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Rethink Robotics releases new industrial robot software development kit

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Rethink Robotics has launched the Sawyer Software Development Kit, a software upgrade designed for researchers and students to build and test programs on the Sawyer robot.

With a wide range of uses for university research teams and corporate research and development laboratories around the world, Sawyer SDK offers further compatibility with ROS and Open Source robotics tools, as well as an affordable solution to increase access to advanced robotics in the classroom.

Sawyer SDK includes several advanced features that allow users to visualize and control how the robot interacts with its environment.  [Read more…] about Rethink Robotics releases new industrial robot software development kit

GreyOrange to showcase expanded AI-powered Butler range at LogiMat 2018

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Robotics and supply chain automation company GreyOrange will launch its new goods-to-person Butler XL at LogiMat 2018.

The Butler XL can handle a payload of 1600 kgs (3500 lbs) including pallets, drums and sacks. Designed to work in tandem with the current Butler system, this makes it easy to add its new capabilities to existing operations.

The new robotics system will support multi-floor operations with the integration of an elevator. This provides greater flexibility to optimize handling of inventory across a facility.

[Read more…] about GreyOrange to showcase expanded AI-powered Butler range at LogiMat 2018

Cobots set to become fastest growing robotics sector

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ABI Research, a market-foresight advisory firm providing guidance on the most transformative technologies, has identified collaborative robotics as one of the fastest growing segments of robotic systems.

Small-to-medium sized businesses are driving the increased demand for collaborative robots, as cobots provide solutions that allow for a more flexible kind of manufacturing that makes no assumptions as to volume levels or types of products being manufactured.

From 2016 to 2025, the global revenue of collaborative robotics shipments is set to enjoy a compound average growth rate of 49.8 per cent, compared to 12.1 per cent for Industrial robots and 23.2 per cent for commercial robotics.

[Read more…] about Cobots set to become fastest growing robotics sector

Pratt & Whitney ups production at advanced factory in Singapore

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Pratt & Whitney is increasing production at its first advanced manufacturing facility in Singapore, operated by P&W NGPF Manufacturing Company Singapore Pte Ltd, a joint venture with Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.

Using adaptive machining and cutting-edge automated inspection systems, as well as the latest in advanced manufacturing tools and processes, the facility’s production of fan blades and turbine disks has steadily increased since its official opening in 2016.

The facility operates two manufacturing lines delivering fan blades and high-pressure turbine disks for GTF engines. Full production capacity for the plant is expected to be achieved by early 2019.

[Read more…] about Pratt & Whitney ups production at advanced factory in Singapore

Red Lion Controls integrates to Ignition SCADA IoT platform

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Red Lion Controls, a communication, monitoring and control company for industrial automation and networking, has released firmware 4.28 for its family of RAM industrial routers and cellular RTUs, increasing the number of IIoT platforms available for integration.

The upgrade features connectivity to Ignition by Inductive Automation, an industrial application platform for SCADA and IIoT solutions, via the industry-standard Sparkplug MQTT profile, as well as enhancements to RAMQTT, Red Lion’s MQTT client.

RAMQTT simplifies implementations with pre-configured profiles for AT&T M2X, Amazon AWS IoT, Cumulocity, Microsoft Azure, Nokia Impact, and Telenor Connexion. [Read more…] about Red Lion Controls integrates to Ignition SCADA IoT platform

Rethink Robotics signs up 11 new distributors in Europe and North America

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Rethink Robotics has signed deals with 11 new distributors throughout North America and Europe, building on its existing global network of channel partners.

The new relationships expand Rethink’s presence in North America and Europe to include the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Romania and Turkey.

The new channel partners will all carry Rethink’s Sawyer robot, which is powered by Intera 5.2.  [Read more…] about Rethink Robotics signs up 11 new distributors in Europe and North America

Framos presents logistics automation solutions at Logimat

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Image processing is one of the key technologies in automation and digitization. With the focus on dimensioning, classification and sorting intelligence, imaging specialist Framos will exhibit its range of logistics technologies and products at Logimat trade fair this March in Stuttgart, Germany.

Framos will showcase a new generation of cognitive systems powered by Intel®’s RealSense™ Technology, which adds human like sensing and intelligence to devices and machines.

The technology enables a complete new generation of logistics applications in the growing fields of drones, robots, virtual and augmented reality, mobile products and other segments.

[Read more…] about Framos presents logistics automation solutions at Logimat

Automatic shoe production system launched

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SoftWear Automation has announced the newest SEWBOT workline is available for global pre-order. The Digital Footwear Upper Workline expands the patented SEWBOT Pick-Place-Sew automation for fully-automated shoe uppers.

In 2017, the SoftWear Automation team went to Waalwijk, Netherlands to speak on the future of footwear. Waalwijk is a small Dutch town with more than 400 related footwear businesses including a tannery.

It used to be the global epicenter for footwear given its proximity to the world’s largest port, dense forests and endless cows. Today, retail is almost all that’s left there. It’s a familiar story in manufacturing where jobs go to the lowest wage providers.

[Read more…] about Automatic shoe production system launched

Electrolux to invest $500 million in US product innovation and manufacturing

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Home appliance giant Electrolux Group is planning total investments of approximately $500 million in its US manufacturing operations. 

The company says it is stepping up a strategic initiative to drive profitable growth in North America with new lines of “innovative products”.

The company also said it will consolidate freezer production into its Anderson, South Carolina refrigeration facility. [Read more…] about Electrolux to invest $500 million in US product innovation and manufacturing

Open Mind partners with Heidenhain to provide ‘exclusive first-use’ virtual machining

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Open Mind Technologies, a provider of computer-aided manufacturing software, has partnered with Heidenhain TNC controls to provide exclusive first use of their new numerical control code-based simulation solution, hyperMill virtual machining.

The Connected Machining module allows networked Heidenhain TNC controls to be run from remote locations, a key component for digital production systems.

The new simulation solution is available with the hyperMill 2018.1 release.  [Read more…] about Open Mind partners with Heidenhain to provide ‘exclusive first-use’ virtual machining