Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Industrial robots

Kollmorgen launches new generation of robot-ready frameless servo motors

by

Kollmorgen, a specialist in motion control systems, has launched the new TBM2G series of frameless servo motors, introducing features that simplify the design of collaborative, surgical, aerospace and defense and other robots while delivering optimal performance in a lighter, more compact package.

These new motors will complement Kollmorgen’s existing TBM and KBM series of frameless motors.

Resulting from several years of research, testing and customer feedback, the TBM2G series offers high-performance torque in an extremely compact electromagnetics package. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen launches new generation of robot-ready frameless servo motors

New large ABB robots ‘increase speed and flexibility’ in electric vehicle battery production

by

ABB is adding two new robot product lines to its portfolio of large robots for complex manufacturing applications.

ABB says the new robots deliver “enhanced speed, accuracy, flexibility, and a more robust design”, including integrated process cabling, adding that the ABB IRB 5710 and 5720 robots deliver “increased productivity and enhanced performance with higher uptime for applications” including electric vehicle manufacture, foundry, forging, rubber, plastics, and metal fabrication.

Available in eight variants, the IRB 5710 and IRB 5720 present a choice of options for payloads from 70 kg to 180 kg and reaches from 2.3 m to 3 m. [Read more…] about New large ABB robots ‘increase speed and flexibility’ in electric vehicle battery production

Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots to break new ground at new site

by

In a few weeks, construction will begin on state-of-the-art joint headquarters for Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots in Odense, Denmark.

The building will accommodate up to 600 employees and will be the “world’s largest cobot and autonomous mobile robot hub”. Groundbreaking will take place on 20 April with completion expected at the start of 2024.

The background for building a new joint headquarters is the explosive growth of both MiR and Universal Robots. [Read more…] about Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots to break new ground at new site

Comau launches new industrial robot

by

Comau is expanding its product portfolio with the new N-220-2.7 (N-220), a 220 kg payload robot featuring a modular set up, direct kinematics, absolute calibration, and enhanced algorithms.

These characteristics deliver significant ease of use, straightforward integration, and faster post-installation maintenance while ensuring precision, flexibility, repeatability, and minimum backlash.

Manufactured via a fully automated production line directly in its Turin, Italy Innovation Center of Advanced Robotics, Comau’s increased generation robot offers new levels of quality and supply chain flexibility in addition to cost-effective operation, as required by today’s high-growth market segments. [Read more…] about Comau launches new industrial robot

Virtual reality robotics solution joins Universal Robot’s UR+ Ecosystem

by

Virtual reality tech startup Extend Robotics has had its virtual reality robotics solution certified by Universal Robots on its UR+ programme.

Extend Robotics was founded in 2019 by Dr Chang Liu. The tech startup uses consumer Virtual Reality (VR) technology to make it easier for individuals to control robotics hardware remotely.

Dr Liu aims to enable humans and machines to work together in perfect harmony, to ensure no one is left behind in the shift to automation happening across the working world today. [Read more…] about Virtual reality robotics solution joins Universal Robot’s UR+ Ecosystem

Ready Robotics to install its operating system into Kawasaki industrial robots

by

Ready Robotics, creators of Forge/OS, the industrial operating system for robots and automation, is partnering with Kawasaki Robotics to bring Ready’s Forge/OS software to Kawasaki’s robot hardware.

Kawasaki is a leading supplier of industrial robots and automation technology, with robot payloads ranging from 3 to 1,500 kg. With over 50 years of experience and thousands of robots installed worldwide, Kawasaki is an automation partner you can trust.

Ready supports Kawasaki’s R series robots, with capacities from 3 kg to 80 kg. Support for more models will be added in future updates. Forge/OS adds another level of ease-of-use to Kawasaki robots with a user interface that is simple to learn, program, and manage. [Read more…] about Ready Robotics to install its operating system into Kawasaki industrial robots

Dobot agrees partnership to distribute its collaborative robots in the US

by

Collaborative robot manufacturer Dobot has unveiled a new US distribution partnership with Philadelphia-based DB Cobots.

DB Cobots will be working directly with systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers, manufacturers across various industries and through its expansive re-seller network.

DB Cobots will also provide service and support for users and re-sellers of the robot line. [Read more…] about Dobot agrees partnership to distribute its collaborative robots in the US

ABB predicts key trends that will change robotic automation in 2022

by

Marc Segura, ABB’s new robotics division president, outlines the key 2022 robotic trends

With demand for robots growing as companies in multiple sectors look for new ways to enhance their productivity and competitiveness post-pandemic, ABB has compiled a set of growth predictions, looking at key trends driving demand for robots in the coming year.

“The pandemic accelerated far-reaching global mega trends – from labor shortages and supply chain uncertainty, to the individualized consumer and growing pressure to operate sustainably and resiliently – leading new businesses to look to robotic automation,” says Marc Segura, ABB’s newly appointed robotics division president.

“As technology opens new opportunities for meeting customer demands, new trends will continue to emerge that will further drive demand in areas where robots have traditionally not been used.” [Read more…] about ABB predicts key trends that will change robotic automation in 2022

Kinova unveils ‘first’ Canadian collaborative robot

by

Kinova has launched Link 6, a new generation industrial robot designed for all businesses looking to benefit from automation.

Kinova says that, in a booming market, this innovation created from start to finish in North America stands out for its ease of use and unparalleled user experience.

Kinova says Link 6 is “Canada’s first industrial collaborative robot”, featuring automation solutions that enable greater daily efficiency while improving the quality and consistency of production results. [Read more…] about Kinova unveils ‘first’ Canadian collaborative robot

Universal Robots powers new mixed-case palletizing and piece-picking solutions at MODEX 2022

by

Universal Robots, a manufacturer of collaborative robots, will show attendees at North America’s largest supply chain expo how cobots can automate new hard-to-staff palletizing and piece-picking tasks in new applications from partners including Mujin and RightHand Robotics.

1 trillion dollars. That’s the astounding figure US e-commerce will reach in 2022, up 16 percent from 2021, according to Insider Intelligence forecasts, prompting warehousing labor wages to increase four times faster than before the pandemic.

“But despite wage increases, logistics operations are still having a very hard time hiring and retaining frontline workers,” says Joe Campbell, senior manager of applications development with Universal Robots (UR). [Read more…] about Universal Robots powers new mixed-case palletizing and piece-picking solutions at MODEX 2022