Robotics & Automation News

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ForwardX Robotics opens advanced ‘self-production facility’ in China

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ForwardX Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses, claims it is now “one of the few” robotics companies with full self-production capabilities after the company opened a new facility in Wuhu, Anhui, in China.

The factory manages the entire process – from assembly to testing – entirely in-house, underscoring ForwardX’s commitment to “self-sufficient production”, and highlighting its “dedication to delivering world-class robotics solutions”.

ForwardX’s factory was built in 2022, spans 10,000 square meters across two expansive buildings, featuring multiple production lines that cover the entire manufacturing process. [Read more…] about ForwardX Robotics opens advanced ‘self-production facility’ in China

BMW installs 294 robots in major upgrade of factory in Germany

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BMW has taken a significant step forward in its automation strategy with the commissioning of an expanded body shop at its Regensburg vehicle plant in Neutraubling, Germany.

The upgrade involved installing a total of 294 industrial robots into the facility – a clear signal of the company’s continued investment in high-efficiency, digitally integrated car manufacturing.

Spanning 40,000 square meters, the newly inaugurated body shop is designed to support rising global demand for the BMW X1 and BMW X2 models. [Read more…] about BMW installs 294 robots in major upgrade of factory in Germany

Embotech implements new automated marshalling capabilities in BMW factories

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Embotech, a provider of autonomous driving solutions for logistics, is partnering with with Outsight, a LiDAR software solutions provider, and Hesai, a LiDAR hardware manufacturer, to deliver cutting-edge LiDAR technology and perception software for Embotech’s AVM technology deployed in BMW facilities and known internally at BMW as Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW).

Within this AVN solution, Outsight plays a key role with its advanced LiDAR software platform that tracks the vehicle and the surrounding obstacles within BMW’s production facilities, while Hesai supplies its industry-leading LiDAR sensors, renowned for their accuracy and reliability, which act as the “eyes” of the AVM system.

Initially implemented for the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series in Dingolfing, is now also in use for the MINI Countryman and other BMW models manufactured in Leipzig. [Read more…] about Embotech implements new automated marshalling capabilities in BMW factories

Shanghai Electric celebrates a decade of Nedschroef acquisition as it breaks ground to build new factory in Spain

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On the 10th anniversary of its acquisition of Nedschroef, Shanghai Electric marks a significant milestone with the ground breaking of Nedschroef’s second automotive fastener factory in Spain.

Situated in Tarragona, a prominent city in northeastern Spain, this facility underscores Shanghai Electric’s commitment to enhancing Nedschroef’s capacity to deliver advanced fastening solutions across Europe.

The Tarragona factory is a cornerstone of Nedschroef’s three-year action plan, poised to optimize production capacity and drive operational efficiency. [Read more…] about Shanghai Electric celebrates a decade of Nedschroef acquisition as it breaks ground to build new factory in Spain

Predictions for 2025: Generative AI and more technology in factories

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Chris Iveson, CEO and co-founder of FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, shares four predictions for how he believes smart factory operations will evolve in 2025

The manufacturing industry is often bombarded by tech companies and consultants pushing pipedream technologies nowhere near ready for implementation in most factory settings.

Despite this, the smart factory movement keeps marching on, driven by practical, down-to-earth tools that manufacturers can deploy at scale to deliver rapid return on investment. [Read more…] about Predictions for 2025: Generative AI and more technology in factories

ZF opens new e-mobility manufacturing plant in China

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ZF has opened a new e-mobility plant, known as ZF Electric Mobility Systems, Shenyang.

As ZF’s third e-mobility plant in China, Shenyang plant gathers ZF’s advanced technology and innovative concepts, and will produce and sell advanced products such as electric axle drives for new energy vehicles, to provide more high-quality and high-efficiency e-mobility solutions for customers in China and the world.

The main products of the Shenyang plant are the electric axle drives for new energy vehicles. Its core components are based on ZF’s modular kit electric drive platform and cover both front and rear axles, including motors, power electronics and reducers. [Read more…] about ZF opens new e-mobility manufacturing plant in China

Fanuc launches new ‘heavyweight’ industrial robot

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Fanuc, a world leader in industrial robotics and factory automation, has introduced the M-950iA “heavyweight industrial robot”, capable of lifting 500 kg – including automotive components, construction materials and EV battery packs.

Fitting perfectly between Fanuc’s M-900iB and M-1000iA families, the serial-link structured M-950iA/500 offers a much wider range of motion than standard parallel-link robots, offering flexibility that easily adapts to tight workspaces and variable layouts.

A high-rigidity design makes it suited for payloads up to 500 kg and its reach of 2,830 mm is paired with an impressive range of motion on the robot’s J3 axis, allowing it to flip over backwards. [Read more…] about Fanuc launches new ‘heavyweight’ industrial robot

ABB opens new $100 million campus in Wisconsin

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ABB has started the phased opening of a new $100 million campus in New Berlin, Wisconsin to increase US production capacity of industrial electric drives and service to fully meet Build America Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements.

ABB employees, elected officials, education leaders, and media gathered for a ribbon cutting event to mark the first phase opening of the campus.

Brandon Spencer, president of ABB’s Motion Business Area, says: “ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation and the US market is an important growth engine for our business. [Read more…] about ABB opens new $100 million campus in Wisconsin

Intretech to open new Mexico factory following $60 million investment

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Global smart manufacturing company Intretech has opened a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, following $60 million investment. The project, which is set to create 2,000 jobs over the next five years, represents a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion.

The grand opening event was attended by several notable dignitaries, including the governor of Nuevo León state, the secretary of economy, and Intretech’s chairman, Linden Lin.

Located in the Mirador Industrial Park. The facility is designed to strengthen Intretech’s manufacturing capabilities, support its global growth strategy, and provide robust nearshoring solutions. [Read more…] about Intretech to open new Mexico factory following $60 million investment

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