Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Komatsu autonomous trucks ‘increase productivity by 34 percent’ at Rio Tinto

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Global mining giant Rio Tinto is said to have increased productivity by 34 percent through the use of Komatsu autonomous trucks.

Rio Tinto has been testing and implementing autonomous technology for around a decade, and after a decade of using Komatsu’s massive driverless trucks, the company is integrating autonomous trains into its operations.

Komatsu’s vehicles are called autonomous haulage systems, or AHS. The AHS truck fleet is forecast to drive reductions in operating costs at Australia’s iron ore mines by up to $0.62 per ton by 2020, according to research company GlobalData.  [Read more…] about Komatsu autonomous trucks ‘increase productivity by 34 percent’ at Rio Tinto

Autodesk to showcase automation features of its generative design software in India

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Autodesk is preparing to demonstrate the automation features of its design software at an event in India, which includes “generative design” – where the software creates designs by itself.

The company says the fifth edition of its Autodesk University India will “showcase the future of making driven by automation and 3D design technology”.

The event is expected to be attended by 1,200+ professionals from architecture and construction, design and manufacturing, media and entertainment industries.  [Read more…] about Autodesk to showcase automation features of its generative design software in India

GreyOrange raises $140 million in new funding, claiming ‘the biggest fundraising round in industrial automation sector’

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GreyOrange, a provider of warehouse robotics and automation systems, has raised $140 million in Series C funding, claiming it marks “the largest round ever raised by an industrial robotics company”.

Mithril Capital, co-founded by Ajay Royan and Peter Thiel, led this round, which included Binny Bansal and other existing investors including Blume Ventures.

They join Mitsubishi, Flipkart, and Project Verte as investors in the company.  [Read more…] about GreyOrange raises $140 million in new funding, claiming ‘the biggest fundraising round in industrial automation sector’

Robotiq launches software for embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ e-Series

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Robotiq, a company which makes grippers for industrial robots, has launched new software for the embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ new e-Series of collaborative robots.

The company says utilizing the new sensor “makes force control easy” when used with Force Copilot, the related software application.

Robotiq says Force Copilot is an “intuitive” software application which operates Universal Robots e-Series’ embedded force torque sensor.  [Read more…] about Robotiq launches software for embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ e-Series

Sailbuoy becomes the ‘first’ autonomous vessel to cross the Atlantic

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A small autonomous vessel launched by a Norwegian company called Offshore Sensing has crossed the Atlantic, sailing from Newfoundland in Canada to north Ireland.

It is claimed that this is the first Atlantic crossing made by an autonomous vessel.

Offshore Sensing says the vessel, called Sailbuoy Met, was designed and “field proven” to stay at sea for months.

It navigates the oceans autonomously – transmitting back data at regular intervals.  [Read more…] about Sailbuoy becomes the ‘first’ autonomous vessel to cross the Atlantic

IMTS: ABB to showcase robot solutions for ‘high-mix, low volume production’

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ABB says its robots are helping machine shops meet the challenges of high-mix, low volume production – or the “new normal”, as the company puts it.

The company will showcase solutions to increase machine tool utilization and unlock the full potential of the flexible, connected and collaborative factory at IMTS, the world’s largest industrial technology show, due to be held in Chicago next week.

With more efficient and advanced machine tools entering the market, the demand for more intelligent and flexible robotic automation for machining applications is ever increasing.  [Read more…] about IMTS: ABB to showcase robot solutions for ‘high-mix, low volume production’

iRobot launches new robotic vacuum cleaner that empties itself

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iRobot has launched a new robotic vacuum cleaner to add to its Roomba range – this one can be told verbally when connected with smart home devices.

The new iRobot Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum is said to learn a home’s floor plan and is capable of emptying itself.

iRobot says the new Roomba i7+ robot vacuum can “not only remember a home’s floor plan and clean specific rooms by name – but also automatically empties itself”.  [Read more…] about iRobot launches new robotic vacuum cleaner that empties itself

Sarcos Robotics raises $30 million in new funding

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Sarcos Robotics, which specializes in making exoskeletons for industry, has raised $30 million in new funding.

The new Series B funding is from a consortium of investors co-led by DIG Investment and Alex Brown & Sons.

Each of the company’s Series A investors also participated in this round, including Caterpillar Ventures, Cottonwood Technology Fund, GE Ventures, Microsoft, Schlumberger and Sarcos’ chairman and CEO, Ben Wolff.  [Read more…] about Sarcos Robotics raises $30 million in new funding

Toyota looking for ‘next-generation’ material handling solutions

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Toyota Material Handling North America has begun accepting applications for the third annual TMHNA University Research Program, a sponsored research program created to drive and advance the next generation of material handling industry technology.

The program is accepting proposals via its website until December 15, 2018.

The TMHNA University Research Program’s mission encourages and supports professors and researchers who apply their engineering and technical field knowledge to discover innovative solutions in the material handling industry. [Read more…] about Toyota looking for ‘next-generation’ material handling solutions

Epson expands its Flexion series of small industrial robots

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Epson Robots has expanded its Flexion N-Series of industrial robots with the new N6 6-axis robot.

Epson says the Flexion N6 6-Axis robot features the world’s first folding-arm design and a strong footprint-to-reach ratio, this compact 6-Axis robot offers a powerful solution for tight or confined spaces in factory automation.

The Flexion N6 is currently available from Epson.  [Read more…] about Epson expands its Flexion series of small industrial robots

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