Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

industry

Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

by

Sensors supplier Sick showcased a new “smart logistics” system at the recent ProMAT Show, one of the world’s largest material handling exhibitions.

Sick says its system demonstrates how to obtain greater efficiency throughout supply chain operations.

Sick presented its new innovations under the banner of “Logistics Gets Smart”, and says they are designed to provide “highly efficient solutions for intralogistics applications”. [Read more…] about Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

Opinion: Robotic end-of-arm tools are shaping the manufacturing industry

by

By Thomas Knudsen, general manager Northern Europe, OnRobot

Within a diverse and innovative sector like the manufacturing industry, flexibility is key.

Robotics, a key enabler of this, has already taken this industry by storm, allowing factories worldwide to automate more and more tasks, cutting costs and increasing productivity.

However, simple automation is no longer enough. Manufacturers now require unique automation solutions for each specific production environment, to tackle the talent shortage they are facing, but can’t redesign facilities for every different process and application.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Robotic end-of-arm tools are shaping the manufacturing industry

Volvo Trucks provides autonomous transport solution to Brønnøy Kalk

by

Volvo Trucks has signed a landmark agreement with Brønnøy Kalk AS in Norway to provide its first commercial autonomous solution transporting limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port.

The solution consists of limestone being transported by six autonomous Volvo FH trucks on a five kilometre stretch through tunnels between the mine itself and the crusher.

Tests of this solution have been carried out successfully and will continue throughout 2018 to become fully operational by the end of 2019.

[Read more…] about Volvo Trucks provides autonomous transport solution to Brønnøy Kalk

EOS launches new digital industrial additive manufacturing production system

by

EOS, a leading supplier of industrial 3D printing of metals and polymers, has launched the new EOS M 300-4 system.

The company says the new system is part of the broader, modular metal 3D printing platform EOS M 300 for digital industrial additive manufacturing production.

Tobias Abeln, chief technical officer, says: “With its modular set-up and its scalable and flexible concept, the new system line focuses on the high customer demands for AM production.  [Read more…] about EOS launches new digital industrial additive manufacturing production system

Industry robotics: How will it affect you?

by

Sponsored

Robots have evolved, creating an era where machines are used on the factory floors, in manufacturing warehouses and in logistics.

The robotics industry is booming with global research predicting that the industrial robotics industry is set to surpass $80 billion by 2024.

But does this mean the world is ready to replace man with machine? A daunting concept for some, for others an opportunity to underpin the capabilities of collaborating on a whole new level.  [Read more…] about Industry robotics: How will it affect you?

At the centre of events worldwide

by

Since RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com was launched a couple of years ago, we’ve learned a lot. 

One of the things we’ve learned is that there are many interesting trade shows around the world related to the industries we cover.

The technologies within robotics and automation are present in just about every industry and business sector on Earth, so our content could be highly diverse, but we tend to concentrate on manufacturing and logistics, although not exclusively – we do take a look at other areas part of the time.  [Read more…] about At the centre of events worldwide

Smart manufacturing to play central role at China International Industry Fair

by

The concept of smart manufacturing is to play a central role at this year’s China Industrial Industry Fair.

Smart manufacturing is a term used to mean any manufacturing system which uses advanced technologies – such as robotics, automation and network connectivity.

Other related terms are Industry 4.0, intelligent manufacturing, and lights-out manufacturing.  [Read more…] about Smart manufacturing to play central role at China International Industry Fair

Kuka to replace entire Agilus range of small robots

by

Kuka says it is working on innovations and improvements which will lead to the replacement of its entire Agilus range by the end of this year.

Kuka says the small robots of the KR Agilus series already feature “impressive speed, extreme agility in confined spaces, short cycle times and maximum precision”.

But Kuka has now further developed the KR Agilus sixx.  [Read more…] about Kuka to replace entire Agilus range of small robots

Baumüller prepares to showcase new solutions at Drinktec event

by

Baumüller will introduce what it describes as “complete solution packages and industry-specific components” at Drinktec 2017, the drinks packaging industry event. 

From September 11-15, 2017, Baumüller will participate in drinktec 2017, the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry in Munich.

In hall B3 at stand 321, the Nuremberg-based drive and automatization specialist will present its specific industry solutions for the beverage industry – from a drive with an aseptic surface for transport tasks in the food sector to compact local drive technology for minimum wiring effort.  [Read more…] about Baumüller prepares to showcase new solutions at Drinktec event

China’s electric car market given a jump-start by government and looks set to boost lithium industry

by

The market for electric cars in China is huge already and it’s growing at almost an exponential rate annually. 

Commentators in the country include electric cars in the category called “new energy vehicles”, which also refers to hybrid energy vehicles, and are saying the market will be further accelerated as a result of government backing.

Edward Tse, CEO of Gao Feng management consultancy, says: “With the issuance in April 2017 of the Automotive Industry Mid to Long Term Development Plan, the Ministry for Industry and Information Technology provides guiding principles for the development of China’s auto industry for the next decade.  [Read more…] about China’s electric car market given a jump-start by government and looks set to boost lithium industry