Robotics & Automation News

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industrial robots

RIA partners with OSHA and NIOSH to create unpronounceable robot group

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The Robotics Industries Association is partnering with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to create a new standards body for robotics and other relevant industries. 

RIA is the main industrial robotics association in the US and was established in 1974.

OSHA and NIOSH are both government agencies – OSHA is under the Department of Labour, and NIOSH is under the Department of Health and Human Services.  [Read more…] about RIA partners with OSHA and NIOSH to create unpronounceable robot group

German robotics and automation industry set to break records and grow faster than previously expected

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The German robotics and automation industry is growing at a faster rate than previously forecast, according to the VDMA, and will break records. 

The sector will reach €14 billion ($16.4 billion) annually for the first time, says the VDMA.

The VDMA is the German industrial association, said to be the largest in Europe, with more than 3,200 member companies from the mechanical and plant engineering sector.

The organisation has a section called VDMA Robotics + Automation, a specialist association with more than 270 members, which includes suppliers of components and systems from the areas of robotics, integrated assembly solutions, and industrial image processing.  [Read more…] about German robotics and automation industry set to break records and grow faster than previously expected

Yaskawa partners with CommScope on advanced manufacturing technology centre in Belgium

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CommScope, a provider of infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has opened a new advanced manufacturing technology centre at its Kessel Lo, Belgium site.

The centre will showcase a newly formed partnership with Yaskawa, one of the world’s largest industrial robot suppliers, to determine the feasibility of adding robot technology and greater automation to manufacturing processes.

The new Advanced Manufacturing Technology centre enables CommScope to develop automated manufacturing competencies and technology in a laboratory setting through cross-functional collaboration and partnerships with universities, knowledge partners and suppliers.  [Read more…] about Yaskawa partners with CommScope on advanced manufacturing technology centre in Belgium

Panasonic opens arc and laser welding technical centers in Michigan and Ohio

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Panasonic has opened technical centers for arc and laser welding technologies in Farmington Hills, Michigan and Hilliard, near Columbus, Ohio.

Opening ceremonies were recently held in both locations for over 50 executives from the automotive and related industries.

Attendees experienced hands-on technology demonstrations, learned about future new product and technology introductions, and attended welding technology seminars during the course of the celebratory events.  [Read more…] about Panasonic opens arc and laser welding technical centers in Michigan and Ohio

Electronics industry boosting sales of industrial robots

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The global growth in the number of data centres, and the corresponding growth in the manufacturing of servers, could provide opportunities for robot makers 

The electrical and electronics sector is one of the fastest-growing markets for the industrial robotics and automation industry. 

The sector bought almost as many industrial robots as did the automotive sector, traditionally the biggest buyer of industrial robots.

This is partly confirmed by new data and analysis by the International Federation of Robotics, but mostly, it can be gleaned from anecdotal evidence all around. [Read more…] about Electronics industry boosting sales of industrial robots

Kuka to double production capacity in China in bid to overtake ABB and Fanuc

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Kuka is determined to take advantage of its alliance with Chinese household appliances manufacturing giant Midea to become the largest robot maker in China. 

Already one of the largest industrial robot manufacturers in the world, Kuka was taken over by Midea some months ago in a move currently being scrutinised by the European Union, which may change its merges and acquisitions policies as a result.

Such technicalities aside, Kuka is bullish about opportunities in China and has reportedly decided to double its production capacity in the country.  [Read more…] about Kuka to double production capacity in China in bid to overtake ABB and Fanuc

US trade boss warns of oversupply of bad robots because of Chinese government subsidies

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China’s appetite for industrial robots is big and growing. Already the largest buyer of the machines, domestic companies are being encouraged by the Chinese government to build more robots locally, not just import them from overseas. 

Such high-powered encouragement has led to the establishment of numerous robot manufacturers in the country, some of which take advantage of government subsidies.

This has prompted criticism from US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross (main picture), who grumbled about a range of issues, but singled out China’s burgeoning robotics industry, which he apparently believes is built mainly on government subsidies.  [Read more…] about US trade boss warns of oversupply of bad robots because of Chinese government subsidies

By 2020, 1.7 million new robots will be roaming the earth

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The global robot population is growing at what some might say is an alarming rate. 

As well as the countless millions already tucked away in factories and homes everywhere, there could be another 2 million added to that number by the end of the decade, which may or may not coincide with the end of humanity’s control over the planet and a ceremonial transfer of power to the robots and artificial intelligence.

Purely ceremonial, since some people say they already rule over us anyway.  [Read more…] about By 2020, 1.7 million new robots will be roaming the earth

Hyundai creates separate industrial robotics division, aims for top 5 status

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Hyundai Heavy Industries has established a robotics division and has a stated goal of becoming one of the top five industrial robot manufacturers in the world. 

Hyundai Robotics was established in 1984, and has been a division of Hyundai until now.

It is already said to be the largest manufacturer of industrial robots in South Korea, but now, as a standalone business, it wants to double its capacity and earn $440 million in revenue by 2021.  [Read more…] about Hyundai creates separate industrial robotics division, aims for top 5 status

Comau partners with Siemens to digitalise robotics and automation in industry

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Comau has partnered with Siemens to meet the growing interest in Industry 4.0 digitalization solutions.

The companies will combine their respective products and strengths to offer digitalisation solutions to enterprises.

Comau will use its wide range of robot arms, while Siemens will offer its smart solutions for handling and processing with robots.  [Read more…] about Comau partners with Siemens to digitalise robotics and automation in industry