Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Moduform puts Rethink Robotics collaborative robot to work making furniture

by

Challenged with a hard-to-find human workforce, family owned company brings in a robot

Family-owned furniture manufacturer Moduform has given a job to Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer collaborative robot at its Fitchburg, Massachusetts facility.

Faced with a shortage of workers, Moduform brought in Sawyer to fill that gap.

The company says utilising the collaborative robot is also helping to improve innovation, create better jobs for existing employees and meet market demands in the furniture manufacturing industry.  [Read more…] about Moduform puts Rethink Robotics collaborative robot to work making furniture

University of Illinois presents its TerraSentia farming robot to investors

by

Scientists at the University of Illinois, in the US, have presented agricultural robot technology which they say can save significant amounts of time and money in farm labour costs. 

The TerraSentia mobile robot for precision agriculture is being marketed by a startup company called EarthSense, presumably a spin-out from the university.

Developed with support from the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, the TerraSentia costs $5,000.  [Read more…] about University of Illinois presents its TerraSentia farming robot to investors

Kuka launches autonomous mobile robot for logistics

by

Kuka has launched an autonomous logistics robot in the form of a mobile platform which are by now quite familiar in the logistics industry. 

The robot maker says its Kuka KMP 1500 navigates using the SLAM method, which stands for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, utilising laser scanners.

It adds that the robot is highly flexible, and features precise maneuverability and positioning using the omni-directional mecanum wheels and an accurate lifting mechanism.  [Read more…] about Kuka launches autonomous mobile robot for logistics

Siemens to establish global robotics research and development centre in China

by

Engineering giant Siemens is establishing a robotics research and development centre in China. 

The company says the facility will be a global research centre in autonomous robotics, and is part of its innovation strategy to “master technology fields that are critical for future success”.

Worldwide, Siemens is planning to spend $6 billion this year on R&D, and China is likely to represent a significant portion of that budget.

Siemens says the global research community in its China R&D centre will comprise experienced experts from around the world will focus on:

  • the research and development of new mechatronics systems,
  • human-robot collaboration; and
  • the application of artificial intelligence in robotic controllers.

[Read more…] about Siemens to establish global robotics research and development centre in China

Synova launches five-axis CNC for 3D machining and hole-drilling

by

Synova, a provider of advanced laser cutting systems, has developed a new Computer Numerical Control machine with 5-axis capability to satisfy stringent technical requirements in the aerospace and energy sectors.

As engine manufacturers continuously seek to improve performance, high-quality machining of turbine engine components and process stability in production are critical to success.

The new MCS 500 with water jet guided Laser MicroJet technology allows precise and fast 2D and 3D laser cutting and drilling of hot section components used in modern jet engines and industrial gas turbines with high repeatability.  [Read more…] about Synova launches five-axis CNC for 3D machining and hole-drilling

Baumüller develops new drive concepts for large mobile machinery

by

Baumüller is preparing to showcase individual drive concepts and industry-specific components for mobile working machines at Agritechnica 2017, to be held in Hannover, Germany from November 12-18, 2017. 

The Nuremberg- based drive and automation specialist will present its motors and systems in hall 17 at booth H05.

Experts at the trade fair will present their services for the design, engineering and development of individual drive solutions for agricultural technology.  [Read more…] about Baumüller develops new drive concepts for large mobile machinery

Quest Global partners with Siemens to develop digital manufacturing solutions

by

Quest Global and Siemens have reached an agreement to build and deliver a suite of digital manufacturing solutions for customers across verticals.

By adding the Siemens digital twin offerings, Quest – which likes to write its name as QuEST – says it can now showcase a complete range of connected manufacturing solutions.

This will be further bolstered by the establishment of two Digital Factory Innovation Labs, in Bengaluru and Belgaum, India.  [Read more…] about Quest Global partners with Siemens to develop digital manufacturing solutions

Logic Supply launches GPU-capable, small industrial PC for image processing

by

Industrial and internet of things hardware manufacturer Logic Supply has launched the MC850 small form factor, GPU-capable computer, featuring Intel Kaby Lake processing.

The industrial PC offers compatibility with the latest generation 10-Series Nvidia graphics cards, and an integrated power supply.

Logic Supply says its MC850 Series is ideal for high-end image processing applications like machine vision, virtual reality, fog computing, edge devices, industrial IoT and interactive digital signage.  [Read more…] about Logic Supply launches GPU-capable, small industrial PC for image processing

Rimac Automobili accelerates its next electric supercar with Dassault Systèmes’ product lifecycle management platform

by

Rimac Automobili, a maker of electric supercars, has selected Dassault Systèmes to provide the product lifecycle management platform for the company’s expansion. 

Rimac Automobili wants to scale its business from European startup to major supplier to the global automotive industry as market demands for electric vehicles increase.

Rimac Automobili is using Dassault Systèmes’ Electro Mobility Accelerator to design and develop high-performance electric vehicles, drivetrains and battery systems, including the next generation of its Concept One fully electric super sports car.  [Read more…] about Rimac Automobili accelerates its next electric supercar with Dassault Systèmes’ product lifecycle management platform

US Department of Transportation releases automated driving systems guidance

by

The US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released new federal guidance for Automated Driving Systems: A Vision for Safety 2.0.

This is the latest guidance for automated driving systems to industry and States.

US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, says: “The new Guidance supports further development of this important new technology, which has the potential to change the way we travel and how we deliver goods and services.

“The safe deployment of automated vehicle technologies means we can look forward to a future with fewer traffic fatalities and increased mobility for all Americans.”  [Read more…] about US Department of Transportation releases automated driving systems guidance