Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Fanuc enables integration of its CNC machines and robots using new G-Code

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Fanuc America, a factory automation solutions provider, has introduced what it describes as “the next step in complete robotics and CNCs integration for more efficient operations”.

Fanuc CNCs now have the ability to control connected Fanuc robots providing machine tending or other assistance through Fanuc’s Quick and Simple Startup of Robotization (QSSR).

More manufacturing operations are taking advantage of adding more robotics to execute repetitive tasks previously manually performed. Advanced automation offers a competitive edge and greater profit margins to shops of all sizes. [Read more…] about Fanuc enables integration of its CNC machines and robots using new G-Code

Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M achieves ETL certification to UL 3100 standard

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Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M has obtained the ETL certification, “setting a new industry milestone as the first ETL certified Bin-to-Person solution to meet the UL3100 standard”, according to the company.

ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories. This is the testing and certification division of Intertek Testing Laboratories, which is based in the UK.

The certification confirms the innovative strength of Geek+’s R&D team and ability to expand globally by developing robotics products that meet the highest standards of quality. [Read more…] about Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M achieves ETL certification to UL 3100 standard

Mitsubishi Electric extends supervisory control and data acquisition range

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Mitsubishi Electric has extended its supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) lineup for EMEA markets, now offering two additional types of software for system monitoring and process control under the series name “GENESIS64”, complementing the existing “MAPS” SCADA software.

The new lineup will meet the diversifying IoT needs, covering a wide variety of purposes from small production line monitoring and control to multi-site monitoring and business intelligence (BI) for plant-wide systems, process automation as well as utility and building automation.

The “GENESIS64 Basic SCADA” is an entry-level software with essential functions for small production lines, and the “GENESIS64 Advanced Application Server” is a full SCADA suite for large-scale monitoring of factories, buildings, and utilities. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric extends supervisory control and data acquisition range

TCL implements ‘world’s first’ 5G-enabled autonomous mobile robots from ForwardX

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The Huizhou factory of Chinese multinational electronics company TCL, specializing in surface-mount technology processes, has installed dozens of ForwardX Max 300 Lift Autonomous Mobile Robots to automate the movement of materials across the production facility.

So far, the project has resulted in improved productivity across the production process, less labor dependency for material handling, and a quicker inventory turnover.

The AMRs connect and communicate through a 5G network which was set up as part of TCL’s 5G+ Smart Factory Initiative. [Read more…] about TCL implements ‘world’s first’ 5G-enabled autonomous mobile robots from ForwardX

Baidu receives green light to demonstrate commercialized autonomous vehicles in China

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Baidu, China’s equivalent of Google and a developer of autonomous vehicles, has received qualifications for 35 of its “Apollo” vehicles to demonstrate commercialized autonomous driving operations, and qualifications for 10 vehicles to conduct driverless testing, by traffic authorities in Cangzhou city, in China.

These qualifications will allow Baidu to be the first company in China to experiment with various monetization mechanisms for autonomous driving services, marking a landmark step on Baidu Apollo’s road to commercialization.

With these qualifications, Baidu Apollo will be able to roll out commercialized demonstrations of its smart transportation services in Cangzhou, and explore various mechanisms for charging customers, such as discounts, trial tickets, and voluntary payments from riders, for the first time by any autonomous driving company in China. [Read more…] about Baidu receives green light to demonstrate commercialized autonomous vehicles in China

Chinese robotics sector files ‘44 percent of total global patents’

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The Chinese robotics sector generated almost half of total global patents in the most recent year available, according to a new report. 

The figure was published in the Annual Report on the Development of the Robot Industry in China, jointly written by HRG International Institute of Research and Innovation as well as the China Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation.

The two organizations produced what they call the 2021 Blue Book of the Robot Industry, based on their research. [Read more…] about Chinese robotics sector files ‘44 percent of total global patents’

Baidu Apollo selected to build landmark 5G intelligent driving project in China

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Baidu, China’s equivalent of Google, says its autonomous car business unit Apollo has jointly won a bid to construct a 5G intelligent driving project in Chengdu in a tender worth RMB 105 million ($16.1 million).

The first project of its kind on Sichuan Province, the win adds to Baidu Apollo’s growing portfolio of smart transportation projects across China, which are leveraging the company’s strengths in AI-powered new infrastructure to bring about an intelligent transformation of transportation and urban management.

As part of the project, Baidu Apollo will develop 30 kilometers of intelligent connected demonstration roads in the Singapore-Sichuan Hi-Tech Innovation Park. [Read more…] about Baidu Apollo selected to build landmark 5G intelligent driving project in China

OrionStar showcases Qualcomm-enabled 5G service robots at MWC Shanghai

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OrionStar, the robotics company invested in by telecommunications company Cheetah Mobile, has developed three service robots embedded with Qualcomm’s 5G solutions and processing capabilities.

The company showcased some of its technologies at the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2021.

By adding 5G connectivity, the robots get a powerful boost in AI performance to provide an even higher level of stability, consistency, responsiveness, coordination and remote control capabilities. [Read more…] about OrionStar showcases Qualcomm-enabled 5G service robots at MWC Shanghai

Okuma unveils machining center that forms and finishes metal parts in ‘one setup’

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Okuma has unveiled a new machining center that it says can form and finishes large metal parts and components in one setup.

The company says its MCR-S double column machining center “combines cutting-edge technology and process improvements to reduce cycle time by 25 percent”.

Okuma is one of the largest manufacturers of CNC machine tools, and says its MCR-S roughs and finishes press dies in one setup and is designed for heavy duty machining of process-intensive press dies. [Read more…] about Okuma unveils machining center that forms and finishes metal parts in ‘one setup’

Mitsubishi Electric makes dedicated factory for industrial mechatronics

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Mitsubishi Electric says it will establish the Industrial Mechatronics Systems Works as of April 1, 2021 within the premises of the company’s Nagoya Works in Nagoya, Japan.

The functions which currently lay under Nagoya Works for development and manufacturing of computerized numerical controllers, electrical discharge machines and laser processing machines will be transferred to the new Works, improving flexibility and speed in responding to customer needs.

The Industrial Mechatronics Systems Works will become Mitsubishi Electric’s dedicated factory for industrial mechatronic products, which contribute to the manufacturing industry through automation of product and parts processing. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric makes dedicated factory for industrial mechatronics