Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

Volkswagen orders ‘more than 700’ industrial robots from Kuka

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Kuka, the industrial robotics and automation specialist, and Volkswagen, one of Germany’s largest automotive groups, have signed a framework agreement for the delivery of more than 700 robots this year and over the next two years.

The robot models, including the Kuka bestseller KR Quantec, will be installed at Volkswagen Navarra in Pamplona, Northern Spain. There they will be used in body-in-white production. Volkswagen is investing further in European automobile production. [Read more…] about Volkswagen orders ‘more than 700’ industrial robots from Kuka

Fanuc opens new $110 million robotics and automation campus in Michigan

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Fanuc America, one of the world’s largest suppliers of robotics and automation systems, has officially unveiled its new 650,000 square foot West Campus facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The expansion increases the footprint in Michigan to over 2 million square feet and is part of Fanuc America’s strategic investment plan to support and advance industrial automation in North America. The West Campus represents a $110 million investment built on 67 acres of land.

Fanuc America’s industry growth and customer demand has created over 400 jobs in Michigan since 2019. The West Campus provides advanced product manufacturing and customized automation systems and includes warehouse space for over 6,000 quick delivery robots and tens of thousands of parts. [Read more…] about Fanuc opens new $110 million robotics and automation campus in Michigan

Kuka receives order for robotic work cells ‘in the double-digit million range’

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Industrial automation specialist Kuka is supplying 23 friction stir welding cells with integrated robots for the production of electric vehicles for an automotive customer.

The industrial automation specialist say it is the largest single order for robotic work cells in this area to date.

The Friction Stir Welding (FSW) cells with various technologies and Kuka KR Fortec robots are integrated into production lines for electric vehicles.

[Read more…] about Kuka receives order for robotic work cells ‘in the double-digit million range’

ifm electronic launches new high-power cables for heavy-duty industrial robots

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ifm electronic has launched its latest product line, the EVCA range, which “pairs innovation with unparalleled durability”.

ifm say the new cables have been expertly designed to handle currents up to 16 Amperes, redefining excellence in power transmission technology.

Designed for the modern world where reliability is paramount, the EVCA cables boast exceptional durability, making them ideal for high-intensity applications across various industries. [Read more…] about ifm electronic launches new high-power cables for heavy-duty industrial robots

Standard Bots secures $63 million in funding

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Standard Bots has raised $63 million in total funding, with its recent Series B round led by General Catalyst with participation from Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund and Samsung Next.

The company has already successfully launched its RO1 robotic arm and is now preparing to bring its new AI-powered robots to market, unlocking use cases and industries untouched by traditional robotics, such as complex assembly, food preparation, or dishwashing.

Standard Bots designs and assembles collaborative robotic arms in the United States to transform industrial sectors such as manufacturing. The company is also developing a transformer-based model that leverages the power of AI to enhance robotic capabilities. [Read more…] about Standard Bots secures $63 million in funding

Doosan Robotics partners with Rocketfarm on palletizing solutions

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Doosan Robotics, one of the world’s leading collaborative robot (cobot) manufacturers, formed a strategic partnership with Rocketfarm, a premier provider of palletizing software.

The integration of Rocketfarm’s Pally software with Doosan Robotics’ cobots will streamline palletizing efficiencies across the food and beverage, automotive and consumer packaged goods industries, among others.

Alex Lee, president of Doosan Robotics Americas, says: “This partnership exemplifies Doosan’s commitment to democratizing automation and making advanced robotics technology more accessible to business of all sizes from numerous industries. [Read more…] about Doosan Robotics partners with Rocketfarm on palletizing solutions

ABB launches next-generation Robotics control platform OmniCore

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ABB Robotics has launched the latest version of robotics control platform, OmniCore, describing it as “an intelligent automation platform that is faster, more precise and more sustainable, to empower, enhance and futureproof businesses”.

The OmniCore platform, the result of more than $170 million of investment in next generation robotics, is a step change to a modular and futureproof control architecture that will enable the full integration of AI, sensor, cloud and edge computing systems to create “the most advanced and autonomous robotic applications”, according to ABB.

Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area, says: “For our customers, automation is a strategic requirement as they seek greater flexibility, simplicity and efficiency in response to the global megatrends of labor shortages, uncertainty and the need to operate more sustainably.

[Read more…] about ABB launches next-generation Robotics control platform OmniCore

Why You Should Consider Having a Custom-Made Robot Cover

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In today’s technologically advanced industries, the integration of robots into various operational processes is no longer a novelty but a necessity.

These robotic systems, while robust and highly efficient, are susceptible to environmental factors that can significantly impact their performance and longevity.

This is where custom-made robot covers come into play. Tailored specifically to meet the unique demands of different industrial applications, these covers provide unparalleled protection against hazards such as extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, moisture, and physical abrasion. [Read more…] about Why You Should Consider Having a Custom-Made Robot Cover

Comau launches new range of small industrial robots

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Comau has debuted its new S-Family of small yet powerful robots at the recent Automate event, North America’s leading automation show.

The first two high-speed robots, with payloads of 13 kg and up to 18 kg, are expressly indicated for assembly, arc welding and handling applications where accuracy, repeatability and speed are non-negotiable.

Characterized by their exacting performance and historical red robot design, they also reflect Comau’s dedication to making automation more accessible to diverse and non-automotive industries. [Read more…] about Comau launches new range of small industrial robots

ABB expands modular large robot portfolio

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ABB Robotics is continuing the expansion of its modular large robot portfolio with the introduction of the new IRB 7710 and IRB 7720.

The new robots, combined with recently launched IRB 5710-IRB 5720 and IRB 6710-IRB 6740, offer a combined total of 46 different variants capable of handling payloads between 70kg-620kg, to give customers a new level of flexibility, greater choice and performance in their operations.

Marc Segura, president – robotics division at ABB, says: “As businesses introduce new technologies and components to meet productivity and sustainability goals, we’ve engineered our modular large robot portfolio to enable them to select the best robots and variants to allow them to efficiently undertake their operations.

[Read more…] about ABB expands modular large robot portfolio