Robotics & Automation News

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Software

Festo unveils extended version of robotic systems design software

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Festo has unveiled an extended version of its robotic systems design software, saying it enables the design of Cartesian robots “in minutes”.

Festo’s Handling Guide Online (HGO) now includes 3D cantilever systems in addition to linear, planar surface and 3D handling systems.

The company says these improvements mean that design engineers can now plan “extremely compact or extremely dynamic Cartesian robots in a matter of minutes” using the HGO’s intuitive configuration and ordering software. [Read more…] about Festo unveils extended version of robotic systems design software

RoboDK targets integrator sales demos with web version of robot simulation software

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A new web version the popular robot programming software RoboDK has just been released.

This simplified version needs no license and provides a portable, intuitive interface for sales representatives, new robot users, and educational uses.

Creating convincing sales demos of robotic solutions is not always easy. Robot integrators often use simulations to make it easier for clients to understand their solutions, but such simulations are not easily portable. [Read more…] about RoboDK targets integrator sales demos with web version of robot simulation software

PTC provides Onshape design software to MassRobotics for robotic startups

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PTC, a provider of software for digital industry, is partnering with MassRobotics, a Massachusetts-based organization that provides support and resources to startups in the robotics sector.

The new collaboration will see PTC provide free licenses of Onshape, its cloud-native product development platform, to MassRobotics and its resident startups.

With Onshape, MassRobotics’ community of future-minded startups can leverage the latest in cloud product design software for robotics development. [Read more…] about PTC provides Onshape design software to MassRobotics for robotic startups

GreyOrange launches gStore retail stock management app

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GreyOrange, a warehouse robotics and automation company, has launched a new app for retail stock management.

The mobile-first software-as-a-service app “transforms stores into tech-enabled, personalized experience hubs and centers for online fulfillment using in-store inventory”, claims GreyOrange.

Retailers know they need to harmonize digital and physical experiences in their stores, but have struggled to find a fast and easy way to do so. [Read more…] about GreyOrange launches gStore retail stock management app

Automation specialist Keba acquires software startup Drag & Bot

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Keba acquired the Germany-based software company Drag & Bot – or “drag and bot”, as it prefers to be known. The start-up develops an innovative operating system for robots.

As a 100 percent subsidiary, drag and bot is part of Keba Industrial Automation, one of the three business areas of Keba Group.

With this new acquisition, Keba strengthens its position in industrial automation and strategically expands its product portfolio with flexible automation software. [Read more…] about Automation specialist Keba acquires software startup Drag & Bot

NEC unveils autonomous mobile robot control system

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NEC has developed a control technology that the company claims “doubles the efficiency of autonomous mobile robots” in warehouses while maintaining a high level of safety.

NEC plans to put this technology into practical use by March 2024 and to have it installed in NEC’s co-operative AMRs in Japan.

In recent years, the introduction of robots for transporting materials has accelerated due to labor shortages and large warehouses. [Read more…] about NEC unveils autonomous mobile robot control system

Stäubli launches new software to enable robot programming through PLCs

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Stäubli has launched uniVAL pi, a software solution that will enable robot programming to be implemented in the future via the PLC, using Plug & Play in Siemens TIA Portal.

A PLC, or programmable logic controller, is a type of small computer or device used to control machines in factories.

Stäubli’s new software is optionally an available communication interface, with which users can program Stäubli robots without manufacturer-specific, high-level language knowledge in their familiar environment – safely, quickly and efficiently, says the company. [Read more…] about Stäubli launches new software to enable robot programming through PLCs

Robots-as-a-Service or Software-as-a-Service: Which Technology Trend is the Future?

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Many people have not yet heard of Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS). This trend has grown as a technology likely to grow in scope in the coming years.

In short, RaaS allows businesses to take advantage of the benefits that come with robotic automation through cloud-based subscriptions rather than expensive equipment purchases.

This technology builds on the popularity of Software-as-a-Service or SaaS solutions. The rise of SaaS has increased the importance of cloud-based subscriptions for many companies. [Read more…] about Robots-as-a-Service or Software-as-a-Service: Which Technology Trend is the Future?

Wandelbots raises $84 million in Series C funding round

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Wandelbots, a developer of software for industrial robots, has raised more than $84 million in a Series C financing round.

The round was led by New York-based global private equity and venture capital firm Insight Partners, with participation from existing investors 83North, Microsoft, Next47, Paua, Atlantic Labs and EQT.

Wandelbots’ no-code approach brings automation to the next level by enabling application experts to teach their robots independently and become robot experts without the need for coding skills. [Read more…] about Wandelbots raises $84 million in Series C funding round

Applied Automation Technologies wins software contract with leading aircraft manufacturer

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Applied Automation Technologies has secured what it describes as “a major software contract” with a leading North American aircraft manufacturer.

The agreement involves the integration of AAT’s CAPPSNC software to directly interface with controllers on large CNC machines to provide dimensional metrology data for CMM reports, adaptive work offsets, and adaptive tool offsets for 3-5 axis closed-loop manufacturing.

Ray Karadayi, president and CEO of Applied Automation Technologies, says: “This CAPPSNC software is truly Factory 4.0 smart manufacturing technology because it is using metrology information throughout the manufacturing process for adaptive control.” [Read more…] about Applied Automation Technologies wins software contract with leading aircraft manufacturer