Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

NEC develops AI technology to enable robots to handle disorderly placed items

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NEC – a large Japanese multinational information technology and electronics company – says it has developed AI technology for robotics that enables “precise handling operations on unorganized and disorderly placed items”.

By predicting both the areas hidden by obstacles and the results of a robot’s actions, this technology makes it possible for robots to perform tasks that were previously performed manually, thereby contributing to the improvement of productivity and work-styles.

In recent years, due to labor shortages and other factors, the need for automation through the introduction of robots and large-scale equipment has been increasing in logistics warehouses and factories. [Read more…] about NEC develops AI technology to enable robots to handle disorderly placed items

Nidec develops vacuum-resistant liquid crystal substrate transfer robots

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Nidec Instruments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nidec Corporation, has developed liquid crystal substrate transfer robots that can move their joints in a vacuum environment “as freely as in the air”.

In a process to manufacture liquid crystal, organic electroluminescent (EL), and other displays, mother glass substrates are constantly required to be made larger, and their processing speed faster, as their production cost must be reduced and screen sizes must be made larger at the same time.

In recent years, display manufacturers are required to handle large, 3m x 3m products because the larger glasses robots can transfer, the better transfer efficiency they can achieve. [Read more…] about Nidec develops vacuum-resistant liquid crystal substrate transfer robots

Gecko-inspired adhesive offers a bio-inspired twist on robotic handling

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Researchers develop a technique to allow fragile objects to be transferred and released by robotics, without damage, while using a gecko inspired adhesive.

The subtle adhesive forces that allow geckos to seemingly defy gravity, cling to walls and walk across ceilings have inspired a team of researchers in South Korea to build a robotic device that can pick up and release delicate materials without damage.

The team, based at Kyungpook National University and Dong-A University, has published their research work in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, an international science journal.

The researchers are hoping it can be applied to the transfer of objects by robotic systems. [Read more…] about Gecko-inspired adhesive offers a bio-inspired twist on robotic handling

Augmentus raises $5 million to expand ‘no-code robotics’ offering

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Augmentus, a developer of “no-code” robotics software, has successfully raised $5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Sierra Ventures, along with Cocoon Capital.

Conventional robot programming is fragmented and costly, requiring extensive training and expertise due to proprietary programming languages. This results in 75 percent of lifetime costs being attributed to software and programming.

The industrial robotics software market is expected to reach $47 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 27 percent. Augmentus aims to disrupt this market. [Read more…] about Augmentus raises $5 million to expand ‘no-code robotics’ offering

Opinion: Adding the human edge and augmenting automation through Industry 5.0 in manufacturing

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Adam Sobieski, regional president APAC at Universal Robots

The Fourth Industrial Revolution brought about a wave of automation in the manufacturing industry, leading to increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

While we are currently living in Industry 4.0 which is unfolding around us, the world is poised for the next big industrial leap – the fifth industrial revolution.

The industry is slowly moving towards Industry 5.0, which marks a shift from automation to collaboration. Before diving into the details of Industry 5.0, it is important to understand the industry of today and how manufacturing has been changed through automation. [Read more…] about Opinion: Adding the human edge and augmenting automation through Industry 5.0 in manufacturing

FPT Software and Silicon Valley’s AITOMATIC form strategic partnership on industrial AI

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IT services provider FPT Software has agreed a strategic partnership with Silicon Valley’s AITOMATIC, a specialist in industrial generative artificial intelligence (AI).

This partnership enables both companies to promote industrial AI – the applications of AI to industrial use cases – to their customers worldwide.

Combining FPT Software’s global presence in 28 countries with AITOMATIC’s extensive industry connections, this partnership embodies their shared ethos of excellence. It also marks another milestone in FPT Software’s ongoing expansion to amplify its global footprint and redefine the landscape of industrial automation. [Read more…] about FPT Software and Silicon Valley’s AITOMATIC form strategic partnership on industrial AI

ForwardX Robotics unveils new 1500-kg payload warehouse robot

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ForwardX Robotics, a provider of vision-based autonomous mobile robots and warehouse solutions, has launched the Max 1500-L Slim, its latest innovation.

Designed for both warehouse logistics and manufacturing environments, the new AMR is set to revolutionize material handling, delivering “unparalleled versatility and efficiency”, according to ForwardX.

With its compact yet powerful build, standing at just 245mm (9.6 inches) tall, the Max 1500-L Slim offers an impressive payload capacity of 1500 kg (3,306 pounds). This unique combination of size and strength allows for seamless navigation and maneuverability in even the tightest spaces. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics unveils new 1500-kg payload warehouse robot

The Katana: More than Just a Sword

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Few weapons can claim the iconic status of the Japanese katana. Its reputation goes beyond its utilitarian function as a tool of war, transcending into the realms of art, spirituality, and symbolism.

This article seeks to unearth the historical, cultural, and symbolic layers of the katana, revealing why it stands as more than just a Japanese sword. [Read more…] about The Katana: More than Just a Sword

ForwardX Robotics automates warehouse for Japanese cosmetics company

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In a groundbreaking collaboration, ForwardX Robotics, a provider of vision-based autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology, has joined forces with Pola Orbis, a prestigious Japanese beauty and cosmetics company.

Responding to the intricate demands of its bustling warehouse, Pola Orbis sought a dynamic solution to streamline their operational complexities.

With over 100 cosmetics stores to replenish and an inventory of 500+ SKUs to manage, the company turned to ForwardX Robotics for an innovative answer. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics automates warehouse for Japanese cosmetics company

ForwardX Robotics unveils new autonomous mobile robot for warehouses

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ForwardX Robotics, a vision-based autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and warehouse solutions provider, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest cutting-edge addition to the esteemed Flex product series: Flex 60-SW.

This innovative AMR, equipped with automatic weighing scales along with an interactive touch screen, will revolutionize picking accuracy in the warehouse.

The anticipation surrounding the Flex 60-SW’s official launch on September 13th is palpable as it takes center stage at the prestigious Logistic-Tech Tokyo 2023 – The 3rd Innovation EXPO, as customers and industry professionals alike will witness the transformative capabilities of the Flex 60-SW firsthand. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics unveils new autonomous mobile robot for warehouses