Robotics & Automation News

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When Robots Can’t Replace Humans: The Critical Role of Personal Protection in Robotic Law Enforcement Operations

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Law enforcement robots are becoming common worldwide. In 2026, police departments use robots for dangerous tasks like checking suspicious packages, entering buildings with armed suspects, and patrolling high-risk areas.

But here’s the reality: robots can’t replace human officers.

They can scout ahead and gather information, but humans still need to step in for arrests, rescues, and critical decisions. This creates a new problem: officers who follow robots into dangerous situations need better protection than ever before. [Read more…] about When Robots Can’t Replace Humans: The Critical Role of Personal Protection in Robotic Law Enforcement Operations

The Rise of Collaborative Robots and Human-Robot Teams in Modern Factories

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Collaborative robots, commonly known as cobots, are reshaping how factories think about automation. Unlike traditional industrial robots that operate in isolated cells, cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans, sharing tasks, spaces, and workflows.

This shift is driven by the need for flexibility, rapid reconfiguration, and higher precision in increasingly complex manufacturing environments.

As cobots take on more delicate and variable tasks, system stability becomes critical. Small deviations in positioning, thermal expansion, or structural alignment can directly affect accuracy and repeatability. [Read more…] about The Rise of Collaborative Robots and Human-Robot Teams in Modern Factories

The view from Zasche: Where human skill meets smart automation – the case for semi-automated bin picking

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By Ulrich Schäfer, project engineer, Zasche Handling

Manufacturers today are navigating an increasingly complex balancing act. High-mix production, persistent labour shortages, and stricter safety and ergonomic standards are stretching both operators and processes.

Manual handling can no longer keep pace without risking fatigue or injury, yet fully robotic systems are often rigid, costly, and hard to adapt to changing part types. Between these extremes lies a growing opportunity for solutions that blend human expertise with targeted automation.

Semi-automated bin picking sits squarely in this middle ground. It offers a practical alternative when full automation would require disproportionate investment, yet manual lifting and handling exceed what is safe or sustainable over time. [Read more…] about The view from Zasche: Where human skill meets smart automation – the case for semi-automated bin picking

Skills, Jobs, and Robotics: Upskilling Forklift Operators for Autonomous Sites

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As industrial sites shift toward robotics, automation, and advanced safety technologies, the role of a forklift operator is entering its most transformative decade yet.

Warehouses, ports, construction yards, and logistics hubs are no longer defined by repetitive manual workflows.

Instead, they are becoming living ecosystems of autonomous mobile robots, telematics-rich equipment, digital twins, and AI-supported decision tools. [Read more…] about Skills, Jobs, and Robotics: Upskilling Forklift Operators for Autonomous Sites

Interview: Zebra and ODW Logistics on the warehouse of the future

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As e-commerce volumes continue to climb and labor shortages persist, warehouse operators are under pressure to achieve more with less. 

Many are turning to collaborative automation and orchestration platforms to unlock new levels of productivity without overhauling their entire infrastructure.

In this exclusive Q&A, Robotics & Automation News speaks with Matt Wicks, vice president and general manager of Zebra Robotics Automation, and Brian Drees, senior director of operational excellence at ODW Logistics, about how ODW is using Zebra’s Symmetry Fulfillment software to improve pick rates by over 40 percent while using up to 30 percent fewer robots than comparable systems. [Read more…] about Interview: Zebra and ODW Logistics on the warehouse of the future

Festo unveils new compact vacuum generator for robot end effectors

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Industrial automation specialist Festo has launched the “OVEH” compact vacuum generator, a versatile and innovative End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) solution designed to enhance human-robot collaboration (HRC) and other robotic applications.

Featuring integrated sensors and precise valve control, the OVEH joins Festo’s growing portfolio of EOAT technologies, which are engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing environments.

The OVEH vacuum generator combines a compact design with advanced functionality, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including handling printed circuit boards, machine loading and unloading, packaging assembly, and picking finished items from 3D printers. [Read more…] about Festo unveils new compact vacuum generator for robot end effectors

Sonair raises $6 million to accelerate launch of ‘world’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for robots’

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As autonomous robots enter warehouses, hospitals, shops, and public spaces, the need for safe human-machine collaboration is growing fast. That’s exactly what Sonair’s ADAR sensor is built for. With $6 million in new funding the company can capture its global target market segments and establish a new category for robotic perception.

After a strong market debut earlier this year, ADAR (acoustic detection and ranging) is now shipping to manufacturers in Asia, Europe and North America.

The sensor uses sound waves in air to give robots a precise, real-time 3D view of their surroundings, helping them operate safely in shared spaces.

Sonair is safety-certifying to PLd ISO13849 / SIL IEC 61508. An industry-first for 3D ultrasonic sensing, with the company now moving fast to meet rising, global demand. [Read more…] about Sonair raises $6 million to accelerate launch of ‘world’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for robots’

Robotics Rising: What Hiring Trends Reveal About Automation Careers

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The world of automation and robotics is evolving at a rapid pace, reshaping industries and creating new job opportunities.

As businesses increasingly adopt advanced technologies, the demand for skilled professionals in robotics and automation is surging.

Understanding the current hiring trends in this sector can help professionals and job seekers navigate the landscape and make informed career decisions. [Read more…] about Robotics Rising: What Hiring Trends Reveal About Automation Careers

RealMan launches humanoid robotics data training center

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Humanoid robots, widely recognized as one of the most promising carriers of artificial intelligence, are moving rapidly from the lab into everyday life and industry.

To accelerate this transition, a large-scale Humanoid Robotics Data Training Center has officially been launched in Beijing, creating an innovative hub that unites core technology R&D, scenario-based application testing, operator training, and ecosystem collaboration.

As a core technology and equipment provider, RealMan Robotics plays a central role in both the deployment and daily operations of the center. [Read more…] about RealMan launches humanoid robotics data training center

But first, pizza: Virginia Tech team creates assistive robotics that can make you a meal

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For the millions of Americans who live with a mobility issue, making a pizza can be a lot more challenging than just choosing between pepperoni or sausage.

Now, Virginia Tech researchers have developed a robotic arm with novel assistive grippers that can help those with disabilities accomplish complex everyday tasks, including building a pizza.

The results of the research, which can increase independence for people with limited mobility, were published in Soft Robotics.

Creating new tools that can mimic the motions of human users is the work of Dylan Losey and Michael Bartlett, both associate professors of mechanical engineering. [Read more…] about But first, pizza: Virginia Tech team creates assistive robotics that can make you a meal

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