Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

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ATI Industrial Automation introduces new robotic angle grinder

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ATI Industrial Automation has introduced the CGV-900 Compliant Angle Grinder to provide an automated alternative to grinding and finishing by hand. The company says the tool brings “versatility to robotic grinding processes while reducing employee safety concerns”.

The CGV-900 offers built-in compliance, allowing the unit to compensate for irregularities in part surfaces and maintain contact with a workpiece.

The compliance force is adjustable, enabling users to fine-tune their finishing processes in real time. The CGV-900 also provides position sensing data to help indicate media wear. [Read more…] about ATI Industrial Automation introduces new robotic angle grinder

Shadow Robot launches robotics consulting and advisory services

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The Shadow Robot Company, the UK’s pioneering robotics company best-known for its Dextrous Hand series, has announced the launch of its Robotics Consultancy Service.

The Shadow Robot Company, a London-based robotics company that designs and manufactures state-of-the-art anthropomorphic robot hands and systems, is launching its robotics consultancy service to help companies innovate by integrating robotic hand technology into their products and processes.

The robotics consultancy service will provide companies with expert advice and guidance on how to design and use robotic hand technology to enhance their performance, efficiency and competitiveness. [Read more…] about Shadow Robot launches robotics consulting and advisory services

Columbia scientists build ‘highly dexterous robot hand that can operate in the dark – just like humans’

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Columbia university engineers design a robot hand (video below) that is the first device of its kind to join advanced sense of touch with motor-learning algorithms – it doesn’t rely on vision to manipulate objects

Think about what you do with your hands when you’re home at night pushing buttons on your TV’s remote control, or at a restaurant using all kinds of cutlery and glassware. 

These skills are all based on touch, while you’re watching a TV program or choosing something from the menu. Our hands and fingers are incredibly skilled mechanisms, and highly sensitive to boot.

Robotics researchers have long been trying to create “true” dexterity in robot hands, but the goal has been frustratingly elusive. Robot grippers and suction cups can pick and place items, but more dexterous tasks such as assembly, insertion, reorientation, packaging and so on have remained in the realm of human manipulation. [Read more…] about Columbia scientists build ‘highly dexterous robot hand that can operate in the dark – just like humans’

Piano vs Guitar: Which One is Right for You?

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Are you interested in learning a new instrument but need help deciding whether to choose the piano or guitar? Our article explores the similarities and differences between them, allowing you to pick the one that best suits your goals and interests.

The piano and the guitar are two of the most widely played instruments in the world, leaving many aspiring artists torn between the two. Both are beautiful instruments that deliver unique sounds. However, each has its own benefits and challenges, so choosing between them comes down to personal preference and musical goals.

But no matter which instrument you choose, you must be ready to dedicate your time and effort to practice to master your skill and ultimately see the fruits of your labor.

It’s also crucial to think about what you hope to get out of playing an instrument and what kind of music you enjoy playing before choosing between the two. [Read more…] about Piano vs Guitar: Which One is Right for You?

Reinforcing the value of simulation: Teaching dexterity to a real robot hand

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Nvidia researchers show how training in simulation enables the transfer of complex manipulation skills to a robot hand with project DeXtreme

The human hand is one of the most remarkable outcomes of millions of years of evolution. The ability to pick up all sorts of objects and use them as tools is a crucial differentiator allowing us to shape the world around us.

For robots to work in the everyday human world, the ability to deftly interact with our tools and the environment around them is critical. Without that capability, they will continue to be useful only in specialized domains such as factories or warehouses.

While it has been possible to teach robots with legs how to walk for some time, robots with hands have generally proven to be much trickier to control. A hand with fingers has more joints, and they must move in specific coordinated ways to accomplish a given task. [Read more…] about Reinforcing the value of simulation: Teaching dexterity to a real robot hand

FRAI Robotic Technologies demonstrates mobile robotic work cell

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Automation tasks are becoming ever more challenging. Using intelligent software in combination with the relevant automation solutions not only enables workpieces to be loaded and unloaded but also means that machine tools can be set up fully automatically through automatic replacement of tools and clamping devices.

FRAI Robotic Technologies, an Austrian company which specializes in building tailor-made automation solutions, is developing “highly flexible” robot systems to respond to this trend. Concepts such as the mobileCELL are a complete first and enable a wide range of expansion stages, making them as future-proof and competitive as possible.

Different industries, series production, small batch sizes, a wide variety of machine tools and the uncertainty of many manufacturers as to whether the current product will still be in vogue next year or become a slow seller – all this calls for flexibility in production. [Read more…] about FRAI Robotic Technologies demonstrates mobile robotic work cell

Robot cell guarding: When adaptability trumps strength

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Luke Wilkinson, design and product development manager at Matara, looks at the growing use of aluminium over steel in robot guard frames and the reasons behind its rising popularity

It is estimated that there are around 23,000 robots operating in industrial settings in the UK. The automotive sector is the largest user employing over 9,000, with the food and drink sector recently rising to second place.

With their ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately, swiftly and consistently, it’s not hard to understand why the use of robots across industry is growing. A survey conducted by the British Automation & Robot Association showed sales of robots in the UK to be 7.5% higher in 2020 from the previous year.

Whilst the benefits of using robots in industrial settings are clear, it’s important to take into account the potential safety risk they pose; not of a science fiction nature, but a very real, present in the here and now type risk that primarily stems from people accidentally getting in their way which can have serious consequences if the machine is fast moving, carrying a heavy payload and so on. [Read more…] about Robot cell guarding: When adaptability trumps strength

Foundry workers given ‘robotic’ glove to improve grip and protect hands

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Waupaca Foundry is using an innovative adaptive technology to support workers who manually grind iron castings in the foundry. The “Ironhand” glove is claimed to be the world’s first soft exoskeleton designed for the human hand to improve grip strength and reduce effort.

The system was tested at the iron casting supplier’s Etowah, Tennessee casting finishing plant and is currently in trials at the Marinette, Wisconsin ductile iron foundry.

The system consists of a glove covering all five fingers, and a power pack worn in a backpack or hip-carry. It is activated when the operator starts moving his/her hand to perform a task, using sensors located on the palm and on the fingers. [Read more…] about Foundry workers given ‘robotic’ glove to improve grip and protect hands

Dual Extruder 3D Printing Advantages How to Use

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A dual extruder allows people to print things in two colors, and it helps to make the printing process a little faster, or perhaps a little more efficient, and as yet may prove to offer a broader range of printing options as we advance the technology behind 3D printing.  [Read more…] about Dual Extruder 3D Printing Advantages How to Use

Keep Yourself Safe While Cycling With These Useful Tips

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A couple of decades ago, you could argue that bicycle accidents weren’t a thing. But fast-forwarding to 2022, an increasing number of people are biking to work. And while there are many reasons for this uptick in bicycle fatalities, one of the most common is dooring. [Read more…] about Keep Yourself Safe While Cycling With These Useful Tips