Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial robots

Epson to launch ‘WorkSense’ autonomous dual-arm industrial robot for industrial applications

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Epson has commercialized what it calls a “seeing, sensing, thinking, working” autonomous dual-arm robot that the company says “will expand the scope of automated production”.

Epson says it will roll out the new robot, named the WorkSense W-01 (main picture and video below), in stages beginning this coming winter.

The company says that, in recent years, manufacturers’ needs have grown more diverse with demand for products fluctuating sharply and a growing necessity to flexibly accommodate small-lot production and just-in-time production.  [Read more…] about Epson to launch ‘WorkSense’ autonomous dual-arm industrial robot for industrial applications

Japan responsible for robots taking over the world, says IFR

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Japan is the world’s predominant industrial robot manufacturer, according to new analysis by the International Federation of Robotics.

The production capacity of the Japanese suppliers reached 153,000 units in 2016 – the highest level ever recorded, says the IFR.

“Today, Japan’s manufacturers deliver 52 percent of the global supply,” adds the IFR.  [Read more…] about Japan responsible for robots taking over the world, says IFR

Chinese collaborative robot maker Aubo Robotics raises $9 million in funding

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A Chinese collaborative robot manufacturing startup company called Aubo has raised $9 million in funding from Fosun. 

Fosun is a conglomerate based in China with a widely diversified investment portfolio.

Fosun has previously invested in Aubo and believes the cobot maker has the potential to become a “unicorn”, a startup with a valuation of $1 billion or above.  [Read more…] about Chinese collaborative robot maker Aubo Robotics raises $9 million in funding

Collaborative industrial robot market in China forecast to grow to almost $200 million by 2020

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The market for collaborative industrial robotic arms in the Chinese industrial sector is forecast to grow to almost $200 million, according to a report on ChinaDaily.com. 

Quoting statistics in the Blue Paper of the Cobots Industry for 2017 – a report produced by Universal Robots and the Shenzhen Gaogong Industry Research Consulting Company – China Daily says the total market size for collaborative robots will exceed $196 million.

Small and medium-size businesses are expected to drive much of the growth. In total, some 12,000 units are forecast to be sold in China by 2020 – although this might sound like an understimate to some.  [Read more…] about Collaborative industrial robot market in China forecast to grow to almost $200 million by 2020

Kuka demonstrates cloud-connected robotic machining cell

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Kuka has demonstrated a cloud-connected robotic work cell which it says represents “the next step towards the production of the future”.

Kuka recently showcased many of its technologies at the China International Industry Fair for the first time since joining the Midea group.

The company is promoting what it calls its “ready2_use packages”, which the company says offers “preconfigured, coordinated application packages that can be integrated quickly and easily into an existing production facility”.  [Read more…] about Kuka demonstrates cloud-connected robotic machining cell

Universal Robots opens new repair center enabling overnight deliveries in North America

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Universal Robots, which is believed to be the first and largest manufacturer of collaborative robots, has opened a new repair centre through which it will be able to deliver its machines and components overnight. 

The 400 square metre center is adjacent to Universal Robots’ Americas headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The company says it is now ready to cover North and South America with repair services, offering overnight delivery of spare parts in North America.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots opens new repair center enabling overnight deliveries in North America

HRG Robotics shows off its ‘smarter solutions’ at China International Industry Fair

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HIT Robot Group, one of China’s leading manufacturers of robots, has been showcasing its four feature products at the recent China International Industry Fair in Shanghai.

HRG Robotics has rolled out a wide variety of industrial robotics services and showcased its top products from HRG’s diversified portfolio, including industrial robotic core components, industrial robots, smart robotics solutions and industrial robotics educational systems.

Zhu Lei, vice president of HRG Robotics, says: “China is a huge market for industrial robots and has great potential. We’ll keep pushing forward the growth of the industry, and hope to cooperate with more international partners.”  [Read more…] about HRG Robotics shows off its ‘smarter solutions’ at China International Industry Fair

Solar power industry using robotics and automation to achieve productivity gains

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The solar energy sector is seeing many advances both in the products it makes and in the way they are made. 

JinkoSolar, which claims to be the world’s largest solar photovoltaics manufacturer, says it has set a new record for solar cell efficiency.

And it has achieved this through “new applications of cutting-edge technology such as IoT devices, intelligent mobile devices, and mobile robots to its manufacturing process”.  [Read more…] about Solar power industry using robotics and automation to achieve productivity gains

Kuka launches mobile app for monitoring its robots

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Kuka has launched a mobile app for monitoring its robots. 

The app – called Kuka Connect – is available for both iOS and Android platforms.

The company says the app features push notifications, which enables real-time fault discovery and the automation of routine maintenance scheduling.  [Read more…] about Kuka launches mobile app for monitoring its robots

Hanwha Techwin shows off its new collaborative robots

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Hanwha has been showing off its new collaborative robot, which it may utilise in its various automation projects going forward.

The company recently won a contract to provide a logistics automation facility for the Nexen Tire company’s planned factory in the Czech Republic.

Hanwha says it has made inroads into robotics because it had anticipated its importance.  [Read more…] about Hanwha Techwin shows off its new collaborative robots