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IMTS: Universal Robots to showcase its new e-Series collaborative robot for first time in the US

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Universal Robots is planning to showcase its new e-Series collaborative robot for the first time in the US at the IMTS industrial technology event.

The company says the new e-Series “sets a new standard for collaborative robots”, adding built-in force/torque sensing, “unrivaled” safety features, and improved precision for faster integration in a wider range of future-proofed applications.

Universal Robots is widely belived to have pioneered the collaborative robot and continues to evolve its ground-breaking, collaborative automation technology with the introduction of this new “flagship line”, the e-Series cobots.  [Read more…] about IMTS: Universal Robots to showcase its new e-Series collaborative robot for first time in the US

Xometry gives away 3D scanners in online competition

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On-demand manufacturing company Xometry is giving away a couple of 3D scanners in a competition which runs until August 15th. 

To enter the competition, all you have to do is upload a 3D CAD file to Xometry’s Instant Quoting Engine.

The first prize is an EinScan-SP 3D scanner, which has a retail price of around $2,200. The second prize is an EinScan-SE 3D scanner, which retails for approximately $1,300. Third prize is a 3DConnexion SpaceMouse Wireless Kit, worth $200.

Winners will be chosen through “sweepstakes”, says the company.

Xometry recently acquired MakeTime, which has “doubled” its network capacity to more than 2,300 shops.

einscan 3D scanner

It also raised $25 million in additional funding to expand the overall operation.

Okuma launches new CNC machine with additive manufacturing functions

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Okuma America Corporation is introducing the new MU-8000V Laser EX multitasking CNC machine, combining the latest laser additive technology with subtractive manufacturing capabilities. The machine is said to enable complete part production on one machine.

The MU-8000V Laser EX revolutionizes production by using laser metal deposition (LMD) technology with the ability to cut unique parts of many different sizes and shapes. LMD supplies powder from nozzles and performs laser melting and bonding to parent material.

This allows for various types of materials to be combined and layered in addition to the possibility of three-dimensional fabrication and cladding.

[Read more…] about Okuma launches new CNC machine with additive manufacturing functions

Aerodynamics: Mercedes claims its new A-Class Sedan is the most aerodynamic car in the world

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Automakers are always looking to improve the aerodynamic quality of their vehicles and there is an ongoing competition to outdo each other in this area. 

Better aerodynamics have the benefit of making a car more fuel-efficient, but it can also mean that it goes faster.

Mercedes-Benz now claims that its new car is most aerodynamic in the world.  [Read more…] about Aerodynamics: Mercedes claims its new A-Class Sedan is the most aerodynamic car in the world

Doosan applies its collaborative robot to its engine production process

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South Korean industrial giant Doosan has applied its newly built collaborative robot, the M1013, to its engine production process. 

The company says the application of Doosan Robotics collaborative robot to its “G2” engine production will lead to the “improvement in the working environment” and increase productivity.

Doosan adds that the G2 engine injector press-fitting process using collaborative robots is consistent with safety certifications and international standards.  [Read more…] about Doosan applies its collaborative robot to its engine production process

Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg wins the Automotive Lean Production Award for the first time

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Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany has won the Automotive Lean Production Award for the first time in the automotive giant’s history. 

When assessing lean solutions at more than 50 stations of Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant, the expert jury was impressed by the “rapid pace of change at the plant”.

Volkswagen Wolfsburg will receive the award as the best original equipment manufacturer at this year’s Automotive Lean Congress in Bremen at the beginning of November.  [Read more…] about Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg wins the Automotive Lean Production Award for the first time

Sales and production of industrial robots in China continues to grow apace

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The industrial robotics and automation sector is continuing to grow fast in China. 

The latest report to confirm this trend comes from the communist Chinese government propaganda outlet Xhinua.

China has been the world’s biggest buyer of industrial robots for several years now.  [Read more…] about Sales and production of industrial robots in China continues to grow apace

Siemens extends HMI range for industrial applications

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Siemens has extended its system family of all-round protected HMI (Human Machine Interface) devices for machine-related, cabinet-free visualisation and automation.

High-performance Simatic Thin Client PRO operator terminals with 15, 19 and 22 inch screen sizes and all-round IP65 degree of protection are new to the range.

Like all devices in the PRO series, the new Thin Clients can be extended by mountable components (extension units) – such as mounting adapter, keyboard tray and keyboard.

[Read more…] about Siemens extends HMI range for industrial applications

Rio Tinto makes first delivery of iron ore with ‘world’s largest robot’

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Mining giant Rio Tinto has achieved the first delivery of iron ore with what it describes as “the world’s largest robot”.

The company’s $940 million AutoHaul programme is focused on automating trains transporting iron ore to Rio Tinto’s port facilities in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Once commissioned, the network will be the world’s first heavy haul, long distance autonomous rail operation.  [Read more…] about Rio Tinto makes first delivery of iron ore with ‘world’s largest robot’

Yanmar launches new autonomous tractors

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A Japanese company called Yanmar has launched a couple of new autonomous tractors which it says will help farmers save time and money.

The vehicles are set to be on sale from October and cost around $97,000 to $127,000 each.

Autonomous farm machines were once the subject of science fiction, but Yanmar has made them a reality with the introduction of its new “2-Series” tractors.  [Read more…] about Yanmar launches new autonomous tractors