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collaborative robots

4 key questions to ask before getting started with collaborative robots

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By Darrell Adams, head, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Universal Robots

Small and mid-sized manufacturers can be especially hard hit by sudden changes such as economic volatility, intense competitive pressure, seasonal demands or even an unexpected global crisis, like the current Covid-19 pandemic.

When labour requirements increase or decrease drastically, having the ability to ramp up production when demand is high and remain sustainable during downtime is crucial.

For these companies, having a workforce supported by collaborative robots or cobots, would be a dream come true. [Read more…] about 4 key questions to ask before getting started with collaborative robots

Stäubli launches new range of collaborative robots

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Stäubli has released a line of five new collaborative robots based on the TX2 industrial robots, claiming they are the “world’s safest, most collaborative cobots”.

The company says the new cobots “offer exceptional productivity and the safest man–machine collaboration on the market”.

The TX2touch is the only cobot with the SIL3/PLe safety level. It can handle loads of up to 20 kg and is equipped with a highly responsive skin system. [Read more…] about Stäubli launches new range of collaborative robots

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

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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

Collaborative robots being bought at ‘feverish rate’

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Most commentators and onlookers of the robotics industry hear of and understand the advertised value proposition of collaborative robots.

Cobots are smaller, more dexterous industrial robotic arms that open the possibility between human and machine collaboration without the need for complex programming or external safety infrastructure.

In reality, the value of current collaborative robotics is somewhat more modest. [Read more…] about Collaborative robots being bought at ‘feverish rate’

Doosan debuts collaborative robot at US trade show

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Doosan Robotics showcased a wide variety of application scenarios using their cutting-edge collaborative robots (cobots), indicating the company’s entry into the North American market.

Doosan cobots have a track record in several markets worldwide including Germany, France and China, with capabilities such as a working radius of 900 to 1,700 millimetres and a load capacity of 6 to 15 kilograms.

The company gave a demonstration of six cobots collaborating with two human workers to execute fine motor activities on an auto assembly line.

[Read more…] about Doosan debuts collaborative robot at US trade show

Sepro and Universal Robots agree new collaborative robots partnership

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Sepro Group, a provider of robotics and industrial automation for the plastic industry, and Universal Robots, a maker of collaborative robots, have signed a partnership agreement enabling Sepro to offer its Vision Control System with UR cobots.

Under the terms of this partnership between Sepro and UR, Sepro Group will integrate its Visual Control System with cobots supplied by UR.

The Visual Control Platform was developed by Sepro especially for robots used in plastics injection-molding machines. [Read more…] about Sepro and Universal Robots agree new collaborative robots partnership

Productive Robotics launches ‘first full line’ of next-generation teachable collaborative robots

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Productive Robotics is unveiling its full line of next-generation teachable collaborative robots at the Automate Show, which started today in Chicago.

The Santa Barbara, California-based cobot designer and manufacturer added an enhanced human sense of vision to its teach-and-learn platform, providing customers with a unique offering not currently available in the market.

Zac Bogart, president and CEO of Productive Robotics, says: “The Productive Robotics design and engineering team started building robots for movie special effects in the 1980s.  [Read more…] about Productive Robotics launches ‘first full line’ of next-generation teachable collaborative robots

Universal Robots launches global network of training centers

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Universal Robots has launched a global network of training centers. The collaborative robot-maker says it aims to lower automation barriers with robotic programming classes for beginners and advanced users.

The initiative is part of the company’s “mission to make the advantages of collaborative robotics widely accessible”, says Universal Robots.

The worldwide network of Authorised Training Centers that expands on the company’s popular Universal Robots Academy online training.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches global network of training centers

Collaborative robot maker Kassow Robots to make its Hannover Messe premiere

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Collaborative robot manufacturer Kassow Robots will make its first appearance at the Hannover Messe event this year.

The technology trade fair takes place from 1 to 5 April 2019. It will be the first chance to visit the company’s own booth since Kassow’s market launch at Automatica in Munich last summer.

The Danish start-up will be attending Hannover Fair together with Project Automation & Engineering. The partner from Kranenburg, Germany, will showcase an automated banding application.  [Read more…] about Collaborative robot maker Kassow Robots to make its Hannover Messe premiere

Majority of companies ‘do not understand safety requirements of collaborative robots’

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The vast majority of companies implementing automation technologies “do not understand safety requirements of collaborative robots”, according to a survey undertaken by TM Robotics. 

The company asked for the opinions of automation distributors on current challenges related to robotics for its Global Robotics Report.

The answers showed that 79 per cent of automation distributors do not believe their customers understand the safety requirements of installing a collaborative robot.  [Read more…] about Majority of companies ‘do not understand safety requirements of collaborative robots’