Robotics & Automation News

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Comau unveils new ‘perception-based’ robotic picking solution

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Robotics and automation specialist Comau has launched what it calls the “MI.RA/Picker”, describing as an intelligent advanced automation solution for perception-based random bin picking.

Adaptable to any brand of commercial robot, customized bin or customized gripper, the fully automated picking solution uses two high-resolution laser sensors and a central camera to autonomously recognize, locate and grasp randomly placed objects at a rate of up to 40 pieces per minute (PPM).

Furthermore, its streamlined virtual simulation tools and predictive algorithms guarantee optimal path management and collision-free trajectories, for precise and reliable performance while lowering costs and potential risks. [Read more…] about Comau unveils new ‘perception-based’ robotic picking solution

Comau developing fully automated system for battery recycling

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Comau has renewed its commitment to the EU’s Flexible Battery Dismantling (Flex-BD) project for the second year, to help deliver a fundamental pillar on the path towards a truly circular economy.

Flex-BD is a robotized system that automates the entire process of dismantling worn-out electric batteries using a highly flexible, repeatable and standardizable process.

Now, having validated the proof-of-concept, Comau has expanded the scope to include second life repurposing of automotive batteries. [Read more…] about Comau developing fully automated system for battery recycling

Aerobotix and FerRobotics to showcase new robotic taping kit at Automate 2023

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Aerobotix and FerRobotics, two robotics companies based in the US and Austria respectively, will exhibit their new Active Taping Kit (ATK) tool at the Automate Show in Detroit, Michigan, from May 22-25. This will be the first public demonstration of the ATK in North America.

Aerobotix and FerRobotics partnered on the ATK in response to aerospace industry demand for an automated tool for precision application of masking tape. Collaboration between engineers from the two companies led to the development of a revolutionary End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) after months of prototypes and testing.

FerRobotics’ patented Active Compliant Technology (ACT) enables a robot to use varying force when applying tape to an aircraft. The ATK allows for smooth masking on parts varying in shape, putting down perfectly straight tape lines where the customer needs them.   [Read more…] about Aerobotix and FerRobotics to showcase new robotic taping kit at Automate 2023

Bison Gear ‘transforms’ blanking operation with robotic automation

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Bison Gear & Engineering says its implementation of robotic automation has “transformed the company’s gear blanking operation”.

Bison Gear, a specialist in power transmission industry and a high-mix, low-volume manufacturer, highlights production gains with robotic automation.

Bison incrementally introduces automation solutions and targets specific steps in the production process where automation can have the greatest impact. [Read more…] about Bison Gear ‘transforms’ blanking operation with robotic automation

Create Professional-Sounding Audio in a British Accent Using Text-to-Speech Technology

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Text-to-speech (TTS) technology has come a long way in recent years, and it can now be used to create professional-sounding audio with a British accent.

With text-to-speech technology, you can generate realistic-sounding voices perfect for podcasts, videos, radio broadcasts or any other type of audio production.

The best part is that the process is incredibly simple – all you have to do is enter your script into the software’s text box and select the desired British accent from the list of available options. [Read more…] about Create Professional-Sounding Audio in a British Accent Using Text-to-Speech Technology

How have self-operating equipment and other innovations transformed the warehouse?

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In this Q&A interview, Kristi Montgomery, vice president innovation at Kenco Group, a leading third-party logistics provider, explains how automation has changed the supply chain

Question: How has self-operating equipment and other innovations transformed the warehouse?

Answer: It might be easier to ask how haven’t these innovations transformed the warehouse. Automation touches nearly every area of warehouse operations, from the moment the pen hits the blueprint.

For example, supply chain professionals lay warehouses out differently to account for automated lifts that collect and transport goods from racks, invest in automated carts to bring goods directly to pickers, and adopt technology that instructs pickers on exactly which items to pick and how many.

As consumer demand for quick and cheap shipping continues to grow, automation isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a have-to-have. [Read more…] about How have self-operating equipment and other innovations transformed the warehouse?

ASRS revenue forecast to reach $1 billion in micro-fulfilment centers

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As retailers build micro-fulfilment centers (MFCs) to augment their distribution networks, automated picking solutions provide the speed and space maximization necessary for e-commerce efficiency and profitability.

According to a report by technology intelligence firm ABI Research, Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS) revenue within MFCs is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027, with uptake primarily seen in the grocery and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industries.

Ryan Wiggin, supply chain management and logistics industry analyst at ABI Research, says: “The need for high-density storage and fast fulfillment capabilities allows technologies to scale down and enable a flexible, bespoke frontline distribution network. [Read more…] about ASRS revenue forecast to reach $1 billion in micro-fulfilment centers

iFarm to build ‘world’s largest’ automated vertical farm in Mexico

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iFarm, a vertical farming technologies provider, has agreed a collaboration with Opus 2G Group (Mexico) to build a whopping automated high-tech vertical farm in the Smart City of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca in the south of Mexico.

Built with cutting-edge vertical farming technologies, the farm will have a cultivation area of 38.500 square meters and will become the largest vertical farm in the world.

Smart City of Tehuantepec will be set up by the holding Opus 2G Group in frames of the project The Smart Industrial Corridor Benito Juarez (CIINT). The initiative forms part of the governmental project, Interoceanic Corridor of Tehuantepec Isthmus. [Read more…] about iFarm to build ‘world’s largest’ automated vertical farm in Mexico

BlueBotics and ProLog Automation partner to drive German AGV adoption

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BlueBotics and ProLog Automation have signed a strategic partnership to help drive the adoption of automated guided vehicles (AGV/FTS) across the German manufacturing and logistics sectors.

This agreement positions ProLog Automation as a key BlueBotics solutions partner for the German market.

Under the terms of the agreement, ProLog’s AGV consulting and integration teams will undergo extensive training by BlueBotics’ engineers on the company’s Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT), a predominantly software-based platform on which companies can build robust, scalable, and even interoperable fleets of diverse ‘ANT driven’ vehicles. [Read more…] about BlueBotics and ProLog Automation partner to drive German AGV adoption

Made to Order: AI Data Processing Via Edge Computing Brings Robotics to the Fast-food Kitchen

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Exclusive from Premio

Back-of-house operations advance with machine learning, computer vision, and real-time data analytics 

The pandemic was especially difficult on the restaurant industry’s bottom line, and the sector is still in the early stages of recovery. As the world begins to turn the page on Covid, a new normal has emerged, with many kitchen staff having moved on to jobs outside food service.

New, modern technology, driven by automated systems, is ready to pick up the slack with incredible speed and productivity. Automated robotic arms powered by smart AI algorithms are revolutionizing modern restaurant operations in ways that would not have been possible just a few years ago.

Specialized software algorithms that enable the automation of repetitive kitchen tasks are proving more valuable for efficiency and productivity. [Read more…] about Made to Order: AI Data Processing Via Edge Computing Brings Robotics to the Fast-food Kitchen