Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

The evolution of the industrial robotic arm and how humanoids might make it go extinct

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Industrial robotic arms have been a cornerstone of manufacturing since their inception in the mid-20th century.

From the earliest iterations like the Unimate to today’s sensor-packed collaborative robots, these mechanical arms have transformed industries, defined automation, and become a symbol of industrial efficiency.

But as humanoid robots emerge as a potential competitor, the future of robotic arms is more uncertain than ever. This article delves into their evolution, market growth, and the challenges they face in maintaining their dominance. [Read more…] about The evolution of the industrial robotic arm and how humanoids might make it go extinct

Will humanoid robots make industrial robotic arms obsolete?

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Two of the biggest trends we have noticed and covered over the past seven years or so since we started this website have been what are called “autonomous mobile robots”, or AMRs, and collaborative robotic arms, or “cobots”, which are different from traditional robotic arms in that they do not need to be kept separate and can be used much like power tools.

Traditional industrial robotic arms were generally too dangerous to be too close to. They don’t know you’re there and have the power to cause injury or death if they make contact with you in the course of doing their job.

But even these “traditional” industrial robots have increasingly become more collaborative through, for example, being installed with sensors to detect human presence or touch, and stop when they might cause harm. [Read more…] about Will humanoid robots make industrial robotic arms obsolete?

One Equity Partners buys controlling stake in Comau

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One Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm, has completed a majority investment in Comau, making Stellantis – one of the world’s largest automakers and the previous owner of Comau – an active minority shareholder.

Comau is a global technology company specializing in industrial automation and advanced robotics.

As previously communicated, Comau’s executive chairman Alessandro Nasi, and CEO Pietro Gorlier will continue leading the company and its future growth. The executive management team will also retain their current positions. [Read more…] about One Equity Partners buys controlling stake in Comau

Universal Robots to host ‘largest collaborative robot conference and trade show’ in North America

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Collaborative robots (cobots) are the fastest-growing segment of industrial automation with the global market forecasted a skyrocketing 20+ percent growth through 2028.

As the market leader and pioneer of collaborative robotics, Universal Robots (UR) is at the forefront of transforming the way cobots work, helping businesses unlock new levels of productivity, efficiency, and innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

The company says it will hold the nation’s largest cobot conference and trade show, Collaborate North America 2025, which takes place in Novi, Michigan, January 28, 2025 and is free to attend. [Read more…] about Universal Robots to host ‘largest collaborative robot conference and trade show’ in North America

Mantis Robotics raises $5 million to develop ‘human-centric robots’

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Mantis Robotics, a pioneer in “physical AI” for robotic automation, has secured $5 million in new investments led by Emerald Technology Ventures with participation from the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund.

This cash infusion will enable Mantis Robotics to scale its operations, enhance its product portfolio, and expand its presence in the rapidly growing industrial robotics market.

Mantis has entered the next frontier in robotics by creating the first adaptive, human-centered robots. The company makes industrial robotic arms that are inherently safe for human interaction, eliminating the need for costly and complex external safeguards such as fences or laser barriers. [Read more…] about Mantis Robotics raises $5 million to develop ‘human-centric robots’

ABB invests in ESS to ‘reduce costs and emissions for automotive paint shops’

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ABB has entered into a strategic collaboration with Austria-based Engineering Software Steyr (ESS) to develop powerful simulation tools that will transform automotive paint shop operations while reducing costs by up to 30 percent.

As part of the collaboration, ABB will take a minority investment in ESS. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed.

“Delivering faster and more energy efficient solutions for the paint process is the final piece of the puzzle in digitalizing the manufacturing transition in the automotive industry,” said Marc Segura, President, ABB Robotics division. [Read more…] about ABB invests in ESS to ‘reduce costs and emissions for automotive paint shops’

Kuka establishes new software and digital business segment

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The long-established German-based automation company Kuka, which is known worldwide for its orange industrial robots and automation solutions, is expanding its software and digital operations, and establishing a new business unit called Kuka Digital.

The company’s goal is the end-to-end digitalization of a wide range of machines and systems in production, from the first 3D simulation to connectivity and data analysis through to the use of artificial intelligence.

Software is playing an increasingly important role in mechanical engineering. What used to be mostly solved mechanically is now done by electronics and the associated software.

[Read more…] about Kuka establishes new software and digital business segment

Dürr unveils new painting technology for vehicles

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Industrial robotics company Dürr has unveiled new painting technology for vehicles.

Dürr’s latest development enables mixed 2-component paint systems to be fed directly in the return system within the atomiser for the first time.

This eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions in the paint booth during flushing processes and colour changes. The new solution has been successfully deployed in two top coat lines for over a year.

[Read more…] about Dürr unveils new painting technology for vehicles

Fanuc launches new ‘heavyweight’ industrial robot

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Fanuc, a world leader in industrial robotics and factory automation, has introduced the M-950iA “heavyweight industrial robot”, capable of lifting 500 kg – including automotive components, construction materials and EV battery packs.

Fitting perfectly between Fanuc’s M-900iB and M-1000iA families, the serial-link structured M-950iA/500 offers a much wider range of motion than standard parallel-link robots, offering flexibility that easily adapts to tight workspaces and variable layouts.

A high-rigidity design makes it suited for payloads up to 500 kg and its reach of 2,830 mm is paired with an impressive range of motion on the robot’s J3 axis, allowing it to flip over backwards. [Read more…] about Fanuc launches new ‘heavyweight’ industrial robot

MiR to unveil new ‘mobile collaborative robot’ at Madrid trade show

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Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) has unveiled its new innovation – the MC600 mobile collaborative robot (cobot), the latest addition to its growing list of MiR Go Approved products.

The new machine probably fits the new and distinct category of “industrial mobile robot”, or IMR, as defined in the relevant ANSI/RIA standard.

Capable of handling payloads up to 600 kg (1322 lbs), the MC600 combines the MiR600 mobile robot base with the UR20/UR30 collaborative robot arms from Universal Robots (UR) to automate complex workflows in industrial environments.

[Read more…] about MiR to unveil new ‘mobile collaborative robot’ at Madrid trade show