Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Denso increases efficiencies with fleet of MiR250 autonomous mobile robots

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Denso, one of the world’s largest automotive technology suppliers, says it has “increased efficiencies, improved employee morale and ergonomics, and managed a tight labor market” by deploying six MiR250 autonomous mobile robots to transport materials in its 800,000 square foot powertrain component production facility in Athens, Tennessee.

According to a new case study from Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), Denso has successfully executed more than 500,000 missions since deploying its first MiR robot in 2020, recognizing a return on investment (ROI) in less than a year along with an ongoing need for more AMRs for additional logistics applications.

One of MiR’s largest global customers, Denso has AMRs from MiR running in two other US locations, as well as three facilities in Europe and two in Asia. [Read more…] about Denso increases efficiencies with fleet of MiR250 autonomous mobile robots

Toppan develops AI system enabling multiple robots to recognize people

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Toppan, a technology company specializing in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions, has developed TransBots, a digital twin solution for linking physical spaces with virtual reality reconstructions in real time and centrally managing and controlling multiple types of service robots.

As a new function, Toppan has now developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that makes it possible for multiple moving robots to identify people whose images have been uploaded in advance.

This person recognition function has been verified via a pilot test in which images sent from robots in various locations within an event space were analyzed and compiled in the cloud using an AI engine. [Read more…] about Toppan develops AI system enabling multiple robots to recognize people

ABB opens state-of-the-art robotics mega factory in Shanghai

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ABB has officially opened its state-of-the-art, fully automated and flexible robotics factory in Kangqiao, Shanghai, China. (See video below.)

The 67,000 sq m production and research facility represents a $150 million (1.1 billion RMB) investment by ABB and will deploy the company’s digital and automation technologies to manufacture next generation robots – enhancing ABB’s robotics and automation leadership in China.

Sami Atiya, president of ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation, says: “Building on three decades of success in China, the opening of our new mega factory is another milestone in helping our customers grow sustainably, address labor shortages and create high-value jobs in a new era of automation. [Read more…] about ABB opens state-of-the-art robotics mega factory in Shanghai

MicroPort MedBot NaviBot completes first clinical use of Skywalker surgical robot

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MicroPort NaviBot International, in a recent collaboration with MicroPort Orthopedics, has completed the first clinical use of the SkyWalker Robotic System in the United States.

Dr Joseph Kavolus, of Lighthouse Surgical Suites in Hollis, New Hampshire, conducted the successful procedure. Dr Kavolus specializes in orthopedic surgery and the treatment of orthopedic injuries.

The SkyWalker Robotic System provides the surgeon information that can help achieve the desired joint line reconstruction while providing data to optimally balance soft tissues. [Read more…] about MicroPort MedBot NaviBot completes first clinical use of Skywalker surgical robot

Epson opens robot training centers for customers and system integrators in the US

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In order to meet increased demand for automation solutions, Epson Robots is expanding access to Epson certified robot training for customers and system integrators.

The wide variety of high-quality, certified courses are designed to help students quickly and effectively program and operate Epson’s robot and vision products.

The courses are offered in-person at Epson’s headquarters in Los Alamitos, California and now at a number of regional Epson Robots Certified Training Centers located in the Western, Southern, and Northeastern US. [Read more…] about Epson opens robot training centers for customers and system integrators in the US

Mitsubishi tests automated robotic valet parking system using robots

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machinery Systems have launched Phase 2 of demonstration testing of an automated valet parking system at Shisui Premium Outlets, an outlet mall located in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

The system employs automated guided vehicle (AGV) robots, dubbed “Stan”, manufactured by Stanley Robotics, a French venture-backed company.

Phase 1 of the demonstration testing of this automated valet parking system, the first application of its kind in a commercial complex in Japan, took place in June 2022. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi tests automated robotic valet parking system using robots

Flexiv Robotics selects Sycodal as first Canadian distribution partner

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Flexiv, a provider of general-purpose robotics solutions, is partnering with Sycodal, a leading Quebec-based automation integrator, to bring adaptive robotic technology to the Canadian market.

As part of Flexiv’s continued expansion into North America, this latest partnership will enable Canadian companies to take full advantage of an adaptive robot’s efficiency, flexibility, customizability, and ease of use.

Created to address the shortcomings of collaborative robots, adaptive robots offer their users artificial intelligence, industry-leading force control, and computer vision integration to achieve unmatched precision. [Read more…] about Flexiv Robotics selects Sycodal as first Canadian distribution partner

Techman Robot launches ‘all-in-one’ AI collaborative robot series

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Techman Robot has launched its “TM AI Cobot” series, describing it as a “collaborative robot which combines a powerful and precise robot arm with native AI inferencing engine and smart vision system in a complete package”.

The company says the new machine is ready for deployment in factories and can accelerate the transition to Industry 4.0.

Techman says the TM AI Cobot works on the principle of being smart, simple and safe. By combining visual processing in the robot arm, the AI Cobot can perform fast and precise pick and place, AMR, palletizing, welding, semi-conductor and product manufacturing, automated optical inspections (AOI) and food service preparation, among many other applications that can be accelerated by AI-Vision. [Read more…] about Techman Robot launches ‘all-in-one’ AI collaborative robot series

Sinocare and Hai Robotics partner to upgrade healthcare logistics operation

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Sinocare, which is said to be Asia’s largest blood glucose meters manufacturer, recently joined forces with Hai Robotics to implement a complete set of Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems into their warehouse in Changsha, China.

Hai Robotics, the pioneer in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems for warehouse logistics, provided a deeper intelligent technology integration and development of in-plant logistics in the healthcare facility, delivering higher workflow efficiency rates and lower labor costs.

Li Zhi, senior manager of Sinocare’s engineering department, says: “The strategy of digitized and intelligent supply chain transformation, with the ACR systems’ help, will continuously foster Sinocare’s business growth now and far into the future.” [Read more…] about Sinocare and Hai Robotics partner to upgrade healthcare logistics operation

Ritsumeikan University develops ‘soft microfingers’ for robots

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Ritsumeikan University researchers develop a soft robotic microfinger that enables interaction with insects through tactile sensing

Human-robot interactions not only allow robots to interact with humans but also with the environment. Microrobots, for instance, can interact with insects and measure the force exerted by them during flight or walking.

However, this interaction is not direct, with the microrobots measuring insect behavior primarily. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a soft micro-robotic finger that allows humans to directly interact with insects. This could enable human-environment interaction at previously inaccessible scales.

Humans have always been fascinated by scales different than theirs, from giant objects such as stars, planets and galaxies, to the world of the tiny: insects, bacteria, viruses and other microscopic objects. While the microscope allows us to view and observe the microscopic world, it is still difficult to interact with it directly. [Read more…] about Ritsumeikan University develops ‘soft microfingers’ for robots