Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

Nissan teaches robots to make replacement parts for old cars

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Breakthrough could mean parts for discontinued models become more widely available for customers

Nissan has developed a new way to use robots to make car parts out of sheet steel, a breakthrough that could make replacement parts for discontinued models more widely available for customers.

Nissan hopes to commercialize the proprietary technique, known as dual-sided dieless forming. The technique involves two synchronized robots working from opposite sides of a steel sheet, using diamond-coated tools to gradually shape the steel.

Thanks to its flexible production, short lead times and minimal upfront costs, the new technique could make it commercially viable to produce and sell a wide variety of after-service and replacement parts in small volumes for cars that Nissan no longer makes. [Read more…] about Nissan teaches robots to make replacement parts for old cars

Goudsmit Magnetics improves its gripper for picking up sheet metal

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Goudsmit Magnetics has unveiled its new and improved magnetic gripper for the automated pick-up, placement or positioning of steel or other ferromagnetic objects.

The company says the end effector is ideal for removing sheet metal from presses, de-stacking products from boxes (bin picking), assembling steel parts or handling of punched steel parts, blanks and perforated steel sheets in robotic applications.

The ultralight magnetic gripper is fitted with strong permanent neodymium magnets and is therefore extra safe. It can be used in grippers on robot arms. [Read more…] about Goudsmit Magnetics improves its gripper for picking up sheet metal

Doosan Robotics showcases ‘next generation’ collaborative robots at China fair

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Doosan Robotics has been showcasing the “next generation” of collaborative robots at one of the largest industrial trade fairs in China.

Doosan introduced what the company described as “the world’s most adaptive lineup of collaborative robots”.

The Doosan launch took place at the China International Industry Fair (CIIF) 2019, which took place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai last week. [Read more…] about Doosan Robotics showcases ‘next generation’ collaborative robots at China fair

IFR report: Global investment in industrial robots reaches record $16.5 billion

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The new World Robotics report, released by the International Federation of Robotics, shows an annual global sales value of $16.5 billion in 2018 – a new record.

At least 422,000 units were shipped globally in 2018 – an increase of 6 percent compared to the previous year.

IFR forecasts shipments in 2019 will recede from the record level in 2018, but expects an average growth of 12 percent per year from 2020 to 2022. [Read more…] about IFR report: Global investment in industrial robots reaches record $16.5 billion

Record sales of collaborative robots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

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With a growth of 23 percent in annual installations of collaborative robots from 2017 to 2018, the new World Robotics Report, published by International Federation of Robotics, shows a huge demand for end-of-arm-tooling, (EoAT).

In 2018 almost 14,000 new cobot arms were installed, and if this trend continues, that number will double in approximately three years, prompting an unprecedented EoAT market opportunity that OnRobot is ready to address.

For the first time ever, the annual World Robotics Report includes a specific analysis on the market for cobots, documenting a robust 23 percent growth worldwide. [Read more…] about Record sales of collaborative robots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

Universal Robots launches ‘Service360’ customer support

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Universal Robots has launched Service360, a new support service offering which the company says “enhances performance, increases uptime and mitigates risk through seamless collaboration”.

Chris Wilson, vice president of service, Universal Robots, says: “Our customers are at the center of everything. Now, we’re empowering them to proactively monitor, optimize and safeguard cobot performance with enhanced support and preventative maintenance.

“Service360 protects production lines, maximizes uptime, reduces risk and enables success by ensuring manufactures are prepared for the unexpected.” [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches ‘Service360’ customer support

Smart factories driving industrial robot controller market

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The growth of the global industrial robot controller market is being sustained and driven by the accelerating activity in factory automation, according to a report by FMI.

FMI’s research shows that the industrial robot controller market valued at approximately $632.6 million in 2018 and is projected to increase at a growth of 9.1 percent between the projected period of 2019 and 2029.

As per the findings of the report, the global industrial robot controller market is anticipated to see substantial growth over the forecast period.

This is set in motion by increase in the adoption of human machine interaction, data and cloud capabilities boosting hardware control, and optimization of industrial robot cost. [Read more…] about Smart factories driving industrial robot controller market

Robot end-effector market forecast to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025

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The global market for robot end-effectors is forecast to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025, according to research done by Global Market Insights.

The revenue of Robot End-Effector Market crossed $2.5 billion in the year 2018 and is predicted to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025, growing at 14 percent between the years 2019 and 2025.

The advent of industry 4.0 in manufacturing industry which includes the inclusion of technological trends such as cloud robotics, automation, cyber-physical systems, big data, and IoT is driving the demand for advanced end-effectors. [Read more…] about Robot end-effector market forecast to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025

Epson to showcase its latest robots at Pack Expo

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Epson Robots will be showcasing the latest 6-axis and SCARA robots as well as its integrated parts feeding solutions at Pack Expo Las Vegas.

Epson will also lead a discussion on how to plan and implement automation projects.

6-axis robots

Thanks to their SlimLine design, Epson 6-axis robots can save on valuable factory floor space and fit where other robots cannot – with no compromise to performance, speed and reach. [Read more…] about Epson to showcase its latest robots at Pack Expo

Universal Robots reports sales of 37,000 units and launches new collaborative robot

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Universal Robots has launched a new collaborative robot with a higher payload capacity than the other three currently in its range – the new one has a 16 kg payload capability.

The company says its new UR16e expands collaborative robot solutions, adding heavy payload capability for manufacturers seeking to accelerate automation.

Universal Robots is the largest collaborative robot manufacturer in the world, having sold more units than other companies in the category. [Read more…] about Universal Robots reports sales of 37,000 units and launches new collaborative robot