Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

innovative

Badger Technologies launches retail automation pilot program

by

Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil and leader in retail automation, has launched a pilot program with Busy Beaver Building Centers, operator of 24 full-line home improvement centers in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

As part of the pilot, which is taking place at Busy Beaver’s store in Irwin, Pennsylvania, Badger Technologies multipurpose autonomous robots will monitor on-shelf product availability and verify prices for more than 30,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) while freeing highly knowledgeable sales associates to spend more time with customers.

Adam Gunnett, director of IT for Busy Beaver Building Centers, says: “Technology is a key imperative in our mission to be the favorite neighborhood home improvement center in the communities we serve. [Read more…] about Badger Technologies launches retail automation pilot program

Italian startup Automationware developing robotic solution for food industry

by

An Italian startup called Automationware is developing an integrated robotic solution for the food industry.

The innovative HyFlexyBot project is the result of a partnership between the Venetian mechatronics company Automationware and the Modenese innovation hub Crit.

Described as “an integrated solution that will improve and make more efficient the production and logistics of the food industry”, the HyFlexyBot project is in the top 10 of the Agrobofood-Horizon2020 community program and will be funded by the European Union with €300,000. [Read more…] about Italian startup Automationware developing robotic solution for food industry

Einride partners with Bridgestone to develop electric and autonomous trucks

by

Einride and Bridgestone have agreed a partnership aimed at co-creating innovative and sustainable mobility solutions for electrified and autonomous Class 8 vehicles – trucks.

The collaboration will allow Einride to collect new layers of safety and efficiency-related data from Bridgestone’s smart-sensing tires, while enabling Bridgestone to integrate its advanced mobility technologies into Einride’s onboard vehicle platforms.

Together, the companies will work to create safer and more efficient mobility solutions to drive a more sustainable future for large commercial truck fleets. [Read more…] about Einride partners with Bridgestone to develop electric and autonomous trucks

Toyota’s Woven Capital invests in autonomous vehicle fleet platform Ridecell

by

Woven Capital, a venture capital unit of Toyota, has made an investment in Ridecell, a platform powering digital transformations and IoT automation for fleet-driven businesses.

Woven Capital is an $800 million global investment fund that supports innovative, growth-stage companies in mobility, automation, artificial intelligence, data and analytics, connectivity, and smart cities.

It is the investment arm of the Woven Planet Group, a Toyota subsidiary which says it is “dedicated to building the safest mobility in the world”. [Read more…] about Toyota’s Woven Capital invests in autonomous vehicle fleet platform Ridecell

ABB wins prestigious IERA Award for its PixelPaint robotic painting system

by

ABB’s PixelPaint robotic “non-overspray” technology for the automotive industry has won this year’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics & Automation (IERA) Award for Outstanding Achievements in Commercializing Innovative Robot and Automation Technology.

Launched in 2020, PixelPaint uses inkjet head technology to directly apply high resolution two-tone or individualized designs to a car body in a single pass, enabling manufacturers to easily meet the rising demand for customized paint jobs while eliminating wasteful overspray.

Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics Auto OEM business line, says: “We are delighted that our PixelPaint solution has been recognized for its innovative, sustainable technology that helps our customers respond to consumer requests for more personalized design. [Read more…] about ABB wins prestigious IERA Award for its PixelPaint robotic painting system

Comau to develop new robotic systems with shipbuilder Fincantieri

by

Shipbuilder Fincantieri and Comau Robotics, two Italian industrial giants in their respective markets, have signed a letter of intent to develop prototypes of robotized steel welding solutions and the resulting construction of series of machines, to be implemented at first in Fincantieri shipyards.

Paolo Carmassi, Comau CEO, and Fabio Gallia, Fincantieri general manager, signed the agreement.

The first joint project, of which the operating agreement is currently under way and related tests are scheduled at the Fincantieri shipyards by the first half of the year 2022, will involve a welding robot vehicle consisting of an anthropomorphic welding robot and a remote control tracked vehicle. [Read more…] about Comau to develop new robotic systems with shipbuilder Fincantieri

10 Ways to Make Sure Your Business is Ahead of the Curve

by

When it comes to business, it’s often going to be the case that you want to be able to get ahead and find success. But how can you do that?

With so many other online businesses out there, how will you stand out?

You know that you want to get ahead of the curve and become a leader in the field – but how exactly can you do that? [Read more…] about 10 Ways to Make Sure Your Business is Ahead of the Curve

ZF providing safety technology for Zoox autonomous shuttle

by

Automotive components giant ZF is providing safety technology for the Zoox autonomous shuttle.

The company says it is providing “advanced occupant protection systems” and “high-quality chassis components” for the vehicle.

ZF says future mobility will encompass ride-hailing solutions and robo-taxis to move people comfortably and safely through the megacities of the globe. [Read more…] about ZF providing safety technology for Zoox autonomous shuttle

MassRobotics chooses Festo as winner of its GM Gripper Challenge

by

MassRobotics has chosen Festo, a MassRobotics partner, in collaboration with Magswitch, is the winner of the 2020 GM Gripper Challenge.

Festo’s design concept was selected for its ability to handle a variety of parts, in addition to avoiding occluding a part when gripped.

Joseph Cyrek, Magswitch CEO, says: “The technology challenge hosted by MassRobotics provided an excellent platform for collaboration and rapid development of innovative solutions.” [Read more…] about MassRobotics chooses Festo as winner of its GM Gripper Challenge

Volkswagen orders staggering 800 ABB robots to build its new electric vehicles

by

ABB has received a massive order for 800 industrial robots from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to support production of a new generation of electric vehicles at its plant in Hannover, Germany.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is modernizing its Hannover factory and is installing state-of-the-art facilities to build the all-electric ID.

Buzz van, which will begin production in 2022. ABB’s robots will be installed in the body shop to undertake a range of body construction tasks. [Read more…] about Volkswagen orders staggering 800 ABB robots to build its new electric vehicles