Robotics & Automation News

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BYD integrates ForwardX robots into battery production line

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BYD, one of the largest automakers in China, which is itself the world’s largest car market, is partnering with ForwardX Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots, to implement what they describe as “groundbreaking automation solutions” in BYD’s battery production line.

BYD is fast becoming one of the world’s leading electric vehicle companies, and ForwardX says the new robotic implementation heralds “a new era of efficiency and eco-friendly manufacturing”.

In response to the surging demand for batteries in the electric vehicle market, BYD has transformed its production process by integrating ForwardX Robotics’ AMRs and customized autonomous forklifts.

[Read more…] about BYD integrates ForwardX robots into battery production line

Mitsubishi and Extend Robotics to roll out VR for industrial robotic applications

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Mitsubishi Electric in the UK has partnered with Extend Robotics to support the scale-up of remotely controlled robots in non-uniform manufacturing operations.

Founded in 2019, Extend Robotics’ pioneering Advanced Mechanics Assistance System (AMAS) is a lightweight middleware enabling platform which combines real-time volumetric telepresence with interactive digital twin technology.

The resulting human-robot interface renders the workspace in 3D to provide authentic depth perception during teleoperation, while facilitating fast user gesture input to control the robot with low latency, even on low bandwidths. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi and Extend Robotics to roll out VR for industrial robotic applications

Einride opens North America’s ‘largest’ operational charging site for electric freight trucks

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Einride, a freight mobility company that provides digital, electric and autonomous technology, announced today the opening of its first US Einride Smartcharger Station in Lynwood, California in Los Angeles County.

With 65 chargers and capacity to charge up to 200 vehicles a day, the site is the largest operational charging site for electric heavy duty freight in North America and represents a landmark step for charging infrastructure in the US.

The site was built in collaboration with Voltera, a developer and owner of charging infrastructure for zero-emission vehicle fleets. [Read more…] about Einride opens North America’s ‘largest’ operational charging site for electric freight trucks

Electric Sheep unveils new robot for outdoor environments

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Electric Sheep, who is creating the first large-scale outdoor maintenance company powered by artificial intelligence and robotics, announced today the launch of a brand new robot for outdoor maintenance using its proprietary AI and robotics software.

This new robot, named Verdie, like their other robots, is powered by Electric Sheep’s AI agent, ES1. This is ESR’s way to enable an outdoor autonomous system to operate in any outdoor setting with zero teaching.

Using recent advances in GenAI, ES1 is a learned world model that enables reasoning and planning for both its RAM robot for mowing and now its Verdie robot used for edging and trimming lawns and bushes and blowing leaves. [Read more…] about Electric Sheep unveils new robot for outdoor environments

Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s automated machine tending solution ‘triples output’ for customer

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Mitsubishi Electric Automation, says it has provided an automated machine tending solution which has “tripled output” for its customer.

TL Aerotek was looking for an automated solution to keep up with accelerating demand and found success using Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s plug-and-play machine tending solution, LoadMate Plus.

TL Aerotek, a small-job milling shop customer, experienced a large influx of orders. To keep up with demand, they sought a solution that would alleviate labor uncertainty and help to grow the business. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s automated machine tending solution ‘triples output’ for customer

Mitsubishi Electric Automation launches new ‘high-performance teach pendant’

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Mitsubishi Electric Automation, has launched a new “high-performance teach pendant for improved operability”.

The company says the new teach pendant, R86T6, evolved from the conventional, high-performance teach pendant to deliver customizable and intuitive functions to OEMs and end users alike.

The R86TB is designed with a 10.1-inch high-definition display so that any function can be easily visible and accessed from the customizable HOME screen or page list.

Major functions of MELSOFT RT ToolBox3, Mitsubishi Electric’s PC-based robot programming software, are accessible and equipped to provide program support functions, parameter and program screens, 3D monitoring, and more.

Additional features of the R86TB Teach Pendant include data analysis and real-time monitoring to perform trouble diagnosis, secure hardware buttons for tactile and consistent operation, improved processing speeds, and security functions.

Compatible with CR800 and CR700 series Controllers, R86TB allows customers increased visibility and operability to ensure smooth operations and high performance.

Patrick Varley, product marketing manager (robots) at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, says: “We are very confident that our customers will benefit from the enhanced functionality, durability, and performance that the R86TB provides.

“The large, high-definition display makes it possible to make program revisions without needing to bring a laptop onto the manufacturing floor. We have designed it to be backward and forward compatible so that it can be used on older CR700-controlled robots as well as our current and future generations of robots.”

Uber Eats, Cartken and Mitsubishi Electric partner to bring autonomous robot deliveries to Japan

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Uber Eats Japan, Mitsubishi Electric and Cartken have formed a partnership to provide food deliveries using autonomous sidewalk robots in Japan.

Robot deliveries facilitated by the Uber Eats app are scheduled to begin in a select part of Tokyo by the end of March 2024.

Following successful autonomous delivery operations in the US, Japan will be the first international market to have autonomous delivery available on the Uber Eats platform and can be leveraged for expanded opportunities in the Japan market. [Read more…] about Uber Eats, Cartken and Mitsubishi Electric partner to bring autonomous robot deliveries to Japan

Einride and Mars partner to develop ‘largest’ electric project in industry

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Einride, a freight mobility company that provides digital, electric and autonomous technology, has agreed a partnership with food manufacturer Mars Inc to deploy a fleet of digitally optimized electric heavy-duty trucks across Mars’ network by 2030.

It is estimated that the European operations will save 20,000 metric tons of CO2e each year by 2030, accounting for roughly a 10 percent reduction in Mars Europe’s road transport GHG emissions.

Robert Falck, CEO and founder at Einride, says: “This sets a precedent for other players in the freight industry to follow, showcasing the mass potential of electrification at scale. [Read more…] about Einride and Mars partner to develop ‘largest’ electric project in industry

GUSS goes electric with its autonomous orchard spraying vehicles

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GUSS Automation’s autonomous herbicide orchard sprayer is now available in a 100 percent electric version.

Electric GUSS is built to withstand the high standards GUSS Automation produces and is the first electric autonomous herbicide orchard sprayer in the world.

This technologically advanced machine is designed to lower operating costs while increasing precision and efficiency. [Read more…] about GUSS goes electric with its autonomous orchard spraying vehicles

Electric Sheep acquires two more landscaping businesses

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Electric Sheep, which says it is creating “the first large-scale outdoor maintenance company powered by artificial intelligence and robotics”, has made two new acquisitions of landscaping businesses – Westar Landscaping and Caliscapes.

This makes four landscaping businesses that Electric Sheep has acquired in recent months.

Electric Sheep is an outdoor maintenance company powered by artificial intelligence and robotics. It acquires traditional outdoor service providers and progressively transforms operations by deploying its proprietary AI software and robots. [Read more…] about Electric Sheep acquires two more landscaping businesses