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Nachi launches new collaborative robot with 12 kg payload

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Nachi-Fujikoshi has expanded its lineup of collaborative robots with the launch of the CMZ12, a new model designed for flexible and space-saving production environments.

The CMZ12 increases payload capacity and reach while maintaining high speed, precision, and safety standards.

The launch follows the August 2023 debut of the CMZ05, a smaller cobot developed to deliver high-speed, high-precision performance in manufacturing. [Read more…] about Nachi launches new collaborative robot with 12 kg payload

Omron to consider spinning off device and module solutions business

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Omron says its board of directors has approved the start of discussions to spin off its Device & Module Solutions Business (DMB), with the process targeted for completion by April 1, 2026.

The Kyoto-based company said DMB has long provided relays, switches, connectors, and other core electronic components that have supported Omron’s growth. Rising demand for high-capacity relays in electric vehicles is expected to drive market expansion, but Omron noted that competition is intensifying.

The company said an independent structure would allow DMB to respond faster to market changes, invest more heavily in product development, and expand production and sales globally while maintaining its established reputation for quality. [Read more…] about Omron to consider spinning off device and module solutions business

Universal Robots launches UR8 Long collaborative robot

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Universal Robots has unveiled the UR8 Long, a long-reach collaborative robot designed for industrial automation tasks including welding, bin picking, and inspection.

The launch took place September 8 at FABTECH in Chicago, with orders now open and shipping set to begin in October.

The UR8 Long offers the same 1,750 mm reach as the UR20 but with a slimmer profile, 30 percent lighter mass, and an 8 kg payload capacity. Its compact design makes it suitable for space-constrained cells, overhead systems, and gantries. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches UR8 Long collaborative robot

Mars to invest €1 billion to boost manufacturing across the EU

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Mars, the confectionary and food products manufacturing giant, says it plans to invest €1 billion in its European Union operations by the end of 2026.

The company says the investment is aimed at strengthening the region’s manufacturing capabilities, sustainability and innovation pipeline, and increasing its economic resilience.

This new investment builds on more than €1.5 billion Mars has invested in EU manufacturing over the past five years, modernising facilities, increasing production capacity and accelerating efforts to decarbonise its value chain. [Read more…] about Mars to invest €1 billion to boost manufacturing across the EU

John Deere acquires GUSS Automation

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John Deere has fully acquired GUSS Automation, a maker of autonomous sprayers for vineyards and orchards, headquartered in Kingsburg, California.

The acquisition builds on an existing joint venture established in 2022 and advances John Deere’s commitment to helping high-value crop growers address their biggest challenges around labor availability, input costs and crop protection.

Julien Le Vely, director, production systems, high value and small acre crops, at John Deere, says: “Fully integrating GUSS into the John Deere portfolio is a continuation of our dedication to serving high-value crop customers with advanced, scalable technologies to help them do more with less. [Read more…] about John Deere acquires GUSS Automation

Abu Dhabi’s TII and Nvidia open Middle East’s first AI and robotics research lab

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Pioneering humanoid and robotics R&D with next-generation AI integration

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has joined forces with Nvidia to launch the Middle East’s “first” joint lab dedicated to both artificial intelligence and robotics.

This landmark collaboration establishes a first-of-its-kind hub in the region for developing next-generation AI models, robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies that will accelerate innovation across industries.

The announcement of the TII-NVAITC (Nvidia AI Technology Center) Joint Lab for AI and Robotics was made during a signing ceremony held at TII’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, bringing together senior leaders from both organizations. [Read more…] about Abu Dhabi’s TII and Nvidia open Middle East’s first AI and robotics research lab

Canadarm2 grapples Cygnus XL in key robotic arm manoeuvre at the ISS

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The International Space Station’s robotic powerhouse, Canadarm2, took centre stage this morning as it captured and installed Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo ship, delivering over 11,000 pounds of critical science and supplies.

At 7.24 am EDT, on September 18, astronaut Jonny Kim (with Zena Cardman as backup) used Canadarm2 to grapple the Cygnus XL, then manoeuvred it into position for installation at the ISS’s Unity module.

The supply ship launched from Cape Canaveral on September 14, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. It will stay docked until March 2026, when it will depart carrying waste to burn up during re-entry. [Read more…] about Canadarm2 grapples Cygnus XL in key robotic arm manoeuvre at the ISS

Flexiv to make largest appearance yet at China International Industry Fair

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Flexiv, a provider of general-purpose robotics, will make its largest appearance yet at the upcoming China International Industry Fair (CIIF), taking place from September 23rd to 27th.

With demand for adaptive robotics growing rapidly across China, Flexiv is eager to showcase its latest demonstrations and prove how the “adaptive advantage” can make a real difference to organizations of any size.

Visitors to Booth 8.1H B001 will be able to experience ten demonstrations designed to highlight the flexibility and adaptability of adaptive robots. [Read more…] about Flexiv to make largest appearance yet at China International Industry Fair

Fugro and NOAA partner to advance remote deep-ocean mapping

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Fugro and NOAA Ocean Exploration have entered into a five-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to design and deploy remote and uncrewed technologies that will accelerate deep-ocean mapping and characterisation.

This public-private partnership aims to close critical data gaps in one of the least understood parts of our planet, enabling informed decisions about offshore energy, marine resource management and national security.

The collaboration combines NOAA’s scientific and operational expertise with Fugro’s leadership in remote and uncrewed systems. [Read more…] about Fugro and NOAA partner to advance remote deep-ocean mapping

Meiko Group partners with Fizyr and Yaskawa Europe on automated dishwashing

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Fizyr, a provider of advanced vision AI, and Yaskawa Europe, one of the world’s largest robotics and industrial automation companies, have teamed up with Meiko Group to bring automation to commercial kitchens. 

Meiko, known for its professional warewashing, cleaning, and disinfection systems, is working with the two technology companies to develop an automated dish sorting and washing solution.

The project also incorporates Meiko’s expertise in sustainable food waste treatment, aiming to improve efficiency and hygiene in large-scale food service operations. [Read more…] about Meiko Group partners with Fizyr and Yaskawa Europe on automated dishwashing