Robotics & Automation News

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Don’t like doing the washing up? This robot could do it for you

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If you don’t like doing the washing up, or there’s simply too much of it to do, then this automated system could be just the thing for you

Cambridge Consultants has developed a prototype automation system that addresses one of the most unloved tasks in commercial kitchens.

Using a combination of strategic business consultancy and expertise in artificial intelligence and robotics, “Turbo Clean” automates the process of clearing food trays and washing dirty dishes.

The automation system is part of a wider business transformation initiative undertaken for a multinational commercial catering company.  [Read more…] about Don’t like doing the washing up? This robot could do it for you

North America robot sensor market forecast to grow at over 11 percent up to 2024

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The North America robot sensor market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $680 million to over $1.4 billion by 2024, according to the latest study by Graphical Research.

Increasing penetration of technological innovations and the integration of automation across all industry verticals is contributing significantly to the adoption of robots.

Moreover, rising labor cost is a significant aspect fostering the North America robot sensor market.  [Read more…] about North America robot sensor market forecast to grow at over 11 percent up to 2024

Hahn Group acquires Austrian automated assembly company

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Hahn Group is expanding in Austria with the acquisition of DFT Maschinenbau GmbH, a supplier of automated assembly and testing equipment.

Hahn Automation, a subsidiary of the Hahn Group, says the purchase will expand its expertise in the field of assembly and testing technology.

The company, based in Kremsmünster, Austria, has around 100 employees and will become a fully-owned subsidiary of Hahn Automation GmbH.  [Read more…] about Hahn Group acquires Austrian automated assembly company

Latest ABB financial report shows strength of robotics division

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ABB’s latest financial report shows the strength of the industrial giant’s robotics division, according to CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. 

The company is reporting an increase in revenues of 4 percent, and puts it down to “strong growth in robotics and motion”.

ABB also singled out its industrial internet of things platform, ABB Ability, saying it currently “drives growth across all divisions”. [Read more…] about Latest ABB financial report shows strength of robotics division

United Technologies completes acquisition of Rockwell Collins

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United Technologies Corp. has completed its acquisition of Rockwell Collins and the company’s intention is to separate its commercial businesses, Otis and Carrier (formerly CCS), into independent entities. The separation will result in three global, industry-leading companies.

Firstly, United Technologies, comprised of Collins Aerospace Systems and Pratt & Whitney, will be the preeminent systems supplier to the aerospace and defence industry; Collins Aerospace was formed through the combination of UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins.

Secondly, Otis, the world’s leading manufacturer of elevators, escalators and moving walkways and thirdly, Carrier, a global provider of HVAC, refrigeration, building automation, fire safety and security products with leadership positions across its portfolio.

[Read more…] about United Technologies completes acquisition of Rockwell Collins

Industrial emissions measuring company Aeromon moves into production phase

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Aeromon, the company behind the compact and customisable emissions measurement devices that can be used in drone-mounted, hand-held and fixed configurations to reveal hidden industrial emissions, has launched its first commercially available product.

The company aims to help industrial operators in maritime, oil and gas, waste and recycling, and pulp and paper mitigate environmental harm and meet emissions regulations in a low-cost, effective, and safe way.

Aeromon CEO Teppo Virkkula says: “Aeromon has created the first FSC (Fuel Sulphur Content) measurement solution in the world that can be deployed on both fixed and rotary wing drones.  [Read more…] about Industrial emissions measuring company Aeromon moves into production phase

Mitsubishi introduces low-profile direct drive for direct control of a servo motor

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Mitsubishi Electric Automation has introduced a low-profile direct drive motor to enable direct and accurate control of a servo motor.

Machine designers and end users looking for direct control of a load without traditional transmission components will be interested in the new Low-Profile Direct Drive Motors (TM-RG2M / TM-RU2M), says Mitsubishi.

Built with speed and precision in mind, it provides a smaller footprint and allows for more compact, efficient, and precise machines than those typically built using rotary servo motors. Applications that are well suited for the new motor include coating and vapor deposition systems, index tables, tool changers, rotary material handling robots, and rotary axis on XYθ inspection positioning systems.  [Read more…] about Mitsubishi introduces low-profile direct drive for direct control of a servo motor

Canon launches FPA-5520iV HR option for back-end i-line steppers

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Canon Inc. has begun selling the FPA-5520iV HR Option, a high-resolution addition for the Canon FPA-5520iV i-line stepper used in back-end semiconductor lithography processes.

New HR Option steppers also inherit such features as enhanced functionality for Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging (FOWLP) and increased productivity for semiconductor manufacturing processes.

As mobile devices become increasingly compact and energy-efficient, suppliers need to produce semiconductor chips that are thinner with a larger surface area.

[Read more…] about Canon launches FPA-5520iV HR option for back-end i-line steppers

FE Steel develops high-lubricity GI steel sheet for automobiles

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JFE Steel Corporation has begun producing its recently developed “GI JAZ” high-lubricity hot-dip galvanised (GI) steel sheet, which it claims offers dramatically improved press ‘formability’ for use in automobile bodies.

GI steel sheet, which is hot-dip galvanised to coat its surface of steel substrate with pure zinc for strong corrosion resistance, is used mainly by European and American automobile manufacturers.

GI JAZ incorporates the high-lubricity technology used in “JAZ” (JFE Advanced Zinc) on GA steel sheet, which is heated after galvanising to alloy the galvanised layer with iron of steel substrate to improve both its ability to be spot-welded and its corrosion resistance after painting.

[Read more…] about FE Steel develops high-lubricity GI steel sheet for automobiles

Arrow Electronics helps Hong Kong engineers develop monitoring device for lift safety

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Arrow Electronics has enabled Nikko Group, a Hong Kong-based lift services company, to incorporate IoT and sensor technologies in a solution that provides real-time data monitoring for a lift safety protection mechanism.

Following a series of fatal lift accidents in Hong Kong in recent years, the Electrical and Mechanical Service Department reported that 80 percent of lifts in Hong Kong have not adopted the recommended enhancement solutions set out in the government’s “Guidelines for Modernising Existing Lifts”.

This includes the installation of an Unintended Car Movement Protection (UCMP) device, which is a safety device that triggers emergency braking systems to prevent unintended lift car movements which may cause fatal injuries.

[Read more…] about Arrow Electronics helps Hong Kong engineers develop monitoring device for lift safety