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China making ‘30 per cent more industrial robots’

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cctv propaganda

China made 30 per cent more industrial robots in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to the Communist government’s propaganda outlet CCTV. 

CCTV quoted a “ministry of industry and information technology official”, who was speaking at the Shanghai Industry Fair last week, when providing the figure.

China is already thought to be the world’s largest market for industrial robots, but it wants to become a maker of the machines as well.  [Read more…] about China making ‘30 per cent more industrial robots’

Electric car industry sparks into life

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Two of the world’s biggest automakers have made moves which would suggest electric cars will become mass-market vehicles much sooner than perhaps some may have expected. 

General Motors has decided to bring forward its production of the all-electric Chevy Volt, according to a report in Manufacturers’ Monthly, which quotes a report on Associated Press.

The vehicles will go on sale towards the end of this year for around $30,000.  [Read more…] about Electric car industry sparks into life

Third book: Robotics and Automation Industry Thought Leaders

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The third volume in our series of books, Robotics and Automation Industry Thought Leaders, is now available in the Amazon Kindle Store. 

It will also soon be available in the Apple iBooks Store as well as in this website’s store.

Support us by buying a copy of any of our books, or subscribe – as we will be offering the books as part of our subscription package.

Rockwell Automation buys Maverick Technologies

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rockwell-automation

Maverick Technologies has been acquired by Rockwell Automation. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Columbia, Illinois, Maverick is the largest independent systems integrator in North America and is a global leader in industrial automation, enterprise integration and strategic manufacturing solutions for clients across a wide range of manufacturing and process industries.

Leveraging its unique enterprise-wide perspective, the Company identifies suboptimal operations and improves performance for greater safety, efficiency and overall profitability. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation buys Maverick Technologies

Rodriguez Automation launches MiR100 mobile logistics robot

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Rodriguez Automation has signed a deal to distribute the MiR100 platform of mobile robots for the automation of internal transport.

The company says this new generation of advanced mobile robots is designed to optimise workflows, free-up staff resources for more valuable tasks and allow users to increase productivity, shorten delivery times and reduce costs.

Indeed, high operational efficiency means that return on investment can be achieved within 12 months in many instances.  [Read more…] about Rodriguez Automation launches MiR100 mobile logistics robot

Geolux updates traffic radar product to consume less power

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Geolux RSS-2-300 T Doppler radars and RSS-2-300 OEM radar modules are used worldwide in various traffic monitoring and law enforcement applications, including LED speed signs.

LED speed signs are often placed on locations where there is no connection to electric power grid, so they rely on solar power and batteries.

For solar-based setups it is critical to reduce power consumption of all components of LED sign, including radar sensor unit. Geolux has recently improved its firmware that controls the radar operation, to include a special low-power mode which greatly reduces radar current draw. [Read more…] about Geolux updates traffic radar product to consume less power

Kuka unveils Cybertech industrial robots in China

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Kuka has presented its new Cybertech range of industrial robots for the first time, choosing the China International Industry Fair in Shanghai as the venue for the launch. 

The company says the “Cybertech Nano” robots can be used in a variety of applications, including loading and unloading of machines and for welding operations.

Kuka’s brand ambassador Timo Bell – the famous table tennis player – was scheduled to present at the event, and will be helping to demonstrate its other established robot range, the KR3 Agilus.  [Read more…] about Kuka unveils Cybertech industrial robots in China

Endurance invents new new diode laser for 3D printers

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endurance robots diodes

Endurance Robots claims it has invented a “powerful diode laser” which can convert 3D printers and CNC routers into laser engraving and cutting machines. 

The new 5.6 watt laser follows Endurance’s 2.1 watt laser which was launched a couple of years ago.

The company says its new laser is easy to install and quick to start cutting or engraving.

The laser can be used to engrave many materials, such as wood, plywood, fabric, felt, acrylic, ABS, PLA, cardboard, hardboard, says the company.

Tech-Link partners with Blue Ocean Robotics on atmosphere disinfection system

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Tech-Link Engineering has formed a strategic partnership with Blue Ocean Robotics to offer an ultra-violet disinfection robot solution.

The partnership affirms both Tech-Link and Blue Ocean Robotics’ efforts in delivering emerging technologies to battle against Hospital Acquired Infections and improve the quality of healthcare services.

As an official sales partner, Tech-Link says it brings together Blue Ocean Robotics’ expertise in automating disinfection procedures to promote safer, efficient and more productive work environment.  [Read more…] about Tech-Link partners with Blue Ocean Robotics on atmosphere disinfection system

Connected world: The death of proprietary networks

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smart kettle

Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation, takes a look at one of the casualties of fluid communication in the factory – that is, the death of proprietary networks and communication protocols in favour of the uninhibited free flow of data 

Like it or not, we live in modern world of fluidity and interconnectedness in which the once ordinary now transcends all previous boundaries.

Take the humble kettle for instance. It’s a sign of the times that you can now purchase a kettle you can control from your phone via the internet. It will even send you notifications when it needs filling or if it’s at optimum temperature. Because it was hard to tell before.

Joking aside, one place where interconnectivity really is making a difference is on the factory floor.  [Read more…] about Connected world: The death of proprietary networks