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Piab adds new size to its ‘bellows’ end-effector range

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Piab has further broadened its already extensive range of what are called “end-effectors” – basically the “hands” for robotic arms. 

Piab has extended its line of bellows flat friction suction cups to include a cup measuring 80 mm in diameter.

With this 80 mm cup, the company says it will fill the gap in its “highly competitive” range of DuraFlex friction cups. The new size BFFT80P-2 is available with 10 standard friction suction cup fittings. [Read more…] about Piab adds new size to its ‘bellows’ end-effector range

RTI releases ‘first’ software framework for widely distributed autonomous systems

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Real-Time Innovations, a software framework company for autonomous systems, has released the latest version of its software framework, RTI Connext.

RTI says Connext 6.1 is “the first software framework designed to address the development and deployment challenges faced by companies building remotely-operated autonomous systems”.

Autonomous systems must operate in inaccessible, remote, or hazardous environments. [Read more…] about RTI releases ‘first’ software framework for widely distributed autonomous systems

Omron agrees distribution deal with OnRobot

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Omron Industrial Automation Europe has signed a new distribution agreement with OnRobot, the Danish manufacturer of tools for collaborative robot (cobot) applications.

This will enable Omron to offer OnRobot’s products – which can be fully integrated with the Omron TM cobot – to its customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The agreement between the two companies will give their customers greater agility when implementing collaborative solutions. [Read more…] about Omron agrees distribution deal with OnRobot

ABB robot enhanced with protection for harsh and cleanroom applications

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ABB says its 6-axis IRB 1300 industrial robot now includes new protection elements that enable it to be used in tough industrial applications and contamination-free production processes.

The company says the enhancements open up new opportunities for increased productivity, improved product quality and reduced cycle times in a variety of industries including electronics assembly, automotive and metals fabrication, among others.

Originally launched in 2020, the IRB 1300 is now available in IP67, Foundry Plus 2 and cleanroom ISO 4 versions. This will expand its use in tough environments, with high levels of liquids and dust. [Read more…] about ABB robot enhanced with protection for harsh and cleanroom applications

DFI unveils computer with ‘auto warm-up’ and subzero operability

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Industrial computing specialist DFI has launched a computer that features “auto warm-up” and subzero operability.

The company says that, as edge computing has been rapidly expanding, users pursue computers to drive more functions with better performance to enhance artificial intelligence analysis capabilities. [Read more…] about DFI unveils computer with ‘auto warm-up’ and subzero operability

Kuka unveils new version of Cybertech nano industrial robot

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Kuka has unveiled the new generation of its KR Cybertech nano series of industrial robot. (See video below.)

Kuka says the robot is specialised for continuous-path applications such as arc welding, adhesive bonding or sealant application, and calls it the KR Cybertech nano Arc family.

The company adds that, in the low payload category, the robots deliver maximum performance at minimal costs. [Read more…] about Kuka unveils new version of Cybertech nano industrial robot

Celanese suggests replacing metal parts in robots with polymers

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Choosing materials is one of the most important decisions when designing and building a machine such as a robot, particularly one that moves around, like an autonomous warehouse robot or an automated guided vehicle. 

Most of the machines this website features in its articles and advertising use metals for the vast majority of their components. Even the outer casing on most industrial robots tends to be a metal such as iron or steel.

However, according to an expert at Celanese, one of the largest materials companies in the world, the vast majority of components and parts that are currently made out of metal can actually be replaced with polymers or thermoplastics. [Read more…] about Celanese suggests replacing metal parts in robots with polymers

Innodisk to release blockchain SSD securing edge data integrity

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The increasing ubiquity of AI in everyday applications brings with it concerns regarding data integrity and validation.

Innodisk’s new-patented blockchain technology brings to its latest SSD solution “InnoBTS SSD” and alleviates these concerns through sophisticated use of digital signature and blockchain that is fully software independent. [Read more…] about Innodisk to release blockchain SSD securing edge data integrity

Yaskawa Motoman has sold 500,000 industrial robots

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Yaskawa Motoman, one of the world’s largest industrial automation companies, has sold 500,000 industrial robots.

The company says cumulative shipments of Motoman Yaskawa’s industrial robots reach 500,000 units last month – February 2021.

Yaskawa has attracted a wide range of customers worldwide since its first all-electric industrial robot in Japan Motoman-L10 was shipped in 1977. [Read more…] about Yaskawa Motoman has sold 500,000 industrial robots

XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde

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XPO Logistics, a global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has embarked on a new autonomous forklift truck technology pilot program in collaboration with Balyo, a specialist developer of robotics for goods handling equipment.

XPO is the first logistics company in Europe to test Balyo’s latest robotic “reach truck” – referring to its higher reach – under real-life conditions. The pilot is underway at an XPO distribution center near Blois, France.

Malcolm Wilson, XPO’s chief executive officer – Europe, says: “We’re pleased that our on-site tests will help optimize intelligent reach trucks for the logistics environment. As we pilot the robotics in our operations, we’re also exploring these applications to increase efficiency for customers and to support our employees.” [Read more…] about XPO Logistics pilots autonomous forklift truck technology in partnership with Balyo and Linde