Robotics & Automation News

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Roeq debuts new cart system for 130 kg-payload Omron autonomous mobile robot

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Roeq, a developer of mobile robotic equipment, is continuing its product line expansion, with a stated aim of “turning autonomous mobile robots into powerful, flexible, multi-tasking workers”.

At Automate 2023, the company is planning to debut the Roeq TMC130 solution: a top module and cart system for the Omron LD-90x that increases payload from 90 kg (198 lb) up to 130 kg (287 lb).

Developed in collaboration with Omron, the TMC130 solution expands options for customers to safely and reliably use the compact LD-90x robot for higher payload missions, even where space is constrained. [Read more…] about Roeq debuts new cart system for 130 kg-payload Omron autonomous mobile robot

Tormach robots help ‘triple’ welding efficiency of concrete company

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The opportunity to automate a simple pair of tack welds on mild steel components was all it took to lead Advance Concrete Form of Madison, Wisconsin, on the path to robotic automation.

But given the unqualified success of this application, the company is keen to find new ways to automate at its busy headquarters.

In fact, Plant Manager Adam Wepfer is on the lookout daily for new ways to add efficiency to Advance Concrete’s daily operations at its primary facility. And the company’s Tormach ZA6 industrial robot has been a star performer in freeing the company’s skilled welders to perform more complex tasks. [Read more…] about Tormach robots help ‘triple’ welding efficiency of concrete company

ANYbotics to provide steelmaker Outokumpu with its canine inspection robot

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Outokumpu, one of Europe’s largest producers of stainless steel, has signed a deal with ANYbotics, a supplier of four-legged robots.

ANYbotics will provide its autonomous robotic inspection solution ANYmal to automate routine inspection at Outokumpu sites in Europe.

Outokumpu and ANYbotics formally announced the partnership ahead of the Green Steel World Conference. [Read more…] about ANYbotics to provide steelmaker Outokumpu with its canine inspection robot

Factory Visit: Investment bankers tour client’s robot-filled machine shop

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Investment and automation specialists John Slater and Jorge Maceyras, of Focus Investment Banking, make a factory visit to a client of theirs, and find that robotics is integral to the operation.

Do you have any robots?

When we posed that somewhat naïve question to the CEO of an extreme high precision machine shop in 2014, we got the response we deserved.

“Look up on the landing.”

There, we saw a hulking industrial robot our client had acquired years before to satisfy his auto industry customer that had a factory full of such behemoths. The unwieldy, difficult to program, creature had no role in the high mix low volume shop and had long been consigned to serve as the firm’s robot museum. [Read more…] about Factory Visit: Investment bankers tour client’s robot-filled machine shop

How to Automate the Mechanical Tasks in Your Company Better

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Most contemporary businesses can benefit from task automation. People have been automating processes since the water wheel, but we can achieve groundbreaking levels only with computer systems.

Task automation can help your business grow and compete with larger establishments. You will save money on routine manual labor and avoid human error simultaneously. [Read more…] about How to Automate the Mechanical Tasks in Your Company Better

North American robot sales on track for another record year for 2022

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North American robot sales in the first nine months of 2022 reached record levels, with all indications pointing to 2022 ending with the highest number of robots sold in a year for the second year in a row.

According to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), from January to September 2022, North American companies purchased 35,804 units valued at $1.875 billion, up 24 percent for units ordered and 27 percent for revenue over the same period in 2021.

Jeff Burnstein, president of A3, says: “Ongoing labor shortages, easier-to-use robotic solutions and new industries embracing robotics, such as restaurants, retail, construction and even agriculture, have led to record units sold here in North America this year. [Read more…] about North American robot sales on track for another record year for 2022

Sarcos Robotics and Changi Airport test outdoor robotic baggage handling system

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Sarcos Technology and Robotics, a manufacturer of advanced robotic systems, and Changi Airport has completed a demonstration of a jointly developed outdoor-based autonomous baggage loading system prototype.

In collaboration with CAG, Sarcos is developing an outdoor-based baggage loading system to automate the loading and unloading of loose passenger bags from narrow-bodied aircraft.

The inaugural field demonstrations were conducted during September 2022 at Singapore Changi Airport and validated the opportunity for robotics to reduce the risk of on-the-job injuries from baggage handling and augment the ground handling labor force. [Read more…] about Sarcos Robotics and Changi Airport test outdoor robotic baggage handling system

Unbox Robotics launches ‘first-of-its-kind’ vertical robotics sortation solution

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Unbox Robotics, a robotics technology company specializing in logistics, has launched what it says is “the first-of-its-kind vertical robotics sortation solution”.

Called “UnboxSort”, the solution was unveiled on the sidelines of the India Warehousing Show 2022 in New Delhi. Unbox describes UnboxSort as a “swarm intelligence-powered Industry 4.0 plug-and-play robotics solution”.

With the help of UnboxSort, Unbox Robotics aims to help e-commerce retailers scale up their logistics to handle the high parcel volume brought in by the change in online buying behaviour since the pandemic. [Read more…] about Unbox Robotics launches ‘first-of-its-kind’ vertical robotics sortation solution

Ready to Automate? 5 Expert Insights on the Warehouse of the Future

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A new report explores trends and key considerations for warehouse and distribution center executives implementing automation.

Automation is changing the way our world works, and it’s probably already a part of your daily life.

Even the ways you watch TV and shop are likely influenced by automation, from artificial intelligence-powered suggestions on what series to begin next, and algorithms that conveniently present you with ads for your favorite brand of sneakers. [Read more…] about Ready to Automate? 5 Expert Insights on the Warehouse of the Future

Comau to automate production of hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers for ‘multiple clients’

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Comau says it is working with “multiple clients in different parts of the world” to automate the production of fuel cells and electrolyzers.

By leveraging its knowledge and expertise in electrification and renewable energies, Comau is helping facilitate the creation of reliable, zero-emission power.

It is doing so by developing a proprietary solutions portfolio to automate key process steps, including cell preparation and stacking, leak testing and more, as part of its commitment to lowering the price point of fuel cell and electrolyzer manufacturing. [Read more…] about Comau to automate production of hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers for ‘multiple clients’