Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

Auto interiors company hires Rethink’s collaborative industrial robots

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Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is utilising collaborative industrial robots from Rethink Robotics to “improve accuracy, and output” 

Yanfeng has put two of Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer robots to work in its Monroe, Michigan-based facility.

By introducing Sawyer, Yanfeng Frenchtown says it is improving two production processes, while freeing up employees to be used at positions where they can add more value.

Both Sawyer robots are being utilized to perform packaging tasks. One robot is removing trapped labor by packing parts from a conveyor onto a rack, handling 180 parts every 54 minutes. The second robot is counting parts from a conveyor as it places them into a tote, precisely packaging each tote with 80 parts.  [Read more…] about Auto interiors company hires Rethink’s collaborative industrial robots

The effect of industrial espionage on economic growth

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spy camera

In an interesting article on The Diplomat website, the question is asked, “How does industrial espionage affect economic growth?” 

The article is based on a study by Erik Meyersson, an assistant professor at Stockholm School of Economics, who teamed up with Albrecht Glitz, an associate professor at Pompeu Fabra University.

The two academics analysed almost 200,000 informant reports in the old East German Ministry for State Security, otherwise known as the Stasi.  [Read more…] about The effect of industrial espionage on economic growth

Avid Technology launches new predictive maintenance system for vehicle fleet operators

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Giles Johnston (left), Avid business improvement consultant, with Avid managing director, Ryan Maughan
Giles Johnston (left), Avid business improvement consultant, with Avid managing director, Ryan Maughan

North East England based automotive cleantech firm Avid Technology has launched a new system for the fleet maintenance industry to help bus operators solve the ongoing quest for efficiency.

Avid says its three new fleet service products – Smart Speed, Smart Shield and Smart Spanner – are designed to reduce costs, boost productivity and improve service delivery and safety.

The entire system is based on the principles of what the company calls “Total Preventative Maintenance”, which it says is used widely to improve the effectiveness of manufacturing operations across the world.  [Read more…] about Avid Technology launches new predictive maintenance system for vehicle fleet operators

Automotive industrial robot market forecast to reach $8 billion within four years

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industrial robots

Industrial robots are in high demand in the automotive sector, and a research company is saying the market will grow to beyond $8 billion by 2021. 

In the report published by MarketsandMarkets, the market was estimated to be $5.07 billion in 2016, and is projected to grow to $8.44 billion by 2021, at a growth rate of 10.74 per cent.  [Read more…] about Automotive industrial robot market forecast to reach $8 billion within four years

Obama warns of divisiveness of automation technology

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In his farewell address to the nation, US President Barack Obama warned of the dangers of automation technology. 

Obama said: “The next wave of economic dislocations won’t come from overseas. It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes a lot of good, middle-class jobs obsolete.”

The Obama administration has been looking the whole issue of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence, and consulting on the possible impact of those technologies on the US economy.  [Read more…] about Obama warns of divisiveness of automation technology

Gast launches new ‘lubefree’ air motors

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gast

Gast, a designer and manufacturer of precision air products and member of IDEX Corporation, has launched new LubeFree options for their AM series air motors that utilize a proprietary vane material that provides versatility, allowing users the options to oil or not oil the motor.

This new LubeFree option has expanded Gast’s range of 2AM, 4AM and 6AM Series air motors and affords operators the flexibility to modify their maintenance schedules or save money by eliminating oil, lubricator components and system maintenance.

Existing 2AM, 4AM and 6AM Series motors – which are used in a vast number of applications including chemical, paint and sanitary mixing, pump drive, material handling, and other industrial and remote applications – can be upgraded and retrofitted using a new LubeFree vane kit.  [Read more…] about Gast launches new ‘lubefree’ air motors

Universal Robots signs up Cimtec Automation as US distributor

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Partnership augments Cimtec’s automation component offering to southeast US  

Cimtec Automation has been selected as Universal Robots’ distribution partner for collaborative robots serving the US southeastern region.

The partnership augments Cimtec’s automation components and will provide even more advanced automation tools to “improve its customers’ manufacturing quality and efficiency”, says a statement from Cimtec.

Dan Keenan, president of Cimtec Automation, says: “We are excited about this new partnership with Universal Robots.

“Having built our reputation on providing state-of-the-art automation products and industry solutions, we are eager to bring this advanced robotic technology to our customers.”  [Read more…] about Universal Robots signs up Cimtec Automation as US distributor

Yaskawa to invest €25 million to expand manufacturing operations in Europe

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yaskawa
Yaskawa management gave details of the planned strategic investments in Europe at a press conference in the presence of Slovenian guests.  (Source: Yaskawa)

Industrial robotics and automation giant Yaskawa is expanding its manufacturing operations in Europe.

The company says it aims to become one of the two leading manufacturers of industrial robots in strategic target markets in the medium term.

The company outlined its vision at a press conference hosted by Hiroshi Ogasawara, representative director and president of Yaskawa Electric, and Manfred Stern, president and CEO of Yaskawa Europe and Corporate Vice President Yaskawa Electric.  [Read more…] about Yaskawa to invest €25 million to expand manufacturing operations in Europe

The Construct launches Robot Operating System courses

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the construct ros course

The Construct has launched its first Robot Operating System Navigation course. 

Beginning on February 13, the one-week training course includes direct, individualised guidance from experienced tutors.

The course can be undertaken online, through the web, or in Barcelona – if you’re lucky enough to live in Barcelona.

The Construct also said it has now opened enrolment to its ROS in a Single Week course, aimed at starters.

The company says the course is “entirely practical ROS training”, which integrates theory and practice. Participants learn by programming different simulated robots and full integrated development environment.

That course, too, can be done online or in person, if you fly over to Barcelona, Spain.

ABB wins $100 million order to upgrade historic power link In California

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abb power hvdc
Last year ABB received an order worth around $140 million from transmission system operators Energinet.dk in Denmark and 50Hertz Transmission in Germany to design, supply and install an HVDC converter station in Bentwisch, Northern Germany.

Converter station upgrade to improve power reliability of 46-year-old Pacific Intertie power link

ABB has won an order worth more than $100 million from the US utility Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, to modernize the existing Sylmar high-voltage direct current converter station in California.

This station is an important part of the electricity link between the Pacific Northwest and southern California commissioned in 1970. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The Sylmar converter station, located to the north of Los Angeles, is the southern station of the Pacific Intertie, a 1,360 kilometer HVDC link that connects to the Celilo converter station near the Columbia River, Oregon.  [Read more…] about ABB wins $100 million order to upgrade historic power link In California