Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

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How Industry 4.0 is Changing the Employment Market

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We’re now in the middle of a significant transformation in the way we produce things, thanks to Industry 4.0, the digitisation of manufacturing.

Also called “smart manufacturing”, Industry 4.0 refers to the digital transformation of manufacturing practices, leading to real-time decision making, flexibility, enhanced productivity, and agility.

The employment market has been adopting new technologies, including Industry 4.0. With smart technologies becoming more mainstream, it’s worth considering the impact of these technologies on society and the workforce. [Read more…] about How Industry 4.0 is Changing the Employment Market

Data Visualization Comes to Robotics

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The growth of the robotics sector was nothing short of spectacular in 2021. In just one year, robot density in manufacturing processes doubled, leading many to herald the dawn of a new era. Robots are finally here in numbers that matter, and it looks like they’re here to stay.

Robot development, though, is changing. It’s no longer a logical codified process, Instead, it’s more about learning and training, similar to the approach you’d take with a human child.

Unfortunately, getting to grips with all that data is difficult. Not only is the way machines are being programmed changing, but also how engineers and software professionals troubleshoot and analyze outputs. [Read more…] about Data Visualization Comes to Robotics

Festo unveils extended version of robotic systems design software

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Festo has unveiled an extended version of its robotic systems design software, saying it enables the design of Cartesian robots “in minutes”.

Festo’s Handling Guide Online (HGO) now includes 3D cantilever systems in addition to linear, planar surface and 3D handling systems.

The company says these improvements mean that design engineers can now plan “extremely compact or extremely dynamic Cartesian robots in a matter of minutes” using the HGO’s intuitive configuration and ordering software. [Read more…] about Festo unveils extended version of robotic systems design software

How to Find and Hire the Best Mechanical Engineers

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Mechanical engineers design, build, develop, and test anything that moves – in machinery or the human body (as in the case of prosthetics).

As a result, they play a huge role in many industries such as automotive, biotechnology, computer and electronics, automation, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Essentially, they take a product from start to finish, focusing on the design for aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Sometimes, mechanical engineers dabble into other fields like civil engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, etc.

So, you can see that mechanical engineers are valuable when it comes to manufacturing processes. However, finding and hiring the best mechanical engineers for your organization might seem like a daunting task. [Read more…] about How to Find and Hire the Best Mechanical Engineers

Engineers at Columbia University invent robotic lasers that cook food

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Engineers at Columbia University have invented software-controlled robotic lasers that cook food with “unparalleled precision”, retaining more moisture, and creating an entirely new, customized way to cook a tasty meal. (See videos below.)

Imagine having your own digital personal chef; ready to cook up whatever you want; able to tailor the shape, texture, and flavor just for you; and it’s all at the push of a button. Columbia engineers have been working on doing just that, using lasers for cooking and 3D printing technology for assembling foods.

Under the guidance of Mechanical Engineering Professor Hod Lipson, the “Digital Food” team of his Creative Machines Lab has been building a fully autonomous digital personal chef. Lipson’s group has been developing 3D-printed foods since 2007. Since then, food printing has progressed to multi-ingredient prints and has been explored by researchers and a few commercial companies. [Read more…] about Engineers at Columbia University invent robotic lasers that cook food

‘Slopehelper’ robot ready to help out in vineyards and orchards

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A company called PeK Automotive has developed a robot it calls “Slopehelper” and says it is ready to help out in vineyards and orchards.

The autonomous agricultural electric robot Slopehelper is being developed and produced in the European Union.

Its creators say the solar-powered robot promises the “absolutely green future” of agriculture to vineyards and orchards at low cost, having made it possible to perform regular annual operations without a driver in fully autonomous mode. [Read more…] about ‘Slopehelper’ robot ready to help out in vineyards and orchards

Fugro partners with Nexxis to operate robots via satellite from SpAARC

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Fugro, in partnership with remote visual inspection, non-destructive testing and robotics company Nexxis, has demonstrated how its remote operations capability can be applied to space through satellite-controlled robots.

The demonstration took place at SpAARC, the Space Automation Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Control Complex, in Western Australia.

The Australian Space Agency commissioned Fugro to design, build and operate the world-class SpAARC complex in 2020. [Read more…] about Fugro partners with Nexxis to operate robots via satellite from SpAARC

ABB launches virtual technical assistance support service

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Industrial automation giant ABB has launched a virtual technical assistance support service.

With the theme of “A problem shared” – the new virtual assistance support service from ABB provides instant access to virtual face to face expert technical advice.

Getting to grips with robotic automation is “now even easier” with the launch of ABB’s Virtual Assistance support service, says the company. [Read more…] about ABB launches virtual technical assistance support service

Small Manufacturing Leaders Look for Long-Term Strategies: Connected Factories Driving Demand for Robotics Engineers

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By Thomas R. Cutler

A recent Gartner survey showed 57 percent of manufacturing leaders feel their organization lacks skilled workers to support smart manufacturing digitization plans. Most agreed a long-term strategy is necessary to develop the connected factory worker.

“Our survey revealed that manufacturers are currently going through a difficult phase in their digitization journey toward smart manufacturing,” said Simon Jacobson, vice president analyst, with the Gartner Supply Chain practice.

“They accept that changing from a break-fix mentality and culture to a data-driven workforce is a must. However, intuition, efficiency and engagement cannot be sacrificed. [Read more…] about Small Manufacturing Leaders Look for Long-Term Strategies: Connected Factories Driving Demand for Robotics Engineers

BIM, MEP, and You

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Building Information Modelling (BIM) and three pillars of construction Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP), can be a match made in building heaven.

If implemented correctly, BIM can solve many of the traditional problems that plague MEP. This places BIM adoption as an important consideration for engineers who have not done so already. [Read more…] about BIM, MEP, and You