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Robotic arms in modern industry: How automated gripping systems are changing production

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Anyone walking through a modern factory today will quickly notice that production no longer looks the same as it used to. Robotic systems are now often found working alongside machines and conveyor belts.

Particularly eye-catching are movable gripping arms that can pick up components, rotate them, or place them in a specific position. In many factories, a robotic arm is no longer a technical experiment, but a normal part of everyday work.

Many tasks that used to be done by hand are now performed automatically. Components are moved by robots, machines are loaded, or parts are transported to the next station. For employees, this means one thing above all: less physically demanding routine work and more monitoring and control of processes. [Read more…] about Robotic arms in modern industry: How automated gripping systems are changing production

PAL Robotics showcases TIAGo Pro at MWC Barcelona 2026

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PAL Robotics, an European pioneer in humanoid and service robotics, has been showcasing its technology at the Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026, which took place from March 2-5 at Fira Gran Via, as an integral exhibitor of the Spain Pavilion (Hall 4 – 4C30, Stand 5).

Set in the city where the company was founded and where its headquarters still stand, PAL Robotics is prepared to participate in the global connectivity ecosystem and share how robotics, AI and real-time communication come together to enable robots to move from controlled demos to practical deployment.

At the stand, visitors had the chance to meet TIAGo Pro, PAL Robotics’ next-generation mobile manipulator. Designed as an adaptable platform, TIAGo Pro brings together navigation, perception and manipulation capabilities with a fully open-source software architecture, which enables developers to build, integrate and iterate faster, enhancing their projects where they need it most, and enabling research and development for diverse applications and streamlining deployment across industries. [Read more…] about PAL Robotics showcases TIAGo Pro at MWC Barcelona 2026

University of Waterloo scientists develop way of ‘translating music into light and motion with robots’

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Robots the size of soccer balls create new visual art by trailing light that represents the ‘emotional essence’ of music

A system developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo, in Canada, lets people collaborate with groups of robots to create works of art inspired by music.

The new technology features multiple wheeled robots about the size of soccer balls that trail coloured light as they move within a fixed area on the floor in response to key features of music including tempo and chord progression.

A camera records the co-ordinated light trails as they snake within that area, which serves as the canvas for the creation of a “painting”, or visual representation of the emotional content of a particular piece of music. [Read more…] about University of Waterloo scientists develop way of ‘translating music into light and motion with robots’

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