Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

Trumpf enters the world of automated arc welding

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Industrial machine tools company Trumpf has released its first automated arc welding system. The TruArc Weld 1000 comes with a collaborative robot, also known as a “cobot”. After the operator has manually guided it over a component, the cobot then automatically carries out the weld.

It is significantly more efficient than would be possible manually. With the new system, Trumpf says it is responding to the increasing lack of skilled workers and helps fabricators get started with automated welding. CE-compliant and approved by TÜV Austria, the TruArc Weld 1000 “meets the very highest safety standards”. [Read more…] about Trumpf enters the world of automated arc welding

ABB launches ‘fastest ever’ robot-based press automation solution

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ABB has launched its “fastest ever” robot-based press automation solution.

The company has extended its range of ABB IRB 760 handling robots with new press tending model, the IRB 760PT, which it says offers “fast and flexible performance for automotive press automation”.

The new IRB 760PT is aimed at press automation applications in the automotive industry, and is a “flexible” press tending solution offering 25 per cent faster cycle times compared to other robot-based press automation solutions, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches ‘fastest ever’ robot-based press automation solution

Robotiq launches new robotic bin picking solution

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Collaborative robot application specialist Robotiq has introduced a “versatile and affordable” bin picking system which will bring additional proficiency and flexibility to a broad spectrum of mid to high volume manufacturing and processing operations.

In line with the company’s core value of democratising automation, the Robotiq Bin Picking Kit provides a complete solution for locating, picking, handling, and placing flat and cylindrical parts – with rapid set-up that ensures optimal return on investment.

Compatible with Universal Robots, the Kit is particularly well-suited to appliance manufacturing, automotive components, general industry, and metal and plastic products, for applications ranging from stamping, bending, engraving, marking and painting, to deburring, grinding, line feeding and assembly. [Read more…] about Robotiq launches new robotic bin picking solution

Acieta launches mobile collaborative robotic work cell

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Now is an especially challenging time for machine shops facing capacity shortfalls and labor shortages. To address these struggles, Acieta has launched what it says is its “simplest to use, most flexible cobot solution ever” – the FastLoad CX1000 collaborative expandable robotic cell.

To prevent shop equipment from sitting idle, the FastLoad CX1000 is mounted on a mobile platform that one worker can move easily so it can be quickly set up at different machines around the shop.

The system is equipped with a Fanuc 10KG, 120 V collaborative robotic arm to master material handling tasks. It can be outfitted with up to three modular carts to handle a wide variety of parts or allow more parts in the queue. [Read more…] about Acieta launches mobile collaborative robotic work cell

Volkswagen orders staggering 800 ABB robots to build its new electric vehicles

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ABB has received a massive order for 800 industrial robots from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to support production of a new generation of electric vehicles at its plant in Hannover, Germany.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is modernizing its Hannover factory and is installing state-of-the-art facilities to build the all-electric ID.

Buzz van, which will begin production in 2022. ABB’s robots will be installed in the body shop to undertake a range of body construction tasks. [Read more…] about Volkswagen orders staggering 800 ABB robots to build its new electric vehicles

The benefits of using universal collaborative robots

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Most manufacturing industries face significant challenges today, which can be solved by robots. The greatest challenge that every enterprise needs to address is workplace safety. Every year, companies use a substantial amount of money to cater for hospital bills of their employees.

Apart from the medical bills, most employees miss some workdays due to illnesses and injuries. Absence of employees from the workplace results in direct and indirect costs that affect an industry’s financial status.

The universal collaborative arms are designed to help you reduce workplace injuries and the associated costs. A robot is a perfect replacement for humans, and it does not require medical schemes neither does it ask for sick offs. [Read more…] about The benefits of using universal collaborative robots

Robots in Healthcare and Human Perception

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Robots. They are everywhere. Every sector in human society now has robots that perform all sorts of tasks. Many times, those tasks are some that could harm flesh and blood if humans did it, or those where human error could be catastrophic, or those where human efforts would be too slow.

In the healthcare sector today, robots pervade the space, especially in first world countries.

This article discusses the uses, benefits, and disadvantages of robots in the healthcare industry. It then goes ahead to discuss the perception of humans about these machines. [Read more…] about Robots in Healthcare and Human Perception

US government awards Fanuc and Rockwell apprenticeship programs

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Fanuc, the world’s largest manufacturer of industrial robots, has been named a Standards Recognition Entity (SRE) by the US government’s Department of Labor.

Fanuc shares this achievement in collaboration with industry partners including Rockwell Automation, APT Manufacturing Solutions and the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI).

An official signing ceremony hosted by US DOL Secretary Eugene Scalia named 18 SRE organizations. [Read more…] about US government awards Fanuc and Rockwell apprenticeship programs

Swisslog partners with retail chain H-E-B to build automated micro-fulfillment centers

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Swisslog, a warehouse automation company, has partnered with H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas to support the company’s growing demand for online fulfillment.

H-E-B says demand for its online grocery services is continuing to accelerate.

Swisslog is working with H-E-B to build a number of automated micro-fulfillment centers to support the chain’s curbside pick-up and delivery business. [Read more…] about Swisslog partners with retail chain H-E-B to build automated micro-fulfillment centers

China has more industrial robots than next four countries combined

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China has more industrial robots than next four countries put together, according to a new report. 

Data presented by Buy Shares indicates that China, Japan, and the United States cumulatively control about 58.71 percent of the global industrial robot installations.

As of September 2020, there were 381,000 units of industrial robots globally. [Read more…] about China has more industrial robots than next four countries combined