Robotics & Automation News

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Ground-breaking robotics partnership aims to shape future of safe handling of hazardous materials

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A collaboration between two robotics companies is showing the potential of the technology to shape how hazardous materials are handled safely in the future.

As a television advert by UK telecommunications company EE recently demonstrated, the world of teleoperated robotics is constantly advancing. But beyond attention grabbing stunts, a key aim is to apply this technology to manufacturing and industry contexts to take people out of hazardous or dangerous work situations.

Now, thanks to a recent virtual reality (VR) experiment between Extend Robotics and Shadow Robot, achieving that aim is one step closer. [Read more…] about Ground-breaking robotics partnership aims to shape future of safe handling of hazardous materials

Aerobotix partners with FerRobotics to develop ‘first-of-its-kind’ end-of-arm-tool automated sander for flammable dust

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Aerobotix and FerRobotics, two robotics companies based in the US and Austria respectively, have partnered to create what they say is the first Class II, Division 1 (C2D1) End of Arm Tool (EOAT) automated sander.

Meeting industry demand for a hazardous-environment solution that will achieve time and cost efficiencies, and enable much safer work environments, this special orbital sander – based on the industry-proven Active Orbital Kit (AOK) with patented Active Compliant Technology – lessens human involvement in hazardous tasks.

Each year, according to the International Labour Organization, tens of millions of workers globally are afflicted with silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by crystalline silica dust inhalation, leading to thousands of deaths. [Read more…] about Aerobotix partners with FerRobotics to develop ‘first-of-its-kind’ end-of-arm-tool automated sander for flammable dust

Recycling robot tackles electrical waste

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A sustainable circular economy depends on recycled electronic consumer goods. But recycling electronic waste can endanger human workers – which makes it an optimal application for robotics and automation.

To overcome these challenges, the Irish technology company Votechnik has developed a system based around a Kuka industrial robot.

Because of mercury and other gases, as well as sharp-edged parts, it’s dangerous for people to dismantle LCD screens and monitors. [Read more…] about Recycling robot tackles electrical waste

Canadian innovator wins award for robot that does the dirtiest of industrial dirty work

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Nicolas Olmedo is on a mission to keep people safe by sending robots where no human should ever have to go: into the murky, muddy sludge of industrial mine tailing ponds and other hazardous terrains that need to be continually monitored.

His ground-breaking work to develop intelligent robots capable of traversing mud, snow, ice or rock using screw-shaped pontoons has earned Olmedo a prestigious award from Mitacs, a national innovation organization that fosters growth by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions.

In recognition of his efforts to advance the robots through his company, Copperstone Technologies, Olmedo – one of three Copperstone co-founders who completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta – was presented the Mitacs Outstanding Entrepreneur Award on June 2 at a ceremony in Montreal, Canada. [Read more…] about Canadian innovator wins award for robot that does the dirtiest of industrial dirty work

ExRobotics and Yokogawa to develop robotics for inspection of hazardous environments

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ExRobotics and Yokogawa Electric have signed a licensing agreement that will enable Yokogawa to sell and deploy ExRobotics’ inspection robot hardware and software platforms worldwide.

ExRobotics is a Netherlands-based developer of robotics technology for hazardous environments, and Yokogawa Electric Corporation is a global provider of industrial automation, control, and measurement technology.

ExRobotics was established in 2017 to commercialise robotics technology for use in the potentially explosive atmospheres found at oil and gas production and processing facilities, which are often in remote locations with harsh environments. [Read more…] about ExRobotics and Yokogawa to develop robotics for inspection of hazardous environments

Equashield to open new $30 million manufacturing facility

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equashield

Equashield, a provider of Closed System Transfer Devices for the handling of hazardous drugs, has broken ground to mark the beginning of the construction of a new manufacturing plant.

The company will invest an estimated $30 million to build the new plant to meet the growing market demand for manual and automated hazardous drug compounding devices.

The new manufacturing facility will be built on a 3 acre plot with an option to expand by another 1.5 acres.  [Read more…] about Equashield to open new $30 million manufacturing facility

Equashield claims ‘world first’ with new drug robot

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equashield-pro

Equashield says it’s the world’s first robot with closed system transfer device to further protect pharmacy staff during hazardous drug compounding

Equashield, a provider of “closed system transfer devices” for safe and simple handling of hazardous drugs, is expanding its range of solutions and products offered by entering the field of automation.

Its newest product, a compounding robot named Equashield Pro (pictured), will be introduced at the upcoming ASHP Midyear Meeting.

Marino Kriheli, founder of Equashield, says: “The throughput capacities of current compounding robots and their ability to prevent contamination by hazardous drugs is near its peak efficiency, defined – and limited – by the robotic ‘arms’ mimicking dose preparation with a needle and syringe.”  [Read more…] about Equashield claims ‘world first’ with new drug robot

Exclusive: Nasa scientists set to revolutionise oil and gas business with robotics and automation technology

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space shuttle

Houston company says it is bringing advanced technology from Nasa to elevate oil and gas operations through robotics and automation

A Texas business grounded in aerospace experience and space technology is changing the face of oil and gas.

Houston Mechatronics, a company founded by former Nasa roboticists, is incorporating intelligent automation and robotics into the energy industry in ways that streamline operations, improve both costs and quality, and remove workers from hazardous environments.

The recent focus on oil and gas was a natural one, says Matthew Ondler, Houston Mechatronics’ co-founder and president. Although the company works with clients across a range of industries, energy is feeling a pinch.  [Read more…] about Exclusive: Nasa scientists set to revolutionise oil and gas business with robotics and automation technology