Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

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African-engineered food delivery robots debut at Brigham university

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A unique food delivery robot is on campus at Brigham Young University (BYU). The robot is a collaboration between Professor Benjamin Terry of BYU and a robotics startup called CAYTU Robotics. 

The unique twist to these robots is that they will be controlled by operators sitting in a country far away on the continent of Africa.

CAYTU Robotics, based in Dakar, Senegal, is a startup founded by a team of African engineers which is using cutting-edge technology to enable remote control of robots from anywhere in the world. [Read more…] about African-engineered food delivery robots debut at Brigham university

igus unveils ‘first’ industrial robot made of plastic

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igus has unveiled what it says is “the first robot made of high-performance plastic”. At just 8 kg, ReBeL is the lightest in its class: a real lightweight robot.

The compact, space-saving design with an integrated control system in the base opens up completely new fields of application for service robotics.

In collaboration with people, the ReBeL takes on tasks in the event and gastronomy sector, for example as a reliable coffee enricher or as a machine loader in production.

The robot is available as a plug-and-play version with integrated control system and robot software or as an open source version. In addition, users can choose between four or six degrees of freedom and thus adapt the ReBeL to their individual application scenario. [Read more…] about igus unveils ‘first’ industrial robot made of plastic

Thomson moves Swedish manufacturing operations to larger facility to ‘make room for continued business growth’

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Thomson Industries, a provider of linear motion control solutions, is moving its Kristianstad, Sweden, operations into a larger space to meet what it says is “growing demand” for its motion control technology.

The Kristianstad plant has been a steadily growing supplier of Thomson electric linear actuators and linear motion systems to European customers and is on track for further growth. The new facility is larger, more advanced and will effectively support future business growth.

Peter Swahn, site manager, Thomson Industries, says: “Strict adherence to safety, quality, delivery, inventory management and productivity excellence has fuelled our success, so much so that we have outgrown our facilities. [Read more…] about Thomson moves Swedish manufacturing operations to larger facility to ‘make room for continued business growth’

Zelim selects Sea Machines’ marine robots for unmanned search and rescue vessel

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Scottish Search and Rescue (SAR) technology innovator Zelim has developed the Guardian class of fast rescue craft, controlled by Sea Machines Robotics’ SM300 maritime autonomy, enabling unmanned operation of the vessel employing Zelim’s casualty detection and recovery process.

The 8.5-meter Guardian includes Sea Machines SM300 remote command and control product, making it the world’s first rescue vessel capable of uncrewed operation.

The SM300 hardware integrates with the Guardian’s propulsion system and sensors, enabling vessel control while streaming real time situational awareness and Casualty Detection to a remote command center anywhere in the world. [Read more…] about Zelim selects Sea Machines’ marine robots for unmanned search and rescue vessel

Maxon partners with MassRobotics to support advancements of drive technology in robotics

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MassRobotics and Maxon have agreed a partnership to support the robotics innovation ecosystem through collaboration and exploration of motion control technologies around automation and manufacturing-related applications.

With Maxon’s extensive expertise and knowledge of electric drives, this partnership will support and advance the latest innovations and technologies in motion control with automation-focused companies in the robotics sector.

Based in the Boston area, MassRobotics is the first and largest independent nonprofit robotics startup escalator in the world whose mission is to grow and support robotics innovators and entrepreneurs. [Read more…] about Maxon partners with MassRobotics to support advancements of drive technology in robotics

Fuzzy Logic Robotics and Visionic partner to automate cleaning of complex parts in aeronautics

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Visionic designs off-the-shelf optical guidance and control solutions for complex industrial manufacturing processes. As an integrator, they aim for constant improvement of industrial performance.

Fuzzy Logic Robotics, with its no-code software that allows non-experts to create, simulate and control a robot cell in real time, aims to democratize industrial robotics.

Together, Fuzzy Logic and Visionic are removing the technological and financial obstacles to the robotization of applications that were previously unheard of, or perceived as impossible, such as pressure cleaning and the decontamination of engine parts in the aeronautics industry. [Read more…] about Fuzzy Logic Robotics and Visionic partner to automate cleaning of complex parts in aeronautics

PickNik Robotics and Motiv to jointly develop of advanced robotics capabilities


 for space exploration

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PickNik Robotics, a developer of advanced robot arm software solutions, and Motiv Space Systems, a designer and manufacturer of space-rated robotic systems, motor controllers, and mechanisms, have agreed a partnership to develop advanced robotics for space applications.

The partnership aims to advance In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities through the integration of PickNik’s MoveIt Studio technology for robot arm control and Motiv’s xLink robot arm product line.

PickNik Robotics, known as the Unstructured Robotics Company, has a ten-year heritage in advanced robotics control software and has received SBIR Phase 3 funding from NASA to develop advanced planning capabilities for robots in microgravity environments. [Read more…] about PickNik Robotics and Motiv to jointly develop of advanced robotics capabilities


 for space exploration

Motional to add new features to its robotaxi service

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Ride-hail passengers in Las Vegas can now take an autonomous ride in a Motional IONIQ 5 robotaxi at night

“Las Vegas is a city that really comes alive once the sun goes down, so extending our service to match rider demand is a critical step forward in the evolution of our vehicle,” says Akshay Jaising, Motional’s vice president of commercialization.

“We’re happy we can now spend more hours everyday introducing passengers to our technology, and helping them travel safely and comfortably where they need to go.”

Night driving is one of three passenger-friendly service upgrades making their way to Motional’s fleet of all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxis, which have been carrying public passengers in Las Vegas since August. [Read more…] about Motional to add new features to its robotaxi service

Xwing’s uncrewed aircraft system becomes FAA’s first certification project

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Autonomous aviation company Xwing has submitted a Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the first Standard Category large unmanned aerial system (UAS) to receive official project designation.

This marks the beginning of the process for approval of uncrewed commercial cargo operations in the national airspace.

Unlike other aviation projects that focus on augmenting piloted operations with autonomous technology or have Special Category certification, Xwing’s Superpilot technology integrates into existing type certified aircraft to enable uncrewed operations that work within the existing air traffic control system. [Read more…] about Xwing’s uncrewed aircraft system becomes FAA’s first certification project

New Scale Robotics enhances its automated gauging system through robotic thread verification

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Thread verification is the latest enhancement to New Scale Robotics’ Q-Span Automated Gauging System, a “do-it-yourself” robotic automation system for quality teams in high-mix, small-batch manufacturing.

The Q-Span Gauging System automates gauging processes by combining existing manual gauges with a collaborative robot, grippers for part handling, easy-to-use metrology and robot control software, and automated data collection.

The robot arm loads parts into a fixture and activates the thread gauge to verify or chase threaded holes or external threads. [Read more…] about New Scale Robotics enhances its automated gauging system through robotic thread verification