Robotics & Automation News

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Flexiv unveils new operating system for its adaptive robots

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Flexiv, a developer of robotic and artificial intelligence solutions, has unveiled Flexiv Elements, its all-new operating system for “adaptive robots”.

Adaptive robots are a new category – very similar to collaborative robots – which Flexiv is concentrating on. It describes its “Rizon” model (main picture) as “the first adapative robot” – referring to its ability to maintain performance even amid significant changes in the environment, such as floating base, vibration, and human interference.

Created to provide integrators with “ground-breaking new features” which simplify complex robotic operations, Flexiv says Elements makes it “easier than ever” before to develop customized programs that enhance efficiency and productivity. [Read more…] about Flexiv unveils new operating system for its adaptive robots

Yaskawa launches two new collaborative robots for industrial applications

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Yaskawa Motoman, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial robots, has launched two new collaborative robots – HC10DTP and HC20DTP, each of which has six axes.

The company describes them as “highly reliable robots (that) enrich easy capability for Yaskawa’s HC-series line”.

Hand-guided programming allows users to direct teach points without a pendant, and an ISO standard tool flange and electrical connections facilitate a plug and play approach for easy deployment of the robot system. [Read more…] about Yaskawa launches two new collaborative robots for industrial applications

ATI unveils ‘ultra-thin’ force torque sensor for robots

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ATI Industrial Automation has unveiled its “ultra-thin” Mini43LP Force/Torque Sensor, which the company says provides “high-precision force sensing in a rugged, yet compact transducer”.

At less than 8 mm tall, the newest member of ATI’s force/torque sensor product range is “uniquely suited for smaller automated applications”, says ATI.

The low profile sensor body allows users to optimize their work envelope and preserve the robot’s lifting power for end-of-arm tools. [Read more…] about ATI unveils ‘ultra-thin’ force torque sensor for robots

Nvidia and USC researchers demonstrate autonomous robotic cutting

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Nvidia and USC researchers have demonstrated an innovative approach to Autonomous Robotic Cutting in new work nominated for a Best Paper Award at the Robotics Science & Systems Conference  last month. (See video and images below.)

Robotic cutting of soft materials is critical for applications such as food processing, household automation, and surgical manipulation. As in other areas of robotics, simulators can facilitate controller verification, policy learning, and dataset generation. Moreover, differentiable simulators can enable gradient-based optimization, which is invaluable for calibrating simulation parameters and optimizing controllers.

In their work nominated for a Best Paper Award at RSS 2021, Nvidia researchers present DiSECt: the first differentiable simulator for cutting soft materials. The simulator augments the finite element method (FEM) with a continuous contact model based on signed distance fields (SDF), as well as a continuous damage model that inserts springs on opposite sides of the cutting plane and allows them to weaken until zero stiffness, enabling crack formation. [Read more…] about Nvidia and USC researchers demonstrate autonomous robotic cutting

6 Engineering Tips When Designing Machinery

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One of the commonly asked questions from machine designers or integrators is how they can effectively build a machine design or integrate the conversion of a machine with servomechanism advancement to meet the expected performance and needs.

Although this may be a challenging endeavor, technological advancement has made it easier to create engineering variations and unique operating processes.

When designing machinery, it would be helpful to employ several effective engineering tips even during the planning stage. It’s crucial to analyze all the possible scenarios to decrease the chances of failing and working through a demanding set of combinations and situations. [Read more…] about 6 Engineering Tips When Designing Machinery

OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

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OnRobot has launched the MG10, which it describes as “a versatile, high-performance, easy to use magnetic gripper” for material handling, assembly and machine tending applications in manufacturing, automotive and aerospace environments.

Fully compatible with all major robot brands through OnRobot’s One System Solution, the MG10 offers unique adjustable force and grip detection features that provide users with unprecedented levels of control.

Standard magnetic grippers only provide simple on/off functionality. To adjust the force applied, users have to add rubber ‘feet’ to create space between the magnet and the part. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

Hanwha launches new collaborative robot solutions

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Hanwha has launched what it describes as “new advanced solutions”, including Hanwha Collaborative Robot Advanced (HCR Advanced) and a collaborative-robot-solutions package to continue building its momentum in the collaborative robot market that is expected to grow rapidly.

The global market for cobots was worth $1.2 billion last year, and it is expected to grow on average by 42 percent annually as more smart factories are built and the increasing demand for contactless services due to Covid-19 are expected to reach $7 billion by 2026.

In response, Hanwha is aggressively developing advanced cobots that combine Hanwha’s AI technology with its mobility capabilities. The company is integrating its robotics technology with existing logistics automation systems, secondary batteries, and display-related facilities to create synergy and satisfy the diverse needs of customers worldwide. [Read more…] about Hanwha launches new collaborative robot solutions

ATI launches end effector kits for Fanuc collaborative robots

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ATI Industrial Automation has developed CRX-Ready End-Effector Kits, providing Fanuc CRX cobot users a simple and effective way to increase the flexibility of collaborative robotic automation. (See video below.)

These all-in-one packages include robust options for automatic tool changing, force sensing, and material removal, and enable tasks such as assembly, machine tending, part inspection, surface preparation and others to be implemented and executed easily.

CRX-Ready End-Effector Kits include everything needed to get Fanuc CRX cobot applications up and running. In addition to the end-effector, the kit features all the hardware and software required for system connection. [Read more…] about ATI launches end effector kits for Fanuc collaborative robots

Piab introduces soft gripper range for industrial robots

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Piab has introduced a soft gripper – or end effector – for industrial robots. The company says its piSoftGrip range is developed for the automation of the food and chocolate industry.

Piab once again extends the pi-SoftGrip family with a new pinch gripper developed for the automation of the food/chocolate industry. The vacuum-based soft gripper can grip sensitive and lightweight oblong objects with odd geometries and/or objects with an unusual surface.

piSoftGrip has two gripping fingers and a sealed vacuum cavity, all made in one piece, resulting in a simple and robust product. [Read more…] about Piab introduces soft gripper range for industrial robots

Flexiv Launches 100th Adaptive Robot

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The company also released its new product, Rizon 4s

Flexiv, the world-leading robotics company that created the first adaptive robot Rizon, has announced it has completed production of its 100th robot, marking significant progress in the mass production of adaptive robots, at the Force-Controlled Robotics Forum 2020 in Foshan, China.

At the forum, Flexiv showcased its newest version of the adaptive robot, Rizon 4s, featuring stronger force control performance, better disturbance-rejection abilities and multi-contact force control. [Read more…] about Flexiv Launches 100th Adaptive Robot