Robotics & Automation News

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Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

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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

Mobile robots and autonomous vehicles: Coronavirus pushes logistics automation higher up the agenda

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Last month, Amazon announced that it planned on hiring 100,000 extra workers to meet the rise in demand for online shopping created by Coronavirus-caused shutdowns and social distancing.

In late March, unions said workers were demanding that Amazon takes their lives seriously. The night before a facility in Queens, NY, had been closed for deep cleaning after an employee tested positive for the virus.

There are reports that some Amazon warehouse workers in Italy and Spain have tested positive. [Read more…] about Mobile robots and autonomous vehicles: Coronavirus pushes logistics automation higher up the agenda

THine introduces 4Gbps low voltage differential transceiver IC

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THine, the leader in high-speed serial interfaces and image signal processing, has introduced the high-volume availability of their new GPIO / LVCMOS transceiver IC, THCS251.

This new IC allows engineers to aggregate up to 37 lines of different data rates into just 4 lines that can be received and transmitted in the same IC.

With the THCS251, manufacturers can lower cost, reduce size, and improve reliability by utilizing simplified and smaller hinges/slip rings in their product implementations. [Read more…] about THine introduces 4Gbps low voltage differential transceiver IC

Epson to showcase latest robotic solutions at ATX West

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Epson Robots will showcase its latest robotic solutions in simulated demos at the Automation Technology Expo, ATX West.

The latest entry-level robot is available at a cost of $13,900 – the VT6L All-in-One 6-Axis robot comes with a built-in controller, a 900mm reach and payload of up to 6kg, and offers 110 V and 220 V power.

This robot will show a simple pick-and-place operation illustrating how it can handle larger end-of-arm tooling for dual pick applications. [Read more…] about Epson to showcase latest robotic solutions at ATX West

ForwardX Aiming to Deliver ‘Best-in-Class’ Autonomous Mobile Robots

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By Nic Temple, Vice President of Sales for the Americas at ForwardX Robotics

Given the proliferation of warehouses, distribution centers, direct to consumer (D2C) business models, fleets of AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), questioning the validity of innovation is worthy of examination.

Unlike in prior years when attendees would walk the show floor for days, many are using the MHI MODEX app and visiting for just a single day.

For that reason, a compelling innovation from ForwardX (Booth 1207) should be the first stop for serious AMR decision-makers. [Read more…] about ForwardX Aiming to Deliver ‘Best-in-Class’ Autonomous Mobile Robots

Robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market to grow by 13 percent

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Robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market are forecast to grow by more than 13 percent, according to a report by Transparency Market Research.

The global robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market is at its nascent stage and therefore, only a fraction of the possible applications have been explored till now by companies, labs, and universities.

This also means that there is much room for this market to grow. As of now the market is filled with start-ups and small companies which are well established.

This makes the global robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market fragmented. Some of the leading players in the market are:

  • Vincent Medical;
  • Ekso Bionics;
  • Accuray;
  • Mazor Robotics;
  • DIH Technologies;
  • Reha-Stim Medtec;
  • Intuitive Surgical;
  • AlterG;
  • Instead Technology; and
  • Bionik Laboratories.

According to a market intelligence study, the global robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market will be worth $2,290.3 million by 2025, expanding at a 13.1 percent annual growth from 2017 to 2025.

On the basis of application, the surgery segment led the market. This segment is anticipated to continue to lead in the years to come.

By geography, the market is will witness highest growth in Asia Pacific on account of the growing pool of geriatric population.

Asia Pacific market for robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies is expected to exhibit a 15.3 percent annual growth between 2017 and 2025, with Japan being the foremost revenue generator.

The high cost however, will limit the adoption of robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies by emerging economies in the region.

High Demand for Surgical Assistance During Complex Procedures Predicted

The use of robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies has just begun in the healthcare industry.

Surgical robots are of much assistance during surgeries when surgeons perform complex and minimally invasive procedures.

