Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

ABB unveils new large robots for material handling in EV battery production

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

Delivering “enhanced speed, accuracy, flexibility, and a more robust design including integrated process cabling”, ABB’s IRB 5710 and 5720 robots deliver increased productivity and enhanced performance with higher uptime for applications including electric vehicle (EV) 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 ABB unveils new large robots for material handling in EV battery production

Interview with Stäubli Robotics boss: ‘We plan to double our manufacturing output by 2025’

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One year on from his appointment as executive president of the robotics division at Stäubli, Christophe Coulongeat provides some insights into how things are going at one of the world’s largest and oldest industrial automation providers. Interview was conducted by Alexander Michie of Noba International – Executive Search. 

Question: You have been executive president of the robotics division at Stäubli for just over a year, what have been the main highlights since you started in the role?

Christophe Coulongeat: It was an exceptional year in many ways: I was happy to recruit and build up our robotics global management team, and we got the opportunity to finally meet altogether in person. [Read more…] about Interview with Stäubli Robotics boss: ‘We plan to double our manufacturing output by 2025’

Universal Robots products: Transforming the industrial landscape

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Universal Robots, a Denmark-based manufacturer of industrial robots, is widely known for the production of collaborative robots – cobots.

The company – which has already transformed the industrial landscape – is aiming to reach industries of all sizes so as to enable them reach their maximum production.

Cobots are flexible, lightweight robot arms that are built to suit the needs of a company that are otherwise harzadous, bulky or too dense for humans. They are designed for human interaction and therefore work together with humans. [Read more…] about Universal Robots products: Transforming the industrial landscape

China aims for global leadership in robotics with new five-year plan

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The new five-year plan for the robotics industry in China, released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in Beijing, focuses on promoting innovation.

The government wants to make China a global leader for robot technology and industrial advancement.

The statistical department of the International Federation of Robotics reports about the domestic and foreign engagement on the world’s largest market.

Milton Guerry, president of the International Federation of Robotics, says: “China is by far the biggest robot market in the world regarding annual sales and the operational stock. [Read more…] about China aims for global leadership in robotics with new five-year plan

IFR predicts ‘Top 5 Robot Trends of 2022’ as total industrial robots sales reach a new record

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The International Federation of Robotics has published what it predicts will be the top five industry trends of 2022.

The main theme underlying the trends will be that robots with new features and functions will capture new areas and create new markets.

The operational stock of industrial robots hit a new record of about 3 million units worldwide – increasing by 13 percent on average each year (2015-2020). [Read more…] about IFR predicts ‘Top 5 Robot Trends of 2022’ as total industrial robots sales reach a new record

Global industrial robot density in manufacturing sector doubles over 2021

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The use of industrial robots in factories around the world is accelerating at a high rate: 126 robots per 10,000 employees is the new average of global robot density in the manufacturing industries.

That is nearly double the number five years ago. In 2015, the figure was 66 units.

This is according to the 2021 World Robot Report, published by the International Federation of Robotics.

By regions, the average robot density in Asia/Australia is 134 units, in Europe 123 units and in the Americas 111 units. The top 5 most automated countries in the world are: South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Germany, and Sweden. [Read more…] about Global industrial robot density in manufacturing sector doubles over 2021

Flexiv unveils new operating system for its adaptive robots

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Flexiv, a developer of robotic and artificial intelligence solutions, has unveiled Flexiv Elements, its all-new operating system for “adaptive robots”.

Adaptive robots are a new category – very similar to collaborative robots – which Flexiv is concentrating on. It describes its “Rizon” model (main picture) as “the first adapative robot” – referring to its ability to maintain performance even amid significant changes in the environment, such as floating base, vibration, and human interference.

Created to provide integrators with “ground-breaking new features” which simplify complex robotic operations, Flexiv says Elements makes it “easier than ever” before to develop customized programs that enhance efficiency and productivity. [Read more…] about Flexiv unveils new operating system for its adaptive robots

RIOS raises $28 million to automate ‘old-line industries’ with AI robotic workcells

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RIOS Intelligent Machines, a startup developing artificial intelligence-powered robotic workcells for factory automation, has raised $28 million in Series A equity funding and debt financing. 

This new round of funding, together with a $5 million venture round back in 2020, raise RIOS’ total capitalization to $33 million.

The oversubscribed Series A round was led by new deep tech investor Main Sequence, along with new major investors Yamaha Motor Ventures, Orbit Venture Partners, Hypertherm Ventures, and strong participation from existing investors Valley Capital Partners, Morpheus Ventures, Grit Ventures, and others. [Read more…] about RIOS raises $28 million to automate ‘old-line industries’ with AI robotic workcells

New Kuka Quantec palletizing robot ‘faster than ever’

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Industrial robot maker Kuka says the new version of its KR Quantec PA robotic arm palletizes “faster than ever”.

Kuka says the KR Quantec PA is the most powerful palletizing robot on the market and that the second generation of the robot features “an impressive reduction in cycle times”.

The Quantec has a payload of up to 240 kilograms and food-grade NSF H1 lubricants, and is aimed at the food industry. [Read more…] about New Kuka Quantec palletizing robot ‘faster than ever’

Kinova raises $48 million in new financing

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Kinova, a privately-held Canadian developer of robotic solutions for the medical and industrial markets, has raised investments totaling C$40 million ($32 million), led by Graham Partners with the participation of Export Development Canada.

The robotics company is also pleased to announce the prior closing of an agreement with the Government of Canada under the Strategic Innovation Fund for a total of C$20 million ($16 million).

These investments will accelerate the development and commercialization of Kinova’s solutions. In addition, the Canadian robot maker will use the funds to augment engineering resources to meet the demands of global customers. The new products for the industrial markets will be announced later in 2022. [Read more…] about Kinova raises $48 million in new financing