Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

ABB launches new ceiling-mountable SCARA robot

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ABB has launched its new invert-mounted IRB 910INV SCARA robot, the latest addition to its SCARA range, at the China International Industry Fair 2018 held in Shanghai.

By mounting the IRB 910INV on the ceiling, ABB says manufacturers can increase the space efficiency and flexibility of each cell and do more complex tasks even in confined spaces.

The company adds that ceiling mounting also allows the IRB 910INV to collaborate with other robots and machines simultaneously in the same footprint, further boosting productivity.  [Read more…] about ABB launches new ceiling-mountable SCARA robot

Epson to launch new industrial robot solutions at Pack Expo

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Epson Robots says it will be launching the Synthis T6 All-in-One SCARA robot as well as Force Guide, a high performance integrated force guidance solution at the Pack Expo event.

The company will also showcase various leading robots for factory automation in addition to leading a discussion for users new to factory automation.

Epson says the Synthis T3 and new T6 All-in-One SCARA robots offer “the perfect way to automate factories without wasting time or money on expensive, complex, slide-based solutions”.  [Read more…] about Epson to launch new industrial robot solutions at Pack Expo

Sequent Microsystems launches new Raspberry Pi card for industrial automation

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Sequent Microsystems, a tech startup from Cupertino, California, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new industrial expansion card for the Raspberry Pi platform.

The company says the I/O card is “loaded with inputs, outputs, and relays, the card challenges the traditional industrial automation market in features and cost”.

According to the Kickstarter page, the card attempts to integrate as many Industrial Automation functions as possible into the small, credit card format of the Raspberry Pi.  [Read more…] about Sequent Microsystems launches new Raspberry Pi card for industrial automation

FactoryFour raises $5 million for manufacturing management software business

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Startup company FactoryFour has raised $5 million for its manufacturing management software business.

The company says the Series A round will help it provide more manufacturers with software to manage production the way they want to, with “full customizability”.

The round, led by August Capital with Refactor reinvesting after leading the seed round, will help add headcount, improve and broaden the product suite, and establish a West Coast foothold in Los Angeles, California.  [Read more…] about FactoryFour raises $5 million for manufacturing management software business

BlueBotics teams up with Forestay Capital in pursuit of new international growth surge

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BlueBotics, a provider of navigation systems for robots, has teamed up with Forestay Capital in pursuit of new international growth surge.

BlueBotics says Forestay Capital, a tech fund that launched earlier this year, has acquired capital in the company, providing the “impetus for international expansion”.

BlueBotics, which is based in St Sulpice, Switzerland, develops and sells navigation technologies for industrial vehicle automation.  [Read more…] about BlueBotics teams up with Forestay Capital in pursuit of new international growth surge

Valeo showcases technology for ‘autonomous, electric and digital revolutions’

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Valeo, one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive parts, is showcasing its technologies for what it describes as the “autonomous revolution”.

In fact, at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Valeo is demonstrating its latest technological innovations that it says are “at the epicenter of the revolutions that are disrupting mobility as we know it”.  [Read more…] about Valeo showcases technology for ‘autonomous, electric and digital revolutions’

Omron to unveil new collaborative robot and automation solutions at Pack Expo

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Omron says it will “unveil a new collaborative robot” as well as solutions in traceability, flexible manufacturing and more at the forthcoming Pack Expo event.

However, it may be that the collaborative robot Omron is talking about is the result of its partnership with Techman, on which we have reported previously.

The company says decision-makers seeking comprehensive automation solutions for food, beverage and pharmaceutical packaging applications need look no further than the solutions it provides.  [Read more…] about Omron to unveil new collaborative robot and automation solutions at Pack Expo

Pictures from this year’s International Manufacturing Technology Show

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A photo review of the recent International Manufacturing Technology Show, held in Chicago, USA. 

This year’s IMTS was a record-breaker, with more exhibitors and more exhibition space than ever before. 

More details, including the numbers, can be found in another article about the event.

Our special correspondent attended the event and took a whole load of pictures, some of which we publish here.  [Read more…] about Pictures from this year’s International Manufacturing Technology Show

IMTS: This year’s show was the ‘largest ever’, say organisers

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Exponential technology advances, strong economy propel North America’s premier manufacturing show

A rapidly transforming industry sparked IMTS 2018 – the International Manufacturing Technology Show – to set all-time records for show metrics.

The 32nd edition of the show drew a record registration of 129,415 people and featured 1,424,232 sq ft of exhibit space representing 2,123 booths and 2,563 exhibiting companies.

IMTS 2018 ran from September 10-15 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Previous records were 121,764 registrants (IMTS 1998), 1,415,848 sq ft of exhibit space (IMTS 2000), 1,808 booths (IMTS 2016) and 2,407 exhibiting companies (IMTS 2016).  [Read more…] about IMTS: This year’s show was the ‘largest ever’, say organisers

Beyond prototyping: Scaling up to additive manufacturing for production

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By Charlie Wood, manager of computational engineering at Fast Radius

Most readers are likely well-acquainted with additive manufacturing – as a rapid prototyping tool, at least. And while many companies believe and perpetuate the myth that AM is only a prototyping tool, innovators in a range of markets (for example, aerospace, healthcare, consumer goods and more) are already using AM for production-grade manufacturing when design, performance and cost factors align.

Exploring AM as a means of production opens up design and performance possibilities simply not possible with CNC machining, urethane casting or injection molding. This article will cover how organizations can:

  • Identify if there’s a strong business case for switching to AM for your part or product.
  • Leverage design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) principles for a seamless transition from rapid prototyping to rapid production.

[Read more…] about Beyond prototyping: Scaling up to additive manufacturing for production