Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Selecting Industrial SCARA Robots: Criteria and Recommendations

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In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, SCARA robots have emerged as the backbone of modern production automation.

These versatile machines are transforming everything from electronics assembly to food packaging, but here’s the thing – choosing the wrong robot can cost you more than just money.

I’ve seen companies struggle with underperforming systems simply because they didn’t understand what they were buying.

The stakes are high. A poorly selected robot can bottleneck your entire production line, while the right choice can boost efficiency by 40% or more.

That’s why I’m sharing this practical guide – to help you navigate the technical maze and make a decision that actually works for your specific needs. [Read more…] about Selecting Industrial SCARA Robots: Criteria and Recommendations

Robot ethics: Bias, accountability, and the impact of robots becoming more intelligent and more involved in human society

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Artificial intelligence is now embedded in robots that are not only assembling cars or moving pallets, but also serving food, delivering parcels, assisting the elderly, and even teaching children.

As these systems grow more autonomous, the ethical stakes become unavoidable: what happens when a robot makes a decision that has moral, social, or legal consequences?

Robots powered by advanced AI are no longer passive tools. They perceive, interpret, and act in ways that increasingly resemble human decision-making. That raises pressing concerns about bias, accountability, and the broader societal impact of machines that operate with growing independence. [Read more…] about Robot ethics: Bias, accountability, and the impact of robots becoming more intelligent and more involved in human society

DHL Supply Chain breaks ground on giant logistics center in Japan

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DHL Supply Chain Japan will commence construction of its new logistics center dedicated to the semiconductor industry in Chitose City, Hokkaido. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the construction site on August 19, 2025.

This project supports the Japanese government’s initiative to strengthen the domestic semiconductor industry and revitalize the local economy.

By expanding logistics capabilities in Hokkaido, the facility will enhance supply chain stability and flexibility, providing vital support to the semiconductor industry. It also forms a strategic part of DHL Supply Chain’s global growth plan to double its business by 2030. [Read more…] about DHL Supply Chain breaks ground on giant logistics center in Japan

Foundation Alloy and Re:Build Manufacturing form engineering partnership to ‘fast-track scale-up and automation’

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Foundation Alloy, an advanced-materials company that says it is “reinventing metals production for US industry”, is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Re:Build Manufacturing. 

The partnership centers on engineering and process development support as Foundation Alloy ramps up production of high-performance metals using its proprietary MetalsFirst manufacturing platform.

As part of the engagement, Re:Build will work closely with Foundation Alloy’s technical team to support the commissioning, automating and operation of new production equipment. [Read more…] about Foundation Alloy and Re:Build Manufacturing form engineering partnership to ‘fast-track scale-up and automation’

Authoritative economic thinktank report finds tariffs have ‘no effect’ on US manufacturing employment

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A new report published on the VoxEU website, part of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), argues that US President Trump’s so-called “reciprocal” tariffs have failed to deliver on one of their most politically sensitive promises: bringing manufacturing jobs back to America.

The column, titled “The (non) effect of tariffs on manufacturing employment”, reviews data on US trade policy and employment and concludes that tariffs have little to no positive impact on overall manufacturing employment. [Read more…] about Authoritative economic thinktank report finds tariffs have ‘no effect’ on US manufacturing employment

Toto opens $224 million manufacturing facility in Georgia to ‘increase luxury toilet production capacity by 150 percent’

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Toto, one of the world’s leading plumbing manufacturers with over $5.34 billion in annual sales, has opened a $224 million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Morrow, Georgia.

The new facility marks a major investment in the company’s Americas growth strategy, enabling faster delivery of strategic high-end one-piece toilets to meet surging market demand.

To achieve this, Toto is shifting more production from Asia-based Toto Group plants to North America, strengthening its regional supply chain, enhancing manufacturing resilience, and advancing its long-term sustainability goals. [Read more…] about Toto opens $224 million manufacturing facility in Georgia to ‘increase luxury toilet production capacity by 150 percent’

Hyundai increases investment in American manufacturing to $26 billion

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Hyundai Motor Group has announced a significant increase in investment to $26 billion in the United States, reinforcing its long-term commitment to innovation, jobs creation, and sustainable growth across key industries.

This investment will be made between 2025 and 2028, significantly expanding the group’s footprint in the US market.

This new commitment represents an additional $5 billion investment on the $21 billion allocation announced in March 2025, dedicated to advancing the Hyundai’s strategic initiatives in automotive, steel, and robotics. [Read more…] about Hyundai increases investment in American manufacturing to $26 billion

Genentech breaks ground on $700 million manufacturing facility in the US

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Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, has broken ground on its newest US manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina.

This significant development marks the establishment of Genentech’s first manufacturing facility on the East Coast.

The 65,000 sq m facility is strategically designed to support production of the company’s future portfolio of metabolic medicines, including next-generation treatments for obesity. [Read more…] about Genentech breaks ground on $700 million manufacturing facility in the US

Johnson & Johnson to invest $2 billion into manufacturing at North Carolina facility

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Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest medicine and toiletry products companies, says it will increase its presence in North Carolina with a 160,000+ square foot dedicated manufacturing facility at FujiFilm’s new biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina.

The $2 billion commitment to FujiFilm over the next 10 years will expand the company’s US manufacturing capacity and create approximately 120 new jobs in North Carolina.

In the coming months, the company also intends to share the plans for additional advanced manufacturing facilities in the US as well as the expansion of current US sites. [Read more…] about Johnson & Johnson to invest $2 billion into manufacturing at North Carolina facility

US government takes 10 percent stake in Intel for $9 billion

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The United States government has agreed to take a 9.9 percent stake in Intel through an $8.9 billion investment, marking one of the most significant interventions in the history of the American semiconductor industry.

The deal converts undisbursed grants under the CHIPS and Science Act and related programs into equity, giving the government nearly 10 percent ownership of Intel without direct control over its board.

The agreement also includes a five-year warrant allowing Washington to buy a further 5 percent of Intel shares at a fixed price if the company reduces its majority ownership of its foundry unit. [Read more…] about US government takes 10 percent stake in Intel for $9 billion