Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

BA Systemes unveils new ‘compact and robust’ AGV

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Logistics technology company BA Systemes has unveiled what it describes as a “compact and robust” automated guided vehicle for warehouse operation, mainly to handle pallets. (See video below.)

The company says its GF 10.1 AGV has been designed to be “modular and easily adaptable” to the various specificities of its customers.

BA Systemes says the new AGV can handle all types of pallets, from traditional Euro pallets to GMA pallets with perimeter base. [Read more…] about BA Systemes unveils new ‘compact and robust’ AGV

Schmalz launches ‘clever automation solutions’ for electronics production

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Vacuum specialist Schmalz has unveiled numerous “clever” solutions for the automated handling of delicate electronic components.

For example, gripping systems that reliably protect delicate components against electrostatic discharge.

Electrostatic charges and the resulting uncontrolled electrostatic discharge (ESD) produce irreversible damage to electronic components such as chips or printed-circuit boards. [Read more…] about Schmalz launches ‘clever automation solutions’ for electronics production

SEMICON Europa opens with smart mobility, medtech, design and talent in spotlight

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SEMICON Europa, Europe’s largest event connecting the entire electronics design and manufacturing supply chain – from innovation to applications – has opened in strategic co-location with productronica at Messe München, in Munich, Germany.

Themed Semiconductors Drive Smart, SEMICON Europa 2019 – November 12 to 15 – highlights the vital importance of European sectors and ecosystems in propelling the semiconductor manufacturing industry and the broader electronics design and manufacturing supply chain worldwide.

Olivier Schwab, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, kicks off the Executive Keynote Opening Ceremony with his presentation Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. [Read more…] about SEMICON Europa opens with smart mobility, medtech, design and talent in spotlight

RND Automation integrates Epson Robots into hydraulic valve assembly

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RND Automation, a provider of robotic packaging solutions, has integrated Epson Robots into its “unique” hydraulic valve assembly process. (See video below.)

RND is using the Epson T3 All-in-One and G3 SCARA robots, as well as the C8 compact 6-Axis robots in the process, and says it offers customers a “fully customized and complete automation solution for demanding assembly operations at an affordable price”.

RND, a Platinum level Epson AutomateElite System Integrator partner, incorporates the Epson SCARA and 6-Axis robots with rotary and linear indexers and machine vision for its Hydraulic Valve Assembly Machine, a “turnkey solution” for the most demanding assembly operations. [Read more…] about RND Automation integrates Epson Robots into hydraulic valve assembly

MIT develops navigation method to help delivery robots find the front door

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MIT has developed a navigation method that is designed to help delivery robots find the front door of an address. (See video below.)

Standard approaches for robotic navigation involve mapping an area ahead of time, then using algorithms to guide a robot toward a specific goal or GPS coordinate on the map.

MIT says that, while this approach might make sense for exploring specific environments, such as the layout of a particular building or planned obstacle course, this method can become “unwieldy in the context of last-mile delivery”. [Read more…] about MIT develops navigation method to help delivery robots find the front door

Volkswagen and NXP in ‘world’s largest’ rollout of V2X technology

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NXP Semiconductors, which claims to be the world’s largest provider of automotive semiconductors, has partnered with Volkswagen to roll out its RoadLINK V2X – vehicle to everything – communication system.

The solution is features in the new Volkswagen Golf, one of the best-selling models of car in the world.

The recently released Golf of the eighth generation is the first volume European car model equipped with V2X, offering a major boost to the deployment of the technology on European roads and beyond. [Read more…] about Volkswagen and NXP in ‘world’s largest’ rollout of V2X technology

Fanuc launches new food-grade delta robot

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Industrial automation giant Fanuc has launched a new “food-grade” delta robot.

The company says its new DR-3iB “sets a new standard for robotic food handling in terms of payload, speed, reach and sanitation”.

The new DR-3iB delta robot is Fanuc’s latest solution for picking and packing primary and secondary food products. [Read more…] about Fanuc launches new food-grade delta robot

Gideon Brothers raises €2.65 million in new funding and partners with DB Schenker

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Leading global logistics provider DB Schenker has introduced Gideon Brothers autonomous logistics robots into service at its Leipzig facility.  

Gideon Brothers, an AI and robotics company, developed breakthrough autonomy technology that combines deep learning and advanced vision-based perception.

The technology offers a flexible solution for automating logistics operations in existing facilities, allowing productivity gains without the need to modify facilities. [Read more…] about Gideon Brothers raises €2.65 million in new funding and partners with DB Schenker

Walgreens chooses Postmates for grocery deliveries

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Walgreens and Postmates are partnering to provide quick, convenient, on-demand delivery for customers looking for over-the-counter medications, health and wellness, beauty and grocery products.

Postmates will deliver hundreds of Walgreens’ most popular items from 174 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Whether it will use its delivery robots remains to be seen, but it’s certainly an option in the long term.

Craig Whitmer, VP, merchant business development, Postmates, says: “In the last year, orders from convenience and drugstores have increased by 68 percent. [Read more…] about Walgreens chooses Postmates for grocery deliveries

Universal Robots powers three new welding tools at FabTech

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The welding automation industry is increasingly implementing collaborative robot arms from Universal Robots.

This year’s FabTech Expo features several UR cobot powered path-processing solutions:

The average age of today’s welder in the US is 55 years old, and fewer than 20 percent are under the age of 35, according to the American Welding Society. [Read more…] about Universal Robots powers three new welding tools at FabTech