Robotics & Automation News

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Automating Performance Metrics: Start with Demand and Inventory Forecasting

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By Mike Mills, Director, Business Consulting, Blue Ridge

2021 is the year when companies need earlier insights into new market opportunities, including what items consumers want, on what channel, how much they should stock, and how much they will pay for these products.

The ability to compete in new areas with this level of agility will be the key to unraveling chaos. As e-commerce continues to threaten the market with competitive products that are available nearly instantly, shifting consumer trends can make stocking shelves even more challenging.

Two-thirds of distributors, retailers, and manufacturers report that transportation, labor, and goods were rising more quickly than in previous years. Automation has become a full imperative; Covid has magnified the need. [Read more…] about Automating Performance Metrics: Start with Demand and Inventory Forecasting

ABB launches new maintenance service for fleets and individual robots

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ABB has launched a condition-based maintenance service for fleet and individual robot assessments.

The company says the new service enables optimized production performance through improved robot management.

ABB’s new Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) service enables robot users to create a preventive maintenance schedule for individual or robot fleets based on real-time operational data, to optimize productivity and minimize downtime. [Read more…] about ABB launches new maintenance service for fleets and individual robots

Kuka introduces robot that can be your personal trainer

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Kuka has unveiled a robot that can be a personal trainer which could provide highly personalised training for elite athletes. (See video below.)

But the company says the expensive-looking system can also be used by ordinary people, even if they’re not top athletes.

The company calls the system “RoboGym” and describes it as a “revolutionary” training system that is “not just for top athletes”. [Read more…] about Kuka introduces robot that can be your personal trainer

Seoul Robotics launches ‘breakthrough’ perception software platform

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​Seoul Robotics​, a 3D computer vision company using AI and machine learning to power the future of mobility, has made its formal debut in the US market with the launch of its first commercial product, Discovery.

The company, which has been developing sensor agnostic perception software for 3D sensors for the past three years, provides large-scale companies, institutions, and governments with access to LiDAR solutions to support a range of functions and increase efficiency and safety.

The LiDAR market is currently on track to reach more than $3 billion by 2025, fueled over the last decade by companies focused on the development of autonomous vehicles. [Read more…] about Seoul Robotics launches ‘breakthrough’ perception software platform

SICK microScan safety scanners now offer Fail Safe over EtherCAT

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SICK’s microScan3 family of safety laser scanners is now offering Fail Safe over EtherCAT (FSoE) integration.

SICK says this is the world’s first safety laser scanner with this capability.

Originally launching in 2016, the microScan3 is an extremely intelligent and durable safety laser scanner that enhances machine availability and productivity due to its safeHDDM scanning technology. [Read more…] about SICK microScan safety scanners now offer Fail Safe over EtherCAT

AV&R and APN partner to develop robotics for aeronautical manufacturing

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AV&R and APN, two Quebec companies operating in the aerospace market, combine their expertise in a collaborative and innovative project.

This initiative is part of Mach Fab 4.0 (Aéro Montreal) and aims to develop technologies for the complete automation of high product mix deburring operations.

Manufacturers in the aerospace supply chain, despite the use of automation, still rely on the human touch in the manufacturing of aerospace parts. [Read more…] about AV&R and APN partner to develop robotics for aeronautical manufacturing

10 Benefits of ERP integration for B2B eCommerce

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In their 2020 report, Digital Commerce 360 estimated last year, online sales on B2B eCommerce sites have increased by 18.2% to $1.3 trillion.

This growth in sales spans across manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and B2B businesses of all sizes operating in various industries. As B2Bs embrace digital transformation initiatives and move to eCommerce, a seamless ERP integration must be on top of their list.

Gartner predicts that B2B businesses that consider their integration capabilities as strategic investments will grow from 40% in 2019 to 65% in 2024. The main driver of growth is expected to be in online systems integration between tools like ERP, CRM, and eCommerce. [Read more…] about 10 Benefits of ERP integration for B2B eCommerce

SICK launches ‘ready-made, very versatile’ quality control system

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SICK’s newly-developed MQCS (Modular Quality Control System) is an “off the shelf”, multifunctional machine vision system, and is sold as a ready-to-use package of hardware and pre-written software. Suitable for code reading, 2D or 3D inspection duties, the MQCS reduces cost and development time needed to set up automated quality inspection and logistics applications.

Originally, developed as a solution for non-contact 3D inspection of chocolate moulds in the confectionery industry, the MQCS soon demonstrated its versatility to be adapted for other applications such as “right product/right packaging” code matching, counting and aggregation of varied packages, monitoring the cycle life of materials handling equipment, and other 3D inspection and measurement tasks. [Read more…] about SICK launches ‘ready-made, very versatile’ quality control system

Audi turns to augmented reality for logistics planning

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Audi is turning to augmented reality to plan complex logistics processes: Virtual presentation of three dimensional holograms that are shown in their actual environment helps planners to better evaluate the future situation.

Because of this, prototypes of containers or equipment, and so on, which are elaborate to produce, are no longer necessary. Audi uses the new generation of Microsoft’s “HoloLens 2” device for this.

The “LayAR” system (short for “layout” and “augmented reality”) supports Audi logistics planners when setting up new logistics structures in an existing production hall. [Read more…] about Audi turns to augmented reality for logistics planning

Blockchain-based environmental drones ‘can help fight water pollution’, say scientists

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According to the World Health Organization, almost a third of the world’s population does not have access to fresh water.

As evidenced by the 2020 UN report on water supply and climate change in the world, water consumption will experience a 20-30 percent increase by 2050, fuelled by the constant population growth and industrial development throughout the world.

Water pollution is a serious threat to both people and water inhabitants, greatly evidenced by the ecological disaster that took place on the coast of Kamchatka in September 2020. [Read more…] about Blockchain-based environmental drones ‘can help fight water pollution’, say scientists