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Kuka to double production capacity in China in bid to overtake ABB and Fanuc

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Kuka is determined to take advantage of its alliance with Chinese household appliances manufacturing giant Midea to become the largest robot maker in China. 

Already one of the largest industrial robot manufacturers in the world, Kuka was taken over by Midea some months ago in a move currently being scrutinised by the European Union, which may change its merges and acquisitions policies as a result.

Such technicalities aside, Kuka is bullish about opportunities in China and has reportedly decided to double its production capacity in the country.  [Read more…] about Kuka to double production capacity in China in bid to overtake ABB and Fanuc

US trade boss warns of oversupply of bad robots because of Chinese government subsidies

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China’s appetite for industrial robots is big and growing. Already the largest buyer of the machines, domestic companies are being encouraged by the Chinese government to build more robots locally, not just import them from overseas. 

Such high-powered encouragement has led to the establishment of numerous robot manufacturers in the country, some of which take advantage of government subsidies.

This has prompted criticism from US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross (main picture), who grumbled about a range of issues, but singled out China’s burgeoning robotics industry, which he apparently believes is built mainly on government subsidies.  [Read more…] about US trade boss warns of oversupply of bad robots because of Chinese government subsidies

IAM Robotics awarded patent for warehouse robot

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IAM Robotics, a Pittsburgh startup that develops and sells autonomous material handling robots, has been awarded what the company says is a “key patent” relating to its robotics technology for logistics.

The patent will be issued on October 10, 2017 as US Patent No. 9,785,911.

IAM says the patent specifies “a system and method for piece-picking or put-away with a mobile manipulation robot”.  [Read more…] about IAM Robotics awarded patent for warehouse robot

Mitsubishi releases new widescreen human machine interface

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Mitsubishi has released a new widescreen human machine interface.

The company says demand for operational efficiencies such as greater visualization into a factory’s automation solutions portfolio has prompted it to launch the new GT25 Wide HMI.

The GT25 Wide HMI is an interface that monitors and controls machine components with a graphical touchscreen that connects to equipment such as programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives and servos. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi releases new widescreen human machine interface

HMS launches new device to connect to CIP Safety with IXXAT Safe T100

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The IXXAT Safe T100 safety module from HMS now supports the CIP Safety protocol according to CIP Volume 5 V2.14.

Previously available for PROFIsafe, the new IXXAT Safe T100/CS, enables easy, module-based implementation of secure IOs for CIP Safety.

IXXAT Safe T100 is an all-in-one safety solution allowing users to implement configurable, safe inputs and outputs in applications up to SIL 3 and PLe Cat.4.  [Read more…] about HMS launches new device to connect to CIP Safety with IXXAT Safe T100

Automated precision milling in the medical technology sector

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Fetzer Medical employs tailored yet universally flexible Hermle machining centres in its role as an original equipment manufacturer, partner building a wide range of surgical instruments and medical technology components to customer specifications.

“From the idea to the finished product, or: All-in-one inclusive labelling” – is the mission statement of Fetzer Medical, a medium-sized company based in Tuttlingen, in Germany, established in 2008 by Peter Fetzer.

In order to build further on the family business’ long-standing tradition in the development and manufacture of surgical instruments and medical devices, Peter Fetzer took the decision.  [Read more…] about Automated precision milling in the medical technology sector

ThyssenKrupp tests TeleRetail robots for elevator maintenance logistics

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ThyssenKrupp is testing delivery robots as part of a research project.

The company’s huge elevator business division is evaluating TeleRetail delivery robots to make elevator maintenance safer and more efficient.

The robots were displayed from at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, where ThyssenKrupp participated as an application partner of TeleRetail.  [Read more…] about ThyssenKrupp tests TeleRetail robots for elevator maintenance logistics

Renesas Electronics India unveils latest automotive and smart city solutions

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Renesas Electronics India, a subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Singapore, has showcased its latest solutions for the automotive and smart cities segments at Electronica India.

Sunil Dhar, president, Renesas Electronics India, says: “The Indian market is rapidly adopting new technologies and we will be unveiling exciting additions to our portfolio at electronica India.

“Our solutions reduce the time spent on developing embedded systems software and accelerate the development process, allowing internet of things and automotive system developers to focus on creating differentiated products.”  [Read more…] about Renesas Electronics India unveils latest automotive and smart city solutions

By 2020, 1.7 million new robots will be roaming the earth

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The global robot population is growing at what some might say is an alarming rate. 

As well as the countless millions already tucked away in factories and homes everywhere, there could be another 2 million added to that number by the end of the decade, which may or may not coincide with the end of humanity’s control over the planet and a ceremonial transfer of power to the robots and artificial intelligence.

Purely ceremonial, since some people say they already rule over us anyway.  [Read more…] about By 2020, 1.7 million new robots will be roaming the earth

General Electric wins $230 million order for Boeing Dreamliner engines from Uzbekistan Airways

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Uzbekistan Airways has selected General Electric’s GEnx-1B engines to power four new Boeing 787-8 aircraft, also known as Dreamliners.

The engine order is valued at more than $230 million, including a custom-ordered spare engine. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2018.

GE Aviation awarded Uzbekistan Airways its TRUEngine designation for the entire GEnx fleet.  [Read more…] about General Electric wins $230 million order for Boeing Dreamliner engines from Uzbekistan Airways