Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

industrial

Audi smart factory ushers in new era of manufacturing

by

Audi has opened what it calls a “smart factory”, in Mexico, the first such plant opened by a leading automaker in that country.

Professor Rupert Stadler, chairman of Audi, says: “The plant in Mexico is a milestone in the history of our company and an important step in our internationalization.

“It is one of the most modern factories on the American continent. With this facility, we have established an important site for the export of our automobiles to customers all over the world.”  [Read more…] about Audi smart factory ushers in new era of manufacturing

Chinese company Delta launches new industrial robot

by

Delta has unveiled the latest version of its articulated industrial robot.

The Chinese company says its DRV90L / DRV 70L series can be “perfectly integrated with AC motor drives, motion control systems, sensors, machine vision systems, advanced host controllers and more, to construct high-end automation machines and systems”.

Delta’s senior vice-president, Simon Chang, says: “Our articulated robot solutions are already applied at our factory in China and have proven to enhance productivity and product quality.  [Read more…] about Chinese company Delta launches new industrial robot

Connected devices, industrial control systems expose manufacturers to cyber threats, say Deloitte and Mapi

by

Intellectual property theft tops manufacturers’ concerns, says new report, which identifies measures to control cyber risks associated with advanced manufacturing

Nearly half of surveyed manufacturing executives lack confidence their assets are protected from external threats, according to a new study from Deloitte and the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (Mapi) on Cyber risk in advanced manufacturing. 

Study results indicate nearly 40 percent of surveyed manufacturing companies were affected by cyber incidents in the past 12 months, and 38 percent of those impacted indicated cyber breaches resulted in damages in excess of $1 million.

Trina Huelsman, vice chairman, Deloitte & Touche and US industrial products and services leader, says: “Manufacturers are innovating at an unprecedented rate, integrating cutting-edge technologies in products, automating the shop floor, connecting supply chains, and increasingly investing in valuable intellectual property.  [Read more…] about Connected devices, industrial control systems expose manufacturers to cyber threats, say Deloitte and Mapi

Epic infographic from TradeMachines confirms global takeover by robots

by

get-ready-for-robolution

Infographic: How industrial robots will improve our lives 

Vintage and pre-owned industrial equipment supplier TradeMachines has produced a massive infographic which provides insights about the impacts of industrial robots on our work life. 

Industry 4.0 marks the dawn of a new era for robotics, which are starting to be an integral part of factories, all over the world.

In recent years, robots sales have exponentially increased: in 2015, 1.8 million industrial robots were in operation; that is more than the whole population of Philadelphia.  [Read more…] about Epic infographic from TradeMachines confirms global takeover by robots

Huge reboot: What Trump’s aversion to trade blocs could mean for the US robotics, automation and manufacturing industries

by

The US automotive manufacturing industry is probably going through some angsty times right now, what with president-elect Donald Trump reiterating his campaign pledge to repeal or at least renegotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and any other free-trade deal previous administrations have signed up to. 

For a highly globalised industry like the automotive sector, which sources parts from all over the world and may assemble its vehicles in any number of countries simultaneously based on a common platform, this is perhaps one election promise which it would rather not be kept.

However, Trump has already produced a presidential address style video in which he says: “I am going to issue a notification of intent to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a potential disaster for our country.

“Instead, we will negotiate fair, bilateral trade deals that bring jobs and industry back onto American shores.”  [Read more…] about Huge reboot: What Trump’s aversion to trade blocs could mean for the US robotics, automation and manufacturing industries

Yaskawa expands in China and makes plans for Brexit amid US-China trade talks

by

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with US President Barack Obama discussed trade earlier this week, and agreed this was a crucial time for relations between the two nations amid growing areas of competition. 

One of the business sectors being contested is manufacturing, where advancements in the crucial technologies of robotics and automation could be the factor which decides which country is more successful.

China has embarked on an ambitious plan to transform the country from the low-wage, labour-intensive workshop of world into an advanced manufacturing nation, capable of developing its own high technology, in particular industrial robots and the internet of things.  [Read more…] about Yaskawa expands in China and makes plans for Brexit amid US-China trade talks

Video: Industrial robots market

by

The industrial sector is currently the largest market for robots – with applications in automotive; electronics or electrical; metal fabrication; and other segments.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, the market for industrial robots is at record levels.

In 2015, robot sales increased by 15 per cent to just over than 250,000 units sold worldwide. China was estimated the biggest buyer.  [Read more…] about Video: Industrial robots market

China making ‘30 per cent more industrial robots’

by

cctv propaganda

China made 30 per cent more industrial robots in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to the Communist government’s propaganda outlet CCTV. 

CCTV quoted a “ministry of industry and information technology official”, who was speaking at the Shanghai Industry Fair last week, when providing the figure.

China is already thought to be the world’s largest market for industrial robots, but it wants to become a maker of the machines as well.  [Read more…] about China making ‘30 per cent more industrial robots’

Rockwell Automation buys Maverick Technologies

by

rockwell-automation

Maverick Technologies has been acquired by Rockwell Automation. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Columbia, Illinois, Maverick is the largest independent systems integrator in North America and is a global leader in industrial automation, enterprise integration and strategic manufacturing solutions for clients across a wide range of manufacturing and process industries.

Leveraging its unique enterprise-wide perspective, the Company identifies suboptimal operations and improves performance for greater safety, efficiency and overall profitability. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation buys Maverick Technologies

Kuka unveils Cybertech industrial robots in China

by

Kuka has presented its new Cybertech range of industrial robots for the first time, choosing the China International Industry Fair in Shanghai as the venue for the launch. 

The company says the “Cybertech Nano” robots can be used in a variety of applications, including loading and unloading of machines and for welding operations.

Kuka’s brand ambassador Timo Bell – the famous table tennis player – was scheduled to present at the event, and will be helping to demonstrate its other established robot range, the KR3 Agilus.  [Read more…] about Kuka unveils Cybertech industrial robots in China