Robotics & Automation News

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Sonair to debut ‘world’s first’ safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots at Automate 2025

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Sonair ADAR (acoustic detection and ranging), the world’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor designed to boost safety in spaces shared by humans and robots will debut to North American audiences May 12 at Automate 2025, one of the world’s leading automation trade shows.

Sonair, the Norwegian sensor firm behind the award-winning sensor, was selected from a crowded field of contenders to participate in the prestigious Automate Startup Challenge.

Knut Sandven, CEO, Sonair, says: “Safety just got a lot simpler – and better adapted to detect people. [Read more…] about Sonair to debut ‘world’s first’ safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots at Automate 2025

Top 10 steel producers: Innovations, challenges, and future directions

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If you’re the kind of person who thinks steel is beautiful, you probably need to get a life. Or at least get out more.

But the thing about steel is that it’s always so shiny. So strong as well. If it’s stainless steel, like your average sink, you could use it for the rest of your life and it will look as shiny and as beautiful as the day it was made, provided you clean it of course.

Scientifically or technically speaking, even stainless steel does rust. But that’s boffins for you – always looking to spoil the party with useless facts. To the average person, with an average sink, stainless steel stays as good as new forever. [Read more…] about Top 10 steel producers: Innovations, challenges, and future directions

Predictions on 3D printing: What does 2025 hold for additive manufacturing?

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Despite the tremendous success of 3D printing – also known as additive manufacturing (AM) – across many industrial sectors, the technology is still, in some ways, in its early days.

Here, a number of senior executives at 3D Systems – whose founder Chuck Hull is credited with inventing 3D printing – share their thoughts on what 2025 holds for additive manufacturing. [Read more…] about Predictions on 3D printing: What does 2025 hold for additive manufacturing?

Kuka establishes new software and digital business segment

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The long-established German-based automation company Kuka, which is known worldwide for its orange industrial robots and automation solutions, is expanding its software and digital operations, and establishing a new business unit called Kuka Digital.

The company’s goal is the end-to-end digitalization of a wide range of machines and systems in production, from the first 3D simulation to connectivity and data analysis through to the use of artificial intelligence.

Software is playing an increasingly important role in mechanical engineering. What used to be mostly solved mechanically is now done by electronics and the associated software.

[Read more…] about Kuka establishes new software and digital business segment

Nikon sells its 1,000th 3D printer to Bosch

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Nikon SLM Solutions says that the 1000th system it has produced, an NXG XII 600, has now been acquired – by Bosch. (SLM stands for “selective laser melting”, a technique for 3D printing or additive manufacturing.)

German industrial giant Bosch will utilize the milestone NXG XII 600 to “elevate the production” of critical parts for powertrain technology, hydrogen, and electric drive applications at its 3D-Printing Manufacturing and Processing Center in Nuremberg, Germany.

This center specializes in additive manufacturing (AM) for both prototyping and serial production, harnessing the power of Nikon SLM’s technology to meet growing production demands. [Read more…] about Nikon sells its 1,000th 3D printer to Bosch

Caracol unveils large-format robotic 3D printer

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Caracol, a developer of large-format metal additive manufacturing systems, is introducing Vipra AM, which it describes as “a revolutionary technology that transforms how large-scale metal parts are produced”.

The company says its new robotic platform will be unveiled at Formnext (booth C101, Hall 12.1), and “stands out as a powerful tool designed to meet these and more of their evolving needs”.

Vipra AM is a robotic large scale direct energy deposition platform that leverages wire arc additive manufacturing processes, seamlessly developed into a hardware, software, and automation proprietary turnkey system. [Read more…] about Caracol unveils large-format robotic 3D printer

Orbbec unveils ‘stereo vision 3D camera’ for mobile robots and robotic arms

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Orbbec, a developer of 3D vision systems, has launched the Gemini 335Lg Stereo Vision 3D Camera at ROSCon 2024.

As the latest addition to the Gemini 330 series, the Gemini 335Lg utilizes advanced Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link 2 (GMSL2) and a Fakra connector, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in fulfillment centers, warehouses, and factories, as well as for robotic arms in complex tasks such as bin-picking and palletizing/de-palletizing.

The Gemini 330 series offers versatile 3D solutions, focusing on AMRs and robotic arms. These cameras operate in both passive and active laser-illuminated modes, ensuring high-quality depth and RGB output in challenging indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. [Read more…] about Orbbec unveils ‘stereo vision 3D camera’ for mobile robots and robotic arms

From Concept to Reality: How Blizzard Uses 3D Software in Game Development

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It is common thing for companies in the game industry to become intimately linked with certain genres and features. And Blizzard is not an exception here. This titan of the gaming industry is associated with the real-time strategy genre.

The company created real masterpieces that revolutionized the industry. Thus, Starcraft laid the foundation for the eSports discipline, winning dozens of awards and an army of dedicated fans from around the globe.

World of Warcraft introduced an intuitive interface, detailed guides, and a more user-friendly leveling system. All that opened up the MMORPG genre to a much wider audience of players. [Read more…] about From Concept to Reality: How Blizzard Uses 3D Software in Game Development

Cobots, Robot Offline Programming and 3D simulation: The driving forces behind the manufacturing evolution

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The collaborative robot (cobot) market is on a significant upward curve. Its global value is expected to be worth $11.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 35.2% from 2024.

In contrast to robots, cobots are designed to work in tandem with humans, with a tangible impact on cost, employee satisfaction, ROI and health & safety. They are also ideally placed to support understaffed workforces as the skills shortage in the sector continues.

But these automated machines do require effective programming to accurately complete their tasks and streamline factory floor processes, otherwise manufacturers face a difficult situation in not being able to deploy cobots where they are most needed. [Read more…] about Cobots, Robot Offline Programming and 3D simulation: The driving forces behind the manufacturing evolution

3 Monitor Technologies Pushing the Boundary of Design

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Cutting-edge monitor technologies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital design work. From interactive touchscreens to expansive quad HD displays, today’s monitors offer advanced features that empower designers to bring their creative visions to life like never before.

This article highlights three key monitor innovations that are redefining the designer’s toolkit. You’ll learn why higher refresh rates and curved displays enhance immersion, boost productivity, and reduce eye strain during long design sessions.

Whether you specialize in web design, product design, motion graphics, or architectural modeling, these breakthroughs represent new creative potential. [Read more…] about 3 Monitor Technologies Pushing the Boundary of Design