Robotics & Automation News

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iRobot begins manufacturing operations in Malaysia

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iRobot, a maker of consumer robots – most famously a robotic vacuum cleaner, has officially commenced production in Malaysia ahead of schedule.

Working with Jabil Inc, a manufacturing solutions provider based in St Petersburg, Florida, iRobot has expanded its manufacturing capabilities into Malaysia as part of its strategic supply chain diversification initiative.

Jabil has served as one of iRobot’s trusted manufacturing and supply chain partners in China since 2010. [Read more…] about iRobot begins manufacturing operations in Malaysia

ZF establishes third research and development center in China

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Automotive technology supplier ZF Friedrichshafen is establishing a third Chinese research and development center in Guangzhou southern China.

Representatives of ZF and the local authorities have signed an agreement and ZF plans to invest approximately €90 million in the new development center.

ZF already has two development centers in China, both located in Shanghai. With their respective focus on the development of active and passive safety technology as well as driveline and chassis technology, the two centers support ZF customers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. [Read more…] about ZF establishes third research and development center in China

Collaborative robotics market to account for 30 per cent of total robot market by 2027, says report

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The collaborative robotics market is forecast to account for approximately 30 per cent of the total overall robot market by 2027, according to a report by Interact Analysis.

The growth rate of collaborative robots is leading the robotics industry, adds the researcher.

Logistics will “surpass automotive” to be the second largest end user of collaborative robots by 2023, with electronics in first place. [Read more…] about Collaborative robotics market to account for 30 per cent of total robot market by 2027, says report

Geek+ smart warehouses break Single’s Day record with 8 million orders delivered in 72 hours

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Geek+ says it implemented and completed large-scale scheduling of more than 4,000 robots in its smart warehouses during this year’s 11.11 Singles’ Day shopping festival.

China’s largest smart warehouse network processed a record 8 million orders in 72 hours.

Geek+ says “the successful deployment is a fantastic validation of the strength of the robotics-as-a-service business model” and the flexibility and efficiency of smart warehouses during periods of peak orders, including the ultimate challenge of the world’s largest shopping festival. [Read more…] about Geek+ smart warehouses break Single’s Day record with 8 million orders delivered in 72 hours

Toyota partners with China’s BYD to develop electric cars

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Japanese automotive giant Toyota is partnering with China’s BYD to develop electric cars.

At the same time as Toyota debuts its electric Lexus in China, BYD and Toyota signed an agreement to establish a joint company to research and development for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The new R&D company, which will work on designing and developing BEVs (including platform) and its related parts, is anticipated to be established in China in 2020, with BYD and Toyota to evenly share 50 percent of the total capital needed. [Read more…] about Toyota partners with China’s BYD to develop electric cars

HRG launches new ‘automated guided vehicle’

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HRG has launched what it describes as an “automated guided vehicle”, although it appears to have the technology that is also found in autonomous mobile robots, which are slightly different.

AGVs are older technology and are limited in their ability to navigate their way round a facility – usually, magnetic strips are fixed to the floor to guide them.

HRG says its AGV integrates “simultaneous localization and mapping”, or SLAM, the navigation technology that gives AMRs their autonomy. [Read more…] about HRG launches new ‘automated guided vehicle’

Hitachi delivers ‘world’s fastest’ elevator to skyscraper

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Hitachi has delivered its elevator system to Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, a skyscraper complex building in Guangzhou, China.

The building has the Guinness World Records title as having the world’s fastest elevator. The presentation ceremony for the award of the official certificate was held recently.

This elevator travels with a rated speed of 1,260 metres per minute and connects the ground floor to the hotel lobby on the 95th floor in approximately 42 seconds, over a distance of 440 metres. [Read more…] about Hitachi delivers ‘world’s fastest’ elevator to skyscraper

MiR showcases its mobile robots at CIIF 2019

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Mobile Industrial Robots showcased its autonomous mobile robot solutions at the recent China International Industry Fair.

Making its public debut was the MiR1000 robot, which can carry heavy loads and pallets weighing up to 1 ton.

Thomas Visti, CEO of MiR, says: “This is our second time participating in CIIF, so it’s a great opportunity to showcase our MiR1000 robot, one of the industry’s largest autonomous mobile robots to date. [Read more…] about MiR showcases its mobile robots at CIIF 2019

Doosan Robotics showcases ‘next generation’ collaborative robots at China fair

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Doosan Robotics has been showcasing the “next generation” of collaborative robots at one of the largest industrial trade fairs in China.

Doosan introduced what the company described as “the world’s most adaptive lineup of collaborative robots”.

The Doosan launch took place at the China International Industry Fair (CIIF) 2019, which took place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai last week. [Read more…] about Doosan Robotics showcases ‘next generation’ collaborative robots at China fair

ABB starts construction of ‘world’s most advanced’ robotics factory in China

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ABB has started construction of its new robotics manufacturing and research facility in China, the world’s largest robotics market.

The facility is expected to open during 2021 and represents a total investment of $150 million.

The new 67,000 sq m factory in Kangqiao, near Shanghai, will feature the latest manufacturing processes, including machine learning, digital and collaborative solutions. [Read more…] about ABB starts construction of ‘world’s most advanced’ robotics factory in China