Robotics & Automation News

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ABB survey reveals re-industrialization ‘at risk’ from global education gap in automation

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A global ABB survey has revealed a growing trend in US and European businesses towards re-shoring or nearshoring operations to build resilience in the face of global challenges – but at the same time, a significant education gap in the skills necessary for these strategies to succeed.

Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation Business, says: “The world is constantly evolving – businesses are shifting existing structures and adopting new technologies to future-proof their operations for a variety of challenges and uncertainties, with robotic automation playing a key role.

“We need significant investment in continuous education to prepare our existing and future workforce to thrive in an age of robotics and automation, important not only to prepare for the widespread shifts we are seeing, but to create prosperous societies going forward.” [Read more…] about ABB survey reveals re-industrialization ‘at risk’ from global education gap in automation

European Commission launches online ‘meeting point’ for robotics community

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The European Commission has launched a “meeting point” for the online robotics community.

TheEC says its European hub makes it possible to explore “non-technical aspects of robotics that impact society and our lives”.

Robospot: The Responsible Robotics Knowledge Hub is a platform created within the Robotics4EU project, free and open to anyone. [Read more…] about European Commission launches online ‘meeting point’ for robotics community

Automotive Cells chooses Comau to build battery production lines

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Comau has been selected by Automotive Cells Company – or ACC, a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies/Saft and Mercedes-Benz – to design and develop a “highly integrated” battery module production line for its future Gigafactory in Billy-Bercalu Douvrain, in the north of France.

With the projected capacity to ultimately ramp up to 40 GWh, ACC is set to become a European leader in enabling cleaner, efficient mobility for all. Under the terms of the agreement, Comau will supply ACC with the expertise and equipment needed to automate manufacturing of the next-generation EV batteries.

Featuring the inherent flexibility to handle both 8- and 16-cell modules, the Comau-designed lines will allow ACC to produce up to 8 Gigawatt hours (GWh) annually by the end of 2024. [Read more…] about Automotive Cells chooses Comau to build battery production lines

ESA marks first steps of new robot in space

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While the world eagerly awaits the launch of a spacecraft to the Moon, a robot quietly reaches yet another milestone in space. The newest robotic arm outside the International Space Station woke up, stretched and moved a payload effortlessly from one side to the other of the Nauka science module.

The European Robotic Arm (ERA) successfully completed the first transfer following commands from cosmonauts inside the Space Station last week. Teams in Moscow, Russia and at ESA’s control room in the Netherlands monitored the moves, where the image above was taken by the European team on console on 24 August.

This first motion involved unleashing the payload – a single pin latch and its adapter for the cosmonaut support tool – from Nauka, moving it to the other side of the module and then installing it back to the original position. [Read more…] about ESA marks first steps of new robot in space

Caja Robotics and Fives partner to tackle warehouse automation ‘challenges’

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Caja Robotics, a provider of robotic and flexible goods-to-person solutions in fulfilment, is partnering with Fives Group, an integrator of advanced material handling and smart automation solutions, to tackle what the companies describe as “challenges” of warehouse automation in the European market.

Through the mutual exchange of know-how and technical expertise as well as a “deep understanding of customer needs and market demands”, both companies say they will strengthen their position as key players in warehouse automation.

Caja Robotics’ solution is complementary to Fives’ technology portfolio and will allow Fives to expand its offering in piece picking and to address the apparel and footwear sector to help its customers meet the challenges of omnichannel automation, while giving Caja Robotics the extra boost needed to tackle the southern European markets where Fives claims it demonstrates “leading positions”. [Read more…] about Caja Robotics and Fives partner to tackle warehouse automation ‘challenges’

Lenovo opens first European manufacturing facility in Hungary

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Computer giant Lenovo has officially opened the doors to its first in-house manufacturing facility in Europe.

Based in Ullo, Hungary, the factory focuses primarily on building server infrastructure, storage systems and high-end PC workstations used by customers throughout the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

Extending Lenovo’s international manufacturing operations, the investment represents significant economic potential for both the private and public sectors in Hungary, with increased production capacity, greater potential for collaboration with local vendors, and the creation of new job openings. [Read more…] about Lenovo opens first European manufacturing facility in Hungary

Starship Technologies agrees €50 million funding from European Investment Bank

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Starship Technologies, a maker of autonomous delivery robots, has agreed on a €50 million quasi-equity facility agreement with the European Investment Bank.

The lending arm of the European Union and one of the largest providers of climate finance, the EIB supports projects that promote the priorities and objectives of the EU.

This financing, which is supported by the European Fund for Strategic Investments, has been facilitated via a venture loan, and will be used for research and development, including the building of thousands more robots at Starship’s engineering and innovation facility in Tallinn. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies agrees €50 million funding from European Investment Bank

Hai Robotics installs smart warehousing solution for European intralogistics company

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Hai Robotics, a hugely well-financed new warehouse automation company, has installed a range of smart warehousing solutions for a European intralogistics company called Voyatzoglou Systems.

Hai Robotics has implemented its Autonomous Case-handling Robotic (ACR) system – a new type of automated storage and retrieval system – for warehouse logistics as part of a “strategic partnership” with Greece’s market leader in intralogistics, Voyatzoglou.

The implementation is being described as a “joint effort to offer more smart warehousing solutions to the supply chain in Greece and the Balkan area”. [Read more…] about Hai Robotics installs smart warehousing solution for European intralogistics company

Proposed new European laws will cause ‘severe damage’ to industry, warn global robotics leaders

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The European Commission’s proposed AI Act and updated regulations on machinery products will cause “severe damage” to European small businesses, robotics companies and innovation, according to four of the most influential voices in robotics and automation.

Together, the International Federation of Robotics, the VDMA Robotics + Automation Association, EUnited Robotics and REInvest Robotics urgently call on European policymakers to revisit and amend the proposals. [Read more…] about Proposed new European laws will cause ‘severe damage’ to industry, warn global robotics leaders

Brain Corp’s European robotic cleaning fleet reaches 500 million square feet covered autonomously in 2021

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Brain Corp, which provides an operating system for commercial floor-cleaning robots, says its BrainOS-powered fleet of autonomous mobile robots has hit a new milestone of 500 million square feet covered (46.45 million square meters) autonomously in Europe during 2021.

Coming off the back of significant year-on-year growth, Brain Corp has seen momentum build throughout 2021 with the company recording 226 percent growth in floor area covered autonomously between April and October, 2021 alone.

While increases in robot deployments were seen across all industry sectors, the most significant growth came within retail outlets, shopping malls and logistics facilities. [Read more…] about Brain Corp’s European robotic cleaning fleet reaches 500 million square feet covered autonomously in 2021