Robotics & Automation News

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ABB predicts key trends that will change robotic automation in 2022

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Latest Car Technologies Which Are Expected to Reshape the Automobile Industry in Days to Come

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There was a time when the viability of a car was determined by what was present under the hood.  [Read more…] about Latest Car Technologies Which Are Expected to Reshape the Automobile Industry in Days to Come

Locus Robotics secures $50 million in additional funding 
to accelerate global expansion

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment warehouses, has secured $50 million in additional funding from existing investor Tiger Global Management.

The funds will be used to facilitate continued growth and expansion into new markets around the globe, and more effectively meet the needs of its growing customer and partner ecosystem.

Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, says: “At a time of increasing volumes and ongoing labor shortages, this new round of funding underscores how critical flexible, scalable, intelligent robotics automation has become to the warehouse and the supply chain. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics secures $50 million in additional funding 
to accelerate global expansion

UK’s Universities and Colleges Admission Service renews contract with Infosys to drive automation

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The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has renewed its contract with Infosys for another three years in an attempt to increase automation and the efficiency of its services for students.

According to Sander Kristel, UCAS’s chief operations officer, the deal marks a very real move forward in the partnership between the two organizations that has existed since 2015.

“UCAS is seeing an increase in student demand across all areas. A demographic uplift and a growing demand from mature students and overseas applicants means we are anticipating a million undergraduate applicants by 2025. [Read more…] about UK’s Universities and Colleges Admission Service renews contract with Infosys to drive automation

Hardinge acquires Ohio Tool Works

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Hardinge and Ohio Tool Works have completed a definitive agreement under which Hardinge has acquired OTW.

Hardinge says the deal enhances its machine tool and workholding portfolio with “an attractive platform of high precision honing machines, tooling and abrasives”.

OTW designs and builds both standard and custom honing technology for a diverse and growing base of global customers across the industrial, aerospace, defense, and metal working industries. [Read more…] about Hardinge acquires Ohio Tool Works

Timken acquires automation solutions manufacturer Intelligent Machine Solutions

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The Timken Company, a maker of engineered bearings and power transmission products, has acquired Intelligent Machine Solutions, a builder of industrial robotics and automation solutions.

The addition of iMS expands and complements Timken’s Rollon linear motion product range with larger and heavy-duty applications, such as seventh-axis robotic transfer units (RTUs) and gantry systems.

iMS, which was founded in 2008, is based in Norton Shores, Michigan, in the United States. The company, which has approximately 20 employees, designs and manufactures floor-mounted, overhead, rotary and extreme seventh-axis RTUs and gantry systems used by manufacturers across industries to automate certain production processes. [Read more…] about Timken acquires automation solutions manufacturer Intelligent Machine Solutions