Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot celebrates five years

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ABB is celebrating the big story of its small robot, with its dual-arm YuMi collaborative robot reaching its fifth birthday this year. (See video below.)

Originally launched in 2015 to assist workers in lightweight assembly tasks, ABB says its collaborative YuMi robot has gone on to blaze a trail in a raft of diverse applications and industries, changing many people’s perceptions about what can be achieved with robotic automation.

With its ergonomic design and a range of safety features, including lightweight magnesium alloy arms with soft-padding to avoid pinch points, and advanced motion control with collision detection, YuMi is designed to be installed in workstations alongside people and increase flexibility by allowing humans and robots to work on tasks together that previously would have required safety barriers or cages. [Read more…] about ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot celebrates five years

Startup Veo Robotics named ‘Technology Pioneer’ by World Economic Forum

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The World Economic Forum announced its selection of 100 of the most promising Technology Pioneers of 2020.

Many Technology Pioneers are using their tech to support Covid-19 responses around the world.

Veo Robotics, a startup company which develops software to enable industrial robots to work safely and efficiently alongside people to make manufacturing more flexible, was selected for its contributions in the field of industrial automation. [Read more…] about Startup Veo Robotics named ‘Technology Pioneer’ by World Economic Forum

Omron robots ‘speed up the production of Covid-19 tests’

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Medical technology company Senova says it is relying on Omron’s “smart robotics” systems in the production of rapid antibody tests that show immunity “within a few minutes”.

In the fight against the coronavirus, speed and close co-operation are required. This is why Senova, a German developer and manufacturer of rapid test systems for biomarkers, viruses and microorganisms, decided to use the robotics expertise of Omron to enhance its production process.

Previously, the manual production of the tests was very time-consuming. In the past few weeks, in conjunction with Omron and Kraus Maschinenbau, Senova has developed and built machines that significantly accelerate and improve the process. [Read more…] about Omron robots ‘speed up the production of Covid-19 tests’

Franka Emika launches new version of its e-commerce platform using commercetools

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Collaborative robot manufacturer Franka Emika has launched a new version of its e-commerce platform, Franka World, using commercetools.

commercetools develops next-generation commerce software, and Franka’s new initiative extends the partnership between the two companies.

Franka Emika introduced its first e-commerce and robot control management platform, Franka World, using commercetools’ software two years ago, and chose to continue using it to launch the new version of Franka World, which includes new features for managing robots and IoT devices. [Read more…] about Franka Emika launches new version of its e-commerce platform using commercetools

Universal Robots adopts industry standard protocol OPC UA

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Universal Robots, the largest manufacturer of collaborative robots, is now supporting the OPC UA data communication standard to its robots. (See video below.)

Norwegian software company Rocketfarm has developed the application that enables UR robots to support OPC UA, and is available through its developer network UR+.

Egil Mundal, CEO of Rocketfarm, says: “We initially developed the software for a local factory but thought it would be great if this functionality could be available for anyone who wants to connect UR robots with OPC UA. [Read more…] about Universal Robots adopts industry standard protocol OPC UA

Hyundai launches technical training in collaborative robotics

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Newly created company Hyundai Robotics has launched technical training programmes to teach people about collaborative robotics.

The compnay held its first “collaborative robot technical training” recently for dealers and employees, and used Hyundai’s own new collaborative robot, the YL012 (main picture and below).

The training was led by researchers who are developing collaborative robots and focuses on the unique features of Hyundai cobots compared to third party products. [Read more…] about Hyundai launches technical training in collaborative robotics

Swiss Productions installs two OB7 cobots to operate their CNC mill machines

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Swiss Productions says it has gained a competitive advantage by implementing two Productive Robotics OB7 collaborative robots on their CNC mills to eliminate idle spindle time and maximize production. (See video below.)

From a family owned company that started in a 750 square foot facility and five screw machines, Swiss Productions has grown to what it is today – a high quality, precision, and reliable screw machine shop producing over 2 million parts per month to customers worldwide in the medical, electronics, aerospace, and government industries.

Located in Ventura, California, Swiss Productions today has over 50 screw machines and 30 secondary machines and produces components ranging in size from 2.5 inches in diameter down to syringe tips measuring .019 inches in diameter. [Read more…] about Swiss Productions installs two OB7 cobots to operate their CNC mill machines

Coronavirus expected to cut industrial robot revenue by more than 8 per cent this year

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By Maya Xiao of Interact Analysis

The coronavirus pandemic which has devastated economies worldwide is expected to reduce revenues in the industrial robot market by more than 8 per cent, according to a study by Interact Analysis.

“After a weak 2019, we originally expected the 2020 robot market to recover strongly, but Covid-19 changed the market revenue growth forecast from 4.8 percent to -3.6 percent,” writes Maya Xiao, automation market expert at Interact Analysis.

Global industrial robot shipments experienced negative growth for four consecutive quarters from mid-2018, she says. At the end of 2019, recovery signs appeared, and the mid-term growth rate turned positive. This turnaround happened in the context of a continued slowdown in general global manufacturing activity, which led to weak spending on machinery and automation equipment. [Read more…] about Coronavirus expected to cut industrial robot revenue by more than 8 per cent this year

Kuka supplies Webasto with production equipment for assembly of battery systems

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Kuka is supplying a robotic system for the assembly of battery systems for a company called Webasto.

Kuka says the automotive industry is resolutely driving forward in the development of electromobility.

Webasto, a supplier of systems to the automotive industry, is also entering the field of battery systems production. [Read more…] about Kuka supplies Webasto with production equipment for assembly of battery systems

MSC Industrial Supply integrates systems from Plus One Robotics at fulfillment centers

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MSC Industrial Supply is integrating Plus One Robotics systems at its fulfillment centers.

MSC is a distributor of metalworking and maintenance repair and operations products and services for industrial customers throughout North America.

The company says the partnership with Plus One Robotics will “support and enhance the efficiency” of its customer fulfillment centers. [Read more…] about MSC Industrial Supply integrates systems from Plus One Robotics at fulfillment centers

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