Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

Japanese industrial robot sales increase by 34 per cent on strong demand from China

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The Chinese government may be encouraging domestic companies to develop more advanced technologies, but for now, the country’s manufacturers are turning to established industrial robot manufacturers abroad.

Japan, being one of the leading industrial robot manufacturing nations in the world, is expecting a 10 per cent increase in orders over the course of this year, according to figures released by the Japan Robot Association.

Jara’s latest data covers the period from October to December 2017, and show that the country’s industrial robot makers produced a total of 53,918 units, valued at about $1.7 billion.  [Read more…] about Japanese industrial robot sales increase by 34 per cent on strong demand from China

Epson Robots to show solutions for factory automation at ATX West

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Epson Robots will be showcasing its robotics solutions for a wide variety of applications in factory automation at the Automation Technology show, ATX West.

The showcase will feature the new T3 All-in-One SCARA robot, the Flexion™ N2 6-Axis robot as well other high-precision robots for small parts assembly in industries ranging from automotive and medical development, to lab automation, consumer electronics, electronic components and industrial.

Epson will also lead a discussion on how to get started on automation.

[Read more…] about Epson Robots to show solutions for factory automation at ATX West

China’s manufacturing heartland to integrate 20,000 more robots

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Communist Chinese government propaganda mouthpiece Xinhua is reporting that another 20,000 industrial robots will be installed in the country’s manufacturing heartland, Guangdong Province. 

Quoting Guangdong governor, Ma Xingrui, the state news agency says the robots are to be integrated into operations by the end of this year.

The move is part of a drive by the national government to modernise the country’s industrial infrastructure under the “Made in China 2025” policy.  [Read more…] about China’s manufacturing heartland to integrate 20,000 more robots

Universal and Apex set to launch collaborative robot-assisted palletising

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Universal Robots and Apex Motion Control will launch the Zero Footprint Palletizer (ZFP) at the ATX West show in Anaheim, California, USA, this February. Collaborative robots – or cobots – can now automate some of the most common manufacturing tasks in the industry.

The ZFP is for mid-rate production at a maximum load of 18 lbs. The system can be deployed throughout a facility and fits right into existing packaging lines without modification, replacing manual palletizing operations in minutes.

Universal Robots’ UR10 cobot has been integrated with the ZFP, combining the full functionality of the robot with a vertical 7th axis swing system with the ability to stack on each side, supporting North American pallet sizing.

[Read more…] about Universal and Apex set to launch collaborative robot-assisted palletising

China’s HIT Robot Group launches joint venture with South Korea’s Golden Jumping Group

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Chinese manufacturer of industrial robots HIT Robot Group is partnering with South Korea’s Golden Jumping Group to expand both companies’ businesses in each other’s countries. 

The deal will see the establishment of a joint venture company in Pohang, South Korea, and a new HRG office is also planned for the country, according to China Money Network.

The two companies say they will co-operate with local governments and research and educational institutions both in China and in South Korea.  [Read more…] about China’s HIT Robot Group launches joint venture with South Korea’s Golden Jumping Group

Estun Automation starts production of industrial robots in China

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A Chinese industrial machinery manufacturer called Estun Automation has started production of industrial robots at the company’s newly built facility in Nanjing, China, according to Xinhua. 

The state news agency says Estun’s new plant has the capacity to produce 9,000 industrial robots and pieces of equipment a year.

The agency says the facility was co-designed by Estun and German manufacturing giant Bosch through its Rexroth division.  [Read more…] about Estun Automation starts production of industrial robots in China

Yaskawa Motoman sells 60,000 more robots since last count

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Yaskawa has sold 60,000 Motoman industrial robots since Robotics and Automation News last did a count. 

The company has been commenting on its tremendous success in recent months, saying that in China it has received so many orders it is having to expand its facilities.

Yaskawa, which is a Japan-headquartered company, says it is increasing its production capacity by 25 per cent in China.   [Read more…] about Yaskawa Motoman sells 60,000 more robots since last count

Astounding growth at Universal Robots sees company sell 20,000 industrial robots

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Universal Robots, one of the first companies to launch a collaborative industrial robot, says it has sold 10,000 more units since Robotics and Automation News last did a count. 

In a statement to the website, a spokesperson for the company says while Robotics and Automation News has been reporting that it has so far sold 10,000 units, the actual, most recent figure is in fact 20,000.

This means that if each robot is sold for between $23,000 and $45,000 then the company has generated additional revenues of between $230 million and $450 million since last count.  [Read more…] about Astounding growth at Universal Robots sees company sell 20,000 industrial robots

Nachi-Fujikoshi profits increase by 44 per cent, led by strong demand for industrial robots

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Nachi-Fujikoshi, one of the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturers, is believed to have increased its profits by 44 per cent. 

The industrial robots segment is said to have grown by more than 50 per cent and now accounts for more than 10 per cent of sales.

Nikkei says the earnings jump was due to growing demand for factory automation equipment, especially from China.  [Read more…] about Nachi-Fujikoshi profits increase by 44 per cent, led by strong demand for industrial robots

30 industrial robot manufacturers to watch

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2018 looks all set to be a bumper year for sales of industrial robot arms across all categories – from the large, heavyweight class right down to the small desktop variety. 

With established robot makers expanding their range, and with new startups launching innovative new models, the market is more dynamic than ever.

Oversupply may be a problem going forward, especially as Chinese robot manufacturers step up their production, but even including the new companies entering the market, the number of industry-standard robot makers worldwide is relatively small.  [Read more…] about 30 industrial robot manufacturers to watch