Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Briefing – Investing: Robotics-related funds doing well on the markets

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In this article, Robotics and Automation News takes a look at the exchange-traded funds that are earning profits from investing in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence stocks.

This is not a financial advice article and we are not suggesting or recommending any investment funds, policies or ideas.

We are simply commenting on investment funds that we have noticed are doing well on the stock markets.  [Read more…] about Briefing – Investing: Robotics-related funds doing well on the markets

Omron awards its North American distributors of the year

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Industrial automation solutions provider Omron Automation Americas recently announced the 2017 fiscal year’s winners of its “Distributor of the Year” award at its 2018 Sales Conference during the week of May 21st.

More than 650 representatives of Omron and the company’s channel partners participated in the event, which included new technology presentations, product training, business planning and team building activities.

The Sales Conference was truly an Americas event, with attendees hailing from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and other Latin American countries.  [Read more…] about Omron awards its North American distributors of the year

Pilz launches its first service robotics solutions at Automatica

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A German company called Pilz has launched what it describes as a new range of “service robotics modules”. The company showcased the solutions at the ongoing Automatica event.

By “service robotics”, Pilz appears to mean solutions which include small, collaborative robots the company appears to have built by itself (see main picture).

The new range of solutions includes:

  • a “manipulator module” – by which Pilz seems to mean the robotic arm – with 6 axes and a load of 6 kg;
  • the control module with drive and control technology; and
  • the operator module including an operator and visualisation software developed by Pilz.

[Read more…] about Pilz launches its first service robotics solutions at Automatica

Sandia’s robotic work cell conducts high-throughput testing ‘in an instant’

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Automation speeds up 3D-printed part testing, materials science data collection

Today with 3D printing you can make almost anything in a matter of hours. However, making sure that part works reliably takes weeks or even months.

Until now, according to a group of scientists.

Sandia National Laboratories has designed and built a six-sided work cell, similar to a circular desk, with a commercial robot at its center that conducts high-throughput testing to quickly determine the performance and properties of the part.

They call this flexible, modular and scalable system Alinstante, Spanish for “in an instant” (see video below). Sandia is seeking industry partners to help expand or discover more uses for the new robotic testing system.  [Read more…] about Sandia’s robotic work cell conducts high-throughput testing ‘in an instant’

Universal Robots launches e-Series ‘next-generation’ of its collaborative robot

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Universal Robots, widely regarded as a pioneer and market leader in collaborative robots, has launched the “next generation” of its flagship product, the e-Series collaborative robot.

The company unveiled the new robot arms at Automatica, in Munich, Germany, and says the innovation is the result of Universal Robots “continuing to improve its ground-breaking technology”.

The e-Series includes technology advances that enables faster development for a wider variety of applications, offers easier programming than ever, and meet the very latest ISO safety standards.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches e-Series ‘next-generation’ of its collaborative robot

Comau unveils new exoskeleton at Automatica

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Industrial automation solutions company Comau has unveiled “Mate”, its first wearable exoskeleton at Automatica, the international trade fair for automation and mechatronics.

Comau says Mate has been designed to improve work quality in an efficient and highly ergonomic manner by providing consistent and advanced movement assistance during repetitive as well as daily tasks.

The company says the “Mate Fit for Workers” exoskeleton uses an advanced spring-based passive structure, which is lightweight and breathable, and provides “highly effective postural support without the need for batteries, motors or other failure-prone devices”.  [Read more…] about Comau unveils new exoskeleton at Automatica

JOT Automation’s capital stock sold to Victory Precision

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JOT Automation has sold its capital stock sold to Victory Precision. The companies say this is a sign of their further development heading towards globalization, and prepares for the next “quantum leap”. 

Suzhou Victory Precision Manufacture Company, headquartered in Suzhou, China, purchased the entire capital stock of JOT Automation, with Finnish family company Head Invest as the main seller.

According to Petri Halonen, JOT Automation CEO, the additional engineering and production resources provided by Victory Precision will significantly help JOT to pursue the opportunities of the fast-developing market and modern technologies.  [Read more…] about JOT Automation’s capital stock sold to Victory Precision

Collaborative robotics startup Kassow Robots signs up Project Group as first customer

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Kassow Robots, a startup company which is showcasing its collaborative robot at Automatica this week, has already found its first customer.

The company says German packaging specialist Project Group has become the first system integrator for Kassow Robots.

Kassow staff were particularly pleased that even before the Automatica trade fair had opened its doors, the company was able to present the German Project Group as its first partner.  [Read more…] about Collaborative robotics startup Kassow Robots signs up Project Group as first customer

GreyOrange and Ground providing ‘intelligent logistics’ automation solution to Japan’s largest homebuilder

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Warehouse automation company GreyOrange and e-commerce logistics solutions provider Ground Inc are supplying technology to Daiwa House Industry, which is said to be Japan’s largest homebuilder.

The agreement will include the application of GreyOrange’s Butler robotics solutions at the Daiwa’s Ichikawa logistics center, on the outskirts of Tokyo.

Daiwa House says the GreyOrange Butler robot will be installed at its “Intelligent Logistics Center” in Tokyo for multiple shippers.  [Read more…] about GreyOrange and Ground providing ‘intelligent logistics’ automation solution to Japan’s largest homebuilder

Ansys partners with PTC to develop ‘groundbreaking’ simulation-driven 3D design solution

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Ansys and PTC have agreed a partnership to accelerate product innovation by providing customers a “world-class simulation-driven design solution”.

The two companies that they will together to deliver Ansys Discovery Live real-time simulation within PTC’s Creo 3D CAD software.

The combined solution will be sold by PTC as part of the Creo product suite.  [Read more…] about Ansys partners with PTC to develop ‘groundbreaking’ simulation-driven 3D design solution