Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

Dürr implementing a CO2-efficient paint shop with cross-plant system integration

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Dürr is building a turnkey paint shop for Volkswagen Autoeuropa while simultaneously implementing a comprehensive software solution. The project combines state-of-the-art application and drying technologies designed to maximise CO2 reduction, along with an innovative SCADA integration that unifies three separate paint shops in a single system.

In 2024, a total of 236,100 vehicles – an average of 955 per day rolled off the production line at Volkswagen Autoeuropa. The factory in the Portuguese town of Palmela is currently preparing for future model launches with the addition of a new paint shop and advanced process optimisation software. [Read more…] about Dürr implementing a CO2-efficient paint shop with cross-plant system integration

Hirebotics launches ‘no-code explosion-proof’ collaborative robot for industrial painting

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Hirebotics, a provider of collaborative robot solutions for metal fabrication, has announced the first explosion-proof cobot solution built using its no-code Beacon platform and the Fanuc CRX-10iA/L Paint hardware.

Hirebotics’ Cobot Painter is available now, offering metal fabricators and manufacturers a practical, high-mix, low-volume alternative to manual spraying and complex automated lines.

In the past, fabrication shops and other manufacturers had to outsource coating work, as traditional automation lines were too costly and complex. [Read more…] about Hirebotics launches ‘no-code explosion-proof’ collaborative robot for industrial painting

Kawasaki Robotics showcases 8-axis Physical AI robot and intelligent automation technologies at Automate 2026

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Kawasaki Robotics showcased a range of advanced automation technologies at Automate 2026 in Chicago, demonstrating how robotics, AI, machine learning, vision systems, and real-time control are transforming industrial automation.

Among the highlights were the debut of the new “RL030N” 8 Degree of Freedom (DoF) robot platform designed for Physical AI applications, Kawasaki Robotics’ patented Pulseboard inspection technology demonstrated in a live robotic weld inspection system developed with Fives DyAG, and the introduction of the new MXP360L and BA013L industrial robots.

Demonstrated throughout Kawasaki Robotics’ booth, the technologies showcased intelligent automation systems capable of advanced motion control, precision inspection, and flexible manufacturing. [Read more…] about Kawasaki Robotics showcases 8-axis Physical AI robot and intelligent automation technologies at Automate 2026

Flexiv launches new ‘adaptive robots’ for industrial automation

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Flexiv has launched two new adaptive robots designed to bring greater tactile sensing and physical AI capabilities to industrial automation.

The company unveiled its new Enlight robotic arm and Mico dual-arm robotic platform, describing them as a significant step forward in force-controlled robotics and embodied intelligence.

The flagship Enlight is a seven-axis adaptive robot equipped with multi-dimensional force-torque sensors integrated into each of its seven joints. According to Flexiv, this enables whole-body touch sensitivity, allowing the robot to detect single-touch contact, track multiple contact points, and recognize tactile patterns. [Read more…] about Flexiv launches new ‘adaptive robots’ for industrial automation

The Small Component Problem Behind More Reliable Industrial Robots

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Picture an automotive assembly line or a high-speed semiconductor packaging facility. A robotic arm moves with sub-millimeter precision at three hundred cycles a minute, its movements coordinated by machine vision systems, remote I/O blocks, and sensitive microcontrollers. Everything draws power from a shared industrial rail.

Then, a heavy CNC machine on the same grid fires up, causing a momentary voltage spike.

If that spike reaches the robot’s control silicon, the entire cell stops. A maintenance tech is paged, and the manufacturer enters a downtime window that, according to Deloitte data, costs anywhere between $5,000 and $22,000 per hour. [Read more…] about The Small Component Problem Behind More Reliable Industrial Robots

Agile Robots showcases force-control technology, humanoids, and physical AI at Robot Technology Japan event

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Agile Robots is using Robot Technology Japan (RTJ) 2026 to showcase a broad portfolio of industrial robotics, embodied AI, and humanoid technologies as the company continues its expansion in the global automation market.

The Munich-headquartered company is presenting its latest force-control systems, collaborative robots, humanoid platforms, and AI-driven automation technologies at the event in Nagoya, Japan.

While the exhibition includes a range of industrial automation solutions, Agile Robots is placing particular emphasis on what it describes as the convergence of artificial intelligence and physical-world robotics through advanced force control and physical AI. [Read more…] about Agile Robots showcases force-control technology, humanoids, and physical AI at Robot Technology Japan event

Mesoware raises $1.5 million funding to build AI-powered robots for manufacturing

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Mesoware has announced $1.5 million to build the next chapter of AI-powered robotics solutions for automated manufacturing. The pre-seed round was led by Pillar VC.

Joe Mattekatt, co-founder and CEO of Mesoware, says: “With hardware costs falling and AI advancing, the final hurdle in robotics is putting it all together at scale.

“Mesoware is that missing link, turning complex robotic integration into plug-and-play solutions that make physical automation accessible to everyone.” [Read more…] about Mesoware raises $1.5 million funding to build AI-powered robots for manufacturing

Festo launches GripperAI software to simplify flexible robot handling

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Festo has introduced GripperAI, an AI-powered software solution that enables robots to handle mixed, unfamiliar and randomly positioned products without the need for extensive programming, template loading or specialist vision integration.

Designed for manufacturers seeking greater flexibility from automated handling systems, GripperAI automatically identifies the optimum gripping point for each item and selects the most appropriate gripper for the task from the end-of-arm tools available.

The software enables robots to adapt to changing product mixes in real time, helping manufacturers deploy and scale automation more efficiently. [Read more…] about Festo launches GripperAI software to simplify flexible robot handling

Standard Bots reaches $1 billion valuation after raising $200 million Series C

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Standard Bots, which claims to be “America’s largest manufacturer of AI-native, industrial robotics”, has raised $200 million Series C led by existing investors and RoboStrategy.

The fundraise values Standard Bots at $1 billion, marking a major milestone for American robotics at a time when US industry is racing to modernize.

The company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in New York, increasing its ability to design, assemble, and deploy American-made robots at scale for customers ranging from Fortune 100 companies to hundreds of SMB manufacturers across the country.

This expansion comes at a pivotal moment for US manufacturing. When also counting affiliated suppliers and services, the sector accounts for roughly a third of the US economy and a third of American jobs. [Read more…] about Standard Bots reaches $1 billion valuation after raising $200 million Series C

AWR standardizes CNC machine tending with OnRobot electric grippers to speed changeovers

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In the fast-paced world of high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, the ability to pivot between different part sizes is the difference between profitability and stagnation.

For many years, machine shops have been tethered to pneumatic systems that, while functional, lacked the intelligence and adaptability required for modern automation.

Automation Within Reach (AWR, formerly Gosiger Automation), a specialist in accessible CNC automation, recognized that to truly empower their customers, they needed to move beyond the mechanical limitations of the past. [Read more…] about AWR standardizes CNC machine tending with OnRobot electric grippers to speed changeovers