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Industrial robots

Universal Robots and ARC Specialties launch MIG welding system at FabTech

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Universal Robots and ARC Specialties have launched their MIG welding system at FabTech 2017 in Chicago.

The companies say SnapWeld Collaborative Robotic Welding features “seamless hardware and software integration” through the Universal Robots+ product platform.

Universal says SnapWeld gives small job shops struggling with the budget, programming and space requirements of traditional welding robots an alternative solution.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots and ARC Specialties launch MIG welding system at FabTech

Kuka wins ‘major’ contracts worth $75 million from US automotive manufacturer

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Kuka Systems has received three major new systems contracts from “a leading manufacturer of premium vehicles in the US”, according to the company.

The projects comprise the engineering and construction of systems to build vehicles body structures in the USA and Mexico, says Kuka.

Kuka estimates the order value to be approximately $75 million, and says it was booked in the third quarter of 2017. Start of production is planned for mid-2019.  [Read more…] about Kuka wins ‘major’ contracts worth $75 million from US automotive manufacturer

Ready Robotics’ TaskMate system being used by Stanley Black & Decker

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Company claims Stanley Black & Decker set up its TaskMate system “in one day”

Ready Robotics’ ready-made automation system – which it says can be set up made operational within a day – is being utilised by Stanley Black & Decker.

Ready Robotics says the solution is “the first fully-integrated robotic system capable of being deployed in hours”.

The unit incorporates an “enterprise-ready” hardware and software platform that makes it dramatically easier for large-scale factories to deploy robotic automation in one day, says Ready Robotics. [Read more…] about Ready Robotics’ TaskMate system being used by Stanley Black & Decker

Novarc Technologies to showcase ‘world’s first collaborative welding robot’ at FabTech

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Novarc Technologies, a Vancouver-based robotics company specializing in the design and commercialization of collaborative robots for industrial applications, says it will be introducing “the world’s first welding collaborative robot” at FabTech.

The company says this is a “groundbreaking step” because, for the pipe welding industry, it demonstrates that robots can enable companies to meet production requirements even where there isn’t a sufficient skilled workforce available.

Novarc says its collaborative robot will be initially available for exclusive demonstration at FabTech, booth #B25100. (A previous Novarc welding system is shown in the picture above.) [Read more…] about Novarc Technologies to showcase ‘world’s first collaborative welding robot’ at FabTech

Chinese companies bought 80 per cent more robots from Japan this year, says report

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Chinese companies bought 80 per cent more industrial robots in the period from July to September 2017 than they did in the same period last year. 

This is according to the Japan Robot Association, which released a range of statistics which suggest that Chinese manufacturers of smartphones and other electronics products are turning to Japanese companies for their automation requirements.

JRA has yet to release the full report for the period, but Nikkei reports that the association’s members shipped robots valued at a total of $1.72 billion.  [Read more…] about Chinese companies bought 80 per cent more robots from Japan this year, says report

ABB to showcase ‘broad range’ of welding technologies at FabTech 2017

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ABB says it will feature “a broad range of advanced robotic welding technology designed to enhance safety, quality and productivity” at FabTech 2017

Metal Fabricators of all sizes are adopting robotic automation to maximize throughput, reduce costs and remove people from repetitive tasks and challenging environments.

The exhibit highlights the elevated level of collaboration, digitalization and simplification unique to ABB, which helps achieve these goals while providing fabricators the flexibility to efficiently adapt production as manufacturing continues to trend from mass production to mass customization.

Collaboration comes in the form of YuMi, ABB’s dual-arm collaborative robot that can operate very closely with humans due to its “inherently safe construction”, according to ABB, and is specifically designed to meet the flexible and agile production needs of small parts assembly and material handling applications.  [Read more…] about ABB to showcase ‘broad range’ of welding technologies at FabTech 2017

As good as a lifelong guarantee: Interview with Fanuc America boss

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Exclusive interview with Neil Dueweke, general manager, automotive new domestic and automotive components group, Fanuc America

Industrial robotics and automation is a complex area for a someone with no background in engineering or any related disciplines. 

Which is why it’s always interesting to ask for the observations of experts who work within the sector.

Fanuc has a greater number of industrial robots installed worldwide than any other company – some 400,000 at last count. By that measure, it’s the biggest industrial robot company in the world.

And as Neil Dueweke (main picture), general manager, automotive new domestic and automotive components group, Fanuc America, explains in this exclusive interview with Robotics and Automation News, installation is by no means the end of the relationship with a customer.  [Read more…] about As good as a lifelong guarantee: Interview with Fanuc America boss

Fanuc reports more than 40 per cent increase in profits on strength of China sales

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The world’s largest industrial robot manufacturer, Fanuc, says its profits have increased by more than 40 per cent as a result of strong demand from China, according to a report on Nikkei. 

The company is currently reporting its financial performance for the six-month period up to September.

It says its profits for the period were $750 million, which is more than a 42 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.  [Read more…] about Fanuc reports more than 40 per cent increase in profits on strength of China sales

Top Chinese robot maker Siasun reports revenue increase of 82 per cent

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Siasun Robot & Automation Company, which claims it is China’s leading industrial robot manufacturer, has reported a revenue increase of 82 per cent for the period from July to September, compared with the same period last year. 

Siasun says in its filing that the company’s third-quarter revenue “surged this year as it benefited from China’s industrial rally”.

ShanghaiDaily.com, which is reporting the story, adds that Siasun generated annual growth of 50 per cent in new orders of its industrial robots and for its logistics offerings since December last year.  [Read more…] about Top Chinese robot maker Siasun reports revenue increase of 82 per cent