Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

News

SoftBank has sold 10,000 Nao robots. Now the tiny humanoid wants to ‘conquer new markets’ with Zora

by

SoftBank Robotics and Zora Bots have signed what they describe as “a major partnership” aimed at reaching a wider audience for the humanoid robot Nao.

Zora Bots, which has already deployed its software designed for robots in the health sector, is now the world’s leading distributor of Nao and is poised to expand its solution in many areas including retail, hospitality, education and personal services.

This strategic rapprochement in the international arena will bring humanoid robotics into a new dimension and make Nao available to a wider audience.  [Read more…] about SoftBank has sold 10,000 Nao robots. Now the tiny humanoid wants to ‘conquer new markets’ with Zora

Kawasaki gloating over appearance of its robots in latest Transformers film

by

 

Kawasaki is clearly very pleased with the appearance of not one but two of its industrial robots in the new Hollywood blockbuster film, Transformers 5: The Last Knight. 

The company has been crowing about its fame on its website.

The two Kawasaki RS010L robots make an appearance in the Transformers film.  [Read more…] about Kawasaki gloating over appearance of its robots in latest Transformers film

Comau signs up new robotics and automation partners in Greece and Argentina

by

Comau has signed deals with two new partner companies in Greece and Argentina. 

In Greece, Comau has appointed the Nimac Group as its robotics distributor.

Nimac (pictured above) is located in Thessalonikki, and started the production of horizontal panel saws in 1977. It is now said to be one of the top manufacturers in the beam saws sector.

The newly created business line, Nimac Robotics, will bring the Comau’s robotics and automation products portfolio to the Greek market.  [Read more…] about Comau signs up new robotics and automation partners in Greece and Argentina

New robotic painting system saves ‘significant’ resources, claims Fraunhofer

by

An automated painting system, involving an industrial robot, is claimed to save significant resources by its developer, the Fraunhofer Institute.

The robotic system – called SelfPaint – is said by Fraunhofer to offer reductions of 20 percent in paint use, 15 percent in energy consumption and 5 percent in production time.

These are “significant advantages” compared to manual painting operations, which have previously been the preferred option, adds Fraunhofer.  [Read more…] about New robotic painting system saves ‘significant’ resources, claims Fraunhofer

Industrial internet technical standards groups form alliance

by

Two of the leading industrial internet technical standards groups have formed an alliance which is likely to accelerate the development of technologies in the sector.

The Industrial Internet Consortium and the Edge Computing Consortium have signed a partnership agreement – technically a memorandum of understanding – to advance the industrial Internet and edge computing.

Under the agreement, the consortia say they will work together to “maximize interoperability and portability for the industrial Internet”.  [Read more…] about Industrial internet technical standards groups form alliance

Rewired launches $100 million robotics-focused venture studio and fund

by

Investments will focus on applied science and technologies that advance machine perception and unlock the next-generation of smart robotics

Rewired has launched a robotics venture studio and fund. To start with, the company is investing $100 million in applied science and technologies that advance machine perception. 

Rewired says its initial proposition is that improving machine perception will unlock the next generation of smart robotics.

To that end, the company is focusing on the sensors, software, and systems that help autonomous machines to interact with unpredictable environments and collaborate with humans.  [Read more…] about Rewired launches $100 million robotics-focused venture studio and fund

Baumüller prepares to showcase new solutions at Drinktec event

by

Baumüller will introduce what it describes as “complete solution packages and industry-specific components” at Drinktec 2017, the drinks packaging industry event. 

From September 11-15, 2017, Baumüller will participate in drinktec 2017, the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry in Munich.

In hall B3 at stand 321, the Nuremberg-based drive and automatization specialist will present its specific industry solutions for the beverage industry – from a drive with an aseptic surface for transport tasks in the food sector to compact local drive technology for minimum wiring effort.  [Read more…] about Baumüller prepares to showcase new solutions at Drinktec event

iRobot denies it will sell map data about customers’ rooms and houses

by

iRobot says it will “never” sell the data its little robotic vacuum cleaners collect while mapping and navigating people’s rooms and homes. 

In a statement provided to ZDNet, Colin Angle, CEO of iRobot, reassured customers by saying: “iRobot will never sell your data.”

The statement follows comments Angle gave to Reuters suggesting that the company might consider selling maps iRobot’s Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner generates of users’ homes.  [Read more…] about iRobot denies it will sell map data about customers’ rooms and houses

Automotive and industrial companies ‘could unlock billions in revenue’ through new growth strategies

by

Accenture using a “new way” of measuring corporate competitiveness

Industrial companies, such as automotive manufacturers, could unlock billions of dollars in revenue by adopting a more “holistic strategy”, according to a new report by Accenture.

The business management consultant conducted a survey into competitiveness in industry and found that the best approach is one that places equal emphasis on growth, profitability, sustainability and trust.

This “inter-dependent” strategy “yields massive growth potential”, says Accenture, which bases its conclusions on analysis of 47 automotive and industrial companies’ performances.

[Read more…] about Automotive and industrial companies ‘could unlock billions in revenue’ through new growth strategies

How American machine builder JSI built a ‘truly connected’ machine using IIoT technology from HMS

by

Paper slitting machines from American machine builder JSI are well-connected indeed.

By using technology from HMS Industrial Networks, and system design by Millennium Controls, JSI can remotely access and control the machine via the internet and also enable wired and wireless communication between different parts of the machine.

All this allows JSI to offer an even more competitive and connected machine. Paper slitting machine from JSI with a robotic arm allowing blades to be changed automatically.  [Read more…] about How American machine builder JSI built a ‘truly connected’ machine using IIoT technology from HMS