Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Anca launches multi-robot work cell for CNC grinders

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Anca, a provider of CNC tool and cutter grinders, has unveiled its first multi-robot production cell solution.

The company says the cell enables CNC grinders to integrate several manufacturing operations into a single production line.

Anca says the single-base cell includes automated part loading, high precision grinding, and quality assurance, outproducing the previous multi-machine process while checking part quality requirements.  [Read more…] about Anca launches multi-robot work cell for CNC grinders

Flytrex launches ‘world’s first’ autonomous drone delivery system in Reykjavík

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A company called Flytrex claims it has launched the world’s first autonomous drone delivery system in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Flytrex says there is currently “sushi in the skies of Iceland” as the drone logistics company partners with Aha.is to launch what it says is the “world’s first fully operational autonomous drone delivery system”.

Drone technology company Flytrex is partnering with Aha, Iceland’s largest online marketplace, for the on-demand urban drone delivery service.  [Read more…] about Flytrex launches ‘world’s first’ autonomous drone delivery system in Reykjavík

Collaborative robotic arms + autonomous vehicle = a new kind of animal

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In what is probably a good illustration of how innovation can sometimes be bewildering at first, industrial robotic arms are being placed on autonomous robotic logistics vehicles to create something entirely new that doesn’t yet have a name of its own, and no one really knows how to describe it in simple terms. 

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Briefing on collaborative robots, free to subscribers

But plenty of people know what it does. Or what it could do at least.

In fact, anyone who’s seen a picture of one or has read the first paragraph of this article can probably imagine what such machines are capable of.  [Read more…] about Collaborative robotic arms + autonomous vehicle = a new kind of animal

New aircraft manufacturer Boom Supersonic building superfast plane using Stratasys 3D printing systems

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A new aircraft manufacturer called Boom Supersonic is developing aeroplanes which can fly at speeds of almost 1,500 miles per hour. 

The design of Boom’s planes are reminiscent of the Concorde, the world’s first supersonic commercial jet airliner, operational from 1969 to 2003.

But unlike the Concorde, Boom Supersonic’s planes are likely to feature numerous components produced using 3D printing, a technology which didn’t exist when Concorde was flying.  [Read more…] about New aircraft manufacturer Boom Supersonic building superfast plane using Stratasys 3D printing systems

SoftBank has sold 10,000 Nao robots. Now the tiny humanoid wants to ‘conquer new markets’ with Zora

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SoftBank Robotics and Zora Bots have signed what they describe as “a major partnership” aimed at reaching a wider audience for the humanoid robot Nao.

Zora Bots, which has already deployed its software designed for robots in the health sector, is now the world’s leading distributor of Nao and is poised to expand its solution in many areas including retail, hospitality, education and personal services.

This strategic rapprochement in the international arena will bring humanoid robotics into a new dimension and make Nao available to a wider audience.  [Read more…] about SoftBank has sold 10,000 Nao robots. Now the tiny humanoid wants to ‘conquer new markets’ with Zora

Kawasaki gloating over appearance of its robots in latest Transformers film

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Kawasaki is clearly very pleased with the appearance of not one but two of its industrial robots in the new Hollywood blockbuster film, Transformers 5: The Last Knight. 

The company has been crowing about its fame on its website.

The two Kawasaki RS010L robots make an appearance in the Transformers film.  [Read more…] about Kawasaki gloating over appearance of its robots in latest Transformers film

Comau signs up new robotics and automation partners in Greece and Argentina

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Comau has signed deals with two new partner companies in Greece and Argentina. 

In Greece, Comau has appointed the Nimac Group as its robotics distributor.

Nimac (pictured above) is located in Thessalonikki, and started the production of horizontal panel saws in 1977. It is now said to be one of the top manufacturers in the beam saws sector.

The newly created business line, Nimac Robotics, will bring the Comau’s robotics and automation products portfolio to the Greek market.  [Read more…] about Comau signs up new robotics and automation partners in Greece and Argentina

New robotic painting system saves ‘significant’ resources, claims Fraunhofer

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An automated painting system, involving an industrial robot, is claimed to save significant resources by its developer, the Fraunhofer Institute.

The robotic system – called SelfPaint – is said by Fraunhofer to offer reductions of 20 percent in paint use, 15 percent in energy consumption and 5 percent in production time.

These are “significant advantages” compared to manual painting operations, which have previously been the preferred option, adds Fraunhofer.  [Read more…] about New robotic painting system saves ‘significant’ resources, claims Fraunhofer

Industrial internet technical standards groups form alliance

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Two of the leading industrial internet technical standards groups have formed an alliance which is likely to accelerate the development of technologies in the sector.

The Industrial Internet Consortium and the Edge Computing Consortium have signed a partnership agreement – technically a memorandum of understanding – to advance the industrial Internet and edge computing.

Under the agreement, the consortia say they will work together to “maximize interoperability and portability for the industrial Internet”.  [Read more…] about Industrial internet technical standards groups form alliance

Rewired launches $100 million robotics-focused venture studio and fund

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Investments will focus on applied science and technologies that advance machine perception and unlock the next-generation of smart robotics

Rewired has launched a robotics venture studio and fund. To start with, the company is investing $100 million in applied science and technologies that advance machine perception. 

Rewired says its initial proposition is that improving machine perception will unlock the next generation of smart robotics.

To that end, the company is focusing on the sensors, software, and systems that help autonomous machines to interact with unpredictable environments and collaborate with humans.  [Read more…] about Rewired launches $100 million robotics-focused venture studio and fund