Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Industry

Midea planning robot bartenders and factories with no human workers in them

by

Midea, the Chinese company which acquired industrial robotics and automation systems supplier Kuka, is planning to launch robot bartenders and design factories where no humans are needed. 

Neither one of the ideas is new, since most visitors to robotics industry events may have seen at least one robotic arm pouring and serving up a drink, and fully automated factories have been much discussed for some time.

However, Midea is thought to be the world’s largest appliance maker, producing a wide range of washing machines, fridge-freezers and other gadgets for the home.  [Read more…] about Midea planning robot bartenders and factories with no human workers in them

Ingersoll Rand launches powerful new cordless torque multiplier

by

Ingersoll Rand has launched the QX Series Cordless Torque Multiplier – a high-torque fastening tool for industrial applications that achieves up to 2000 Nm of torque.

Built upon the QX Series platform, the Ingersoll Rand Cordless Torque Multiplier employs advanced technology, communication and control features to ensure accurate, repeatable bolting for torque-critical joints.

Dan Fleming, product manager at Ingersoll Rand, says: “In heavy-duty, high-risk environments like oil and gas, infrastructure construction, and power generation, the accuracy of applied torque is critical.  [Read more…] about Ingersoll Rand launches powerful new cordless torque multiplier

Tennplasco invests in Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer Robot and sees return in under four months

by

Tennplasco, a plastic injection molding company, says it solved its labor shortage and met its return on investment just three and a half months after integrating Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer into its Lafayette, Tennessee facility. 

The company says it has increased its productivity and efficiency, giving it a competitive advantage in the injection molding market.  [Read more…] about Tennplasco invests in Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer Robot and sees return in under four months

A smooth revolution: Exclusive interview with Genesis Robotics CEO

by

There’s been a lot of talk about, and tremendous interest in, Genesis Robotics because of its new invention, the LiveDrive, an actuation system which could not only revolutionise industrial robotics and automation, but could also transform automotive vehicles as well as change many other machines, devices and whole sectors. 

But for the people behind the technology, one especially interesting potential application for LiveDrive is exoskeletons and what the company calls “assistive robots”, which they see as being in virtually every home in the future.

In this exclusive and wide-ranging interview, Robotics and Automation News talks to Mike Hilton, CEO of Genesis Robotics, about its development of LiveDrive, its potential applications, as well as the company’s negotiations for the licensing of its technology as well as the possibility of an acquisition.  [Read more…] about A smooth revolution: Exclusive interview with Genesis Robotics CEO

Asian demand for actuators for industrial robots set to increase in next few years

by

The market for motors and actuators for industrial robots is forecast to increase dramatically over the next few years, according to a new report. 

The market is also set to see “intense competition”, says Technavio, which adds that key vendors are “constantly trying to provide innovative motors and actuators for industrial robot manufacturers”.

In their bid to outdo each other, vendors are said to be providing full-fledged customer services and support, as well as assisting in training the employees to operate the industrial robots.  [Read more…] about Asian demand for actuators for industrial robots set to increase in next few years

China reaching new heights in demand for industrial robots as well as making them

by

China is seeing more demand for industrial robots as well as more of the machines being built inside the country, according to a report by the Robotics industries Association. 

Annual sales in China were “the highest level ever recorded for a single country”, says RIA, adding “sales in China surged by 27 percent to 87,000 units” in 2016.

At the same time, says RIA, robot manufacturers in China have been expanding their market share within the country.  [Read more…] about China reaching new heights in demand for industrial robots as well as making them

Vertical farms in urban areas ready to grow after harvesting tons of seed money

by

Even if you’ve never heard the term before, you probably understand what “vertical farming” is. 

Unlike some buzz phrases, it sounds like what it means – farms built upwards, inside a building on multiple levels, unlike traditional farms, which occupy large, flat, single-level fields, covering thousands of acres of earth if done on an industrial scale.

The concept of vertical farms has been around a long time, but perhaps only now is the technology available to sustain the sector commercially.  [Read more…] about Vertical farms in urban areas ready to grow after harvesting tons of seed money

A3 reports record growth of robotics and automation sales in North America

by

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has revealed the results of its latest research on robotics and automation trends, sales, and growth.

As expected, many records were set in the areas of robotics, machine vision, motion control and motor technology for the first half of 2017, says A3.  [Read more…] about A3 reports record growth of robotics and automation sales in North America

WesTec returns to Los Angeles with a focus on the future of manufacturing technology and the workforce

by

WesTec returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center September 12-14. 

WesTec is a manufacturing forum presenting the latest in advanced manufacturing technology including precision machining, additive manufacturing and 3D printing, software and digital technologies, advanced materials, tooling and more.

Produced by SME and the Association For Manufacturing Technology, WesTec will showcase and provide hands-on interaction with the latest cutting-edge technologies, global industry leaders addressing the hottest topics and major manufacturing companies bringing their best products, technology and services.  [Read more…] about WesTec returns to Los Angeles with a focus on the future of manufacturing technology and the workforce