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IDS introduces AI-complete industrial vision solution: ‘Even more functions thanks to free upgrade’

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The recently released software update for the IDS NXT platform provides users of the all-in-one AI solution IDS NXT ocean with many new features.

It extends the system’s AI capabilities to include object detection, offers turnkey solutions with vision apps and, with a new development environment, ensures that users can program their own image processing tasks and execute them as vision apps on their cameras.

Using OPC UA, AI-based image processing can also be integrated directly into factory automation without writing a single line of code. The update is free and can be used with all IDS NXT cameras. [Read more…] about IDS introduces AI-complete industrial vision solution: ‘Even more functions thanks to free upgrade’

BlueBotics to give digital demonstration of path to mobile robot development

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BlueBotics, a provider of autonomous navigation technology, is attending this year’s ProMat Digital Experience (DX) event to highlight how it can help smooth the path to successful automated guided vehicle and mobile robot development, installation and operation.

During the digital event, which runs from April 12 to 16, BlueBotics will explain and fully demonstrate the benefits of its ANT natural feature navigation – ranging from quick and simple vehicle installation to robust, accurate ongoing operations and cross-platform fleet scale-up, whereby a growing range of diverse ANT driven vehicles can adapt to a business’ evolving needs.

BlueBotics’ team of autonomous navigation experts will be on hand via the company’s showcase page to answer visitor questions and to arrange any meetings required to dive deeper into any company’s specific AGV development or investment needs. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to give digital demonstration of path to mobile robot development

Webinar: Fast Solution for Speed and Separation Monitoring in a Collaborative Robot Application

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Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-anVothsTM2a7mMUOfdViQ

SICK Sensor Inc announces the latest webinar in association with Robotics and Automation News. 

Collaborative robot adaptation is growing faster than ever before and leading the charge is Universal Robots.

SICK has partnered with UR to create the fastest way to implement speed and separation monitoring for collaborative robot applications.

The webinar will take place on 15th April and the guest speaker will be Nate Gose, Manager of Safety Services at SICK Sensor Inc.

Nate Gose, Manager of Safety Services at SICK Sensor Inc

Nate has been with SICK for over seven years, providing safety expertise to customers in various industries and will cover the following points during the webinar:

  • How to quickly and easily implement speed and separation monitoring for robot protective measures
  • How programming a safety scanner can be achieved without the use of a separate PC or software
  • The benefits of using a collaborative robot with an integrated safety scanner

 

FORT Robotics raises $13 million in funding

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FORT Robotics, a technology company creating safety-and-security solutions for autonomous machines, has closed on $13 million in funding led by Prime Movers Lab, an investor in breakthrough scientific startups.

With the new investment, FORT will more than double the size of its workforce and expand its product offerings in key markets.

Samuel Reeves, founder and CEO, says: “We’re excited to partner with our new investors to help position FORT at the forefront of this rapidly evolving space. [Read more…] about FORT Robotics raises $13 million in funding

PI USA adds ROS drivers to its hexapod robotic positioners

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PI USA has added Robot Operating System (ROS) drivers to its hexapod 6-axis robotic positioners.

ROS, managed by ROS.org, is a flexible framework for robotics software development, and PI has released ROS drivers for its full compact H-811 hexapod range.

These miniature 6 degrees-of-freedom robotic positioning systems provide sub-micron precision for applications including Silicon Photonics array alignment, medical robotics, camera lens optimization, and microscopy. [Read more…] about PI USA adds ROS drivers to its hexapod robotic positioners

Efficient production of even the smallest of series

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Human-robot collaboration: Advantages for manual production

The video below will show you why human-robot collaboration holds enormous benefits for staff in manual assembly and enables companies to efficiently produce very small series in semi-automated processes.

item Industrietechnik developed a system for human-robot collaboration with the aim of lightening the load on workers in manual assembly while also boosting the efficiency of associated processes. [Read more…] about Efficient production of even the smallest of series

BlueBotics’ ANT navigation drives autonomous vehicles over 10 million kilometers

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BlueBotics’ ANT navigation software for warehouse vehicles  is now estimated to have driven automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots over 10 million kilometers.

ANT stands for “automation navigation technology” and has been installed in vehicles used for applications ranging from warehousing and manufacturing to commercial cleaning services, ultra-violet disinfection and more.

Dr Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics, says: “The timing of this milestone is perfect as it comes the same month that we celebrate the company’s 20-year anniversary. [Read more…] about BlueBotics’ ANT navigation drives autonomous vehicles over 10 million kilometers

Ibeo and SICK partner in ‘largest ever’ LiDAR co-operation agreement

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Ibeo Automotive Systems and SICK Sensor Intelligence are partnering in what is described as the “largest ever LiDAR co-operation agreement”. The technology partnership between Hamburg-based automotive LiDAR specialist Ibeo and SICK will result in a 3D solid-state LiDAR sensor for industrial applications.

The technology, developed by Ibeo to automotive standards, is based on a new photon laser measurement technology and is entirely free of moving parts. An additional, camera-like reference image adds a “fourth dimension” to the measurement provided by the sensor.

The market for autonomous and semi-autonomous systems in an industrial context is predicted to grow at above-average rates. There is particular demand for durable, small, and cost-efficient sensor solutions. [Read more…] about Ibeo and SICK partner in ‘largest ever’ LiDAR co-operation agreement

Silicon Valley Robotics awards two honors to SICK

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The Silicon Valley Robotics group awarded SICK two honors as a part of the SVR’s inaugural Good Robot Industry Awards.

This program celebrates robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence that helps to solve global challenges.

SVR is a non-profit industry cluster and coalition of robotics companies and startups, representing the robotics cluster in northern California. The organization works to support the innovation and commercialization of robotics technology. [Read more…] about Silicon Valley Robotics awards two honors to SICK

SICK microScan safety scanners now offer Fail Safe over EtherCAT

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SICK’s microScan3 family of safety laser scanners is now offering Fail Safe over EtherCAT (FSoE) integration.

SICK says this is the world’s first safety laser scanner with this capability.

Originally launching in 2016, the microScan3 is an extremely intelligent and durable safety laser scanner that enhances machine availability and productivity due to its safeHDDM scanning technology. [Read more…] about SICK microScan safety scanners now offer Fail Safe over EtherCAT