Robotics & Automation News

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Micropsi Industries’ AI-based control system speeds complex and precise robot training and implementation

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Industrial and collaborative robots learn to perform camera-guided movements more quickly with the latest version of Micropsi Industries’ MIRAI robot control system.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), MIRAI enables robots to flexibly react to variances in their tasks in real time by learning from humans.

Variances in position, shape, surface properties or lighting conditions are a common challenge for robotic automation of machine tending, assembly or test applications. [Read more…] about Micropsi Industries’ AI-based control system speeds complex and precise robot training and implementation

SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

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SVT Robotics, a developer of software for industrial robotics, has designed a new SoftBot Platform connector for RightHand Robotics, a specialist in autonomous robotic picking solutions.

SVT Robotics worked with RightHand Robotics to develop the pre-built connector between SVT’s SoftBot Platform and the RightPick 3 item-handling robot system, the company’s newest generation of the RightPick product suite and the world’s first autonomous piece-picking solution designed to be integrator-friendly.

T.J. Fanning, VP of sales for SVT, says: “By connecting to the pre-built standard integrations of our SoftBot Platform, RightHand Robotics customers who adopt the RightPick 3 system can now deploy without the need for custom integration code. [Read more…] about SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

IDS introduces AI-complete industrial vision solution: ‘Even more functions thanks to free upgrade’

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The recently released software update for the IDS NXT platform provides users of the all-in-one AI solution IDS NXT ocean with many new features.

It extends the system’s AI capabilities to include object detection, offers turnkey solutions with vision apps and, with a new development environment, ensures that users can program their own image processing tasks and execute them as vision apps on their cameras.

Using OPC UA, AI-based image processing can also be integrated directly into factory automation without writing a single line of code. The update is free and can be used with all IDS NXT cameras. [Read more…] about IDS introduces AI-complete industrial vision solution: ‘Even more functions thanks to free upgrade’

Seegrid introduces upgraded autonomous tow tractor

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Seegrid, a builder of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has unveiled its Seegrid Palion Tow Tractor Series 8.

This upgraded version of the company’s automated tow tractor features enhanced Smart Path technology, increasing the robotic fleet’s ability to comprehend and make decisions while safely and reliably moving material in dynamic, high-traffic facilities.

Advances in Seegrid’s artificial intelligence allow Palion AMRs to see, understand, and learn using the company’s proprietary vision system. The robotic fleet has been performing and reporting on tasks safely and productively for more than 5 million autonomous miles for leading brands in manufacturing, e-commerce, and logistics sectors. [Read more…] about Seegrid introduces upgraded autonomous tow tractor

Ranpak makes ‘strategic investment’ in Pickle Robot Company

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Ranpak, a provider of paper-based packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains, has made a “strategic investment” in Pickle Robot Company, a developer of robotic systems for automated sorting, loading and unloading of packaged goods within logistical lines.

Pickle Robot has developed a low cost, collaborative package-handling robot that automates several key tasks along the e-commerce supply chain.

Ranpak Automation’s investment in Pickle is highly strategic, and complements and expands Ranpak’s existing portfolio of automated solutions. [Read more…] about Ranpak makes ‘strategic investment’ in Pickle Robot Company

Kuka to implement Nokia 5G SA private wireless networking

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Kuka, a manufacturer of industrial robots and automation solutions, will implement Nokia 5G SA (stand alone) private wireless networking at Kuka’s Smart Production and Development Center in Augsburg, Germany.

Kuka is planning to deploy 5G technology in its intelligent robotics and automation solutions, and the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) campus networking and application platform will support product development with immediate effect.

Michael Wagner, director R&D, competence center control technology, Kuka, says: “In coming years, Kuka will develop solutions that harness the potential of 5G’s fast, reliable and secure connectivity. [Read more…] about Kuka to implement Nokia 5G SA private wireless networking

Comau designs ‘highly automated, high-volume’ battery manufacturing line

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Comau, an industrial robotics and automation specialist, has designed and developed a “high-volume module manufacturing line” to produce new generation lithium-ion batteries for Leclanché, a provider of energy storage solutions for the heavy transportation, naval and railway industries.

Comau says the “state-of-the-art, highly automated line” is the result of a simultaneous engineering process and combines industrial robots, vision systems, laser welding, and the automated in-line validation of joints via artificial intelligence. Priority was given to ensuring multi-module configurability, full traceability and the highest level of safety.

The line includes the latest quality and process control technologies, thus setting the foundation for the transition towards Industry 4.0 principles. It will also allow Leclanché to produce up to six times the company’s current capacity, reaching an output of more than 60,000 modules per year. The solution is also expected to reduce costs by up to 20 percent, support 50 different product configurations and save Leclanché valuable time when introducing new formats into the manufacturing line.  [Read more…] about Comau designs ‘highly automated, high-volume’ battery manufacturing line

Ambi Robotics selects DWFritz to manufacture its robotic systems for logistics

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Ambi Robotics, an artificial intelligence and robotics company that develops advanced supply chain solutions based on simulation-to-reality AI to power highly-dexterous robots, and DWFritz Automation, a provider of high-precision automation and metrology solutions, are partnering to build custom robotic solutions for Ambi Robotics’ supply chain customers.

Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics, says: “We are excited to work with DWFritz as we scale deployments of AI-powered sorting systems.

“DWFritz’s engineer-to-order and build-to-print capabilities complement Ambi’s ability to configure solutions that meet the needs of each customer, which will reduce implementation costs for our customers as we rapidly deploy the AmbiSort solution for ecommerce and parcel sortation.” [Read more…] about Ambi Robotics selects DWFritz to manufacture its robotic systems for logistics

Miso Robotics partners with Lancer Worldwide to launch automated beverage dispenser

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Miso Robotics, a robotics and automation startup specializing in the foodservice industry, is partnering with Lancer Worldwide, a beverage dispenser manufacturer which works with the world’s top food and beverage brands, to build “an intelligence-backed, automated beverage dispenser that will bring enhanced functionality for a future-focused commercial kitchen”, according to the companies.

At a time when the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is facing record labor shortages, operators are looking for ways to streamline operations, cut costs and implement solutions that drive a better and faster customer service experience. The pandemic drastically shifted the paradigm, creating new models for operator revenue streams that relied on drive-thru, takeout and delivery more so than ever before.

While 60 to 70 percent of certain QSR sales came from the drive-thru lane pre-pandemic, as Covid spread, major QSRs experienced a jump as high as 90 percent.1 Yet, the new delivery and drive-thru model have made the always-critical need of speed and efficiency an even bigger challenge as volume increases and staff decreases have added minutes to the clock for order completion. Because of this, total average drive-thru times slowed down by 29.8 seconds last year. [Read more…] about Miso Robotics partners with Lancer Worldwide to launch automated beverage dispenser