Robotics & Automation News

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Manufacturing

Yaskawa partners with Astellas Pharma to build ‘innovative’ cell therapy platform combining robotics and pharmaceutical technologies

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Yaskawa Electric, one of the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturers, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Astellas Pharma to start talks about building what they describe as “an innovative cell therapy platform by combining robotics and pharmaceutical technologies”.

The MOU is a legally non-binding agreement on a partnership between the two companies, and specific discussions will proceed from now on.

Based on this MOU, the two companies aim to jointly build a new cell therapy platform that may potentially seamlessly bridges the initial stage of research in the cell therapy field to its commercialization, enabling high quality manufacturing of cell therapy products as well as shortening the research and development period. [Read more…] about Yaskawa partners with Astellas Pharma to build ‘innovative’ cell therapy platform combining robotics and pharmaceutical technologies

On the road to decarbonization: The importance of the electric arc furnace route in steel production

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The steel industry is facing an epochal challenge: decarbonization. With growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the need to mitigate climate change, steel manufacturers must find alternative ways to make their production more environmentally friendly.

In this context, the electric arc furnace route is becoming increasingly important and promises a more sustainable future for the steel industry.

Traditionally, steel has mainly been produced by the blast furnace route, which is based on smelting iron ore with coke. However, this process is extremely energy-intensive and results in significant CO2 emissions. In response, the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) route has gained popularity in recent years.

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Robotics in the Seafood Industry: Boosting Efficiency and Ensuring Quality

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The seafood industry, an essential part of our global food supply, is facing a wave of transformation. It’s not just about catching fish anymore; it’s about how we process them efficiently and safely.

With a market value exceeding $160 billion and employing millions worldwide, the industry’s challenges are as vast as the ocean. Labor shortages, high costs, and the need for strict quality control are just a few hurdles.

Statistics show that labor can account for up to 60% of the total operational costs in seafood processing. This is a significant expense, especially when considering the industry’s reliance on manual, labor-intensive tasks.

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Tosyalı SULB to build ‘world’s largest’ direct reduced iron complex in Libya

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Algerian steel producer Tosyalı SULB has started a new “world-class steel investment” in Benghazi, Libya following its investments in Turkey, Algeria, Senegal, Angola, and Spain.

Continuing its worldwide growth by expanding its investment geography to three continents, Tosyalı is further expanding its sphere of influence in the Mediterranean basin with Benghazi, Libya, which formerly entered with Algeria.

Fuat Tosyalı, chairman of Tosyalı, says: “We are excited to expand our investments in the Mediterranean coasts of Africa, a priority investment region we identified and committed to years ago with great foresight. [Read more…] about Tosyalı SULB to build ‘world’s largest’ direct reduced iron complex in Libya

How Robotics is Enhancing Custom Apparel Production

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The fashion business is changing at a high speed, and technology has a significant role to play in this context. The most exciting development is the application of robotics in custom-made wear manufacturing.

Such a revolution not only improves the methods and accuracy in the industry but also brings out opportunities for innovations and environmentally friendly solutions.

The t-shirt printing industry has undergone drastic changes through the implementation of robotic technologies and has set higher and more professional standards in printing. [Read more…] about How Robotics is Enhancing Custom Apparel Production

Carpentry 4.0: When robots and saws take over the night shift

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Autonomous and without statutory break times, robots can offer real value to carpentry workshops and boost production. However, acquiring such machines is often associated with high costs. Used machines might offer a viable solution.

Carpentry has been a traditional craft for centuries. Yet, this trade is not exempt from digitalisation and automation through the use of robots.

The development of digitalisation in woodworking began in the mid-1970s with the introduction of the first CNC and electronically controlled machines. By the late 1990s, the first high-performance assembly lines with robotic loading had hit the market. [Read more…] about Carpentry 4.0: When robots and saws take over the night shift

Dongfeng Motor transforms automotive production with ForwardX autonomous mobile robots

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Dongfeng Motor Corporation, one of China’s largest automotive companies, says it has “revolutionized” its production processes with the integration of ForwardX’s cutting-edge autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

In response to the rapid evolution of the global automotive industry, this strategic initiative positions Dongfeng at the forefront with bold vision and decisive action.

As a pivotal player in automotive innovation, Dongfeng has successfully established a robust infrastructure for independent new energy vehicles and strategically allocated core resources. [Read more…] about Dongfeng Motor transforms automotive production with ForwardX autonomous mobile robots

Flexiv robot irons car seats during manufacturing process

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Flexiv, a provider of general-purpose robotics solutions, has completed its latest successful installation: an automated ironing system for car seat manufacturing.

This latest use of the Rizon 4 robot represents a significant step forward in the creation of luxury car seats, as it enables throughput rate to be sped up without compromising output quality.

Equipped with a custom end-of-arm bracket for mounting a standard high-pressure steam iron, the Rizon 4 uses its advanced force control capacity to accurately emulate the movement and pressure trained experts utilize to remove wrinkles and ensure correct material placement. [Read more…] about Flexiv robot irons car seats during manufacturing process

Cobots, Robot Offline Programming and 3D simulation: The driving forces behind the manufacturing evolution

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The collaborative robot (cobot) market is on a significant upward curve. Its global value is expected to be worth $11.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 35.2% from 2024.

In contrast to robots, cobots are designed to work in tandem with humans, with a tangible impact on cost, employee satisfaction, ROI and health & safety. They are also ideally placed to support understaffed workforces as the skills shortage in the sector continues.

But these automated machines do require effective programming to accurately complete their tasks and streamline factory floor processes, otherwise manufacturers face a difficult situation in not being able to deploy cobots where they are most needed. [Read more…] about Cobots, Robot Offline Programming and 3D simulation: The driving forces behind the manufacturing evolution

BYD integrates ForwardX robots into battery production line

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BYD, one of the largest automakers in China, which is itself the world’s largest car market, is partnering with ForwardX Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots, to implement what they describe as “groundbreaking automation solutions” in BYD’s battery production line.

BYD is fast becoming one of the world’s leading electric vehicle companies, and ForwardX says the new robotic implementation heralds “a new era of efficiency and eco-friendly manufacturing”.

In response to the surging demand for batteries in the electric vehicle market, BYD has transformed its production process by integrating ForwardX Robotics’ AMRs and customized autonomous forklifts.

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