Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Industrial robots

Comau unveils new ‘perception-based’ robotic picking solution

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Robotics and automation specialist Comau has launched what it calls the “MI.RA/Picker”, describing as an intelligent advanced automation solution for perception-based random bin picking.

Adaptable to any brand of commercial robot, customized bin or customized gripper, the fully automated picking solution uses two high-resolution laser sensors and a central camera to autonomously recognize, locate and grasp randomly placed objects at a rate of up to 40 pieces per minute (PPM).

Furthermore, its streamlined virtual simulation tools and predictive algorithms guarantee optimal path management and collision-free trajectories, for precise and reliable performance while lowering costs and potential risks. [Read more…] about Comau unveils new ‘perception-based’ robotic picking solution

ABB expands its GoFa collaborative robot range

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ABB is launching two new variants of its GoFa collaborative robot. The GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 offer 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 can handle an expanded range of tasks in close collaboration with 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 expands its GoFa collaborative robot range

Omron launches new collaborative robot with 20 kg payload

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New 20 kg payload collaborative robot levels the playing field between traditional industrial robot and cobot palletising

Omron recently launched their new TM20 collaborative  robot with a payload of 20kg, whilst keeping its small footprint and providing a reach of 1.3 meters, making the new cobot ideal for tasks such as palletising.

Recognising the potential of the TM20 and the new opportunities it could bring, Reeco a specialist in the manufacturer and delivery of a wide range of palletising solutions and an official UK solutions partner of Omron, where quick to adopt the TM20 and expand their palletising offering.

The new RB2000 palletiser is a 20kg payload, cost effective, market ready solution which makes end-of-line robotic automation attractive to producers of all sizes. [Read more…] about Omron launches new collaborative robot with 20 kg payload

Comau developing fully automated system for battery recycling

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Comau has renewed its commitment to the EU’s Flexible Battery Dismantling (Flex-BD) project for the second year, to help deliver a fundamental pillar on the path towards a truly circular economy.

Flex-BD is a robotized system that automates the entire process of dismantling worn-out electric batteries using a highly flexible, repeatable and standardizable process.

Now, having validated the proof-of-concept, Comau has expanded the scope to include second life repurposing of automotive batteries. [Read more…] about Comau developing fully automated system for battery recycling

The Rise of Industrial Robotics: Automating the Workplace

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Industrial robotics is fast becoming necessary in the workplace, offering countless advantages over traditional manual labor.

Robots are more efficient and accurate than humans, and they can also work longer hours without getting tired or needing to take breaks.

Likewise, robots can be programmed to carry out specific tasks with precision and speed that would otherwise be impossible for human workers to achieve. [Read more…] about The Rise of Industrial Robotics: Automating the Workplace

Shadow Robot launches robotics consulting and advisory services

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The Shadow Robot Company, the UK’s pioneering robotics company best-known for its Dextrous Hand series, has announced the launch of its Robotics Consultancy Service.

The Shadow Robot Company, a London-based robotics company that designs and manufactures state-of-the-art anthropomorphic robot hands and systems, is launching its robotics consultancy service to help companies innovate by integrating robotic hand technology into their products and processes.

The robotics consultancy service will provide companies with expert advice and guidance on how to design and use robotic hand technology to enhance their performance, efficiency and competitiveness. [Read more…] about Shadow Robot launches robotics consulting and advisory services

Apex Motion Control launches new collaborative robot

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Apex Motion Control, a specialist in smart robotic and automation equipment, has released its latest product line – the Flexi-Bot and Flexi-Bot MAX.

These new collaborative robots (cobots) have been designed with the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries in mind, offering a user-friendly solution to ongoing labor shortages and the dull, dangerous, dirty, and repetitive tasks involved in industrial manufacturing.

Jamie Bobyk, marketing manager with Apex Motion Control, says: “We’ve listened to the needs of the food, dairy and pharma producers and have developed a Collaborative Robot that is well-suited to these industries with stricter guidelines. [Read more…] about Apex Motion Control launches new collaborative robot

Yaskawa takes center stage at Africa Automation Technology Fair

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As one of the largest manufacturers of industrial robots, Yaskawa Southern Africa took part in this year’s Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF), where various experts in the manufacturing industry gathered to exchange valuable industry expertise to increase investment prospects in the African continent’s manufacturing sector. The event, which celebrated its 25th year, centred around the theme of “For Africa from Africa”.

The AATF promotes and is passionate about furthering Africa’s transformation and promoting the development and growth of the continent’s automation industry.

Yaskawa Southern Africa was one of 150 exhibitors on display at the event, which took place from 9th to 11th May 2023, and showcased its collaborative robotic welding solution, Weld4me. This transformative piece of automated equipment presents an alternative or support to manual MIG/MAG welding with air-cooled welding equipment. [Read more…] about Yaskawa takes center stage at Africa Automation Technology Fair

Bota Systems and Kinova partner for easy installation of force torque sensors

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Bota Systems, a pioneer in multi-axis force-torque sensors, announces it is working with Kinova, and has developed the Bota Kinova Kit to make it quick and easy to mount the Bota SensONE force torque sensor on a Kinova Gen3 robot arm.

Kinova will show the kit with the Kinova Gen3 robot as a hand-guiding demo at its booth A16 at ICRA, the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, from 29 May – 2 June 2023, in London, UK.

The 6-axis SensONE force torque sensor from Bota enhances the end-effector force torque sensitivity of the Kinova Gen3 robot. The mounting kit makes it easy to install the sensor on the robot arm with just a few screws (supplied). [Read more…] about Bota Systems and Kinova partner for easy installation of force torque sensors

ABB launches ‘complete’ robot training package to prepare students for future work

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Package includes easy-to-use GoFa collaborative robot cell, 56 hours of teaching materials and globally recognized STEM certification

ABB Robotics is aiming to “close the global education gap in automation” and prepare students for the future of work with the launch of a ready-to-use education package. Comprising a GoFa collaborative robot (cobot), teaching materials and a globally recognized technical qualification, the package is part of ABB Robotics global campaign to help workers thrive in a new era of automation. 

The ABB Robotics Education Package has been created to ensure educational establishments can provide highly skilled young people for companies looking to benefit from robotic automation.

Although some 80 percent of global educators see automation shaping employment in the next 10 years, only one in four education institutes incorporate robotics into their curriculum. Barriers include the lack of teachers trained in robotics and automation and the difficulty in incorporating robotics training into the curriculum seamlessly. [Read more…] about ABB launches ‘complete’ robot training package to prepare students for future work