Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

Universal Robots partners with DLL to launch financial services leasing program

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Universal Robots, the largest collaborative robot manufacturer in the world, has launched a new cobot leasing program in partnership with DLL, a global vendor finance company.

The new agreement enables all manufacturers, regardless of size or capital equipment budgets, to reap the benefits of automation without worrying about cash flow and seasonal fluctuations.

Klaus Vestergaard, CFO at Universal Robots, says: “We’re leveling the playing field by enabling all manufacturers to immediately put cobots to work without an upfront capital investment. [Read more…] about Universal Robots partners with DLL to launch financial services leasing program

Productive Robotics updates software for its collaborative robots

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Productive Robotics has launched updated software for its range of OB7 collaborative robots, adding “more than 50 features” to the system.

The company says the software update enhances OB7’s connectivity, allowing for efficient integration with other equipment and for easily accessible status monitoring.

Zac Bogart, president and CEO of Productive Robotics, says: “Productive Robotics has been an innovation leader in collaborative robotics developing next-generation technology to differentiate itself in the market. [Read more…] about Productive Robotics updates software for its collaborative robots

Fanuc showcases its robotic technologies at CES for the first time

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Fanuc, the world’s leading supplier of robotics, CNCs, Robomachines and industrial internet-of-things solutions, has been showcasing its technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show for the first time.

After nearly 40 years of providing robots and automation for manufacturing, Fanuc says it is experiencing “rapid growth in consumer-oriented and service markets including e-commerce and warehousing, food preparation, agriculture and entertainment”.

At CES, Fanuc offered visitors the opportunity to interact with its robots in a wide range of demonstrations and contests including a selfie station, a voice-activated gift selection, hand-guided robot programming, and speed and dexterity challenges. [Read more…] about Fanuc showcases its robotic technologies at CES for the first time

Omron showcases new industrial robot with built-in AI

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Omron has demonstrated a new industrial robot with built-in artificial intelligence at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The automation giant says its Omron i4 “next generation industrial robot” possesses embedded AI for predictive maintenance.

This self-diagnosing robot detects and communicates when it needs repairs and routine maintenance, adds Omron. [Read more…] about Omron showcases new industrial robot with built-in AI

Universal Robots sells almost 40,000 units

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Universal Robots has sold almost 40,000 units to date, but says the market for collaborative robots remains “largely untapped”.

The company started selling its collaborative robots more than 10 years ago, and has become the leader in a category which it effectively created.

At the time, collaborative robots were unheard of, and industrial robots were always thought of as big, powerful machines which needed to be caged off in case of danger to human workers. [Read more…] about Universal Robots sells almost 40,000 units

ABB launches new robot and controller

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ABB is introducing a new harsh environment version of its IRB 1100 robot and OmniCore controller, designed with enhanced protection against water and dust.

The entire body of the new IRB 1100 model has an IP67 rating, with all electrical components sealed against contaminants.

This makes it resistant to water and provides the robot with “complete protection from dust ingress”, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches new robot and controller

Hitachi completes acquisition of JR Automation

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Hitachi has completed the acquisition of the robotic system integration business mainly operated by JR Automation from funds managed by Crestview Partners.

The agreement to acquire JR Automation was announced on April 23, 2019 and the companies have now brought this deal to a successful conclusion.

JR Automation and Hitachi have been closely engaged throughout the integration process leading to the closing, working together to ensure a “seamless transition” for their customers. [Read more…] about Hitachi completes acquisition of JR Automation

OptiPro uses New Scale Robotics system to inspect small parts

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OptiPro Metrology Lab is using a system supplied by New Scale Robotics to inspect small parts. (See video below.)

The optics manufacturer is using New Scale’s Q-Span technology, based on its “precision gripper / caliper”, to automate measurement and machine tending.

The optics measuring solution involves a collaborative robot from Universal Robots and end effectors developed by New Scale. [Read more…] about OptiPro uses New Scale Robotics system to inspect small parts

How to Choose A Gripper for Your Collaborative Robot

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Most modern robots are built with both affordability and practicality in mind. This is because there is work that robots can do really well, and there are some simple things that human beings can do better than robots.

It is for this reason that collaborative robots have gained popularity in all major industries – robots that work alongside humans to not only increase productivity, but also safety in facilities.

Collaborative robots can be programmed to do almost any task. [Read more…] about How to Choose A Gripper for Your Collaborative Robot

Fanuc says its new robot ‘raises the bar’ in collaborative technology

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Fanuc, the world’s largest supplier of industrial robots, says its new robot “raises the bar” in collaborative technology.

Fanuc says its new CRX-10iA and CRX-10iA/L long arm version collaborative robots “set new standards in terms of ease of use, reliability and safety”.

Fanuc introduced the new collaborative robots at the 2019 International Robot Exhibition, in Tokyo, recently. [Read more…] about Fanuc says its new robot ‘raises the bar’ in collaborative technology