Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

growing

3 Capabilities of an Electronic Manufacturing Services Company

by Leave a Comment

The process of manufacturing in-demand gadgets like phones and TVs follows several phases. In effect, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has to research and develop a design that meets current consumer needs.

Because of these current demands, most manufacturers build their products in-house or outsource related tasks. The latter has become a standard option for most OEMs as they focus on researching possible product improvements.

The subcontractors who handle these tasks do so in what’s referred to as electronic manufacturing services (EMS). Specialized engineering experts like Nortech Systems help OEMs attain their project goals.

The cost will depend on the complexity of the tasks and the current stage of product development. [Read more…] about 3 Capabilities of an Electronic Manufacturing Services Company

Fanuc plans to double Michigan campus to accommodate ‘automation demand’

by Leave a Comment

Fanuc, the world’s largest manufacturer of industrial robots, has launched a West Campus expansion that will push its operational space in Oakland County, Michigan to nearly two million square feet.

The construction will include a 655,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility to house manufacturing, engineering and R&D projects.

This investment in Michigan’s growing manufacturing area includes the purchase of 67 acres of land as well as the site of the former Thomas M. Cooley Law School Campus, which will provide future growth in the education of the next generation of robotics and automation workers. [Read more…] about Fanuc plans to double Michigan campus to accommodate ‘automation demand’

Mitsubishi Electric to build new factory in India

by Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric says it will invest approximately 3.1 billion yen ($22.3 million) in its subsidiary Mitsubishi Electric India to establish a new factory in India.

Expected to start operations in December 2023, the new factory will manufacture inverters and other factory automation control system products, expanding the company’s capabilities to meet the growing demand in India.

The rapidly growing Indian market is expanding at an annual rate of about 8% mainly in industries such as automobiles, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, data centers, and textiles, with further market expansion expected in the future. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric to build new factory in India

Electronic component manufacturer Stego expands headquarters

by Leave a Comment

Stego, a manufacturer of electronic components, is expanding its capacity at the group’s headquarters in Schwäbisch Hall, in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.

A doubling of warehouse volume for production is already complete. The construction of an office block is now starting. This should be completed by the end of 2023 and provide space for over 70 employees with 1,500 square metres.

The Stego Group in Schwäbisch Hall is growing. Even during the pandemic. Almost without restraint. Rising product demand has led to a strain on material supply and logistics. [Read more…] about Electronic component manufacturer Stego expands headquarters

Universal Robots records best ever Q1 results

by Leave a Comment

Universal Robots, the Danish producer of collaborative robots, has reported record Q1 revenue of $85 million, 30 percent up on its 2021 Q1 revenue.

The company’s chief financial officer, Kim Nørgaard Andreasen said: “Reporting record Q1 revenue at a time when businesses across the world are facing disruption from the pandemic, supply chain challenges and conflict is a testament to the role collaborative automation can play in helping our customers stay competitive.

“In addition to record revenue, we have been pleased this quarter to welcome 80 new employees to our rapidly growing company.” [Read more…] about Universal Robots records best ever Q1 results

ABB predicts key trends that will change robotic automation in 2022

by Leave a Comment

Marc Segura, ABB’s new robotics division president, outlines the key 2022 robotic trends

With demand for robots growing as companies in multiple sectors look for new ways to enhance their productivity and competitiveness post-pandemic, ABB has compiled a set of growth predictions, looking at key trends driving demand for robots in the coming year.

“The pandemic accelerated far-reaching global mega trends – from labor shortages and supply chain uncertainty, to the individualized consumer and growing pressure to operate sustainably and resiliently – leading new businesses to look to robotic automation,” says Marc Segura, ABB’s newly appointed robotics division president.

“As technology opens new opportunities for meeting customer demands, new trends will continue to emerge that will further drive demand in areas where robots have traditionally not been used.” [Read more…] about ABB predicts key trends that will change robotic automation in 2022

John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas

by Leave a Comment

Deere & Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural and forestry vehicles, is expanding its US footprint and technology operations with a new office in Austin, Texas.

Deere says the new location enables it to further strengthen its technology capabilities and attract talent interested in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges – including feeding a growing population.

Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, says: “Austin is a growing destination for some of the brightest minds in technology. Opening this office was a strategic decision from both a talent and collaboration perspective, particularly in software and data analytics. [Read more…] about John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas

MiR autonomous mobile robot sales increase by 42 percent in 2021

by Leave a Comment

Mobile Industrial Robots, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, says it experienced a 42 percent increase in sales in 2021 compared with 2020.

December alone was a “record month” for the company, with close to 300 robots shipped, which is more than any previous month.

Søren Nielsen, president of MiR, says: “We grew significantly in 2021 despite component shortages as customers recognize the value of our safe, reliable and easy-to-deploy AMRs. [Read more…] about MiR autonomous mobile robot sales increase by 42 percent in 2021

Universal Robots reports record revenue of $311 million

by Leave a Comment

Universal Robots, the Danish producer of collaborative robots, has reported record annual revenue of $311 million, 41 percent up on 2020 and 23 percent up on pre-pandemic results in 2019.

Kim Povlsen, the company’s president, says: “Universal Robots has had a great year. In a company like ours, which manufactures sophisticated hardware to high quality standards, this sort of growth requires tremendous commitment from all involved.

“Our production team in Denmark has broken internal records for the number of cobots built, producing 400 cobots in a single week in Q4. Our supply chain experts have worked hard to keep our business running smoothly despite global supply challenges.” [Read more…] about Universal Robots reports record revenue of $311 million

Auto systems giant Magna acquires autonomous shuttle startup Optimus Ride

by Leave a Comment

Magna, one of the world’s largest producers of automotive components and systems, has acquired autonomous shuttle startup Optimus Ride for an undisclosed amount.

Magna says the agreement has resulted in the company adding more than 120 employees of Optimus Ride to its books.

Optimus Ride is a provider of autonomous vehicle and mobility solutions located in Boston. [Read more…] about Auto systems giant Magna acquires autonomous shuttle startup Optimus Ride