Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Teradyne to build ‘world’s largest’ collaborative robotics hub at a cost of $36 million

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Teradyne has embarked on a project to build what it says will be “the world’s largest collaborative robotics hub” when it is finished. 

The facility (main illustration) is located in Denmark and its eventual cost is estimated at approximately $36 million.

Denmark’s minister of industry, business and financial affairs, Simon Kollerup, unveiled what will become the new home of Teradyne’s robotics business units, Mobile Industrial Robots and Universal Robots, both of which it acquired in the past year or so. [Read more…] about Teradyne to build ‘world’s largest’ collaborative robotics hub at a cost of $36 million

Fanuc to introduce new RoboNano ‘ultra precise’ machining tool

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Fanuc is to introduce its new “RoboNano α-NTiA” at SPIE Photonics West 2020, February 4-6, in San Francisco, Booth #5684.

Designed to help manufacturers improve productivity, the RoboNano is described as an “ultra-precise machine tool offering the ultimate in finish quality for optical surfaces”.

Available in two models, including the new RoboNano α-NTiA for turning applications and the RoboNano α-NMiA for 5-axis milling and scribing / engraving, the RoboNano meets the requirements of the most demanding applications in the automotive, biomedical, and watchmaking industries. [Read more…] about Fanuc to introduce new RoboNano ‘ultra precise’ machining tool

Universal Robots showcases new cobot-powered solutions at ATX West

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Universal Robots is to exhibit new collaborative robot-powered solutions for palletizing, metrology and machine tending at ATX West. 

Attendees at the largest automation technology trade show in the Western US will experience how collaborative robots from industry leader Universal Robots now automate some of the most sought-after tasks in a manufacturing industry facing severe labor shortages.

When manufacturers can’t staff tasks on their production lines it severely affects the bottom line resulting in drastic increases in overtime, cycle time and downtime. [Read more…] about Universal Robots showcases new cobot-powered solutions at ATX West

Students provide fascinating glimpse into the future of car design in Magna competition

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Imagination soared as students from around the world competed for the first-ever Magna Global Bold Perspective Award, presented at the Car Design News LA Forum during the LA Auto Show.

Zehao “West” Zhang, from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, won the top prize for his autonomous vehicle for urban nomads.

An accomplished panel of design industry leaders judged the 2019 competition, including Chip Foose of Foose Design, Brad Richards of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Jay Shuster of Pixar Animation Studios, Freeman Thomas of Freeman Thomas Design and Larry Erickson from Magna. [Read more…] about Students provide fascinating glimpse into the future of car design in Magna competition

ZF unveils ‘SHI’ new cockpit

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Automotive systems supplier ZF has unveiled a new driving environment, or “cockpit”, as car interiors are increasingly called these days. 

The companies say the new “Safe Human Interaction Cockpit” enables human drivers and electronic drivers enhances to work better together.

This “seamless” integration enables “enhanced safety” and easy operation of complex driving systems, wether they are human-controlled or autonomous, say the companies. [Read more…] about ZF unveils ‘SHI’ new cockpit

Collaborative robots contribute towards changing perceptions of automotive robotics

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Groundbreaking technological evolutions in recent years have provided a significant boost to the robotics domain, particularly pertaining to human-robot interactions.

Robotic technologies have evolved significantly over the years and are poised to transform the industrial landscape across the globe.

As a matter of fact, reports from the International Federation of Robotics suggest that over 3 million industrial robots will be used in factories by 2020. [Read more…] about Collaborative robots contribute towards changing perceptions of automotive robotics

Advancements in Bionic Technology, One Step at a Time

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There are approximately 2 million people in the United States who have lost limbs. This figure includes an estimated 1,645 veterans who lost at least one limb between 2001 and 2015.

Though movies such as Iron Man make bionic technology appear exciting and fascinating, the reality of living with limb loss in much more difficult.

To learn more, check out the infographic below created by Ohio University’s Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program.

Ohio University

Full story at Ohio university’s website.

AGCO to expand manufacturing facility in France with €40 million investment

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AGCO, an agricultural machinery giant, is to further expand its manufacturing site in Beauvais, France.

Martin Richenhagen, CEO of AGCO, made the announcement at the Choose France summit, led by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Richenhagen said: “We are delighted to keep our promise, made exactly one year ago at the Beauvais 3 Logistic Centre opening event, to announce the acquisition of the 15.7 hectares of the next door ex-Froneri Site, effective from 19th September 2019 to consolidate our presence in Beauvais. [Read more…] about AGCO to expand manufacturing facility in France with €40 million investment

ABB and Porsche forge exclusive partnership to drive forward e-mobility

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ABB, an industrial technology leader, and the automobile manufacturer Porsche have agreed a new and exclusive partnership to jointly promote e-mobility.

As part of a multi-level agreement, ABB is becoming an official partner of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, with immediate effect.

Porsche Motorsport is in its inaugural year of racing in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, while ABB is in its third year as title partner of the first all-electric global race series. [Read more…] about ABB and Porsche forge exclusive partnership to drive forward e-mobility

Now you can make Boston Dynamics’ robot dog as scary as you like with the new SDK

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Boston Dynamics has launched a software development kit for its robot dog, Spot.

Already one of the scariest robots the world has ever seen, now the nightmare canine can be made even more terrifying by sick and twisted developers.

Boston Dynamics says the SDK enables a broad range of developers and non-traditional roboticists to communicate with the robot and develop custom applications that enable Spot to do useful tasks across a wide range of industries. [Read more…] about Now you can make Boston Dynamics’ robot dog as scary as you like with the new SDK