Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

ABB expands RobotStudio with ability to control SCARA robots from PC

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ABB says it has “simplified” the use of its popular SCARA robots by giving users the ability to commission and control the robots from their PC through RobotStudio, ABB’s simulation and offline programming software.

Robot Control Mate is an add-on to RobotStudio, enabling users to jog, teach and calibrate robots from their computer, making it easier than ever to control a SCARA robot’s movements.

For the first time, ABB’s offline programming software can be used to control the physical movements of a robot in real-time. Robot Control Mate also makes robot programming possible when a FlexPendant is not in place. [Read more…] about ABB expands RobotStudio with ability to control SCARA robots from PC

The Future of Self-Driving Construction Equipment

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The global self-driving vehicle market is expected to reach $1 million this year, with a projected growth rate of $1.6 million by 2025, according to Allied Research Market.

We have seen driverless shuttles being utilized in exhibition areas, logistics, and even in transporting goods.

In the construction industry, the development of on-site equipment is incorporating robotics and AI technology to make them more efficient when used on construction sites. [Read more…] about The Future of Self-Driving Construction Equipment

Brain Corp raises $36 million to meet ‘growing demand for autonomous robots’

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Brain Corp, a developer of artificial intelligence systems for the robotics industry, has raised $36 million in Series D funding to “help meet the growing demand for autonomous mobile robots”.

The company says the growth is being generated by retail, healthcare, airports, education and other industries now on the front lines of the coronavirus health crisis.

The round was led by returning investor SoftBank Vision Fund 1, and includes new investors ClearBridge Investments, and Satwik Ventures, and an additional investment from Qualcomm Ventures. [Read more…] about Brain Corp raises $36 million to meet ‘growing demand for autonomous robots’

Nuro puts its delivery robot into action against coronavirus

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Nuro, a California-based startup building small, wheeled autonomous delivery robots, is using its technology in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak in the US. (See video below.)

America now has the highest death toll in the world from Covid-19 and authorities have set up many temporarily hospitals and treatment centres across the country.

One of these temporary hospitals is located at the Sleep Train Arena, a basketball stadium which used to be the home of the Sacramento Kings, and another at the San Mateo County Event Center. [Read more…] about Nuro puts its delivery robot into action against coronavirus

Brain Corp launches $1.6 million ‘Robot Relief’ program to support essential businesses

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Brain Corp has launched a $1.6 million “Robot Relief” program to support essential businesses.

The company says it will make its technology available to qualifying organisations that are helping in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak.

Commercial cleaning robots provide verifiable, consistent cleaning at a time when customer and employee safety has never been more important. [Read more…] about Brain Corp launches $1.6 million ‘Robot Relief’ program to support essential businesses

Kindred unveils new robotic solution for e-commerce fulfillment

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Kindred has unveiled a new robotic solution for e-commerce fulfillment.

The company debuted the Kindred Sort 3.7 piece-picking robot at the recent Modex Show.

The enhanced Sort 3.7 system features eight additional cubbies, for a total of 27, translating into a 42 percent increase in the number of items it can sort at e-commerce fulfillment centers and warehouses, says Kindred. [Read more…] about Kindred unveils new robotic solution for e-commerce fulfillment

Lidl and Einride partner to electrify supply chain in Sweden

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Einride will supply electric trucks to grocery chain Lidl this year as the next step in a long-term partnership to transform Lidl’s supply chain to be emissions-free.

Lidl and Einride have been ambitious, since the start of their partnership in 2017, to electrify and automate deliveries to Lidl locations in Sweden.

The transformation to a zero-emissions transport network will take place in stages and focus mainly on electrification in the short term, with automation coming in the next phase. [Read more…] about Lidl and Einride partner to electrify supply chain in Sweden

Universal Robots launches ‘world’s first’ autonomous bin picking kit for machine tending

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Universal Robots has launched what it says is “the world’s first” autonomous bin picking kit for machine tending applications.

“ActiNav” is a new UR+ application kit for companies of all sizes that, Universal says, simplifies the integration of autonomous bin picking of parts and accurate placement in machines using UR cobots.

ActiNav synchronously handles vision processing, collision-free motion planning and autonomous real-time robot control, eliminating the complexity and risk usually associated with bin picking applications. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches ‘world’s first’ autonomous bin picking kit for machine tending

Fanuc and SICK develop new safety integration for robot machine tending

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A collaboration between Fanuc and SICK has pioneered new safety integration for robot machine tending that points the way towards simpler, more cost-effective and adaptable solutions in future.

ROBOTS excel in heavy, repetitive and high-speed tasks, far surpassing humans in their repeatable, reliable performance.

For this reason, the manual operation of machine tending – ubiquitous throughout manufacturing industry – has become a prime candidate for robotic automation. [Read more…] about Fanuc and SICK develop new safety integration for robot machine tending

Fanuc launches new vision sensor for robotic warehousing applications

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The world’s largest industrial robot maker Fanuc has launched a new vision sensor for robotic warehousing applications.

The company’s new 3DV/1600 vision sensor quickly finds and snaps boxes of varying sizes and shapes in a large bin – an ideal application for the warehousing, e-commerce and logistics markets.

Fanuc claims to be the leading supplier of robotics, CNCs, RoboMachines and industrial internet of things solutions in America. [Read more…] about Fanuc launches new vision sensor for robotic warehousing applications