Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

industrial

SICK launches new linear encoder for industrial applications

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SICK has launched a new linear encoder product family for high-precision detection of piston positions in hydraulic cylinders and the monitoring of linear movements in machines. The DAX linear encoder product family provides flexibility for countless industrial applications.

The product family offers three designs to suit these applications, all with industry-appropriate measuring ranges. An Online Configurator provides step-by-step assistance to users in selecting a suitable DAX.

For applications with special requirements, the smart and flexible system architecture of the product family allows for tailored and efficient customization. [Read more…] about SICK launches new linear encoder for industrial applications

Kodiak Robotics equips autonomous trucks with Ambarella AI system-on-chip

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Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving trucking company, has agreed a partnership with Ambarella, an edge AI semiconductor company, to integrate Ambarella’s CV2AQ AI perception system-on-chip (SoC) into its self-driving trucks for all camera data processing.

To kick off the partnership publicly, Kodiak will exhibit one of its self-driving trucks at Ambarella’s demo event in Las Vegas during the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Don Burnette, founder and CEO, Kodiak, says: “Our focus on building the world’s safest and most reliable self-driving trucks requires us to seek out the best partners. [Read more…] about Kodiak Robotics equips autonomous trucks with Ambarella AI system-on-chip

Wieland acquires Heyco Metals and National Bronze Manufacturing

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With the acquisition of Hummock Industries, Wieland has acquired Heyco Metals, a leader in light and medium gauge copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel strip processing, and National Bronze, a manufacturer and distributor of bronze-based bearing products.

Hummock Industries is a family-owned holding company focused on long-term investments in North American-based manufacturing companies.

These complementary operations will further strengthen Wieland’s market position with expanded product offerings, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution networks in North America. [Read more…] about Wieland acquires Heyco Metals and National Bronze Manufacturing

Collaborative robots. Co-operative robots. What’s the difference?

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Collaborative robots, also commonly known as cobots, refer to robots that work side-by-side with human operators. Unlike industrial robots that are separated from human operators, cobots share the same working space as humans.

As a relatively new definition, co-operative robots sound like collaborative robots but represents a different nature of the operation. Co-operative robots refer to industrial robots with a virtual fence between human operators and themselves.

In terms of the product position, the co-operative robot stands in the middle of industrial robots and cobots, combining the benefits of both industrial robots and collaborative robots with the aid of safety sensors (laser scanners typically). [Read more…] about Collaborative robots. Co-operative robots. What’s the difference?

ABB launches new industrial collaborative robot

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ABB has launched the Swifti CRB 1300 industrial collaborative robot, bridging the gap between industrial and collaborative robots.

Combining “class-leading” speed and accuracy with expanded load handling capability of up to 11 kg, the Swifti CRB 1300 can be used in a wide variety of production and product handling applications – from machine tending and palletizing to pick-and-place and screwdriving.

Andrea Cassoni, managing director for global general industry robotics at ABB, says: “Our customers are looking to robotic automation to make their processes more flexible, efficient and resilient, helping to counter labor shortages by enabling their employees to perform more value-added work. [Read more…] about ABB launches new industrial collaborative robot

Amazon introduces industrial robotic arm that ‘handles millions of diverse products’

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Amazon has unveiled a new industrial robotic arm that the company says is capable of handling “millions of diverse products”.

The internet retail giant describes the Sparrow robot as a new intelligent robotic system that streamlines the fulfillment process by moving individual products before they get packaged – a major technological advancement to support our employees.

Over the past decade, Amazon has been at the forefront of innovation, making significant investments in robotics and advanced technology within its operations. [Read more…] about Amazon introduces industrial robotic arm that ‘handles millions of diverse products’

Arrow partners with Recom to identify ‘optimal power supply solution’ for robots

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Automating industrial processes using robots has typically been the preserve of large companies that have the resources to make the investment and see the project through to completion.

Robco – the Robot Company – is now making the benefits of advanced automation more easily accessible for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with its new approach to building industrial robots.

Constantin Dresel, Robco’s head of development, says: “We want to redefine automation in SMEs with our powerful modular construction kit. This concept allows us to very quickly deliver a customised solution that can be ready to use immediately without any complex programming or reliance on specialised skills.” [Read more…] about Arrow partners with Recom to identify ‘optimal power supply solution’ for robots

Tormach launches new industrial robotic arm for under $20,000

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Tormach, a supplier of “affordable and compact” CNC machines, has launched its latest product, the ZA6 robot.

The company says the ZA6 robot is built to industrial standards, utilizing EtherCAT servo motors, harmonic gear drives, and aluminum castings. It can carry a 6 kg payload through a reach of 975 mm with impressive speed and repeatability.

Requiring only 20 A of single-phase 220 VAC, it can be installed almost anywhere. At less than $20,000, it represents “one of the best-value robots on the market”, according to Tormach. [Read more…] about Tormach launches new industrial robotic arm for under $20,000

Buy and Sell Automation Components with Automa.Net

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Finding the right industrial automation parts and components can be time-consuming, which can lead to losses, especially if the part you’re looking for is an emergency replacement.

Instead of manually searching for suppliers and distributors in search of the parts you need, you can quickly access millions of parts from hundreds of distributors at Automa.Net – what is it exactly? [Read more…] about Buy and Sell Automation Components with Automa.Net

Micropsi Industries’ AI software now compatible with Fanuc robots

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Micropsi Industries says its artificial intelligence-based software MirAI is now compatible with numerous robots produced by Fanuc, the world’s largest supplier of robotics and factory automation.

With MirAI, Fanuc customers can now add valuable hand-eye coordination to multiple Fanuc industrial and collaborative robots (cobots) to handle difficult-to-automate functions such as cable plugging and assembly.

Using AI, the MirAI controller generates robot movements directly and in real-time. Robot skills are trained, not programmed, in a few days through human demonstration, without requiring knowledge of programming or AI. [Read more…] about Micropsi Industries’ AI software now compatible with Fanuc robots