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South Korea AutoStore integrator Asetec joins the RightHand Robotics partner integrator network

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RightHand Robotics, a provider of autonomous robotic picking solutions for order fulfillment, and Asetec, a logistics automation ICT company, have partnered for future robotic logistics center integration projects in South Korea.

As an AutoStore integrator, Asetec will combine the world’s leading robotic storage system and other matched technologies with RightHand Robotics’ award-winning RightPick item-handling solution to expand its offerings with a diversified range of automation.

Founded in 1996, Asetec is a turnkey integrator for logistics centers, providing customers with consulting and engineering, automation design and construction, and AI software solutions (WMS/TMS/OMS/WCS). [Read more…] about South Korea AutoStore integrator Asetec joins the RightHand Robotics partner integrator network

Global robotics venture capital investment reaches $5.7 billion in 2021

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Global robotics venture capital investments reached $5.7 billion in 2021, a 38 percent year-on-year growth, according to a report by ABI Research, a technology intelligence firm.

The growth was driven by successful startups from key markets such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Leading startups demonstrated strong capabilities in three major domains: mobility, autonomy, and collaboration, specifically human-machine collaboration.

The investment market worldwide was relatively muted in 2020, as fewer deals were concluded due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the current labor shortage induced by Covid-19 and the ongoing supply chain crunch are leading more businesses to look for ways to automate labor-intensive, repetitive, and hazardous tasks. [Read more…] about Global robotics venture capital investment reaches $5.7 billion in 2021

Global spending on semiconductor fabrication equipment expected to reach record $109 billion

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Global fab equipment spending for front-end facilities is expected to increase 20 percent year-over-year to an all-time high of $109 billion in 2022, marking a third consecutive year of growth following a 42 percent surge in 2021.

This is according to industry association SEMI, which published the figure in its latest quarterly World Fab Forecast report. Fab equipment investment in 2023 is expected to remain strong.

Ajit Manocha, president and CEO of SEMI, says: “The global semiconductor equipment industry remains on track to cross the $100 billion threshold for the first time as shown in our latest update of the World Fab Forecast. [Read more…] about Global spending on semiconductor fabrication equipment expected to reach record $109 billion

Ericsson, TIM and Comau test the ‘factory of the future’

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Ericsson, TIM and Comau say they are testing the “factory of the future” through something called “5G network slicing”.

The three companies have joined forces to develop, on an experimental basis, innovative solutions for Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing by leveraging the potential of the 5G network. This initiative is part of the EU-funded 5Growth project.

Thanks to TIM and Ericsson’s deployment of a 5G network at Comau’s headquarters in Turin (Italy), three new applications have been launched to demonstrate the advantages of the new technology, and in particular those arising from the slicing functionality of the network, within an industrial environment. [Read more…] about Ericsson, TIM and Comau test the ‘factory of the future’

Continental and Octiva to develop autonomous mobile robots for agriculture

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Continental and Dutch-Belgian technology company Octiva are partnering to develop autonomous mobile robotic solutions for horticulture applications.

The agreement follows Continental’s announcement that it has started the volume production of autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics.

The new AMRs being developed with Octiva will become part of Continental’s second product line “Agriculture” in the market of autonomous mobile robots. [Read more…] about Continental and Octiva to develop autonomous mobile robots for agriculture

Faccin Group opens new USA headquarters in Texas

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Faccin USA, a Faccin Group company, a global manufacturer of metal bending machines, is expanding its footprint within the US market with the opening of its new headquarters in Addison, Texas.

The expansion is focused on increasing and facilitating customer service and spare parts delivery.

The new facilities, located at 4270 Kellway Circle in Addison, Texas, mark the group’s continued global growth and development. [Read more…] about Faccin Group opens new USA headquarters in Texas

Global semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales surge 44 percent to record $103 billion

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Worldwide sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment in 2021 surged 44 percent to an all-time record of $102.6 billion from $71.2 billion in 2020, SEMI, the industry association representing the global electronics product design and manufacturing supply chain, reported.

The data is now available in SEMI’s Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report.

China claimed the largest market for semiconductor equipment for the second time with sales expanding 58 percent to $29.6 billion to mark the fourth consecutive year of growth. [Read more…] about Global semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales surge 44 percent to record $103 billion

7 Robotics Trends to Watch for in 2022

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There was a 10 percent global increase in industrial robot usage to over 3 million units in operation in 2020, caused by the pandemic.

At the same time, there was an overall 12 percent market increase for service robots to $6.7 billion with the market for cleaning robots increased by 92 percent.

Since the pandemic is still there as well as there are new global factors, such as the war in Ukraine, we wonder if these trends will continue in 2022. [Read more…] about 7 Robotics Trends to Watch for in 2022

Spending on semiconductor fabrication equipment expected to reach record $107 billion in 2022

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Global fab equipment spending for front-end facilities is expected to jump 18 percent year-over-year to an all-time high of $107 billion in 2022, marking a third consecutive year of growth following a 42 percent surge in 2021, according to a report by industry association SEMI.

Ajit Manocha, president and CEO of SEMI, says: “Crossing the $100 billion mark in spending on global fab equipment for the first time is a historic ​milestone for the semiconductor industry.

“This ​significant achievement is a tribute to the relentless drive to add and upgrade capacity to address a diverse range of markets and emerging applications, solidifying expectations for long-term industry growth to enable electronics for the digital world.” [Read more…] about Spending on semiconductor fabrication equipment expected to reach record $107 billion in 2022

Kinova raises $48 million in new financing

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Kinova, a privately-held Canadian developer of robotic solutions for the medical and industrial markets, has raised investments totaling C$40 million ($32 million), led by Graham Partners with the participation of Export Development Canada.

The robotics company is also pleased to announce the prior closing of an agreement with the Government of Canada under the Strategic Innovation Fund for a total of C$20 million ($16 million).

These investments will accelerate the development and commercialization of Kinova’s solutions. In addition, the Canadian robot maker will use the funds to augment engineering resources to meet the demands of global customers. The new products for the industrial markets will be announced later in 2022. [Read more…] about Kinova raises $48 million in new financing