Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

cobots

Ford installs team of collaborative robots on Fiesta assembly line

by

Automaker Ford has for the first time introduced a team of collaborative robots that works alongside engineers in Cologne, Germany, to ensure every Ford Fiesta has a perfect finish.

The six cobots complete a choreographed sequence to sand the entire body surface in just 35 seconds. The initiative does not replace employees but allows operators to use their time on more complex tasks and avoid suffering the strains associated with performing repetitive tasks.

Dennis Kuhn, senior manufacturing engineer, paint shop, Ford of Europe, says: “The cobots can feel when more force needs to be applied, just like we can, and they can more easily get to hard-to-reach places, like the centre of the roof.” [Read more…] about Ford installs team of collaborative robots on Fiesta assembly line

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

by

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

Record sales of collaborative robots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

by

With a growth of 23 percent in annual installations of collaborative robots from 2017 to 2018, the new World Robotics Report, published by International Federation of Robotics, shows a huge demand for end-of-arm-tooling, (EoAT).

In 2018 almost 14,000 new cobot arms were installed, and if this trend continues, that number will double in approximately three years, prompting an unprecedented EoAT market opportunity that OnRobot is ready to address.

For the first time ever, the annual World Robotics Report includes a specific analysis on the market for cobots, documenting a robust 23 percent growth worldwide. [Read more…] about Record sales of collaborative robots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

Universal Robots reports sales of 37,000 units and launches new collaborative robot

by

Universal Robots has launched a new collaborative robot with a higher payload capacity than the other three currently in its range – the new one has a 16 kg payload capability.

The company says its new UR16e expands collaborative robot solutions, adding heavy payload capability for manufacturers seeking to accelerate automation.

Universal Robots is the largest collaborative robot manufacturer in the world, having sold more units than other companies in the category. [Read more…] about Universal Robots reports sales of 37,000 units and launches new collaborative robot

Universal Robots ‘maintains top spot’ in collaborative robot market

by

Universal Robots is maintaining its top spot in the collaborative robot market, according to a report by ABI Research.

However, competitors including Doosan, Techman Robot and Precise Automation are “closing in“, says the study, Industrial Collaborative Robots Competitive Assessment.

There are well over 50 manufacturers of collaborative robots, or cobots, worldwide, but only a handful of these companies have so far deployed cobots on any meaningful level of scale. [Read more…] about Universal Robots ‘maintains top spot’ in collaborative robot market

Universal Robots and Phillips partner to provide integration with Haas machine tools

by

Universal Robots and Phillips Corporation have formed a partnership to make it easier to integrate with popular Haas CNC machine tools.

The partnership with Phillips Corporation, the largest global distributor of best-selling Haas CNC machines, offers a fast track to spindle uptime with safe, easy-to-use, and cost-effective cobots

Loading and unloading CNC machines is becoming one of the most popular applications for collaborative robots as manufacturers face significant difficulties in staffing this tedious task. [Read more…] about Universal Robots and Phillips partner to provide integration with Haas machine tools

Fanuc to demonstrate cobots and automation technology at Westec 2019

by

Fanuc America, supplier of robotics, CNCs and robomachines will demonstrate robotic and automation solutions for the aerospace, medical, industrial machinery and consumer goods industries at Westec 2019, 24-26 September in Long Beach, California, USA.

It will show the Fanuc CR-15iA collaborative robot, which uses iRVision to locate a part and then loads it into a chuck to simulate machining. The robot unloads the part and the cycle repeats.

Fanuc’s CR-7iA collaborative robot will demonstrate a variety of pre-programmed movements. Visitors will be able to use the hand-guidance mode, which allows them to instruct the robot to perform different movements and record paths.

[Read more…] about Fanuc to demonstrate cobots and automation technology at Westec 2019

Hanwha Robotics and Wipro team up on Indian cobot market 

by

Hanwha Precision Machinery’s Robot Business Division has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN) to establish a local sales and operations office in India.

The partnership combines the core competencies between the two companies: Hanwha’s cobot manufacturing and development capabilities and WIN’s Automation Solutions business and broad sales network in India.

Through this partnership, Hanwha Robotics will be able to sell its factory automation cobots to WIN’s customer base through its sales network.

[Read more…] about Hanwha Robotics and Wipro team up on Indian cobot market 

OnRobot opens research and development facility in Los Angeles

by

New office location in Culver City provides OnRobot opportunity to attract talent and add new products to a portfolio including robotic grippers inspired by lizards and sensors lending a human touch to robot arms

OnRobot, a provider of end-of-arm tooling for collaborative robot applications, has opened its first location specifically dedicated to research and development in the United States.

Based in Culver City in Los Angeles, California, the new office area boasts 6,000 square feet for engineers, researchers and local staff to work and develop new products. Last year marked OnRobot’s first foray into the LA area, as it acquired Perception Robotics.

With this acquisition, OnRobot brought the award winning Gecko Gripper technology into its product offerings and developed it for commercial launch. [Read more…] about OnRobot opens research and development facility in Los Angeles

Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America

by

North American distributors of Universal Robots are now opening Authorized Training Centers (ATCs), offering classes spanning basic to advanced programming of UR cobots. The first four ATCs have been launched, with another nine to follow by end of 2019.

Universal Robots says it is committed to making collaborative robots (cobots) in the workplace accessible to all. The company is now building on the popular online modules offered through the UR Academy by enabling its sales channel to open ATCs.

Through hands-on classes hosted by UR trained teachers, the ATCs will broaden users’ understanding of the UR cobots’ range of use cases, while providing opportunities for hands-on practice in real-life applications.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America