Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

industrial automation

Logic unveils ‘Octopus’ overhead robot for warehouse operations

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Logic, a pioneer in autonomous, data-driven logistics solutions, has launched the Octopus robot, which the company describes as “a breakthrough in warehouse automation engineered to revolutionize picking and inspection operations”.

The Octopus is a fully customizable, overhead industrial robot designed with a transformative goal to maximize efficiency, flexibility, and intelligence for warehouses and logistics hubs everywhere.

At the core of Octopus’s innovation is its ability to deploy virtually unlimited, fully active tooling attachments at once, including suction, clamp, grip, and more, each mounted on independent arms operating in perfect sync. [Read more…] about Logic unveils ‘Octopus’ overhead robot for warehouse operations

Trio launches Motion-PLC controllers to ‘simplify stand-alone machine design’

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Trio Motion Technology has launched the first controllers from its new Motion-PLC range, designed to provide advanced motion control performance with the functionality and simplicity of a programmable logic controller (PLC).

The new class of controller combines high-performance motion control over EtherCAT plus logic and I/O expansion, enabling faster, simpler machine development.

The first models in the range, which are now available to order, comprise the MCS 30, the MCS 40, and the MCS 50 Flexible Machine Controllers. The three controllers scale machine and motion requirements up to eight axes over high-speed EtherCAT. [Read more…] about Trio launches Motion-PLC controllers to ‘simplify stand-alone machine design’

Wachendorff expands range of IO-Link encoders

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Wachendorff Automation is expanding its portfolio of absolute encoders in the WDGA series with variants featuring an IO-Link interface. This makes integration into modern automation environments even easier, more efficient, and more future-proof.

The new IO-Link encoders are based on proven EnDra technology – a maintenance-free multiturn principle without gears or batteries.

They offer high resolution of up to 16 bits (singleturn) and 43 bits (multiturn) and are equipped with the fast IO-Link COM3 interface. The devices are ideal for use in packaging machines or roll-to-roll processes. [Read more…] about Wachendorff expands range of IO-Link encoders

AI Meets Field Robotics: Why Smart Inspections Go Beyond Automation

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The Hidden Weakness of Automation

At first glance, many workshops give the impression that machines are running the show. A welding arm sends out brief showers of sparks, a drone hovers around a steel beam, and a small transport unit winds its way between stacks of pallets.

From a distance it looks like a closed system without weak points. A closer look tells another story.

Motors that run smoothly for most of the shift can hide tiny fractures that end in sudden stoppage. In one automotive plant, a single unnoticed crack in a gearbox housing forced an entire line to shut down for two days. [Read more…] about AI Meets Field Robotics: Why Smart Inspections Go Beyond Automation

Siemens partners with Snowflake to enable IT/OT convergence across edge and cloud for industrial customers

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Siemens is collaborating with Snowflake, the AI data cloud company, to help manufacturers unlock new levels of operational efficiency, scale and AI-driven insights.

The collaboration enables mutual customers across the globe to connect their operational technology (OT) data from the shop floor with information technology (IT) data, such as supply chain management and financial data.

By connecting Siemens Industrial Edge and Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud, manufacturers can access plug-and-play Industrial Edge applications to contextualize and transfer OT data into IT systems. [Read more…] about Siemens partners with Snowflake to enable IT/OT convergence across edge and cloud for industrial customers

JR Automation unveils plans for $72.8 million global headquarters in Michigan

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JR Automation, a Hitachi Group company and global automation specialist, has unveiled plans for a new global headquarters in Zeeland, Michigan. The project is expected to cost $72.8 million. 

The announcement follows a strategic meeting in Tokyo between Hitachi executives, JR Automation leadership, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation, global collaboration, and investment in Michigan’s advanced manufacturing sector.

JR Automation will officially break ground on the new headquarters September 17, 2025, with construction expected to be completed by late Fall 2026. [Read more…] about JR Automation unveils plans for $72.8 million global headquarters in Michigan

Shibaura Machine demonstrates robotic solution for injection moulding at K Show 2025

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Shibaura Machine, a specialist in industrial automation and injection moulding, is set to exhibit at K Show 2025, the world’s largest plastics and rubber trade fair.

At Hall 15, Booth B21, visitors will get an exclusive look at the company’s robotic solutions for injection moulding applications, showcasing the latest in automated plastics manufacturing.

A standout feature of Shibaura Machine’s exhibit will be a fully automated production cell, where the TVM900 6-axis robot will seamlessly integrate with the advanced EC75SXIII injection moulding machine. [Read more…] about Shibaura Machine demonstrates robotic solution for injection moulding at K Show 2025

Selecting Industrial SCARA Robots: Criteria and Recommendations

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In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, SCARA robots have emerged as the backbone of modern production automation.

These versatile machines are transforming everything from electronics assembly to food packaging, but here’s the thing – choosing the wrong robot can cost you more than just money.

I’ve seen companies struggle with underperforming systems simply because they didn’t understand what they were buying.

The stakes are high. A poorly selected robot can bottleneck your entire production line, while the right choice can boost efficiency by 40% or more.

That’s why I’m sharing this practical guide – to help you navigate the technical maze and make a decision that actually works for your specific needs. [Read more…] about Selecting Industrial SCARA Robots: Criteria and Recommendations

RAS to showcase new machine and innovations in metal bending technologies

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RAS Reinhardt Maschinenbau will showcase how “modern bending technology and intelligent automation seamlessly go hand in hand”, at the upcoming Blechexpo in Stuttgart.

The company’s booth in Hall 1, Stand 1604 will feature three powerful systems, including a new machine that sets new standards for automated bending.

In addition to the proven models MinibendCenter-2 and Multibend-Center ECO, visitors will experience a special highlight: the premiere of the XLTbend-2. [Read more…] about RAS to showcase new machine and innovations in metal bending technologies

Siemens Shanghai facility achieves ‘300 percent’ increased storage with Geek Plus robotic system

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Geek Plus, arguably one of the world’s largest warehouse automation companies, says its robotic system has helped Siemens’ Shanghai facility achieve a storage capacity increase of 300 percent, improved picking efficiency of 150 percent, and increased accuracy to 99.99 percent.

Geek+ has been collaborating with Shanghai Siemens Switchgear for five years. In that time, the company says it has engaged in “continuous innovation”.

Now it says it has successfully built “the world’s first robot-driven intelligent warehouse in the discrete-manufacturing field that covers the full process from receiving and shelving to storage, picking and distribution”. [Read more…] about Siemens Shanghai facility achieves ‘300 percent’ increased storage with Geek Plus robotic system