Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Industrial robots

North America industrial robot orders drop for second quarter

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A slow US economy and high interest rates have taken a toll on robot orders in North American, resulting in a decline for the second quarter in a row after record purchases in 2021 and 2022.

According to the latest report from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), companies ordered 7,697 robots valued at $457 million from April to July 2023, a 37 percent decline in robot orders and 20 percent drop in value over the same period in 2022.

When combined with first quarter results, the robotics market in North America is down 29 percent compared to the first half of last year with a total of 16,865 robots ordered. [Read more…] about North America industrial robot orders drop for second quarter

Tormach among America’s fastest-growing private companies in 2023

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Tormach, an innovator in CNC machine manufacturing, is celebrating its inclusion in the highly esteemed Inc 5000 list for 2023.

This “remarkable achievement” showcases Tormach’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustained growth in the ever-evolving manufacturing industry.

The Inc 5000 list, published annually by Inc Magazine, ranks the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. [Read more…] about Tormach among America’s fastest-growing private companies in 2023

Yaskawa unveils new branch in KwaZulu-Natal

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Yaskawa has open a new branch in KwaZulu-Natal. The decision to relocate comes as a proactive response to the devastating KwaZulu-Natal floods, which highlighted the importance of securing the company’s operations against future natural disasters.

The new branch marks a significant milestone for Yaskawa, reaffirming its commitment to the region while ensuring business continuity and fortifying its resilience against potential risks.

In the aftermath of the recent KwaZulu-Natal floods, Yaskawa recognised the need to safeguard its employees, assets, and operations against natural disasters. [Read more…] about Yaskawa unveils new branch in KwaZulu-Natal

Building blocks: SAEKI emerges from stealth with $2.3 million funding round

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The architecture, engineering and construction industry has undergone significant changes in recent years yet one major challenge they face is the slow and costly manufacture of large components as part of their installations.

Enabling the industry to move faster and efficiently, SAEKI has launched from stealth with a $2.3 million seed funding round with a mission to create fully automated plants with industrial robots using 3D technology to create anything from wings for aircraft to construction site installations.

The funding round was led by Wingman Ventures including participation from Vento Ventures, Getty Capital and angel investors. [Read more…] about Building blocks: SAEKI emerges from stealth with $2.3 million funding round

ATI Industrial Automation makes its multi-axis force/torque sensors compatible with Fanuc robots

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ATI Industrial Automation, a provider of robotic tooling and sensing solutions, says it has made its Multi-Axis Force/Torque (F/T) Sensors compatible with Fanuc Robots and Fanuc’s Force Control Software.

This collaboration opens up new possibilities for advanced automation and precision control in robotic applications.

The integration of ATI’s F/T Sensors with Fanuc Robots and Fanuc’s Force Control Software brings enhanced sensing capabilities to robotic systems, enabling users to achieve greater levels of accuracy, flexibility, and responsiveness. [Read more…] about ATI Industrial Automation makes its multi-axis force/torque sensors compatible with Fanuc robots

LK Metrology launches new range of robotic measuring arms

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LK Metrology has launched a new range of portable 6-axis and 7-axis measuring arms to replace the 34 original versions it introduced in 2021.

Unlike their predecessors, 6-axis Freedom Arm v2 products offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable, 3D tactile inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments.

Available also is a new range of 21 stainless steel-tipped probes with a stainless steel or carbon fibre body, as well as updated RDS software v6.2 running on Windows for communicating with the arm via WiFi or USB. [Read more…] about LK Metrology launches new range of robotic measuring arms

ABB makes collaborative robots capable of heavier payloads, longer reach

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ABB has launched two new variants of its GoFa collaborative robot. The GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 open new possibilities for companies to leverage cobot automation for enhanced efficiency.

Handling payloads of up to 10 and 12 kilograms with market-leading repeatability, the cobots accomplish an expanded range of tasks in close collaboration with factory workers, addressing skills and labor shortages while improving safety and productivity.

Offering straightforward programming and rapid integration into production environments, the new variants lower barriers to entry for first-time users, educators and SMEs. [Read more…] about ABB makes collaborative robots capable of heavier payloads, longer reach

ABI launches new delta robot equipped with direct drives

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Dutch company ABI has launched the newest innovation in its series of ABIFlexx delta robots: the ABIFlexx equipped with direct drives.

The company says this new version is “extremely fast, very accurate, quiet and maintenance free”, adding that these characteristics make the ABlflexx direct drive robot “the ideal solution” for many different applications.

ABI develops and produces its own ABIflexx Delta robot range: advanced robot systems which meet the most demanding requirements. [Read more…] about ABI launches new delta robot equipped with direct drives

Robot cell market predicted to grow at 10.2 per cent a year

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The global robot cell market has been estimated at $42,567 million in 2023 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.2 per cent during the forecast years of 2023-2033.

This is according to industry research group Fact.MR, with findings published in its report, Robot Cell Market.

In order to maximize quality, speed and efficiency, the market for robots is rising and is anticipated to rise more during the coming years. [Read more…] about Robot cell market predicted to grow at 10.2 per cent a year

ABB expands large robot family with four ‘energy saving’ models, 22 variants

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ABB Robotics is expanding its large robot range with four new models and 22 variants, offering more choice, increased coverage and greater performance.

The next generation models include the IRB 6710, IRB 6720, IRB 6730 and IRB 6740, suitable for payloads ranging from 150 kg to 310 kg, with a reach from 2.5 m to 3.2 m, offering customers greater choice and significant performance and energy efficiency improvements.

Marc Segura, president of ABB’s Robotics Division, says: “Sustainable production is a major priority of automotive manufacturers, with 78 percent of companies identifying it as important to their business and 77 percent identifying it as a priority for their customers. [Read more…] about ABB expands large robot family with four ‘energy saving’ models, 22 variants