collaborative

OnRobot launches ‘intelligent screwdriver’ for collaborative robots

June 18, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

OnRobot, the maker of tools for collaborative robots, has released a screwdriver end-effector for collaborative robots. (See video below.)

OnRobot says its “smart, complete-out-of-the-box” Screwdriver allows manufacturers to automate a wide range of assembly processes quickly, easily, and flexibly.

The company says this provides welcome relief for manufacturers who are eager to automate repetitive, unergonomic, and often inconsistent manual screwdriving processes, but who struggle to integrate and program typical piecemeal screwdriving systems. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches ‘intelligent screwdriver’ for collaborative robots

ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot celebrates five years

June 16, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

ABB is celebrating the big story of its small robot, with its dual-arm YuMi collaborative robot reaching its fifth birthday this year. (See video below.)

Originally launched in 2015 to assist workers in lightweight assembly tasks, ABB says its collaborative YuMi robot has gone on to blaze a trail in a raft of diverse applications and industries, changing many people’s perceptions about what can be achieved with robotic automation.

With its ergonomic design and a range of safety features, including lightweight magnesium alloy arms with soft-padding to avoid pinch points, and advanced motion control with collision detection, YuMi is designed to be installed in workstations alongside people and increase flexibility by allowing humans and robots to work on tasks together that previously would have required safety barriers or cages. [Read more…] about ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot celebrates five years

Hyundai launches technical training in collaborative robotics

June 15, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Newly created company Hyundai Robotics has launched technical training programmes to teach people about collaborative robotics.

The compnay held its first “collaborative robot technical training” recently for dealers and employees, and used Hyundai’s own new collaborative robot, the YL012 (main picture and below).

The training was led by researchers who are developing collaborative robots and focuses on the unique features of Hyundai cobots compared to third party products. [Read more…] about Hyundai launches technical training in collaborative robotics

Coronavirus expected to cut industrial robot revenue by more than 8 per cent this year

June 11, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

By Maya Xiao of Interact Analysis

The coronavirus pandemic which has devastated economies worldwide is expected to reduce revenues in the industrial robot market by more than 8 per cent, according to a study by Interact Analysis.

“After a weak 2019, we originally expected the 2020 robot market to recover strongly, but Covid-19 changed the market revenue growth forecast from 4.8 percent to -3.6 percent,” writes Maya Xiao, automation market expert at Interact Analysis.

Global industrial robot shipments experienced negative growth for four consecutive quarters from mid-2018, she says. At the end of 2019, recovery signs appeared, and the mid-term growth rate turned positive. This turnaround happened in the context of a continued slowdown in general global manufacturing activity, which led to weak spending on machinery and automation equipment. [Read more…] about Coronavirus expected to cut industrial robot revenue by more than 8 per cent this year

Universal Robots launches ‘world’s largest’ virtual conference for collaborative robots

May 28, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Universal Robots has launched what it describes as “the world’s largest virtual conference and exhibition for collaborative robots”.

Named “WeAreCobots”, the event will take place June 16-18, 2020, targeting a European audience with automation trend keynotes and an extensive range of product news and demonstrations in five different languages.

With Europe’s trade fair scene being turned upside down because of coronavirus and the resulting lockdowns, Universal Robots says it is breaking new ground. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches ‘world’s largest’ virtual conference for collaborative robots

Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

May 26, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric has launched what is believed to be its first series of collaborative robots, which the company has named “Melfa Assista” (main picture).

The “RV-5AS-D” model of the cobot has a 5 kg load capacity and 6-axis movement.

The company says the robots can work collaboratively with humans based on safety features such as collision detection and strict compliance with the international safety and robotic standards ISO 10218-1 and ISO/TS15066.

The series also will introduce an intuitive engineering software, RT VisualBox, for “quick, easy system deployment”, says Mitsubishi. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

6 River Systems strengthens capabilities of its warehouse robots

May 21, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

6 River Systems, now part of leading global commerce company Shopify, says it has strengthened the capabilities of its warehouse robots.

6RS also released recommendations to its customers to further protect employees from pathogens during the picking process in warehouses and fulfillment centers, as well as “dark stores” – retail centers or distribution centers solely used for online order fulfillment.

The company’s recommendations span operational modifications, improvements to the hardware and software for its collaborative robot, Chuck, and highlight the availability of new products for its fulfillment solution. [Read more…] about 6 River Systems strengthens capabilities of its warehouse robots

Facilities management leaders call for strategic partnerships to drive robotics and innovation

May 18, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

With cleaning robots increasing in number and being installed in many types of buildings, a study about the future of facilities management has been published.

In the survey, it was found that the vast majority of facilities management leaders across the EMEA region believe that technology suppliers should offer performance-based contracts in order to improve the success rate of innovation projects within facility management and commercial cleaning.

New research from SoftBank Robotics EMEA, reveals that 89 percent of supply side and 78 percent of demand side facilities management leaders think that performance-based contracts are positive for the cleaning industry. [Read more…] about Facilities management leaders call for strategic partnerships to drive robotics and innovation

HAHN Group acquires DAHL Automation

April 9, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

The HAHN Group has acquired DAHL Automation, expanding its competence in the field of intralogistics and autonomous mobile robots.

DAHL Automation is an integrator for robotics, collaborative robots, as well as autonomous mobile robots and automated guided vehicles.

The company has 30 employees currently employed at its headquarters in Meinerzhagen, Germany. [Read more…] about HAHN Group acquires DAHL Automation

Overcoming chip defectivity challenges in automotive product development

April 6, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

By Serena Brischetto, marketing and communications manager at SEMI Europe

In the future, electronics-related gear including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) will account for a whopping 50 percent of automotive costs.

More importantly, with more control of vehicles shifting to automation, the margin of error in component performance and reliability will become vanishingly small as zero defects become the new safety standard.

SEMI’s Serena Brischetto spoke with Antoine Amade, senior regional director EMEA, Entegris about zero defects as a “new collaborative approach” (see video below) necessary to shape the car of the future and the automotive industry. [Read more…] about Overcoming chip defectivity challenges in automotive product development