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Former Universal Robots CEO launches ambitious plan for end-effectors sector

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Enrico Krog Iversen, former CEO of collaborative robot maker Universal Robots, is partnering with the Danish Growth Fund to address what he sees as “the next challenge in automation” with the merger of three innovative end-of-arm tooling companies to facilitate the ongoing growth of collaborative robotics, an industry expected to reach $8.5 billion by 2025.

The new company – which combines US-based Perception Robotics, Hungary-based OptoForce, and Denmark-based On Robot – will be called OnRobot.

Iversen says the new company will drive innovation and ease-of-use for robotic end-of-arm tooling.  [Read more…] about Former Universal Robots CEO launches ambitious plan for end-effectors sector

Audi uses Stratasys 3D printer to prototype tail light covers

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Audi is planning to use what is claimed to the “world’s only full-color, multi-material 3D printer” to prototype tail light covers.

Additive manufacturing systems supplier Stratasys says Audi Pre-Series Center with its Plastics 3D Printing Center in Ingolstadt, Germany, will leverage “the world’s only full-color, multi-material 3D printer” – the Stratasys J750 – to innovate its design process and accelerate design verification.

For the production of tail light covers, Audi expects to reduce prototyping lead times by up to 50 percent.  [Read more…] about Audi uses Stratasys 3D printer to prototype tail light covers

Former Universal Robots engineers launch Purple Robotics

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A team of experienced, former Universal Robots engineers have launched a new company called Purple Robotics and have established US distribution for what they claims is “the world’s first dual electrical vacuum gripper”.

The “innovative PR10 collaborative gripper” needs no external air supply and can be installed in less than 30 minutes, says the company, adding that the dual gripper can cut production time up to 50 percent.

Purple Robotics, founded by key developers behind the world’s first collaborative robot, has launched the PR10, an innovative vacuum gripper designed for collaborative applications.  [Read more…] about Former Universal Robots engineers launch Purple Robotics

Computers on wheels: An insight into how computers are making cars in their own image

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When Robotics and Automation News interviewed Professor Ralf Herrtwich, the boss of autonomous driving technology at Daimler Mercedes-Benz, one of the many interesting insights he gave us was about the nature of car making these days. 

Herrtwich said that, while building cars is still mainly a mechanical process, developing them is overwhelmingly about software.

“Both at OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and suppliers,” said Herrtwich, “software engineering and coding constitute a huge and ever-growing portion of the work.”  [Read more…] about Computers on wheels: An insight into how computers are making cars in their own image

Schunk introduces fast depanelling machine

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Schunk Electronic Solutions has developed Magnoplate – a universal workpiece holder for depanelling machines that is claimed to speed up the process.

Depanelling is the process when product-relevant PCBs produced together on a board are broken up to be inserted into the product during assembly.

The workpiece holder of Magnoplate  places magnetic carrier pins with a milling head on a support plate. This results in lightning-fast brackets for new assembly groups.

[Read more…] about Schunk introduces fast depanelling machine

Kuka launches new robots and showcases its vision of ‘intelligent automation’

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Kuka has launched two new robots – a collaborative industrial robotic arm called LBR iisy (main picture) and an innovative new one called “i-do” that is difficult to describe (see picture below) but is categorised in the company’s new “consumer robotics” business.

Kuka has also been showcasing the company’s vision of “intelligent automation”.

The industrial robot making giant says it is showing how mechatronics and digitization merge in the smart factory.

Kuka demonstrated some of its concepts for the production of tomorrow at the recent Hannover Messe event, under the motto “industrial intelligence 4.0_beyond automation”.  [Read more…] about Kuka launches new robots and showcases its vision of ‘intelligent automation’

Trimble acquires Stabiplan to expand its European MEP engineering solutions

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US-based Trimble now owns Stabiplan B.V., based in the Netherlands, a 3D Computer Aided Design and Engineering (CAD/CAE) software and Building Information Modelling (BIM) content provider for the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) industries in Europe.

The Stabiplan acquisition broadens Trimble’s existing construction solutions for MEP contractors and engineers that enable automated estimating, project management, modelling, detailing, layout and construction.

Stabiplan’s solutions include Stabicad software and the MEPcontent BIM content library. Stabicad is a 3D CAD/CAE software solution for Revit and AutoCAD, which integrates design, drawing and engineering calculation/analysis, supporting workflows from engineering to construction.

[Read more…] about Trimble acquires Stabiplan to expand its European MEP engineering solutions

Partnership launched for 5G mobile networks for industry

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The 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA), which was established in April 2018, strives to successfully establish 5G in industrial production and to design it for industrial capability from the outset.

5G makes it possible to implement Industries 4.0 even faster and to take it to the next level. This technology enables an unprecedented degree of flexibility, versatility and mobility in industrial production.

There are many advantages to 5G, including a very powerful wireless networking technology that is suitable even for critical industrial applications.

[Read more…] about Partnership launched for 5G mobile networks for industry

Rockwell launches network operations and maintenance software

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Rockwell Automation has released new software designed to simplify network operations and maintenance and give  centralised visibility into networked assets.

The new FactoryTalk Network Manager software is designed for monitoring and maintaining a growing number of IoT devices on networks.

It allows monitoring of Allen-Bradley Stratix managed switches, troubleshooting switch issues and configuration of new managed switches from one software interface.

[Read more…] about Rockwell launches network operations and maintenance software

Janome releases new robot arm series

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Janome Industrial Equipment  has announced the release of a new robot arm, the Servo Scara JS3 series. The rigid robot arm is useful for a wide range of tasks, from transporting small parts to assembly operations.

The arm features high speed movement, up to 8,300mm/sec with a short standard cycle time of 0.29 sec and the teaching software is claimed to make both equipment setup and fine tuning during operation easy.

Internal wiring and air tubing minimises interference from peripheral devices and cables with the area behind the robot is accessible, eliminating extra movement and increasing robot installation flexibility.

[Read more…] about Janome releases new robot arm series