Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

collaborative robots

MIT engineers design new handheld interface that gives ‘anyone the ability to train a robot’

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Teaching a robot new skills used to require coding expertise. But a new generation of robots could potentially learn from just about anyone.

Engineers are designing robotic helpers that can “learn from demonstration”. This more natural training strategy enables a person to lead a robot through a task, typically in one of three ways: via remote control, such as operating a joystick to remotely maneuver a robot; by physically moving the robot through the motions; or by performing the task themselves while the robot watches and mimics.

Learning-by-doing robots usually train in just one of these three demonstration approaches. But MIT engineers have now developed a three-in-one training interface that allows a robot to learn a task through any of the three training methods. [Read more…] about MIT engineers design new handheld interface that gives ‘anyone the ability to train a robot’

The evolving role of the human worker alongside cobots: Upskilling and new job creation

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In the early days of industrial automation, the arrival of machines on the factory floor was often seen as a threat to human employment.

Entire roles were mechanized, displacing workers and forcing industries to re-evaluate the relationship between people and machines.

Today, as collaborative robots – or “cobots” – become more common in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and beyond, the conversation is shifting.

Rather than replacing humans, cobots are increasingly seen as tools that augment human capabilities, reshaping the modern workforce through upskilling and creating entirely new job categories in the process. [Read more…] about The evolving role of the human worker alongside cobots: Upskilling and new job creation

DHL inaugurates Exotec automation system at Italy facility

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DHL Supply Chain Italy has inaugurated a new automation system at its Health Logistics Campus in Livraga (Lodi).

In a dedicated area of more than 7,000 sq m, 138 robots deliver “high-performance automation” powered by Exotec’s Skypod Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), now serving two key customers in the life sciences and healthcare sector: Viatris and DOC Pharma.

DHL Supply Chain Italy has invested more than €14 million to equip the Livraga Campus with this cutting-edge high-automation system, thereby strengthening the country’s vital Life Sciences & Healthcare sector. [Read more…] about DHL inaugurates Exotec automation system at Italy facility

Safety standards and innovations in human-robot collaboration

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The latest in sensors, programming, and risk assessment for safe collaborative deployment

Collaborative robots – or cobots – are rapidly transforming industrial automation by working safely alongside human workers.

Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are typically caged off, cobots are designed for direct interaction, enabling flexible, efficient workflows.

But as adoption grows, so too does the need for advanced safety systems, smarter programming environments, and comprehensive risk management frameworks. [Read more…] about Safety standards and innovations in human-robot collaboration

Global collaborative robot market forecast to grow 12 percent a year to 2031

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The global Collaborative Robot (Cobot) Sales Market, valued at $1,020 million in 2024, is projected to reach $2,199 million by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.8 percent during the forecast period of 2025-2031.

According to QY Research, this market report offers in-depth insights into industry dynamics, emerging trends, and growth opportunities that will shape the future of the collaborative robotics industry.

It highlights the major drivers and challenges influencing market expansion and provides a detailed analysis of regulatory frameworks, market entry strategies, pricing models, technological advancements, and consumer demand trends. [Read more…] about Global collaborative robot market forecast to grow 12 percent a year to 2031

How collaborative robots are bringing automation to small businesses

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The industrial automation landscape has long been dominated by large corporations.

These giants, with their deep pockets and specialized engineering teams, could readily invest in the complex, costly, and often space-intensive traditional industrial robots.

This left many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggling to keep pace, creating a significant divide that limited their productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in the global market. [Read more…] about How collaborative robots are bringing automation to small businesses

Nvidia and partners highlight ‘next-generation’ robotics, automation and AI technologies at Automatica

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From the heart of Germany’s automotive sector to manufacturing hubs across France and Italy, Europe is embracing industrial AI and advanced AI-powered robotics to address labor shortages, boost productivity and fuel sustainable economic growth.

Robotics companies are developing humanoid robots and collaborative systems that integrate AI into real-world manufacturing applications.

Supported by a $200 billion investment initiative and coordinated efforts from the European Commission, Europe is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of industrial automation, powered by AI. [Read more…] about Nvidia and partners highlight ‘next-generation’ robotics, automation and AI technologies at Automatica

Comau to unveil six new collaborative robots at Automatica

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Comau is highlighting the strong synergies between human ingenuity and technological excellence at Automatica 2025 with the launch of powerful new solutions designed to accelerate ease of use, increase quality and ensure sustainable productivity for companies of all sizes and industries.

From June 24 -27 in Munich (Germany), under its new motto “Next is Automated”, Comau unveiled its new MyCo range of six collaborative robots, its MyMR family of autonomous mobile vehicles, and its patented N-WG modular welding gun, all of which made their worldwide debut at the internationally renowned trade fair (Hall B5, Stand 331).

Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau, says: “As the demand for automation continues to rise, fueled by double-digit growth across diverse industries, Comau is increasingly focused on delivering high-performance products. [Read more…] about Comau to unveil six new collaborative robots at Automatica

Delta Electronics to showcase new collaborative robots at Automatica

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Delta Electronics, a Taiwanese company specializing in power management and smart green solutions, says it is “redefining intelligent manufacturing for small and medium-sized enterprises” (SMEs) at automatica 2025 with the debut of two next-generation D-Bot cobot solutions.

The D-Bot MAR, developed and assembled in Germany, handles payloads of up to 500 kg with a lift height of 55 mm, ideal for European pallets and materials handling applications. The Dynamic D-Bot 2-in-1 boasts a detachable cobot arm to execute both autonomous pallet transport and independent cobot operations.

Michael Mayer-Rosa, head of intelligent robot systems and senior director, industrial automation business group, Delta Electronics EMEA, says: “At automatica, we’re showcasing a complete and future-ready solutions ecosystem tailored to help businesses, especially SMEs, thrive in the age of smart manufacturing. [Read more…] about Delta Electronics to showcase new collaborative robots at Automatica

Universal Robots launches new online simulation tool

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Universal Robots (UR), the world’s largest collaborative robot (cobot) company and a part of Teradyne Robotics, has launched UR Studio, which it describes as “a powerful online simulation tool built on PolyScope X, UR’s most advanced, open and AI-ready software platform”.

UR Studio – showcased at the UR booth at the automatica trade fair in Munich this week – enables customers, partners and integrators to build 1:1 online simulations of their work cell and simulate every key aspect of their setup.

With UR Studio, users can test robot movements, simulate reach, speed and workflow, and calculate cycle time, making it the simplest way to configure an optimised cell, maximising return on investment before deployment even starts. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches new online simulation tool