Robotics & Automation News

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Robotics and Automation News

Automation is Changing How Cleanrooms Stay Contamination-Free

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Tight protocols keep controlled rooms free of dust and residue. Every surface, instrument, and step inside these spaces supports quality and stability.

As more industries bring in smart machines, upkeep methods are shifting toward approaches that cut slip-ups while backing the reliability of familiar cleaning gear.

New tech now works alongside careful use of swabs and other supplies. Rather than replacing them, programmable systems help these items work with better steadiness. [Read more…] about Automation is Changing How Cleanrooms Stay Contamination-Free

Mitsubishi develops underwater robot for inspecting Japanese nuclear plants

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has developed a specialised underwater navigation robot to perform non-destructive inspections of nuclear reactor vessels in high-radiation environments, according to information released by the Japan Society of Maintenology. (See videos below.)

The unit, known as the A-UT Machine, is designed to navigate reactor vessels underwater and carry out weld-line inspections using a manipulator arm.

“The unit navigates underwater and uses a manipulator to perform non-destructive inspections of the weld lines of a nuclear reactor vessel,” Mitsubishi developers said. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi develops underwater robot for inspecting Japanese nuclear plants

Australian Droid + Robot unveils docking station to extend Explora XL robot autonomy for mining applications

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Australian Droid + Robot (ADR) has introduced a new Docking Station designed to extend the autonomy of its Explora XL robot, enabling underground mines to capture data without halting production or sending workers into hazardous environments.

The company says the ruggedised Docking Station allows robots to remain permanently underground, providing automated charging, integrated sensor cleaning, and secure data transfer.

In a statement, the company says: “For decades, essential underground tasks like surveying, inspection and gas sensing have required costly production shutdowns and exposed personnel to hazardous environments. [Read more…] about Australian Droid + Robot unveils docking station to extend Explora XL robot autonomy for mining applications

Healthcare support robots: Assisting patients and medical staff

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Healthcare systems around the world are under increasing strain. Ageing populations, rising patient numbers, and chronic staff shortages mean hospitals and care homes are looking for ways to deliver more care with fewer resources.

Against this backdrop, robots are emerging as valuable assistants – not to replace doctors and nurses, but to take on physically demanding, repetitive, or high-risk tasks.

This article is not about surgical robots – the machines that perform operations in operating theatres. Those are a different category and will be covered separately. [Read more…] about Healthcare support robots: Assisting patients and medical staff

AutoStore and Kardex deliver fully operational system to Balluff in ‘record six months’

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AutoStore and Kardex have completed the installation of a fully operational automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) for Balluff in just six months, a timeline the companies describe as a record.

Balluff, a global sensor and automation specialist headquartered in Germany, needed a solution to modernize its intralogistics operations. The company selected AutoStore’s cube storage technology, integrated and delivered by Kardex, to improve efficiency and meet growing demand.

According to the partners, the project was completed from contract signing to go-live in only half a year, significantly faster than typical deployment timelines for large-scale warehouse automation. [Read more…] about AutoStore and Kardex deliver fully operational system to Balluff in ‘record six months’

Swisslog to build automated frozen food warehouse for Orto Verde in Italy

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Swisslog is expanding its footprint in the food industry with a new strategic project for Orto Verde, a leading producer and distributor of frozen foods.

Under the agreement, Swisslog will design and build a high-density automated warehouse to optimize logistics and meet growing demands for efficiency and product traceability.

The new facility in Senigallia and will feature a high bay clad-rack warehouse with 19,700 pallet locations, served by three Vectura S32 multi-depth stacker cranes. [Read more…] about Swisslog to build automated frozen food warehouse for Orto Verde in Italy

DoorDash partners with Serve Robotics to expand sidewalk robot deliveries in the US

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DoorDash, which provides online ordering and delivery services for businesses, and Serve Robotics, an autonomous sidewalk delivery company, have agreed a new multi-year strategic partnership to roll out autonomous robot deliveries across the US.

Los Angeles residents ordering through the DoorDash app from participating merchants may have their order delivered by a Serve robot. The partnership will expand the potential volume of orders available to Serve for delivery.

This partnership reflects DoorDash’s broader multi-modal delivery platform strategy, which integrates Dashers, drones, and autonomous robots to meet increasing demand while lowering emissions and traffic congestion. [Read more…] about DoorDash partners with Serve Robotics to expand sidewalk robot deliveries in the US

Kollmorgen and ifm partner to improve pallet handling with smart automation

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Kollmorgen has announced a collaboration with sensor specialist ifm to tackle one of the persistent challenges in warehouses: misaligned pallets disrupting automated workflows.

In many logistics and production sites, manually placed pallets can be slightly off-coordinate, causing problems for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that depend on precise positioning.

These errors can result in failed docking attempts, delays, and reduced productivity. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen and ifm partner to improve pallet handling with smart automation

Is ABB making a mistake selling its robotics division?

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ABB’s decision to sell its robotics business to SoftBank for $5.4 billion raises a fundamental question: why exit one of the few industrial sectors almost universally expected to grow?

The company had previously considered spinning off the division as a standalone business but ultimately opted for a clean sale.

The move may provide ABB with capital to reinvest in its more profitable electrification and automation units, but it also means surrendering a foothold in a market with long-term potential. [Read more…] about Is ABB making a mistake selling its robotics division?

Top 30 Indian robotics companies: Competition, foreign and domestic

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India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing manufacturing economies, but it remains under-automated compared with its rivals.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, India installed just over 8,500 industrial robots in 2023, up 59 percent year on year.

That growth is encouraging, but India’s robot density – about 7 units per 10,000 workers – still lags far behind China (392) and South Korea (1,012). [Read more…] about Top 30 Indian robotics companies: Competition, foreign and domestic