Market trends and business perspectives
Yaskawa Electric, one of the largest industrial robot manufacturers in the world, has begun sales of its new collaborative robot.
The Motoman HC20 DT is said to be anti-dust and drip-proof, with a payload capacity of 20kg and a maximum reach of 1,700 mm.
Yaskawa launches its new cobot against the background of a labor shortage that is worsening due to a decline in the working-age population. [Read more…] about Yaskawa begins sales of its new collaborative robot
John Deere, probably the largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery in the world, has been showcasing a new autonomous tractor and other new technology at the ongoing Agritechnica event.
In a new exhibition concept at this year’s Agritechnica, Deere is demonstrating its leading position in precision agriculture in the Future Technology Zone.
Nine different product developments and research projects in the fields of electrification, autonomy through automation and artificial intelligence show how agriculture could work even more sustainably and productively in the future. [Read more…] about John Deere showcases autonomous electric tractor and other new tech
by Anna
Fanuc America, supplier of robotics, CNCs and Robomachines, has expanded its line of collaborative robots to include six models, on display at re:MARS Tech Showcase 4-7 June 4-7 in Las Vegas.
The series of power and force limiting collaborative robots can handle 4-35 kg payloads and a 550-1813 mm reach.
The cobots are equipped with Fanuc’s iHMI touch screen user interface. The Hand Guidance feature allows operators to teach a collaborative robot by leading it through paths, and/or use it to lift heavy objects manually.
[Read more…] about Fanuc demonstrates cobots at Amazon’s re:MARS Conference
by Anna
Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.’s electric vehicle (EV) inverter has been adopted by Audi for its first mass production EV, the e-tron, which went on sale in Europe in March this year.
With tightened environmental regulations around the world, many countries are driving for greater adoption of electric vehicles.
This has led to the demand for more efficient and higher-output electric motors, inverters, and other electric powertrain systems that will contribute to high performance EVs.
[Read more…] about Hitachi electric vehicle inverter adopted for the Audi e-tron
by Anna
Robotic vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers are already reality, but can the same idea be applied to a 7-ton machine clearing snow from an airstrip?
To show it can, Valtra and Nokian Tyres partnered up with three other Finnish companies in March 2019 for a joint proof-of-concept project at the European Union’s northernmost airport.
Two Valtra T254 Versu equipped with Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tyres and each pulling a 4.5 m wide sweeper blower autonomously cleared the runway at Ivalo airport in Finnish Lapland.
[Read more…] about ‘Snow-how’: Finns develop autonomous snow removal vehiclesby Anna
Komatsu Ltd has unveiled its electric mini excavator, based on its accumulated technological expertise of hybrid construction equipment and electric forklift trucks.
Equipped with an in-house developed new charger, high-voltage converter and other devices, it offers excavation performance on a par with the internal combustion model of the same power output, while achieving zero exhaust gas emissions and a dynamic reduction in noise levels.
Komatsu expects a wider range of applications for this machine, including construction work near hospitals or schools or in residential areas, where contractors pay special attention to exhaust gas and noise during work, as well as inside tunnels or buildings.
[Read more…] about Komatsu develops electric mini excavatorby Anna
Since the start of April, Group PSA’s vehicles equipped with level 3 autonomous driving functions have been operating on open roads in France as part of the European L3Pilot project.
Six to eight vehicles will undergo intensive driving tests to validate autonomous functions on dual carriageways.
The project is strengthening Groupe PSA’s expertise in the development of autonomous vehicles, thanks to a global ecosystem of partners, including European carmakers, research centres and roads authorities.
[Read more…] about Groupe PSA carries out autonomous driving tests in L3Pilot projectby Anna
Waypoint Robotics has launched the MAV3K (pronounced May-vick) industrial grade autonomous mobile robot (AMR). It has a 3000lb carrying capacity and omnidirectional mobility.
MAV3K comes equipped with Waypoint’s Dispatcher software, allowing it to be set up and autonomously operating in under 15 minutes.
MAV3K’s batteries keep it moving through the longest workday and Waypoint’s EnZone wireless charging system enables MAV3K to charge itself.
Robotics and Automation News was established in May, 2015, and is now one of the most widely-read websites in its category.
Please consider supporting us by becoming a paying subscriber, or through advertising and sponsorships, or by purchasing products and services through our shop – or a combination of all of the above.
Thank you.
This website and its associated magazine, and weekly newsletter, are all produced by a small team of experienced journalists and media professionals.
If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to contact us at any of the email addresses on our contact page.
We’d be happy to hear from you, and will always reply as soon as possible.
We support the principles of net neutrality and equal opportunities.
