Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Industry

Robotics-as-a-Service market growing in the logistics industry

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Between 6 percent and 8 percent of total revenue in the mobile robotics for logistics market comes from Robotics-as-a-Service, according to research company IDTechEx.

X-as-a-Service business models are now commonplace in the industry, involving the delivery of a specific service rather than a product to perform the service.

The most significant change in models such as this is the replacement of a proportionally very large up-front product price with a billing structure that is based on the services performed as the product itself. [Read more…] about Robotics-as-a-Service market growing in the logistics industry

Amazon launches $1 billion industrial innovation fund

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Amazon is investing $1 billion into the industrial sector to “spur supply chain, fulfillment, and logistics innovation and further improve the customer and employee experience”.

The $1 billion venture investment program is called the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund (AIIF).

As customers increasingly shop online and look for even faster delivery, Amazon says it is continuing to invent new ways to raise the bar on customer and employee experience while working with other companies focused on those fields. [Read more…] about Amazon launches $1 billion industrial innovation fund

New Scale Robotics releases Q-Span to automate measurement inspection

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New Scale Robotics’ new Q-Span Gauging System enables do-it-yourself automation using existing gauges and workflows.

Quality teams in high-mix, small-batch manufacturing operations can improve throughput and process control by eliminating the bottlenecks and variability inherent in manual gauging.

The mobile workstation combines robotic part handling, automated gauging using a variety of standard gauges, real-time reporting for in-process gauging, and automated data collection. Input from multiple gauges is combined into one convenient output for statistical process control. [Read more…] about New Scale Robotics releases Q-Span to automate measurement inspection

Edson unveils robotic system for towel and tissue industry

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Edson has unveiled a new robotic top-load case packer aimed at small to midsized companies that manufacture a variety of SKUs within the away-from-home towel and tissue industry.

Edson’s new 4000TL-Robotic will be debuting the new 4000TL-Robotic on March 16-18 in booth D10 at Tissue World Miami.

The 4000TL-Robotic is a cost-effective machine that uses a Fanuc M-710iC/50 FP robot to provide a flexible top-load case packer with different end-of-arm tool options to efficiently handle specific applications. [Read more…] about Edson unveils robotic system for towel and tissue industry

SICK unveils intelligent solution for safe object differentiation and identification on conveying solutions and packaging machines

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With the introduction of the deTec4 Smart Box Detection access protection system from SICK, secondary packaging machines in the end-of-line area, top and side loaders, or sorter and ejector modules can now be operated in a safe and user-friendly manner.

With the help of a reliable pattern detection logic, Smart Box Detection can safely differentiate rectangular objects, such as boxes, from people and body parts in the inlet and outlet zones of packaging machines or logistics conveying systems.

This allows the boxes to be transported continuously without any stops into and out of fenced in machines. [Read more…] about SICK unveils intelligent solution for safe object differentiation and identification on conveying solutions and packaging machines

Panasonic launches new factory automation systems

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Panasonic Factory Solutions Europe has introduced its NPM G Series, an integrated range of Surface Mounted Technology production systems designed to respond in real-time to customer supply and demand changes through continuous, autonomous updates – helping to make the autonomous factory a reality.

The Panasonic NPM G Series offers flexibility and customisable options to address production needs and extend automation in manufacturing.

Many production sites still rely on their employee’s knowledge and manpower – the so called 5M (Human, Machine, Material, Method, Measurement) method. The new Panasonic NPM G Series uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated production to improve the process. [Read more…] about Panasonic launches new factory automation systems

Can You Automate a Diaphragm Liquid Pump?

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A diaphragm liquid pump can still be automated even if it doesn’t use electric motors to produce torque power and rotation to move or pump the fluids. It’s often employed to move flammable fluids that shouldn’t be exposed, such as chemicals, paint, or other substances.

Companies that need to pump flammable fluids often refrain from using electric motors because these motors might cause a spark to fluids, like petroleum fuel, gas, or other combustible chemicals. [Read more…] about Can You Automate a Diaphragm Liquid Pump?

Non-Destructive Testing: How to Test Conductivity for Metal

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1. What is Conductivity for Metal?

Simply put, the conductivity of a metal is its ability to conduct and transmit electric current. This ability is enhanced by its symmetrical structure.

However, what conducts and transmits this electric current are the free electrons that move within the nodes of its symmetrical grid structures of atoms that exist internally. [Read more…] about Non-Destructive Testing: How to Test Conductivity for Metal

Why Are Servo Motors Used So Widely in Robotics?

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Servo motors will always come up when the topics of robotics and automation are discussed. Servo motors are useful in applications where precise positioning, power, and torque are required.

Almost all industries have some form of automation and robotics used in different processes, with robotics especially having lots of advantages and applications. But why do servo motors fit these applications so well, and why are they so widely used? [Read more…] about Why Are Servo Motors Used So Widely in Robotics?

How to Handle Failing Car Parts

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Nobody wants car parts to fail, but vehicle owners don’t always have control over what happens with their cars. They can keep the rides properly maintained to prevent some issues, but car parts can still break down.

Therefore, the question you should probably be asking yourself is, “How will you handle failing car parts when they creep into the picture?”

Unfortunately, these incidents typically happen at the most inopportune times. For instance, if you plan a road trip with your significant other, don’t be surprised if an engine component decides to go kaput. The point is that you need to try and be prepared for dilemmas, and that is where these tips can be of assistance. [Read more…] about How to Handle Failing Car Parts