Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

Benefits of Using an Automated Inventory Management System

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E-commerce businesses are successfully capitalizing on the interest of people, especially the ones based on products. But what is the x-factor of the success of these businesses along with their social media strategies and their online presence?

Their inventory management system is the answer. With the help of technology, fresh air has been brought to automate inventory management processes. As per reports, around 72 percent of retailers are set to utilize automated inventory management systems. [Read more…] about Benefits of Using an Automated Inventory Management System

Amazon introduces industrial robotic arm that ‘handles millions of diverse products’

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Amazon has unveiled a new industrial robotic arm that the company says is capable of handling “millions of diverse products”.

The internet retail giant describes the Sparrow robot as a new intelligent robotic system that streamlines the fulfillment process by moving individual products before they get packaged – a major technological advancement to support our employees.

Over the past decade, Amazon has been at the forefront of innovation, making significant investments in robotics and advanced technology within its operations. [Read more…] about Amazon introduces industrial robotic arm that ‘handles millions of diverse products’

US Army awards Kodiak Robotics $50 million contract for autonomous trucks

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Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving trucking company, today announced it has been awarded a $49.9 million, 24-month United States Department of Defense (DoD) agreement to help automate future US Army ground vehicles led by the Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program.

This effort will be in support of vehicles designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other high-risk missions.

Through this award, which started in October 2022 and was awarded by DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on behalf of the Army’s RCV program office, Kodiak will leverage its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for driverless vehicles that further strengthen national security. [Read more…] about US Army awards Kodiak Robotics $50 million contract for autonomous trucks

Reinforcing the value of simulation: Teaching dexterity to a real robot hand

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Nvidia researchers show how training in simulation enables the transfer of complex manipulation skills to a robot hand with project DeXtreme

The human hand is one of the most remarkable outcomes of millions of years of evolution. The ability to pick up all sorts of objects and use them as tools is a crucial differentiator allowing us to shape the world around us.

For robots to work in the everyday human world, the ability to deftly interact with our tools and the environment around them is critical. Without that capability, they will continue to be useful only in specialized domains such as factories or warehouses.

While it has been possible to teach robots with legs how to walk for some time, robots with hands have generally proven to be much trickier to control. A hand with fingers has more joints, and they must move in specific coordinated ways to accomplish a given task. [Read more…] about Reinforcing the value of simulation: Teaching dexterity to a real robot hand

Motional launches first robotaxi service on the Uber network

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Motional’s new all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxis will be available on UberX and Uber Comfort Electric in select markets, contributing to Uber’s 2030 zero emissions goal.

Motional and Uber today announced the launch of their public robotaxi service in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the first time ever, Uber customers are able to hail an autonomous ride using Motional’s all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5-based robotaxis.

Motional and Uber are launching with vehicle operators now to lay the groundwork for a fully driverless commercial service, with the goal of launching the driverless service to the public in 2023. [Read more…] about Motional launches first robotaxi service on the Uber network

Smart actuators help robot valets optimize high-volume automobile storage and retrieval

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Before a newly manufactured car is delivered to a dealership, it typically joins thousands of others in a large storage lot where it can sit for days or even months.

Managing these lots requires many manual, time-intensive tasks: attendants must start each car, park it safely in a designated area, keep track of its location and be able to access it easily for distribution when needed.

Vehicle remarketers, airports, auto rental services and many other businesses that require high-volume auto storage and easy retrieval share these same issues. Ultimately, manual auto parking results in inefficient space and labour utilization, risk of accident and injury to attendants, and burning of fuel. [Read more…] about Smart actuators help robot valets optimize high-volume automobile storage and retrieval

Arrow partners with Recom to identify ‘optimal power supply solution’ for robots

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Automating industrial processes using robots has typically been the preserve of large companies that have the resources to make the investment and see the project through to completion.

Robco – the Robot Company – is now making the benefits of advanced automation more easily accessible for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with its new approach to building industrial robots.

Constantin Dresel, Robco’s head of development, says: “We want to redefine automation in SMEs with our powerful modular construction kit. This concept allows us to very quickly deliver a customised solution that can be ready to use immediately without any complex programming or reliance on specialised skills.” [Read more…] about Arrow partners with Recom to identify ‘optimal power supply solution’ for robots

Formic makes robotics available to hire ‘by the hour’

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Formic, a startup robotics-as-a-service company, has introduced Formic Flex, which it describes as “a unique service offering that recognizes the shifting needs and changing requirements that manufacturers face”.

Formic Flex enables manufacturers to subscribe to robotic systems “by the hour” and when their needs shift, swap those systems for other systems at no cost.

Allowing manufacturers to boost their productivity without being tied to specific equipment, Formic Flex applies to selected and certified robotic tenders across various applications, such as machine tending, welding, palletizing, depalletizing, and case packing. [Read more…] about Formic makes robotics available to hire ‘by the hour’

How Robotics Can Help Manufacturers Solve Labor Shortages

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Manufacturing is critical to the United States and the Midwest. It’s responsible for creating jobs, supporting businesses, and generating economic growth. Manufacturing is also a key driver of innovation, helping to create new products and technologies that can improve our lives.

Nationwide, manufacturing was the fourth-largest employment sector in 2021, with more than 12 million employees. In the Midwest, it’s the largest employment sector. But like many other industries, manufacturers are facing a major challenge – a shortage of skilled workers.

Even if every skilled worker in the country was employed in manufacturing, Forbes reports there would still be 35 percent more job openings than workers capable of filling them. By 2030, Deloitte predicts the industry will be short by more than 2 million workers. [Read more…] about How Robotics Can Help Manufacturers Solve Labor Shortages

ABB RobotStudio takes to the cloud, enabling real-time collaboration

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ABB has enhanced its RobotStudio robot programming and simulation software with cloud-enabled functionality. The new RobotStudio Cloud enables individuals and teams to collaborate in real-time on robot cell designs from anywhere in the world, on any device. 

New features such as automatic version control increase transparency and productivity across teams. The software’s simplified interfaces and intuitive navigation allow users of all skill levels to work on robotic projects.

Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics division, says: “At ABB Robotics, we continue to develop innovative and flexible solutions to help businesses overcome challenges, respond to changing customer needs and thrive in an age of increasing digitalization. [Read more…] about ABB RobotStudio takes to the cloud, enabling real-time collaboration

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