord Drivesystems develops ‘economical drive solutions’ for conveyor systems

by

Nord Drivesystems says it has developed “economical drive solutions with a high overload capacity for the special requirements of pallet conveyor technology”.

Nord Drivesystems supplies optimally matched, individually configurable and flexible drive technology which reduces the number of versions and minimises costs, especially for transporting pallets and cage pallets with roller or chain conveyors.

For simple pallet conveyor technology applications, Nord says it has developed an efficient drive combination consisting of an asynchronous motor and a Nordac Base frequency inverter.  [Read more…] about Nord Drivesystems develops ‘economical drive solutions’ for conveyor systems

Bossa Nova Robotics raises $29 million in latest funding round

by

Bossa Nova Robotics, a provider of real-time, on-shelf product data for the global retail industry, has closed a $29 million funding round led by Cota Capital.

With new participation from China Walden Ventures, LG Electronics, and existing investors, this brings Bossa Nova’s total funding to $70 million.

The company says the funding will support the growth in the number of employees by 50 percent and will further its research and development efforts. Additionally, the company is exploring opening international offices due to high global retailer interest.  [Read more…] about Bossa Nova Robotics raises $29 million in latest funding round

Portescap expands its range of brushless DC motors

by

Portescap is proud to announce the expansion of the Ultra EC range of brushless DC slotless motors with the introduction of the new 30ECT motor.

This 4 pole motor offers ultra high torque and power (up to 245W, max continuous) without compromising on the smooth operation and long life you expect from Portescap’s brushless slotless motors.

The new 30ECT motor is available in two lengths: the 30ECT64 and the 30ECT90.  [Read more…] about Portescap expands its range of brushless DC motors

ABB launches new digital robot controller OmniCore

by

ABB has launched a new robot controller called “OmniCore”, which it describes as introducing a new era of “digital robot control” to increase flexibility, reliability and performance.

The new OmniCore robot controller family offers the broadest motion control options, more tailored solutions for the connected “Factory of the Future”, a current ABB theme.

The OmniCore is one the first offerings in ABB’s new era of “flexible, intelligent and tailored solutions”, and the company says it provides high-performance applications and seamless digitalization on the factory floor.  [Read more…] about ABB launches new digital robot controller OmniCore

Siemens acquires Austemper Design Systems to strengthen product lifecycle management offering

by

Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire Austin, Texas-based Austemper Design Systems, a startup software company that offers analysis, auto-correction and simulation technology.

This technology allows customers to test and harden integrated circuit designs for functional safety in applications such as automotive, industrial and aerospace systems where functional safety and high reliability are mandatory for compliance to safety standards like ISO 26262.

ICs in these applications require three types of functional safety verification:

  • for systemic faults;
  • malicious faults; and
  • random hardware faults.

The acquisition of Austemper will strengthen Siemens’ product lifecycle management software suite, much like Siemens’ acquisition of Mentor did. [Read more…] about Siemens acquires Austemper Design Systems to strengthen product lifecycle management offering

Emtas and HMS Industrial Networks agree partnership for CAN-based industrial communication

by

Emtas and HMS Industrial Networks have formed a partnership to develop CAN-based industrial communication.

The collaboration will involve the distribution and development of protocol software for CANopen and SAE J1939, as well as the distribution of the IXXAT CAN hardware products from HMS in combination with Emtas software tools.

CAN stands for controller area network and is a communications standard which enables microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer.

The collaboration enables both companies to leverage their combined experience in this area, targeting to further improve the offering for CANopen, SAE J1939 and CAN/CAN-FD.  [Read more…] about Emtas and HMS Industrial Networks agree partnership for CAN-based industrial communication