Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Industrial robots

Epson signs Interfaced Technologies as distributor in Canada

by

Epson Robots, a supplier of SCARA robots, has signed Interfaced Technologies, a distributor of industrial assembly technology and equipment, as an official distributor for the full line of Epson Robots automation products.

This includes Epson SCARA, 6-Axis and Linear Module robots as well as integrated solutions such as the IntelliFlex Feeding System, Vision Guide, Force Guide and many other industrial automation products offered by Epson Robots.

The distribution territory will cover the Ontario, Canada region. [Read more…] about Epson signs Interfaced Technologies as distributor in Canada

Anca launches new robot arm

by

Anca has launched its first industrial robot – a selective compliance assembly robot arm, or SCARA.

Anca is better known for its computer numerical control machines, and supplies the automotive, electronic, medical, aerospace and many other manufacturing verticals.

The company says it spends 10 percent of its annual turnover on research and development projects and often collaborates with universities to develop its latest technology. [Read more…] about Anca launches new robot arm

Yale unveils dual-mode pantograph robotic forklift truck

by

At ProMat 2019, Yale showed its industry-first dual-mode pantograph robotic lift truck.

The truck is capable of autonomously depositing and retrieving loads from locations as high as 30 feet and reaching into double-deep storage.

The high-lifting capability of the reach/forklift truck makes it suited for distribution centres facing pressure to maximise vertical storage space, says the company.

[Read more…] about Yale unveils dual-mode pantograph robotic forklift truck

Humatics partners with Vecna Robotics on navigation systems

by

Humatics Corporation, microlocation products and software company, is to partner autonomous logistics solutions company Vecna Robotics on navigation of self-driving vehicles and industrial robots in materials handling.

The integration of Humatics’ KinetIQ 300 microlocation system into Vecna’s fleet of self-driving vehicles enables them to navigate outdoor environments and access areas of the warehouse that had previously been considered difficult, such as loading docks.

Humatics’ technology also helps Vecna vehicles to detect centimetre size objects from over four and half football fields away. This increases navigation efficiency in warehouses with limited permanent infrastructure, as opposed to fixed shelving.

[Read more…] about Humatics partners with Vecna Robotics on navigation systems

Opinion: Robotic end-of-arm tools are shaping the manufacturing industry

by

By Thomas Knudsen, general manager Northern Europe, OnRobot

Within a diverse and innovative sector like the manufacturing industry, flexibility is key.

Robotics, a key enabler of this, has already taken this industry by storm, allowing factories worldwide to automate more and more tasks, cutting costs and increasing productivity.

However, simple automation is no longer enough. Manufacturers now require unique automation solutions for each specific production environment, to tackle the talent shortage they are facing, but can’t redesign facilities for every different process and application.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Robotic end-of-arm tools are shaping the manufacturing industry

Honeywell unveils automated robotic unloader for distribution centres

by

Honeywell has announced a new automated robotic solution for unloading packages from truck trailers and shipping containers at distribution centres.

The robotic unloader uses artificial intelligence to operate fully autonomously inside of a trailer, which significantly reduces the manual effort required to operate receiving docks for retail merchandise and parcel distribution centres.

It drives into a trailer or container and uses machine vision to identify various package shapes and sizes as well as the optimal approach to unloading.

[Read more…] about Honeywell unveils automated robotic unloader for distribution centres

Waypoint Robotics launches MAV3K omnidirectional autonomous mobile robot

by

Waypoint Robotics has launched the MAV3K (pronounced May-vick) industrial grade autonomous mobile robot (AMR). It has a 3000lb carrying capacity and omnidirectional mobility.

MAV3K comes equipped with Waypoint’s Dispatcher software, allowing it to be set up and autonomously operating in under 15 minutes.

MAV3K’s batteries keep it moving through the longest workday and Waypoint’s EnZone wireless charging system enables MAV3K to charge itself.

Doosan Robotics signs up RG Group as first US distributor and integrator

by

RG Group has become the first US company to agree on a distribution and integration partnership for Doosan’s collaborative robots.

Doosan Robotics says its collaborative robots can be useful in different industries and processes ranging from assembly and inspection to gluing and packaging.

The company claims to have “the world’s most diversified lineup of collaborative robots” which boast high-performance torque sensors and the industry-leading collision detection technology.  [Read more…] about Doosan Robotics signs up RG Group as first US distributor and integrator

NextShift Robotics receives patent for vertical lift capability in robotic picking

by

NextShift Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robot solutions for automated order fulfilment and warehouse materials management, has been granted a second patent, US10214354B2, “Method and System for Automated Transport of Items”.

The patent pertains to operating a robotic picking system in which the containers to be picked are positioned on the shelves and within picking stations.

The patent covers the ability of the robot to raise itself vertically to access shelving of different heights in order to pick the appropriate container from a range of shelf heights and storage system configurations.

[Read more…] about NextShift Robotics receives patent for vertical lift capability in robotic picking

Epson launches IntelliFlex parts singulation solution

by

Epson Robots has launched its IntelliFlex Feeding System, powered by Epson Robots’ IntelliFlex Software and Vision Guide.

Epson says the IntelliFlex Feeding System delivers a “simplistic and affordable feeding solution” to accommodate a wide variety of parts for advanced applications in medical, consumer, automotive, electronics and more.

Available in June, 2019, it was showcased at the recent Automate Show.  [Read more…] about Epson launches IntelliFlex parts singulation solution