Robotics & Automation News

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Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

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A Finland-based company called Rocla AGV has launched a new, agile AGV – named “ACT”, short for automated compact truck – designed to lift heavy loads in narrow spaces.

Rocla says ACT is an “exceptional addition” to its existing AGV line, allowing the company to offer our customers an even more versatile product range.

From the comprehensive Rocla AGV offering, there is always a suitable pick or combination for each customer’s unique needs in warehouse and production environments. [Read more…] about Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

Celera Motion unveils ‘world’s smallest’ servo drives

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Celera Motion, a business unit of Novanta, has launched what it says are “the world’s smallest servo drives”.

Named the Denali Series, the new compact, ultra-fast servo drives are perfect for a variety of service robots, surgical robots, industrial grippers and lab automation applications.

Denali is the latest addition to Celera Motion’s line of premium-performance Ingenia servo drives. [Read more…] about Celera Motion unveils ‘world’s smallest’ servo drives

ABB launches its smallest industrial robot

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ABB has launched its smallest ever industrial robot, offering new possibilities for faster, more flexible and high-quality production of wearable smart devices.

With its compact size, class-leading payload and unrivaled accuracy, the new IRB 1010 offers electronics manufacturers the opportunity to increase their production of devices including smart watches, earphones, sensors, and health trackers through automation.

Rui Liang, managing director of ABB Robotics’ electronics business line, says: “The market for wearable smart devices is accelerating rapidly, with projections estimating double digit growth between 2022 and 2028. [Read more…] about ABB launches its smallest industrial robot

Formic supplies 58-year-old family-run factory Compact Industries with its first robotic system

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Formic, a supplier of automation technology on a pay-as-you-go basis, has supplied 58-year-old family-run factory Compact Industries with its first robotic system.

Located in St Charles, Illinois, Compact faced challenges of a shrinking labor pool, high worker turnover, and supply and wage inflation; struggled to meet the increasing demands of the Fortune 500 companies it serves.

Formic’s robots-as-a-service model activated a cobot within hours of delivery, cut costs on hiring and re-training temporary workers, and enhanced safety. [Read more…] about Formic supplies 58-year-old family-run factory Compact Industries with its first robotic system

ICE Cobotics launches new compact autonomous floor scrubber

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ICE Cobotics has launched Cobi 18, a compact autonomous floor scrubber available through an all-inclusive subscription.

Designed by cleaning professionals for cleaning professionals, Cobi 18 delivers high-performance scrubbing and is easy to use.

The user interface is clear and simple, and its “teach and repeat” feature allows users to train a route once and deploy it with the click of a button each time thereafter. [Read more…] about ICE Cobotics launches new compact autonomous floor scrubber

Nachi-Fujikoshi expands lineup of compact robot series

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Nachi-Fujikoshi is expanding its lineup of compact industrial robots with the launch of the new “EC06” and the “MZ12H”. 

The Japanese robot-making giant says that the need for automation by robots is expanding in the field of manufacturing with the aim of eliminating labor shortages and improving productivity.

This need has emerged against the backdrop of the worldwide declining birthrate and aging population, the shrinking working population and soaring labor costs. [Read more…] about Nachi-Fujikoshi expands lineup of compact robot series

OnRobot releases ‘world’s most powerful’ electric vacuum gripper for robot arms

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OnRobot has released what it describes as the “world’s most powerful” electric vacuum gripper for robot arms. 

OnRobot says its new VGP20 electric vacuum gripper provides a powerful and versatile solution for challenging palletising scenarios including heavy, bulky and porous surfaces.

Large, unwieldy bags of dog food, non-airtight clothing or consumer goods packages, and bulky, porous cardboard boxes. These are just some examples of demanding packaging and palletising applications that OnRobot’s new VGP20 gripper can address. [Read more…] about OnRobot releases ‘world’s most powerful’ electric vacuum gripper for robot arms

GM to supply Navistar with Hydrotec fuel cells for electric vehicles while Volvo and Scania highlight their own electrification initiatives

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General Motors will supply its Hydrotec fuel cell power cubes to truck-making giant Navistar for use in its production model fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) – the International RHTM Series.

Navistar’s FCEV will get energy from two GM Hydrotec fuel cell power cubes.

Each Hydrotec power cube contains 300-plus hydrogen fuel cells along with thermal and power management systems. [Read more…] about GM to supply Navistar with Hydrotec fuel cells for electric vehicles while Volvo and Scania highlight their own electrification initiatives

SICK launches new Flexi Compact safety controller

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Industrial sensor specialist SICK has launched a new safety controller.

The Flexi Compact from SICK is a new modular safety controller distinguished by its improved usability and safety engineering.

It enables users of automated machines to operate more productively with the scalable performance and intelligent diagnostic functions of the safety controller. [Read more…] about SICK launches new Flexi Compact safety controller

Gatik raises $25 million in new funding

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Gatik, a Palo Alto and Toronto based autonomous technology company deploying autonomous vehicles for B2B short-haul middle-mile logistics, announced today it has raised $25 million in Series A funding.

The round was co-led by Wittington Ventures and Innovation Endeavors with participation from FM Capital and Intact Ventures. Existing investors like Dynamo Ventures, Fontinalis Partners, AngelPad and others participated as well.

Gatik’s investors bring a wealth of deep experience in automotive, artificial intelligence and supply chain, making them a strong strategic fit for the company’s rapid growth. [Read more…] about Gatik raises $25 million in new funding