Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Rewired appoints Gleb Chuvpilo as managing partner as it opens new Switzerland office

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Rewired, the $100 million robotics-focused venture studio and fund, has appointed Silicon Valley technology investment veteran Gleb Chuvpilo as managing partner. 

Chuvpilo had previously served as a venture partner with Rewired, helping identify, validate, and collaborate with the firm’s growing list of portfolio companies working with applied science technologies to develop what Rewired calls “the next generation of robotics”.

Chuvpilo brings both venture experience and deep technical expertise, with a master’s degree from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab and an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  [Read more…] about Rewired appoints Gleb Chuvpilo as managing partner as it opens new Switzerland office

Japan responsible for robots taking over the world, says IFR

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Japan is the world’s predominant industrial robot manufacturer, according to new analysis by the International Federation of Robotics.

The production capacity of the Japanese suppliers reached 153,000 units in 2016 – the highest level ever recorded, says the IFR.

“Today, Japan’s manufacturers deliver 52 percent of the global supply,” adds the IFR.  [Read more…] about Japan responsible for robots taking over the world, says IFR

Walmart testing autonomous floor scrubber developed by Brain Corporation

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One of the world’s largest retail chains, Walmart, which has more than 4,600 stores in the US, is testing autonomous, robotic floor scrubbers in several of its stores, according to QZ.com. 

The original, conventional vehicle – usually driven by a human – was built by International Cleaning Equipment, but it has been roboticised by Brain Corporation, which specialises in autonomous vehicles for floor care.

Quartz says Walmart is evaluating the robot in five of its stores, with a view to introducing into more of its stores.  [Read more…] about Walmart testing autonomous floor scrubber developed by Brain Corporation

Digital manufacturing: An overview of an increasingly complex scenario

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Digitalisation is, in essence, simple. It means exactly what the word implies – the digitalisation of everything. 

But as simple as it sounds, digitalisation can be applied to any business in any sector, and that is what makes it difficult to provide a simple overview.

If we stick to one sector – manufacturing – that might make it more manageable.

But since manufacturing is already a hugely complex endeavour, the process of digitalisation – even in this one single sector – encompasses so many different disciplines that it’s difficult to think of it as being, essentially, simple.

But enough complaining about having to do some work for a change, let’s get on with the show.  [Read more…] about Digital manufacturing: An overview of an increasingly complex scenario

Collaborative industrial robot market in China forecast to grow to almost $200 million by 2020

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The market for collaborative industrial robotic arms in the Chinese industrial sector is forecast to grow to almost $200 million, according to a report on ChinaDaily.com. 

Quoting statistics in the Blue Paper of the Cobots Industry for 2017 – a report produced by Universal Robots and the Shenzhen Gaogong Industry Research Consulting Company – China Daily says the total market size for collaborative robots will exceed $196 million.

Small and medium-size businesses are expected to drive much of the growth. In total, some 12,000 units are forecast to be sold in China by 2020 – although this might sound like an understimate to some.  [Read more…] about Collaborative industrial robot market in China forecast to grow to almost $200 million by 2020

Fujitsu launches ‘IntelliEdge’ platform for Industry 4.0

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Fujitsu says it has expanded its Industrial Internet of Things capabilities with its new “IntelliEdge” ecosystem, which includes network edge processing capabilities.

Fujitsu says the IntelliEdge edge computing appliance enables the optimisation of industrial processes for Industry 4.0, securely connecting data and resources to people and devices and bridging the gap between operational technology in the field, and on-premises and cloud-based information technology.

Fujitsu is introducing the IntelliEdge appliance to manage OT devices, giving enterprises an unprecedented end-to-end view of the entire production processes to achieve a breakthrough in monitoring and managing optimised individual production lines at approximately the same cost as mass production.  [Read more…] about Fujitsu launches ‘IntelliEdge’ platform for Industry 4.0

Volvo unveils driverless truck aimed at ‘hub-to-hub’ intralogistics operations

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Volvo has unveiled a new driverless truck which it says is an “innovative transport solution to drive safety and productivity”.

The company says that the self-driving truck, driving autonomously from one hub to another, is part of a development project exploring how automation can contribute to increased productivity, enhanced safety and lower environmental impact.

Volvo says that, in showing the truck, such aims and goals have for the first time been demonstrated to a broader audience.  [Read more…] about Volvo unveils driverless truck aimed at ‘hub-to-hub’ intralogistics operations

STMicroelectronics partners with Asratec to demonstrate humanoid robot

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Chipmaker STMicroelectronics and robotics company Asratec have partnered to develop and demonstrate a humanoid robot at a recent industry event in Japan. 

The companies say the development is in recognition of the observation that the internet of things is becoming a part of people’s lives.

This means that network-connected embedded systems – such as robots – “are growing more important than ever”.  [Read more…] about STMicroelectronics partners with Asratec to demonstrate humanoid robot

Market research reports roundup: Teach pendants; Cutting and deburring; Collaborative robots

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Another three reports making the headlines on the web

Report: Global Collaborative Robots Market Outlook, Trend and Opportunity Analysis, Competitive Insights, Actionable Segmentation & Forecast 2023
Company: Energias Market Research
Our comment: Collaborative robots are of massive interest at the moment, and this report values the market at $177 million in 2016, and says it will rise to $4.238 billion in 2023. That’s a hefty increase of more than 57 per cent a year.

Report: Robot Teach Pendant Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017-2025
Company: Transparency Market Research
Our comment: This company doesn’t reveal any figures for market size and growth in its press release, but it mentions leading companies, such as ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa Motoman and so on.

Report: Global Robotic Cutting, Deburring, and Finishing Market 2017-2021
Company: 360 Market Updates
Our comment: Another report which doesn’t release any headlines figures, but makes the observation that accuracy and productivity are driving this market.

Report: Sensors for Robotics: Technologies and Global Markets
Company: BCC Research
Our comment: Global market for robotics sensors is said to be around $510 million this year, and is forecast to reach .approximately $840 million by 2022.

Market research reports: A roundup of the latest surveys about the robotics and automation industry

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There seems to be an increasing number of reports about the robotics and automation market, each looking at different segments, often in a different way. 

It’s difficult to keep track of them all, let alone look too deeply into them and evaluate the data contained within.

So, it seems best to list all the reports currently making the headlines, and maybe readers can decide which ones are relevant and useful to them.  [Read more…] about Market research reports: A roundup of the latest surveys about the robotics and automation industry