Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

The evolution of the industrial robotic arm and how humanoids might make it go extinct

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Industrial robotic arms have been a cornerstone of manufacturing since their inception in the mid-20th century.

From the earliest iterations like the Unimate to today’s sensor-packed collaborative robots, these mechanical arms have transformed industries, defined automation, and become a symbol of industrial efficiency.

But as humanoid robots emerge as a potential competitor, the future of robotic arms is more uncertain than ever. This article delves into their evolution, market growth, and the challenges they face in maintaining their dominance. [Read more…] about The evolution of the industrial robotic arm and how humanoids might make it go extinct

US manufacturing sector shrinks for 25th time in 26 months

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Economic activity in the American manufacturing sector contracted in December for the ninth consecutive month and the 25th time in the last 26 months, according to a survey of the nation’s supply executives.

The findings have been published in the latest Institute for Supply Management’s Report On Business, the key component of which is the purchase managers’ index, or PMI. The report was issued by Timothy R. Fiore, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

The Manufacturing PMI registered 49.3 percent in December, 0.9 percentage point higher compared to the 48.4 percent recorded in November. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 56th month after one month of contraction in April 2020. [Read more…] about US manufacturing sector shrinks for 25th time in 26 months

TDK Ventures ‘thrilled’ with its investment into ANYbotics

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TDK Corporation, the old Japanese multinational electronics giant, says its subsidiary TDK Ventures has invested in ANYbotics, a Switzerland-based global leader in industrial inspection robotics.

TDK says it is “passionate about pushing the limits of what robots can do”, and how they can transform the way industrial facilities are operated. Their robots combine best-in-class hardware, AI, and software developments to generate reliable and speedy customer return on investment.

ANYbotics has earned the trust of hundreds of industry-leading companies worldwide, and collaborates with a notable network of tech and reseller partners. As a testament to this progress, ANYbotics has raised an additional $60 million, bringing its total funding to $130 million. [Read more…] about TDK Ventures ‘thrilled’ with its investment into ANYbotics

Grenzebach supplies AGVs for Benteler’s automated intralogistics complex

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Grenzebach has developed and implemented customer-specific superstructures and charging stations for Benteler’s automated intralogistics complex. The Benteler Group is a global supplier of vehicle components to the automotive industry.

For Benteler, efficient material planning, a reliable material flow, and the digitalization of value creation processes are essential. The company was therefore looking for an automated solution for its intralogistics.

The goal was to combine different systems and processes within one production line and to be able to transport goods without forklift trucks from A to B. During this project, Benteler faced the challenge of transporting heavy goods carriers with very large dimensions in a very confined space. [Read more…] about Grenzebach supplies AGVs for Benteler’s automated intralogistics complex

FedEx opens new automated sorting facility at Memphis World Hub

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FedEx has unveiled a new, state-of-the-art, automated sorting facility at the Memphis World Hub.

The LEED Certified building, which is now fully operational ahead of the holiday peak season, spans 1.3 million square feet across four levels, includes 11 miles of conveyor belt, has a space dedicated to moving bulky, non-conveyable shipments, and can sort 56,000 packages per hour.

The facility alone can process more than half the volume from the primary sort, which enables quicker sort times and the ability to transport customer packages to their final delivery destination faster. [Read more…] about FedEx opens new automated sorting facility at Memphis World Hub

AutoStore wins first customer in South Korean pharmaceutical sector

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Geo-Young, one of South Korea’s leading pharmaceutical distributors, has inaugurated its Smart Hub Center in Incheon, marking a significant advancement in the industry as the first in the nation’s pharmaceutical sector to integrate the AutoStore system into its operations.

The Smart Hub Center employs AutoStore’s automated storage and retrieval system to address the specific demands of pharmaceutical distribution, where precision, safety, and efficiency are paramount. [Read more…] about AutoStore wins first customer in South Korean pharmaceutical sector

Foxconn and Nvidia agree partnership to develop humanoid robots

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In a significant move that could reshape the entire robotics industry going forward, Taiwanese contract manufacturer Hon Hai Precision, better known as Foxconn, has agreed a strategic partnership with the world’s largest computer chip maker, Nvidia, to develop advanced humanoid robots.

This is according to a report on a Taiwanese news website, which appears to have got the information from Foxconn’s head honcho, the Hon Hai chairman himself, Young Liu.

This collaboration aims to combine Foxconn’s extensive manufacturing expertise and Nvidia’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to create robots capable of performing complex tasks across various industries. [Read more…] about Foxconn and Nvidia agree partnership to develop humanoid robots

German government gives Mercedes-Benz green light to sell autonomous cars

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Mercedes-Benz has updated its conditionally automated driving system Drive Pilot and has now received the approval by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.

Mercedes-Benz says that, with this milestone and green light from the government, it is “all set” for the upcoming sales release in early 2025 in Germany.

This update makes Drive Pilot the fastest certified system for conditionally automated driving (SAE‑Level 3) in a standard production vehicle. It’s optionally available on two luxury saloon car ranges – S-Class and EQS. [Read more…] about German government gives Mercedes-Benz green light to sell autonomous cars

Volvo begins autonomous truck operations for DHL in Texas

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Volvo Autonomous Solutions (VAS) and DHL Supply Chain have taken a significant step towards transforming freight transportation with the launch of autonomous operations in the United States.

The operations will be enabled by the purpose-built, production-ready Volvo VNL Autonomous which is powered by the Aurora Driver. The start of operations marks a critical phase in validating the full ecosystem required for autonomous transport at scale.

At this stage, a safety driver will be present to monitor performance and ensure seamless integration into existing logistic networks. Freight will initially be hauled on two lanes, Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso. [Read more…] about Volvo begins autonomous truck operations for DHL in Texas

How to Prove Negligence in Nursing Home Malnutrition Cases

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Malnutrition in nursing homes is a serious issue that often results from negligence, such as inadequate staffing, poor meal planning, or failure to monitor residents’ dietary needs.

In Silver Spring, families rely on strong evidence to hold nursing homes accountable, including medical records, witness testimonies, and expert opinions to prove that the facility failed in its duty of care.

If you are looking for a nursing home abuse lawyer in Silver Spring, look for one who can guide you through gathering the necessary evidence and building a strong case. [Read more…] about How to Prove Negligence in Nursing Home Malnutrition Cases