Robotics & Automation News

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Universal Robots launches new software platform to make machine tending automation ‘faster, simpler and more flexible ’

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Universal Robots, the Danish manufacturer of collaborative robots (cobots), has unveiled a new brand-new, innovative software platform specifically developed for machine tending tasks.

The name is PolyScope X and through a new, customisable user interface, it will add new levels of flexibility to high mix, low volume machine tending automation.

With PolyScope X, machine shop operators can achieve changeover times of less than 10 minutes – far below what is possible today with any other software. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches new software platform to make machine tending automation ‘faster, simpler and more flexible ’

Comau developing fully automated system for battery recycling

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Comau has renewed its commitment to the EU’s Flexible Battery Dismantling (Flex-BD) project for the second year, to help deliver a fundamental pillar on the path towards a truly circular economy.

Flex-BD is a robotized system that automates the entire process of dismantling worn-out electric batteries using a highly flexible, repeatable and standardizable process.

Now, having validated the proof-of-concept, Comau has expanded the scope to include second life repurposing of automotive batteries. [Read more…] about Comau developing fully automated system for battery recycling

Osaro and Geek+ partner to integrate robotic warehouse solutions

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Osaro, a specialist in in machine-learning-enabled robotics for e-commerce, has agreed partnership that integrates its pick-and-place robots with groundbreaking Geek+ warehouse automation systems.

The new alliance offers businesses a one-stop solution for their warehouse fulfillment operations and a strategy to boost the ROI of their autonomous mobile robot systems (AMRs) and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).

Derik Pridmore, Osaro CEO, says: “At Osaro, our goal is to provide reliable robotic systems that make automation easy, which is why the seamless integration of our picking robots with Geek+ systems is so valuable for quick and easy deployment. [Read more…] about Osaro and Geek+ partner to integrate robotic warehouse solutions

Robot-based automation: 3 tips for a time and cost-efficient implementation

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Why no-code and low-code tools have become indispensable in robotics

Using robots is almost always worthwhile for companies. They can reduce labor costs, relieve employees, and make production more flexible – because the required batch sizes are becoming smaller and production processes more individual.

In addition, a robot or cobot offers another major advantage: it can work without breaks and fatigue, thereby increasing product quality and reducing scrap.

With modern robot systems, almost all processes can now be automated. Usually, robots take over simple, dirty, monotonous, physically demanding, or even dangerous tasks.

However, with the right hardware and, above all, software, very complex or particularly demanding tasks, so-called “Advanced Robotics” applications, can also be solved. Examples of this include the assembly of flexible and bendable components such as cables, wires, or hoses or force-controlled surface processing. [Read more…] about Robot-based automation: 3 tips for a time and cost-efficient implementation

ABB provides ‘complete range of robots’ for one of Europe’s largest kitchen makers

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ABB Robotics has been selected by Nobia to supply robotic automation solutions for their new factory in Jönköping, Sweden.

Nobia is one of Europe’s largest producers of kitchen furniture and related equipment.

By securing the contract, ABB Robotics says it is furthering its expansion into new industry segments, helping to make production “more efficient and sustainable”. [Read more…] about ABB provides ‘complete range of robots’ for one of Europe’s largest kitchen makers

Comau supplies ‘highly intelligent’ welding robots for electric automaker

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Comau has supplied Hycan Automotive Technology with a “highly intelligent” welding solution for its framing line. The innovative system ensures multi-model manufacturing of new energy vehicles, high jobs per hour (JPH) and a concrete reduction in production losses. 

Deployed at the Hycan Hangzhou manufacturing base, the flexible automated production system can randomly switch between four different platforms, is fully compatible with the existing manufacturing platforms and is mass producing the brand’s smart, pure electric A06 sedan and stylish, intelligent-driving, pure electric SUV Z03 at a cycle efficiency of 60 JPH.

Hycan Automotive specializes in the development of electric vehicles, with a strategic focus on attracting young generations in the Chinese market. Given the diverse preferences of its target users, the need to develop a rich product range in a short period of time, and the rapid iteration of its offer, Comau engineers made sure the highly flexible welding assembly line could keep pace with the automaker’s evolving manufacturing needs. [Read more…] about Comau supplies ‘highly intelligent’ welding robots for electric automaker

Tackling the lack of specialists with innovative robotics solutions

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Boring, strenuous, and exhausting are things of the past. The work environment of tomorrow looks different: exciting, simple, and easy. Cobots, AGVs (Autonomous Guided Vehicles), and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) put variety into daily work routines.

Cooperation with the robot transforms previously tedious, strenuous tasks into popular activities that are easy to perform. Numerous exhibitors at automatica, held in Munich from June 27 to 30, 2023, will present examples of such transformations.

While such work facilitation is great, the pivotal question is: To what extent can automation and robotics compensate the lack of specialists? An ever-increasing gap emerges as the baby boomers retire from the workforce. [Read more…] about Tackling the lack of specialists with innovative robotics solutions

Geodis almost doubles case picking throughput with Vecna Robotics solution

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Vecna Robotics, a provider of flexible material handling automation solutions, has collaborated with Geodis, a transport and logistics company, to implement a “first-of-its-kind” autonomous mobile robot solution for case picking at Geodis’ Indianapolis campus.

Starting in late 2022, the implementation completely rethinks the human-robot interaction, reducing inefficient travel and nearly doubling workflow throughput.

Anthony Moschella, SVP of product management at Vecna Robotics, says: “Our engagement with Geodis is a true advancement in material handling innovation. [Read more…] about Geodis almost doubles case picking throughput with Vecna Robotics solution

Comau builds robotic welding solution for Daimler Trucks China operation

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Comau has built an advanced, automated welding solution for Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive, a joint venture between Daimler Trucks and the Chinese truck manufacturer Foton Motor.

In doing so, Comau is helping support Mercedes-Benz’s first localized heavy-duty truck for the Chinese market, the “Actros”, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz global platform and uses Daimler’s most advanced truck technology.

Featuring 100 percent process automation, the Comau-designed production line is engineered to be completely flexible in order to handle complex model management and variable output management. [Read more…] about Comau builds robotic welding solution for Daimler Trucks China operation

Dutch shoe retailer Schuurman Schoenen implements Magazino robots

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The robotics company Magazino has won Schuurman Schoenen as a new customer for the mobile picking robot TORU.

The Dutch company, known for offering a wide range of shoes, will use the robots in its warehouse in Neede, Netherlands.

By using the TORU robot, Schuurman Schoenen is implementing flexible automation for the manual picking process of shoeboxes. [Read more…] about Dutch shoe retailer Schuurman Schoenen implements Magazino robots