Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

automation

Capturing Improved Productivity: Tugger Train Automation

by


By Andy Legut, FlexQube

Too often automation and robotics are characterized by sensors driving Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

There are ways to efficiently automate material flow and lean manufacturing principles today. It starts with automating into a fork truck free environment.

Ultimately the reason for automation is to capture improved productivity. Cesar Jimenez, a Toyota Material Handling, USA employee shared that a forklift can only carry up to two loads at a time.

[Read more…] about Capturing Improved Productivity: Tugger Train Automation

Oceaneering selected to ‘digitally’ transform Pacific Drilling’s global fleet

by

Oceaneering International, Inc., and Pacific Drilling have entered into a five-year Digital Services Package agreement to provide Pacific’s customers with better reliability and improved throughput enabling streaming video and real-time data.

This will allow the provision of emerging services such as remote ROV piloting, surveying, and automation aboard Pacific Drilling’s high-specification drillship fleet.

As a result of these efforts, Pacific Drilling’s customers can benefit from higher security, increased access and management of third parties as well as new and expanded digital services.

[Read more…] about Oceaneering selected to ‘digitally’ transform Pacific Drilling’s global fleet

Universal Robots certifies SMC magnetic grippers

by

SMC Corporation of America, a pneumatics and industrial automation components manufacturer, has joined Universal Robots’ UR+ program, launching the new UR+ certified MHM Series Magnetic Gripper.

The gripper is bundled into an easy plug and play kit that integrates to a unique solution for picking, transferring, and placing ferromagnetic workpieces of uneven surfaces, porous, or that are susceptible to damage when traditional methods of vacuum systems or mechanical grippers are not viable.

A working demonstration of the MHM Magnetic Gripper kit installed on the arm of a Universal Robot was demonstrated at SMC’s booth and UR’s booth at the recent Automate Show in Chicago.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots certifies SMC magnetic grippers

B&R software better utilises the potential of robots

by

B&R Automation has added new functions to its mapp Motion software package. It is now possible to represent the structure of a complex machine intuitively in the configuration.

The various subsystems of a machine can be linked together. The movements of robots can be easily synchronised with gantry systems or workpiece tables with no additional programming.

The “Frame hierarchy” function can be used to represent the actual structure of a machine. Coordinate systems can be positioned at key points, such as the tool mounting flange.

[Read more…] about B&R software better utilises the potential of robots

Robotic toymaker Anki to close down

by

Anki, a startup company which made robotic toy cars and trucks, is planning to close its doors, according to a report on the Recode website.

The company had raised more than $200 million in funding for the venture, and generated $100 million in revenue in 2017, but is now making all of its 200 employees redundant.

In a statement to Recode, the company says that it had been left “without significant funding” which meant it could not finance its hardware and software development plans going forward.

[Read more…] about Robotic toymaker Anki to close down

A new type of robotic ‘brain’ could transform modern factories

by

By Richard van Hooijdonk

Industrial robots like the ones that assemble Tesla vehicles or Nokia’s 5G base stations are a sight to behold.

They’re critical for manufacturing automation and lead to improved product quality, shorter cycle times, and decreased production costs.

So, it’s no surprise that the global industrial robotics market is expected to reach a whopping $97.41 billion by 2026 as investments in this technology ramp up. [Read more…] about A new type of robotic ‘brain’ could transform modern factories

Four key criteria for industrial drive specification

by

Specifying the right industrial drives is crucial to machine and overall process performance, but with industrial automation shaping the landscape for drive selection, it is vital to keep abreast of defining specification criteria.

Paul Streatfield, strategic product manager for industrial drives specialist Bosch Rexroth, explores four of the most recent key criteria for industrial drive specification, which meet the challenges of today’s industrial requirements.

It can be challenging to continually update your specification choices in line with the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0 but in doing so, machinery manufacturers can offer their customers a wealth of financial benefits as well as better use of factory space, optimised machinery performance and improved safety standards. [Read more…] about Four key criteria for industrial drive specification

Hitachi to acquire robotic systems integrator JR Automation for $1.4 billion

by

Hitachi has entered into a definitive contract for the acquisition of the robotic system integrator business mainly operated by an American headquartered company, JR Automation.

Hitachi will conduct the acquisition with Crestview Partners.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the contract, Hitachi will acquire JR Automation, which builds production lines and logistics systems using industrial robots. [Read more…] about Hitachi to acquire robotic systems integrator JR Automation for $1.4 billion

Epson signs Interfaced Technologies as distributor in Canada

by

Epson Robots, a supplier of SCARA robots, has signed Interfaced Technologies, a distributor of industrial assembly technology and equipment, as an official distributor for the full line of Epson Robots automation products.

This includes Epson SCARA, 6-Axis and Linear Module robots as well as integrated solutions such as the IntelliFlex Feeding System, Vision Guide, Force Guide and many other industrial automation products offered by Epson Robots.

The distribution territory will cover the Ontario, Canada region. [Read more…] about Epson signs Interfaced Technologies as distributor in Canada

Locus Robotics raises $26 million in new investment

by

Supply chain automation startup Locus Robotics has raised $26 million in Series C funding.

The company says it will use the proceeds to scale production of its revolutionary multi-bot solution for warehouse fulfillment, as well as for expansion of its sales and marketing efforts, both in North America, and internationally.

Participants in the round include Zebra Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Zebra Technologies, and Scale Venture Partners, which led the Company’s Series B round in 2017. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics raises $26 million in new investment