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Comau and Prima additive unveil ‘fully automated’ brake disc coating robotic cell

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Industrial robot maker Comau and 3D printing experts Prima Additive, both Italian companies, have joined forces to showcase the advantages of dual-layer laser cladding having developed a high-speed, fully automated brake disc coating system for Stellantis.

The first in a series of robotic-driven Rapid Coating Process cells was presented during the Stellantis Factory Booster Day, held in Turin, Italy on September 18.

By hard coating the raw brake discs with resilient steel and composite materials, the solution will enable Stellantis to significantly increase brake disc durability, reducing emissions pollution by up to 80 percent; all while keeping cycle times at a minimum. [Read more…] about Comau and Prima additive unveil ‘fully automated’ brake disc coating robotic cell

One Equity Partners buys controlling stake in Comau

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One Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm, has signed a binding agreement to make a majority investment in Comau, a global technology company specializing in industrial automation and advanced robotics.

The spinoff of Comau is part of the strategic agreement set during the merger between former FCA and Groupe PSA in January 2021 that formed Stellantis.

Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. [Read more…] about One Equity Partners buys controlling stake in Comau

Comau launches new range of small industrial robots

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Comau has debuted its new S-Family of small yet powerful robots at the recent Automate event, North America’s leading automation show.

The first two high-speed robots, with payloads of 13 kg and up to 18 kg, are expressly indicated for assembly, arc welding and handling applications where accuracy, repeatability and speed are non-negotiable.

Characterized by their exacting performance and historical red robot design, they also reflect Comau’s dedication to making automation more accessible to diverse and non-automotive industries. [Read more…] about Comau launches new range of small industrial robots

Comau and Intrinsic explore new advances in ‘next-generation robotics’

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The growing importance of software-driven automation combined with the growing impact of artificial intelligence is driving the creation of advanced robotic ecosystems that can meet the vast variety of automation needs in different markets and for different applications.

Yet as more and more industries look to automate intricate and highly variable processes, they are often challenged by the growing shortage of expert workers and a widening automation skills gap.

Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly clear that the next generation of advanced robotic infrastructures need to be able to handle tomorrow’s process variability without becoming economically unaffordable. [Read more…] about Comau and Intrinsic explore new advances in ‘next-generation robotics’

RoboDK and Comau partner to offer ‘improved’ robotic simulation and offline programming

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RoboDK, a pioneer in the world of robotics simulation and offline programming, has formed a strategic partnership with Comau, a global provider of advanced automation solutions and robot manufacturer. The latest version of Comau Roboshop Next Gen software seamlessly integrates with RoboDK, making simulation “more advanced”.

This collaboration solidifies RoboDK’s presence in the OEM market, marking a significant step as an embedded solution. Comau users can now enjoy the benefits of RoboDK directly due to RoboDK’s integration into Comau’s Roboshop Next Gen software suite.

This integration allows users to easily simulate and program robots using advanced CAD to path features, import 3D Models, detect collisions, integrate with external axes such as turntables and linear rails, support multiple robot cells in the same project, improved integration with CAD/CAM software and use advanced simulation features such as conveyors and grippers. [Read more…] about RoboDK and Comau partner to offer ‘improved’ robotic simulation and offline programming

Comau and Leonardo Helicopters design ‘advanced automated inspection’ system for aeronautical structures

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The increasing push for faster processes, better control and higher quality in the aerospace industry necessitates a new generation of advanced automation designed to automate complex processes that until a short time ago could only be done manually.

When it comes to testing critical structures such as helicopter blades, for example, the potential benefits of automation increase exponentially, as robotic inspection grants accuracy as well as efficiency.

They also ensure standardization of and full compliance with the testing process by objectively completing each assigned task. [Read more…] about Comau and Leonardo Helicopters design ‘advanced automated inspection’ system for aeronautical structures

Italian port Livorno provides Comau exoskeletons to cargo handlers

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The logistics and cargo handling activities carried out in the port environment are largely managed manually by workers in order to ensure the required operational standards.

With the aim of making their employees’ tasks easier, more efficient and ergonomic, the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Tirreno Settentrionale (Port System Authority of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, AdSP MTS) and the Compagnia Portuale di Livorno (Livorno Port Company, CPL), together with IUVO, a spin-off company of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (Pisa), and Comau have conducted a pilot study – among the first carried out in Europe and in the world – for the adoption of wearable MATE-XT and MATE-XB exoskeletons designed by the 2 companies.

MATE-XT helps to reduce the muscle load of the upper limbs during static or repetitive activities, which require workers to keep their arms raised for extended periods of time, while MATE-XB relieves the muscle effort of the lumbar area when handling loads. [Read more…] about Italian port Livorno provides Comau exoskeletons to cargo handlers

Comau implements high-volume, automated assembly line for HYCET

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Comau has designed and deployed a high-volume, automated assembly line for HYCET, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Wall Motor and a leading manufacturer of DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) technology.

The L.E.M.O.N. hybrid DHT is a next-generation transmission system that allows for the simultaneous use of gasoline engines and electric motors, enabling efficient power sharing between them.

To meet the customer’s large-scale manufacturing targets, Comau’s end-to-end solution features a total of 12 robots across 6 lines to deliver an annual production capacity of 150,000 units per line with a cycle time of less than 2 minutes. [Read more…] about Comau implements high-volume, automated assembly line for HYCET

Comau and LiNa Energy develop automated manufacturing for battery production

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Comau has joined forces with LiNa to design an “innovative and scalable manufacturing” solution for solid-state sodium-metal-chloride battery cells.

Through simultaneous engineering, the team has finalized a concept design, allowing LiNa, a provider of low cost solid-state sodium battery technologies, to automate their battery production process.

The companies intend to validate the sustainable, safe, and efficient oxygen-free dry box environment as a step towards larger-scale manufacturing. [Read more…] about Comau and LiNa Energy develop automated manufacturing for battery production

Comau builds ‘high-performance’ automation system for NIO electric drive production

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Comau has implemented a “high-performance turnkey solution” to automate manufacturing of NIO’s next-generation electric drive systems.

The multi-faceted project also ensures fast and reliable co-line production for the electric vehicle manufacturer’s third-gen induction and permanent magnet motors, both of which are integral parts of its proprietary electric drive systems (EDS).

The comprehensive solution includes primary lines such as e-motor assembly lines, gearbox manufacturing and inverter assembly lines, as well as EOL (End of Line) testing processes. [Read more…] about Comau builds ‘high-performance’ automation system for NIO electric drive production