Robotics & Automation News

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industrial automation

Smart manufacturing delivers ‘20 percent productivity gains’, but challenges remain, says Deloitte

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Smart manufacturing is delivering measurable value, with manufacturers reporting productivity gains of up to 20 percent in both production output and workforce efficiency, according to a new report from Deloitte.

The findings come from Deloitte’s latest Smart Manufacturing and Operations study, Navigating Challenges to Implementation, which shows that while many companies are beginning to reap the rewards of digital transformation, they still face major hurdles related to operational complexity, labor shortages, and cybersecurity. [Read more…] about Smart manufacturing delivers ‘20 percent productivity gains’, but challenges remain, says Deloitte

Siemens introduces AI agents for industrial automation

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At the ongoing Automate 2025 trade show in Detroit, Siemens is announcing an expansion of its industrial AI offerings with advanced AI agents designed to work seamlessly across its established Industrial Copilot ecosystem.

This new technology represents a fundamental shift from AI assistants that respond to queries towards truly autonomous agents that proactively execute entire processes without human intervention.

Siemens’ new AI agent architecture features a sophisticated orchestrator. Like a craftsman, it deploys a toolbox of specialized agents to solve complex tasks across the entire industrial value chain. [Read more…] about Siemens introduces AI agents for industrial automation

Automate 2025: North America’s biggest industrial automation event

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Automate 2025 – which starts Monday – is North America’s largest robotics and automation event, a key meeting point for professionals in this rapidly evolving field.

Since its beginnings in 1976 as the first “Robots Show”, it has grown and adapted, becoming Automate in 2011 after merging with other industry events. Recognizing the increasing importance of automation, Automate became an annual standalone event in 2022.

The goal of Automate 2025 is to showcase the latest advancements across various industries. The event features an extensive exhibition with over 800 exhibitors presenting their newest robotics and automation technologies. [Read more…] about Automate 2025: North America’s biggest industrial automation event

Kistler showcases new vision inspection system with pick and place robot

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Kistler is now combining its expertise in modular automation technology with its proven optical quality inspection systems.

Under the name “Automated Vision Inspection”, the company is offering its first fully automated turnkey system for the quality inspection of sensitive components.

The specially designed pick-and-place robot is guided by image-processing and can, for example, take parts from blisters or pick them accurately from bulk material. [Read more…] about Kistler showcases new vision inspection system with pick and place robot

Photoneo claims ‘breakthrough’ solution to automotive bottleneck with in-motion bag rack picking

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Photoneo, now part of Zebra Technologies, is set to unveil what it describes as “a groundbreaking robotic solution” that directly tackles a long-standing challenge in automotive manufacturing: the automated picking of delicate parts from densely packed bag racks.

The company says attendees at Automate Show 2025 (booth #641) will witness the industry’s first live demonstration of In-Motion Hand-Eye Bag Rack Picking.

This innovative system achieves fully automated, collision-free retrieval by seamlessly integrating precision, speed, and adaptability. [Read more…] about Photoneo claims ‘breakthrough’ solution to automotive bottleneck with in-motion bag rack picking

ABB Robotics to showcase ‘full-scale’ OmniCore controller at Automate 2025

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ABB Robotics will unveil a powerful lineup of robotic demos at Automate 2025, May 12-15 at Huntington Place in Detroit (Main Booth #2632; Education Pavilion #8614), showcasing its new OmniCore controller – a transformative control platform delivering faster, more precise and more autonomous automation across ABB’s entire robot portfolio.

This will be the first full-scale US debut of OmniCore, which streamlines installation and programming while boosting performance.

Developed through a $170 million investment, OmniCore is ABB’s most advanced control platform yet, a unique, single architecture that integrates ABB Robotics’ complete range of hardware and software, for flexible, future-ready automation. [Read more…] about ABB Robotics to showcase ‘full-scale’ OmniCore controller at Automate 2025

B&R unveils ‘AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines’

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B&R Industrial Automation has unveiled what it describes as “AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines” – or a new artificial intelligence-based system that monitors the health of industrial machines, aiming to help manufacturers prevent costly breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan.

The system functions much like a fitness tracker, continuously collecting performance data from machines and analyzing it in real time. By identifying subtle changes in vibration, temperature, and other indicators, the software can detect early signs of wear or failure – before they disrupt production.

Designed to integrate with B&R’s existing automation platforms, the system uses machine learning to adapt to each machine’s unique operating patterns. This allows it to improve diagnostic accuracy over time, tailoring maintenance recommendations to the actual usage and condition of the equipment. [Read more…] about B&R unveils ‘AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines’

Fanuc to showcase ‘cutting-edge’ robotics and automation solutions at Automate 2025

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Fanuc America, a global industrial automation company, will showcase its latest industrial and collaborative robotic innovations at Automate 2025.

The event, held in Detroit from May 12-15, will feature several all-new applications designed to enhance efficiency and unlock increased productivity.

Mike Cicco, president and CEO of Fanuc America, says: “Today, more than ever, automation is the key to reaching production targets, boosting efficiency, and ensuring employee satisfaction.

“From start-ups to large-scale manufacturers, Fanuc provides industry-leading, dependable, and cost-effective automation solutions that help companies overcome their greatest challenges.” [Read more…] about Fanuc to showcase ‘cutting-edge’ robotics and automation solutions at Automate 2025

Boston Dynamics interview: ‘Ghastly’ grace, the uncanny valley, and the dawn of humanoid utility

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The first time I saw a Boston Dynamics robot move, I genuinely thought there was a person inside the machine. Not literally, of course, but something about the fluidity of motion – the precision, the uncanny timing – seemed less robotic and more… alive, more human or at least more animalistic.

For years, I’d watched robots lumber around trade shows or on TV, carefully placing one foot in front of the other before promptly tipping over.

So, when Boston Dynamics released videos of Atlas backflipping and dancing with unsettling realism, I wasn’t the only one who found it both mesmerizing and a little eerie. One observer even called it “ghastly” – and not as an insult, but as a mark of awe. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics interview: ‘Ghastly’ grace, the uncanny valley, and the dawn of humanoid utility

Omron separates robotics business unit in ‘strategic step’

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Omron has announced the creation of what it describes as “a dedicated global robotics organisation”, describing it as a “strategic step”.

The company says the restructuring reflects Omron’s “continued commitment to robotics as a core part of its value proposition and an essential pillar of its complete end-to-end automation solutions”.

The new robotics organisation will operate alongside Omron’s automation business, allowing both to complement and reinforce one another.
 [Read more…] about Omron separates robotics business unit in ‘strategic step’