Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

Genesis Robotics releases long-awaited LiveDrive direct drive actuators

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Genesis Robotics has finally released its long-awaited and “revolutionary” LiveDrive direct drive actuators. (See video below.)

The relatively new startup company – now renamed as Genesis Robotics & Motion Technologies – says the new LiveDrive LDD 1800 Series Direct Drive Actuators are available in an extensive range of configurations and performance options.

Genesis says the LiveDrive direct-drive actuators “eliminate the need for gearing and are redefining the next generation of parallel robots and precision machinery”, unlocking capabilities beyond the reach of conventional drivetrains, across many applications. [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics releases long-awaited LiveDrive direct drive actuators

Kuka releases new version of its robot simulation software

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Automation specialist Kuka has released the new version of its smart simulation software, Kuka.Sim 4.0. (See video below.)

Kuka.Sim 4.0 enables details and sequences of robot applications to be “realistically simulated” even before start-up and then transferred 100 percent to the real controller.

The Kuka.Sim simulation software brings robot applications to life – even before the real system is put into operation. [Read more…] about Kuka releases new version of its robot simulation software

RoboDK and Wilder Systems unveil robotic ‘drive-through’ aircraft washing system

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Automation solutions provider Wilder Systems has developed a unique robotic “drive-through” washing system for aircraft. The system reduces the task time by 95 percent and eliminates manual washing.

By using the RoboDK programming software, aerospace manufacturers can program the task without previous robotic experience.

Regular washing is a critical task in aerospace manufacturing. It helps to reduce corrosion, improving the life and safety of the aircraft. However, manual washing is a dangerous and labor-intensive task. [Read more…] about RoboDK and Wilder Systems unveil robotic ‘drive-through’ aircraft washing system

Realtime Robotics raises $31.4 million in Series A funding round

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Realtime Robotics, a developer of motion planning software for industrial robots, has completed its $31.4 million Series A round.

New strategic investors including HAHN Automation and SAIC Capital Management, as well as new institutional investors Soundproof Ventures and Heroic Ventures, join existing investors SPARX Asset Management, Omron Ventures, Toyota AI Ventures, Scrum Ventures and Duke Angels in concluding this round.

Realtime Robotics says it was founded to transform automation with flexible robot control capabilities, built on its innovative, real-time collision-free motion planning technology. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics raises $31.4 million in Series A funding round

Vention to sell Fanuc collaborative robots online

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Vention, the cloud-based manufacturing automation platform, and Fanuc, a world-leading manufacturer of industrial robots, have agreed a new alliance in the field of collaborative robotics.

Centered around the Fanuc CRX cobot, this collaboration will enable prospective end-users, system integrators, and training centers to design and order complete, end-to-end robot cells directly from the Vention cloud platform. [Read more…] about Vention to sell Fanuc collaborative robots online

Acieta unveils ‘versatile robot’ for repetitive and dangerous work on press brakes

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Acieta, an industrial automation specialist and a Fanuc integrator, has unveiled a “versatile robot” for repetitive and dangerous work on press brakes.

Operating press brakes is a potentially dangerous part of metal part fabrication. To produce more parts of higher-quality without adding risk to workers, Acieta introduces the new FastBEND press brake tending robotic cell.

The versatile FastBEND robotic solution can be integrated with new or existing press brakes and may be outfitted for bin, pallet and conveyor outputs to process a wide variety of formed parts. As a pre-engineered system, the FastBEND is ready for delivery as soon as twelve weeks. [Read more…] about Acieta unveils ‘versatile robot’ for repetitive and dangerous work on press brakes

Collaborative robotics market set to grow to $8 billion by 2030

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Despite the challenges facing the wider manufacturing industry during the coronavirus pandemic, collaborative robots continue to attract attention and investment, due to their ease of use, redeployability, and convenience to end-users who struggle to afford more traditional forms of automation.

According to a new report from global tech market advisory firm ABI Research, the cobot market is set to grow substantially over the coming decade.

The market had a global valuation of $475 million in 2020, which will expand to $600 million in 2021 and $8 billion in 2030, with a projected annual growth of 32.5 percent. [Read more…] about Collaborative robotics market set to grow to $8 billion by 2030

Universal Robots upgrades its UR10e arm with 25 percent greater payload

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Universal Robots is launching an enhanced UR10e with an increased payload of 12.5 kg (27.55 lbs), creating new possibilities for applications such as palletizing, machine tending, and packaging. The robot’s price remains unchanged.

Kim Povlsen, President of Universal Robots, says: “Universal Robots is committed to continuous improvement based on meaningful conversations with customers and our ability to address critical market opportunities. Our customers have already deployed UR cobots on a wide variety of palletizing applications.

“Over time, they have identified opportunities to utilize our UR10e cobot in handling tasks with heavier items. [Read more…] about Universal Robots upgrades its UR10e arm with 25 percent greater payload

ABB Robotics advances construction industry automation to enable safer and sustainable building

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Nine out of 10 construction businesses predict a skills crisis by 2030, with 81 percent saying they will introduce robots in the next 10 years, while safety and the environment both catalysts for accelerating investment in robotics

ABB Robotics is driving automation in the construction industry with new robotic automation solutions to address key challenges, including the need for more affordable and environmentally friendly housing and to reduce the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage.

Robotic automation offers huge potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and manufacturing flexibility throughout the construction industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites and robot 3D printing of houses and customized structures.

As well as making the industry safer and more cost effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing quality and cutting waste. [Read more…] about ABB Robotics advances construction industry automation to enable safer and sustainable building

Piab adds new size to its ‘bellows’ end-effector range

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Piab has further broadened its already extensive range of what are called “end-effectors” – basically the “hands” for robotic arms. 

Piab has extended its line of bellows flat friction suction cups to include a cup measuring 80 mm in diameter.

With this 80 mm cup, the company says it will fill the gap in its “highly competitive” range of DuraFlex friction cups. The new size BFFT80P-2 is available with 10 standard friction suction cup fittings. [Read more…] about Piab adds new size to its ‘bellows’ end-effector range