Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

end-of-arm tooling

ABB Robotics and Psyonic use human-generated data to advance robotic dexterity

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Dexterity remains a major challenge for industry; improved handling can reduce engineering time by up to 30%

ABB Robotics is collaborating with California bionics company, Psyonic, to advance robotic gripping and dexterity using a new approach that utilizes real-world manipulation data from human prosthetic use.

By combining the Psyonic Ability Hand with an ABB GoFa cobot, the collaboration will explore how touch and motion data generated by human prosthetic use can be used to train robots to perform delicate, variable tasks that have traditionally been difficult to automate. [Read more…] about ABB Robotics and Psyonic use human-generated data to advance robotic dexterity

Festo unveils new adaptive gripper for ‘faster, gentler and more hygienic picking’

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Festo has introduced the HPSX Universal Adaptive Gripper, a pneumatic soft gripper engineered to improve speed, hygiene and flexibility in demanding food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications.

Combining robust design, food-safe materials and adaptive silicone fingers, the HPSX directly addresses long-standing automation challenges where rapid, precise and gentle product handling is essential.

Peter Potters, product manager at Festo, says: “In developing the HPSX, we refined the gripper’s shape, dimensions and internal geometry to maximise gripping force while minimising air volume. [Read more…] about Festo unveils new adaptive gripper for ‘faster, gentler and more hygienic picking’

OnRobot to host automation roadmap event in Dallas as manufacturers face labor shortages

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With manufacturers across North Texas struggling to hire and retain production workers, OnRobot will host the “Build your Automation Roadmap” event in Dallas on February 19th, bringing practical automation solutions directly to the region’s manufacturing community.

The free, in-person event is designed for manufacturers in sectors such as metal fabrication, CNC machining, electronics, aerospace, food & beverage, and industrial equipment manufacturing – industries that form the backbone of the DFW manufacturing economy and are among the hardest hit by ongoing labor shortages. [Read more…] about OnRobot to host automation roadmap event in Dallas as manufacturers face labor shortages

NūMove introduces an innovative robot tool for layer picking automation

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NūMove Robotics & Vision has introduced its latest innovation in robotics: a newly designed layer depalletizing tool engineered for enhanced adaptability and performance in high-throughput logistics environments. This improved robot tool enables efficient depalletizing of both single-SKU and rainbow pallets.

This new end-of-arm tool for depalletizing represents a significant advancement over NūMove’s previous models that relied solely on suction and forks. The latest design integrates three complementary gripping mechanisms – suction, clamping, and bottom forks – enabling the robot to securely handle a broader range of packaging types and formats.

These include closed cases, open cases, wrapped or unwrapped trays, and carton boxes in a tray. To avoid product damage, sensors verify that the layer is properly lifted before the bottom forks are extended. [Read more…] about NūMove introduces an innovative robot tool for layer picking automation

Festo unveils new compact vacuum generator for robot end effectors

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Industrial automation specialist Festo has launched the “OVEH” compact vacuum generator, a versatile and innovative End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) solution designed to enhance human-robot collaboration (HRC) and other robotic applications.

Featuring integrated sensors and precise valve control, the OVEH joins Festo’s growing portfolio of EOAT technologies, which are engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing environments.

The OVEH vacuum generator combines a compact design with advanced functionality, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including handling printed circuit boards, machine loading and unloading, packaging assembly, and picking finished items from 3D printers. [Read more…] about Festo unveils new compact vacuum generator for robot end effectors

Festo unveils new ‘compact, simple and precise’ electric parallel gripper

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Festo has unveiled its new “compact, simple and precise” electric parallel gripper.

The automation specialist says modern manufacturing requires handling solutions capable of managing product diversity, shorter product life cycles and growing levels of product customisation.

The HEPP electric gripper from Festo addresses this need for greater flexibility in the gripping of multiple workpieces with adaptable stroke lengths and gripping forces. [Read more…] about Festo unveils new ‘compact, simple and precise’ electric parallel gripper

Piab releases new lightweight bag gripper

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Piab has released a new lightweight bag gripper which, the company says, “strengthens its grip on the palletizing solutions market”.

Piab says the new gripper, the LBG-50, “easily lifts sacks and bags with weights of up to 50 kg”. As it is a pre-engineered tool, “valuable development time can be saved”.

An unavoidable challenge when defining a new bag gripping system in a palletizing line is to get the exact measurements to align with the conveyor rollers for a smooth lifting and releasing process. This demands time-consuming analysis and design and, later on, even more time for adaptation and adjustments. [Read more…] about Piab releases new lightweight bag gripper

OnRobot launches robotics tool changer

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OnRobot, a specialist in robotic end-of-arm tooling, is launching a new patented tool changer for collaborative applications developed by Purple Robotics, recently acquired by OnRobot.

Weighing only 200 g (7 oz.), the Quick Changer has a low impact on robot payload. Its compact size also adds minimal distance from the tool centre point (TCP) to the robot, which minimises stress on robot joints.

The Quick Changer releases end-of-arm tools with just a click and inserted tools are automatically positioned correctly with a repeatability of ±0.02 mm. The Quick Changer can be used on any robot arm, drone, or other equipment with an ISO-9409-1 flange.

[Read more…] about OnRobot launches robotics tool changer

Former Universal Robots CEO launches ambitious plan for end-effectors sector

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Enrico Krog Iversen, former CEO of collaborative robot maker Universal Robots, is partnering with the Danish Growth Fund to address what he sees as “the next challenge in automation” with the merger of three innovative end-of-arm tooling companies to facilitate the ongoing growth of collaborative robotics, an industry expected to reach $8.5 billion by 2025.

The new company – which combines US-based Perception Robotics, Hungary-based OptoForce, and Denmark-based On Robot – will be called OnRobot.

Iversen says the new company will drive innovation and ease-of-use for robotic end-of-arm tooling.  [Read more…] about Former Universal Robots CEO launches ambitious plan for end-effectors sector