Robotics & Automation News

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Intelligent multi-camera system for quality control of vaccine bottles

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Combating the Covid-19 pandemic is at the top of the global agenda. Around the world, efforts are being made to supply the population with vaccine as quickly as possible. But providing around 8 billion doses – at least one for every person in the world – is no easy task.

Glass vials are a crucial factor in the delivery of the billions of doses of vaccine. About 50 billion of them are produced worldwide every year. Currently the producers of the vials are massively ramping up their production so as not to become the proverbial bottleneck in the supply chain.

However, medical-grade vaccine vials are not standard glass tubes. Whether rolled-rim bottles, threaded bottles or ampoules, they are all made of the special glass borosilicate and require customized production lines. [Read more…] about Intelligent multi-camera system for quality control of vaccine bottles

Hexagon launches ‘world’s first’ wireless laser scanner

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Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence division has launched what it claims is “the world’s first wireless laser scanner” designed specifically to work inside computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines.

The cutting-edge scanner allows for data to be efficiently, accurately and securely transmitted wirelessly, which improves production quality.

Hexagon’s new integrated wireless laser scanner, the m&h LS-R-4.8, does not require traditional touch probes and captures around 40,000 measurement points a second to provide information about the complete part, compared to the status quo of taking individual points with traditional touch probes. [Read more…] about Hexagon launches ‘world’s first’ wireless laser scanner

API and Mitutoyo agree global partnership in metrology

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API Metrology, the inventor of the laser tracker, is partnering with the leading measurement and inspection solutions provider to complete the most diverse metrology hardware and software portfolio.

API and Mitutoyo have agreed a partnership to distribute API’s portable dimensional metrology equipment throughout Mitutoyo’s worldwide network.

Production times and tolerances continue to grow tighter for manufacturers around the world, and their need for precise, portable measurement hardware and software has increased to meet this demand. [Read more…] about API and Mitutoyo agree global partnership in metrology

Awards update: Robotics and Automation News Awards 2021 to go ahead

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Robotics and Automation News is organising its first-ever awards event, despite the challenges caused by the global pandemic.

We had originally wanted to hold a live event, either by renting space at one of the big trade shows or a separate conference centre.

However, this is highly unlikely to happen, so we are planning a virtual awards ceremony for sometime in late October or early November 2021. [Read more…] about Awards update: Robotics and Automation News Awards 2021 to go ahead

Knowledge platform for topics related to image processing with 2D, 3D and AI

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IDS Vision Channel – Platform for digital live sessions and networking

“Knowledge increases when it is shared” – following this maxim, IDS is making its expertise as one of the leading manufacturers of digital industrial cameras free of charge and directly accessible on a new platform.

In addition to online events, useful tools such as calendars and live chats, the IDS Vision Channel also offers a media library with recordings of past events and additional, exclusive content.

The online sessions address image processing topics around 2D, 3D and embedded vision as well as artificial intelligence. They are short, focused and build on each other depending on the topic. [Read more…] about Knowledge platform for topics related to image processing with 2D, 3D and AI

GSR rescues its deep-sea manganese mining robot

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GSR, the deep-sea exploratory division of the DEME Group, has successfully recovered its prototype deep-seabed mining robot – which had become uncoupled from a cable connecting it to a surface vessel – from the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

Patania II – GSR’s purpose-built prototype nodule collector – is currently being trialled in 4,500 metre water depth in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific Ocean.

On its final dive in the GSR area on 25 April, a lifting point separated and Patania II was uncoupled from the 5 km cable that connects it to the surface vessel. [Read more…] about GSR rescues its deep-sea manganese mining robot

The Role of Robotics and Automation in Industry 4.0

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As the global manufacturing industry enters its fourth revolution, innovations such as robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to take over. (1)

The number of active industrial robots worldwide is increasing by approximately 14% year on year, and automation continues to create new types of robots with improved utility and function. [Read more…] about The Role of Robotics and Automation in Industry 4.0

ANYbotics introduces new canine robot for inspection work

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ANYbotics, the Swiss robotics company, is launching its new “end-to-end robotic inspection solution” for operators of energy and industrial processing plants – the ANYmal D.

While demand for lower downtime and better safety increases on production sites, technologies have not yet caught up with the complex structures of industrial facilities.

ANYbotics says its new fully autonomous four-legged robot ANYmal and it’s inspection analytics software provide a scalable solution to automate routine condition monitoring of equipment and infrastructure. [Read more…] about ANYbotics introduces new canine robot for inspection work

SICK launches compact 2D vision camera with deep learning onboard

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SICK is launching its first vision camera with a pre-installed Deep Learning app onboard to make it simple to create custom quality inspections of complex or irregular-shaped goods, packaging and assemblies, especially where they may have previously defied automation using traditional systems. 

The SICK Intelligent Inspection Deep Learning App runs on SICK’s newly launched Inspector P621 2D programmable vision camera.

The all-in-one package enables machine builders and end-users to set up vision classifications using artificial intelligence in a fraction of the time and cost it would take to program challenging inspections based on recognising the pre-set rules and patterns of traditional vision systems. [Read more…] about SICK launches compact 2D vision camera with deep learning onboard

Methods Machine Tools adds next generation of RoboCut to product line

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Methods Machine Tools, a supplier of machine tools and automation equipment in North America, recently added the Fanuc RoboCut α- CiC series to its line of wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) products.

Steve Raucci, Methods’ technical sales director and RoboCut product manager, says: “The α-CiC series continues to push the boundaries of speed, precision, and reliability.

“The redesigned α-CiC series creates a faster, more exact EDM experience.” [Read more…] about Methods Machine Tools adds next generation of RoboCut to product line