Robotics & Automation News

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B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

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B&R has integrated its “industrialPhysics” simulation tool into its Automation Studio engineering environment.

The company says the 3D simulation software greatly simplifies model-based machine development, enabling easier digital twin development.

B&R says developers can import CAD data from machine components or entire machines directly into the simulation tool, and then they can quickly and easily generate a digital twin for developing and testing the machine software. [Read more…] about B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

Formant launches cloud platform to manage robot fleets

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Formant, a San Francisco-based startup, has launched its new cloud robotics platform, which enables businesses to automatically collect and analyze robotics data.

By centralizing all application data in a single web user interface, Formant allows business teams, operators, and engineers to improve the efficacy of their robotic workforce.

Jeff Linnell, CEO of Formant.io, says: “Robots are leaving the factory and adventuring into our world. They could use some guidance. This release facilitates this journey by enabling robot fleets to thrive through human observability and assistance.” [Read more…] about Formant launches cloud platform to manage robot fleets

Controlling complexity: Powerful new tech tools are bringing lean manufacturing principles to life

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By Dan McKiernan, president of eFlex Systems

Lean manufacturing principles and practices aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing productivity, have been shaping the manufacturing sector for decades now.

The necessary end-goal for manufacturers is to ensure that products are built correctly, every time, even when changes are made in-process.

While this goal is nothing new, the rise of complexity and customization challenges presents a constant counterpressure against the continuing push for improved consistency and quality. [Read more…] about Controlling complexity: Powerful new tech tools are bringing lean manufacturing principles to life

Mitsubishi launches new range of industrial computers

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Mitsubishi Electric Automation has released a new range of its MELIPC Series industrial-use computers for data computing, edge computing, remote monitoring, and the integration of hardware and software technologies.

The MELIPC Series is targeted towards original equipment manufacturers and end users running general manufacturing applications, and especially those who require a computing and data monitoring solution that takes up a limited amount of space with a small footprint.

Most importantly, MELIPC is designed to enable internet of things on factory floors that have not been introduced to it yet, or improve it where it is already enabled. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi launches new range of industrial computers

Senseye partners with Fanuc on its ‘Field’ IIoT platform

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Senseye, an industrial software company that specialises in vision systems, says its Senseye PdM technology suite will be made available through Fanuc’s “Field” industrial internet of things platform when it launches in Europe later this year.

FIELD stands for “Fanuc Intelligent Edge Link and Drive” system, and is basically a system for monitoring and managing Fanuc robots and devices through a computer network, enabling artificial intelligence to be applied across an entire operation to find efficiencies and productivity gains.

Senseye provides a range of technologies and methodologies that are used globally by Fortune 500 industrial organisations as part of digital transformation initiatives to improve the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing and maintenance operations. [Read more…] about Senseye partners with Fanuc on its ‘Field’ IIoT platform

SICK showcases new monitoring system for packaging operations

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SICK is showcasing a new monitoring system for packaging operations at Pack Expo.

The company describes it as “a revolutionary way to improve packaging processes”, and says it’s part of what it sees as a “smart moonitoring kit”.

Called “4.0 NOW Factory”, the sensor technology and dashboard represents how SICK can provide manufacturers greater visibility to their production processes, making it easier to implement improvements and new innovations. [Read more…] about SICK showcases new monitoring system for packaging operations

Omron, NTT, and Nokia partner to test 5G networks at manufacturing sites

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Omron, NTT Docomo, and Nokia have agreed to jointly conduct trials utilizing the fifth-generation mobile communications system in factories and other manufacturing sites.

Through these trials, the three companies will jointly evaluate the usefulness and possibilities of 5G’s high-speed, large-capacity, low-latency, and simultaneous multiple connections with the aim of solving the challenges facing the manufacturing industry and developing communications technology required in manufacturing sites of the future.

In the manufacturing industry, the demand for wireless communications is increasing as efforts aimed at improving productivity through the use of IoT data make progress in dealing with various issues, such as a shortage of skilled workers and high-mix low-volume production. [Read more…] about Omron, NTT, and Nokia partner to test 5G networks at manufacturing sites

Brodmann17 launches ‘world’s first’ automated deep learning training platform for autonomous driving

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Brodmann17, a Tier 2 automotive software supplier, has launched what it says is the world’s first automated deep learning training platform, specifically designed for automotive-grade ADAS/AD solutions. 

ADAS stands for advanced driver assistance systems, and AD is being used to mean autonomous driving.

Brodmann17 says its new platform seamlessly trains and deploys deep learning neural network models for ADAS/AD solutions, automating a process that cannot be done at scale manually. [Read more…] about Brodmann17 launches ‘world’s first’ automated deep learning training platform for autonomous driving

Simbe Robotics raises $26 million in Series A funding round

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Simbe Robotics, which specializes in robotics and artificial intelligence for retail, has completed two separate funding deals.

One was a Series A equity financing round, and the other was an inventory financing agreement with SoftBank Robotics.

Simbe says the financing will allow the company to increase efficiencies in production and deployment of its Tally robot. [Read more…] about Simbe Robotics raises $26 million in Series A funding round

SICK to showcase indoor localization technology that lets you know where all your machines are at all times

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SICK is unveiling indoor localization technology which lets users know where all their machines are at all times.

The sensor supplier is planning to showcase the system at the Pack Expo Las Vegas later this month.

SICK says it has taken another step toward Industry 4.0 by offering a new, comprehensive indoor localization portfolio. [Read more…] about SICK to showcase indoor localization technology that lets you know where all your machines are at all times