Robotics & Automation News

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Tigres and IAR Group partner to develop new automated plasma system

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IAR Group, a Switzerland company which specializes in automation systems, and Tigres, a Germany company which specializes in plasma systems, are entering into a collaboration.

The two companies are combining their core competences in industrial automation and plasma technology. The aim of the cooperation is to offer automated complete solutions.

Sébastien Perroud, CEO of the IAR Group, says: “I am very pleased about the collaboration with Tigres. Thanks to their expertise in plasma technology, we are now able to offer complete automated solutions for the surface treatment of materials to a wide range of industries worldwide.” [Read more…] about Tigres and IAR Group partner to develop new automated plasma system

Flexiv partners with Tick-Tek to create the farms of the future

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Flexiv, the world’s leading general-purpose robotics company, is proud to announce that it has formed a strategic channel partnership with Singapore-based agritech and factory automation company Tick-Tek.

Focused on designing and manufacturing indoor farming machinery and complete production lines for large and small farms, Tick-Tek provides its clients with revolutionary agricultural technology that enables a complete indoor farming solution to be created.

Part of this revolutionary technology is Flexiv’s Rizon series of adaptive robots. Equipped with seven degrees of freedom, IP65 protection, artificial intelligence, and industry-leading force control, the Rizon 4, 4s, and 10 enable indoor farms to improve their processes and boost productivity. [Read more…] about Flexiv partners with Tick-Tek to create the farms of the future

Carnegie Mellon develops robots that ‘learn household tasks by watching humans’

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By Aaron Aupperlee

Novel method developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers enables robots to ‘learn in the wild’

The robot watched as Shikhar Bahl opened the refrigerator door. It recorded his movements, the swing of the door, the location of the fridge and more, analyzing this data and readying itself to mimic what Bahl had done.

It failed at first, missing the handle completely at times, grabbing it in the wrong spot or pulling it incorrectly. But after a few hours of practice, the robot succeeded and opened the door.

“Imitation is a great way to learn,” says Bahl, a PhD student at the Robotics Institute (RI) in Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science. “Having robots actually learn from directly watching humans remains an unsolved problem in the field, but this work takes a significant step in enabling that ability.” [Read more…] about Carnegie Mellon develops robots that ‘learn household tasks by watching humans’

REE starts trials of new electric platform for delivery vehicles

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REE Automotive is commencing trials of its all-new P7 platform designed for commercial delivery vehicles and walk-in vans.

The P7 platform, targeted to a US based delivery van program, was designed based on functional and operational specifications from one of the world’s largest delivery companies.

Fully flat from end-to-end, P7 offers greatest interior space and volumetric efficiency for vehicles in classes 3-5. [Read more…] about REE starts trials of new electric platform for delivery vehicles

Badger Technologies launches retail automation pilot program

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Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil and leader in retail automation, has launched a pilot program with Busy Beaver Building Centers, operator of 24 full-line home improvement centers in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

As part of the pilot, which is taking place at Busy Beaver’s store in Irwin, Pennsylvania, Badger Technologies multipurpose autonomous robots will monitor on-shelf product availability and verify prices for more than 30,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) while freeing highly knowledgeable sales associates to spend more time with customers.

Adam Gunnett, director of IT for Busy Beaver Building Centers, says: “Technology is a key imperative in our mission to be the favorite neighborhood home improvement center in the communities we serve. [Read more…] about Badger Technologies launches retail automation pilot program

IDS cameras central to automatic photo portal for the documentation of intralogistics processes

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Due to digitalisation in Industry 4.0, internal logistics is subject to constant change. Internal traceability, that is the tracking of goods in the warehouse or production facility, is increasingly playing a key role.

Manufacturers and consumers are placing more and more emphasis on the safety and quality of products. Costly and image-damaging complaints must therefore be avoided.

Automation systems can help to optimise goods control here and at the same time facilitate and accelerate the work of the operators – saving time and costs. [Read more…] about IDS cameras central to automatic photo portal for the documentation of intralogistics processes

API and Mitutoyo agree global partnership in metrology

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API Metrology, the inventor of the laser tracker, is partnering with the leading measurement and inspection solutions provider to complete the most diverse metrology hardware and software portfolio.

API and Mitutoyo have agreed a partnership to distribute API’s portable dimensional metrology equipment throughout Mitutoyo’s worldwide network.

Production times and tolerances continue to grow tighter for manufacturers around the world, and their need for precise, portable measurement hardware and software has increased to meet this demand. [Read more…] about API and Mitutoyo agree global partnership in metrology

Merkle relies on Kassow Robots for complete robot welding systems

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Merkle Schweissanlagen-Technik, or Merkle Welding Systems, will use 7-axis cobots from the Copenhagen-based collaborative robot company Kassow Robots as standard in its WeldROB complete robot welding systems from now on.

Dr Ulrich Prank, deputy managing director of the medium-sized company located in Koetz in Bavaria, Germany, says: “We have always focused on innovation. The lightweight robots from Kassow Robots are a new generation of particularly powerful and flexible cobots and offer our industrial customers real advantages.

“Instead of complex, elaborate robot technology with a high need for training and familiarization, welding with the WeldROB 7 is surprisingly simple.”  [Read more…] about Merkle relies on Kassow Robots for complete robot welding systems

Robotiq launches new robotic bin picking solution

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Collaborative robot application specialist Robotiq has introduced a “versatile and affordable” bin picking system which will bring additional proficiency and flexibility to a broad spectrum of mid to high volume manufacturing and processing operations.

In line with the company’s core value of democratising automation, the Robotiq Bin Picking Kit provides a complete solution for locating, picking, handling, and placing flat and cylindrical parts – with rapid set-up that ensures optimal return on investment.

Compatible with Universal Robots, the Kit is particularly well-suited to appliance manufacturing, automotive components, general industry, and metal and plastic products, for applications ranging from stamping, bending, engraving, marking and painting, to deburring, grinding, line feeding and assembly. [Read more…] about Robotiq launches new robotic bin picking solution

Former BMW Munich engine assembly and test facility for sale

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Global advisory and asset management specialist, Gordon Brothers, is conducting the “unprecedented sale” of an ex-BMW Munich Engine Assembly and Test facility.

The sale features state-of-the-art equipment supplied from world renowned German automotive original equipment manufacturers GROB, KUKA, and J W Froehlich, supported by the latest Siemen’s and Thyssen Krupp hardware, software and operating systems.

The sale also encompasses all necessary equipment to assemble and test full dressed engines. To ensure throughput at the desired rate of assembly the facility includes 15 off KUKA and J W Froehlich Test units covering engine Cold test, Leak test and Helium test. [Read more…] about Former BMW Munich engine assembly and test facility for sale