Robots are also assisting doctors in boosting accuracy during radiation treatment for cancer patients as well as assist with rehabilitation of disabled patients.

Robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies have immense growth opportunities and holds much promise in the healthcare area.

As per the lead author of this report, “the growing instance of strokes which in turn renders people bed-ridden or in a way takes away their ability to move to some degree, will be a key factor boosting the growth of the robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market”.

Rapid Improvement and Advancements in Technology to Accelerate Growth

The market is also driven by the surge in the geriatric population worldwide. Aged people are also in limited in their ability to move, to some degree and this will create a need for robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies.

The technological advancements occurring in the field has led to a more efficient use of motors and light materials.

Advancements and innovations have also resulted in sophisticated control, improved safety mechanisms, and power backup.

High Cost of Robotic Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies to Pose a Challenge

On the other hand, it is predicted that the steep price will go against the growth of the market as it will limit the adoption rates, especially in cost sensitive regions of the world.

The cost to performance ratio may not be feasible on account of the high cost of development and relatively low benefit for hospitals or patients will hamper adoption rates.

However, some relief can be expected on account of the improvement in production methods as well as due to favourable reimbursement policies.

Automation Drives COGS Reduction for Small and Mid-sized Manufacturers

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By Mike Franz, founder and creator of the WorkCenter from ManufacturingPower

Automated access to summary cost and margin information for each SKU delivers light SaaS “MRO/tail-spend” price transparency, returning a minimum 11-14 COGS (cost of goods sold) reduction to the bottom line.

Every manufacturer must pay attention to costs and competitors’ pricing. For better or worse, purchasing professionals are rewarded for capturing the lowest price; few have the time to scour the internet for ever RFQ to see if the bid offered is indeed competitive. Measuring value with price experiments is not realistic.

Full-time competitive pricing professionals could work 24/7 to generate statistically valid and accurate data. For the small and mid-sized manufacturer, the solution is to automate price comparison functionality. Until recently this was prohibitively expensive and often too complex. Automating costs and competitive prices can be achieved in a $5,000 per year SaaS solution. [Read more…] about Automation Drives COGS Reduction for Small and Mid-sized Manufacturers

Wynright aims to double sales after opening new $26 million manufacturing facility

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Wynright, a wholly-owned subsidiary of material handling giant Daifuku, says it aims to double sales after it opens its new $26 million manufacturing facility at the end of this year.

Wynright plans to expand its North American US manufacturing capabilities in the Greater Chicago area. The company will consolidate its existing factories in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and Oak Lawn, Illinois into a new, larger facility in Hobart, Indiana, in phases, by the end of December 2019.

In line with the completion of the new factory, the existing factories in Elk Grove and Oak Lawn in Illinois will close. Daifuku Wynright has offered all employees at both sites the opportunity to continue with the company at the new facility. More than 80 percent of current employees have confirmed their intention to do so. [Read more…] about Wynright aims to double sales after opening new $26 million manufacturing facility

Exploring the Present and Future Impact of Robotics and Machine Learning on the Healthcare Industry

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Robotics has already revolutionized the manufacturing industry, but it has begun to impact the healthcare industry as well. AI is already showing that it can do a lot of what humans can, only faster and cheaper.

The potential benefits of machine learning and artificial intelligence are only starting to be seen, though we can make an educated guess regarding the benefit it can have.

Let’s look at the current and future impact robotics and machine learning is making on the healthcare industry. [Read more…] about Exploring the Present and Future Impact of Robotics and Machine Learning on the Healthcare Industry

Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

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Mitsubishi Electric has released the company’s smallest and most powerful compact programmable logic controller to date – the FX5UC series Premium Micro PLC.

The company says the new PLC’s diminutive size is set to help machine builders and manufacturers pack “ever more functionality into a smaller space”, while also providing the web access and network connectivity demanded by the latest smart factory applications.

Mitsubishi Electric launched its first range of micro controllers, the FX family of PLCs, over 35 years ago as part of the MELSEC-F series. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller