Robotics & Automation News

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ABB offering digital services free of charge

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ABB is making its digital services available free of charge.

During this unprecedented crisis, ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation business says it is working to “help customers and partners keep production lines going and to enable businesses to continue to function while many are working from home”.

ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation business is making “key software services” available free of charge to our customers until the end of 2020. [Read more…] about ABB offering digital services free of charge

Fanuc and SICK develop new safety integration for robot machine tending

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A collaboration between Fanuc and SICK has pioneered new safety integration for robot machine tending that points the way towards simpler, more cost-effective and adaptable solutions in future.

ROBOTS excel in heavy, repetitive and high-speed tasks, far surpassing humans in their repeatable, reliable performance.

For this reason, the manual operation of machine tending – ubiquitous throughout manufacturing industry – has become a prime candidate for robotic automation. [Read more…] about Fanuc and SICK develop new safety integration for robot machine tending

Mirka launches project to develop robotic surface finish solution for industrial customers

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Surface finishing technology company Mirka has launched what it says is the world’s first patent pending Automated Industrial Programme to develop robotic orbital sanding systems.

The initiative is being launched globally by Mirka in April 2020, and is spearheaded by the Mirka Airos.

The aim is to build an “innovative, electric Automated Industrial Random Orbital Sander”, which integrates with manufacturers’ robotic systems to carry out intensive, high work load sanding, where precision and minimal maintenance is critical. [Read more…] about Mirka launches project to develop robotic surface finish solution for industrial customers

SICK adds flagship safety light curtain to US production lines

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SICK has launched new flagship light curtain line called deTec4

As a sensor supplier for major manufacturers throughout the United States, SICK has local United States production capabilities that enables us to better serve its customers to keep the supply chain moving.

SICK produces materials in a close-to-the-market fashion, with a regional focus.

In the US, SICK has positioned production sites in each region to meet the demand from customers in each region. [Read more…] about SICK adds flagship safety light curtain to US production lines

IMI Norgren launches online configurator for choosing actuators

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A new online application configuration tool, which allows engineers to specify their required actuator easily and quickly, has been launched by IMI Precision Engineering. 

The traditional manual specification of electric actuators often prove a “time consuming and complex task” for engineers, says IMI.

The new configurator, which compliments the IMI Norgren Elion Electrical Actuation Rodstyle and Rodless range, has become an “essential tool”, simplifying the process and allowing users to benefit from a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure they select the most efficient and accurate actuator, says the company. [Read more…] about IMI Norgren launches online configurator for choosing actuators

RapidFit uses new horizontal arm device to measure components for automotive sector

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Materialise Group spin-off RapidFit has implemented a horizontal-arm co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) manufactured by LK Metrology in Derbyshire, UK to check the accuracy of bespoke gaging and holding fixtures produced for the automotive industry.

Based in Leuven, Belgium, RapidFit has reduced costs and lead-times by making use of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, to produce workpiece locators that are added to standard fixture components.

The technology enables vehicle production to be streamlined, as innovative fixtures can be constructed with enhanced functionality and better repeatability. [Read more…] about RapidFit uses new horizontal arm device to measure components for automotive sector

Ecentria Distribution Center installs inVia Robotics to increase e-commerce throughput and accuracy

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inVia Robotics, a provider of warehouse automation solutions, says Ecentria has deployed its robotics-as-a-service system to automate order fulfillment in the Ecentria Distribution Center in Aurora, Illinois.

inVia’s integrated automation system, which includes a fleet of autonomous mobile robots and artificial intelligence-driven software, is now live in EDC, the primary distribution center supporting OpticsPlanet, an Ecentria company and a “Top 200 Online Retailer for more than 12 years”.

The system gives Ecentria a flexible robotics solution that can scale along with dynamic e-commerce order volumes. [Read more…] about Ecentria Distribution Center installs inVia Robotics to increase e-commerce throughput and accuracy

GÖPEL improves quality control in automotive manufacturing with Universal Robots

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Using the UR10e, the company says it has eliminated the tedious and physically taxing tests manually conducted by employees

Universal Robots says GÖPEL electronic, a manufacturer of testing and inspection systems for electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards, has developed a revolutionary, automated quality control system for its automotive customers using its UR10e cobot.

According to Thomas Schöppe, senior team manager at GÖPEL electronic, the cobot replaces the company’s manual and cumbersome end of line seating test system. He says: “Previously, our employees have to simulate the vehicle-driver interaction.

For example, pressing the seat’s buttons and switches to measure the voltage or current. This process could often result in production errors which proved costly further down the manufacturing line. [Read more…] about GÖPEL improves quality control in automotive manufacturing with Universal Robots

DHL to install 1,000 new warehouse robots from Locus Robotics

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DHL Supply Chain is installing 1,000 warehouse robots from Locus Robotics. The world’s largest logistics company will integrate the Locus robots at 10 of its US facilities in 2020.

DHL and Locus Robotics have an ongoing working relationship, but the new initiative significantly expands this partnership.

The companies have signed an “Expanded Multi-Site Services Agreement” outlining the terms. [Read more…] about DHL to install 1,000 new warehouse robots from Locus Robotics

Brain Corp and Dane Technologies partner to build autonomous delivery solutions

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Brain Corp, an artificial intelligence company specialising in robotics, and Dane Technologies, a designer and manufacturer of power assist solutions, have formed a technology partnership to manufacture autonomous material delivery robots for use in public and commercial applications.

Under the partnership, Dane Technologies will license BrainOS, a cloud-connected operating system for commercial autonomous robots, and begin building the delivery robots in Q2 2020. The two companies will pilot the robots with several major retailers this spring.

John Black, SVP of new product development for Brain Corp, says: “Dane Technologies has a successful track record of developing equipment for demanding retail and manufacturing environments, including the pioneering QuicKART shopping cart management system. [Read more…] about Brain Corp and Dane Technologies partner to build autonomous delivery solutions