Robotics & Automation News

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Clearpath Robotics launches outdoor autonomy software

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Clearpath Robotics, a manufacturer of mobile robotics platforms for research and development, today launched OutdoorNav – an autonomous navigation software platform designed for vehicle developers, OEMs, and robotics researchers.

Compatible with Clearpath’s outdoor mobile platforms as well as third-party industrial vehicles, OutdoorNav provides reliable GPS-based navigation for faster, more efficient autonomous vehicle development.

Bryan Webb, president of Clearpath Robotics, says: “Robotics product development can often be a difficult, sometimes harrowing experience. [Read more…] about Clearpath Robotics launches outdoor autonomy software

Methods Machine Tools releases its first end-to-end standard automation system for Nakamura turning centers

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Methods Machine Tools, the foremost supplier of high-quality, high-precision CNC machine tools and automation in North America, has released the Turn-Assist 200i and 270i from RoboJob as its first, end-to-end standard automation system for Nakamura-Tome turning centers.

A semi-collaborative system engineered for lathe automation, Turn-Assist is designed to be implemented and run by operators of any skill level. With a simple tablet-style HMI and standard Ethernet IP interface, shops can successfully change over from one part to another within minutes.

Zach Spencer, Methods’ automation manager, says: “By pairing the Turn-Assist from RoboJob with Nakamura-Tome, we have created a unique automation solution for high-mix/low-volume and/or mid-volume with frequent changeovers on round workpieces often associated with Nakamura lathes. [Read more…] about Methods Machine Tools releases its first end-to-end standard automation system for Nakamura turning centers

Ready Robotics to install its operating system into Kawasaki industrial robots

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Ready Robotics, creators of Forge/OS, the industrial operating system for robots and automation, is partnering with Kawasaki Robotics to bring Ready’s Forge/OS software to Kawasaki’s robot hardware.

Kawasaki is a leading supplier of industrial robots and automation technology, with robot payloads ranging from 3 to 1,500 kg. With over 50 years of experience and thousands of robots installed worldwide, Kawasaki is an automation partner you can trust.

Ready supports Kawasaki’s R series robots, with capacities from 3 kg to 80 kg. Support for more models will be added in future updates. Forge/OS adds another level of ease-of-use to Kawasaki robots with a user interface that is simple to learn, program, and manage. [Read more…] about Ready Robotics to install its operating system into Kawasaki industrial robots

Swiss university shows brain-computer interface for controlling robots

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A Swiss university called the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne has showcased a new brain-computer interface that can be used to control robots. (See video below.)

Unlike previous BCI’s famously demonstrated to former US president, Barack Obama, the EPFL brain-computer interface does not require a hole to be drilled in the user’s head.

Two EPFL research groups teamed up to develop a machine-learning program that can be connected to a human brain and used to command a robot. [Read more…] about Swiss university shows brain-computer interface for controlling robots

Stäubli launches new software to enable robot programming through PLCs

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Stäubli has launched uniVAL pi, a software solution that will enable robot programming to be implemented in the future via the PLC, using Plug & Play in Siemens TIA Portal.

A PLC, or programmable logic controller, is a type of small computer or device used to control machines in factories.

Stäubli’s new software is optionally an available communication interface, with which users can program Stäubli robots without manufacturer-specific, high-level language knowledge in their familiar environment – safely, quickly and efficiently, says the company. [Read more…] about Stäubli launches new software to enable robot programming through PLCs

MIPI introduces new networking tech that doubles mobile data transfer rate to 23 gigabits per second

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The MIPI Alliance, an international organization that develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries, has unveiled a major update to its MIPI M-PHY physical-layer interface for connecting the latest generation of flash memory-based storage and other high data rate applications in advanced 5G smartphones, wearables, PCs, industrial IoT, and automobiles. 

Version 5.0 of the M-PHY interface adds a fifth gear – “High Speed Gear 5” (HS-G5) at 23.32 Gigabits per second (Gbps) – enabling engineers to double the potential data rate per lane compared with the previous specification. [Read more…] about MIPI introduces new networking tech that doubles mobile data transfer rate to 23 gigabits per second

Comau unveils new software for ‘easy programming of complex robotic applications’

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Comau has unveiled what it describes as a “powerful software program” based on artificial intelligence algorithms that makes man-machine communication easier while optimizing industrial operations.

The industrial automation company says its MI.RA/Dexter reflects Comau’s “commitment to simplified automation”.

MI.RA/Dexter is a metalanguage that makes aims to make robotics more accessible for companies of all sizes by translating human language syntax into robot syntax. [Read more…] about Comau unveils new software for ‘easy programming of complex robotic applications’

Cleveland Clinic develops bionic arm that restores ‘natural behaviors’

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Cleveland Clinic researchers have engineered a “first-of-its-kind bionic arm” for patients with upper-limb amputations that allows wearers to think, behave and function like a person without an amputation, according to new findings published in Science Robotics.

The Cleveland Clinic-led international research team developed the bionic system that combines three important functions – intuitive motor control, touch and grip kinesthesia, the intuitive feeling of opening and closing the hand.

Collaborators included University of Alberta and University of New Brunswick. [Read more…] about Cleveland Clinic develops bionic arm that restores ‘natural behaviors’

Collaborative robotics market set to grow to $8 billion by 2030

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Despite the challenges facing the wider manufacturing industry during the coronavirus pandemic, collaborative robots continue to attract attention and investment, due to their ease of use, redeployability, and convenience to end-users who struggle to afford more traditional forms of automation.

According to a new report from global tech market advisory firm ABI Research, the cobot market is set to grow substantially over the coming decade.

The market had a global valuation of $475 million in 2020, which will expand to $600 million in 2021 and $8 billion in 2030, with a projected annual growth of 32.5 percent. [Read more…] about Collaborative robotics market set to grow to $8 billion by 2030

UX/UI Design in the Promotion of Mobile Apps

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Most users don’t even think about how to make the work algorithm of mobile applications easy and comfortable to use.

Every action that is done by pressing on a certain part of the screen and all of the subsequent processes are maintained by User Experience (UX). User Interface (UI) is capable of making the design look nice and satisfying for most inquiries.

Why do these 2 operational elements play a significant role in development and are they “must-have” of it? [Read more…] about UX/UI Design in the Promotion of Mobile Apps