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LG invests $90 million in robotics and calls the technology a ‘key component’ of its growth strategy

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LG, one of the world’s largest electronics companies, is reported to have invested $90 million in robotics companies so far and says robotics is an important part of its strategy going forward. 

According to a report on the International Business Times website, LG’s investments include a $3 million stake in Bossa Nova Robotics, which builds shelf-scanning robots for work in grocery stores.

And as quoted by IBT, a senior executive at LG said the company was investing in robotics both within its business operation as well as outside the company.

Kim Sungwook, LG Electronics vice president, global open innovation division, said: “Robotics, as a key component of our ThinQ AI strategy, is a critical future growth opportunity for LG.  [Read more…] about LG invests $90 million in robotics and calls the technology a ‘key component’ of its growth strategy

Kuka collaborates with architecture organisation and supercar maker McLaren on art project

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Industrial robot manufacturer Kuka has teamed up with an architectural organisation and the supercar maker McLaren on an art project, as part of what is called the “McLaren Summer Boutique”.

At the McLaren Summer Boutique in Zurich, Kuka, in collaboration with McLaren Zurich and the Association for Robots in Architecture, is presenting an art project based on the latest generation of industrial robots.

The installation symbolizes the fusion of first-class vehicle design with state-of-the-art automation technology and maximum precision.  [Read more…] about Kuka collaborates with architecture organisation and supercar maker McLaren on art project

Kuka launches new robots and showcases its vision of ‘intelligent automation’

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Kuka has launched two new robots – a collaborative industrial robotic arm called LBR iisy (main picture) and an innovative new one called “i-do” that is difficult to describe (see picture below) but is categorised in the company’s new “consumer robotics” business.

Kuka has also been showcasing the company’s vision of “intelligent automation”.

The industrial robot making giant says it is showing how mechatronics and digitization merge in the smart factory.

Kuka demonstrated some of its concepts for the production of tomorrow at the recent Hannover Messe event, under the motto “industrial intelligence 4.0_beyond automation”.  [Read more…] about Kuka launches new robots and showcases its vision of ‘intelligent automation’

Hyundai Heavy Industries to sell Kuka robots to manufacturers

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Hyundai Heavy Industries has reached an agreement to supply Kuka industrial robots and other products to manufacturers and other industrial companies. 

This is according to a report on the website of the Korea Herald, which says the agreement is for HHI to market Kuka products to “large Korean manufacturing firms”.

South Korean industry is dominated by what are referred to chaebols, which means very large conglomerates, and gaining access to them is probably quite difficult.  [Read more…] about Hyundai Heavy Industries to sell Kuka robots to manufacturers

Kuka launches specialised system for riveting

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Industrial Robot maker Kuka has launched something it calls ready2_rivet, which the company says is the “ideal self-pierce riveting solution for body-in-white applications”.

The new ready2_rivet solution is part of Kuka’s ready2_use range.

The self-pierce riveting solution for body-in-white applications has been developed jointly with Böllhoff, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of fasteners and assembly systems.  [Read more…] about Kuka launches specialised system for riveting

Kuka smartPAD-2 wins iF design award 2018

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The Kuka smartPAD-2 has won the renowned iF design award 2018. The iF design award, presented by iF International Forum Design GmbH, based in Hannover, Germany, has been presented annually since 1954 and honours the best achievements in the field of product design.

From 23 to 25 January, an international panel of 63 design experts selected the winners from among almost 6,500 entries, submitted from 54 countries.

The Kuka smartPAD-2 is robust, suitable for industrial environments and offers ergonomic, comfortable handling. The options for holding it have been optimized for both left- and right-handers. It can also be used as a desktop console.

[Read more…] about Kuka smartPAD-2 wins iF design award 2018

Kuka expands China business

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Kuka is to combine its Chinese general industry business and the Chinese Swisslog business by setting up joint ventures with Midea Group companies. The respective shareholders of the joint venture companies will each have a stake of 50%.

The Robotics joint venture will be controlled by Kuka and the Chinese automotive business will fully remain with Kuka.

These joint ventures will significantly increase market penetration in China and expand Kuka’s Chinese business.

[Read more…] about Kuka expands China business

Kuka teams up with Homag to develop robotic solutions for wood processing industry

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Industrial robot maker Kuka is teaming up with Homag, one of the world’s largest suppliers of machinery and automation solutions to the wood processing industry.

The two companies their goal is the joint development of automated solutions for the wood processing industry.

The Kuka Group is represented around the world with its products and services for a wide range of industries, from the automotive industry and the electronics sector to the healthcare sector to name just a few examples.  [Read more…] about Kuka teams up with Homag to develop robotic solutions for wood processing industry

Swisslog and Kuka join forces to strengthen CarryPick

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CarryPick, an automated storage and order fulfillment system, has a new KMP600 automated guided vehicle (AGV), developed in close collaboration between KUKA and Swisslog.

Synergies have allowed for a number of technical enhancements that make the AGV suitable for use in multiple industries. The CarryPick solution will be globally supported as part of the KUKA portfolio.

Better mechatronics make the vehicle much quieter and enable a more ergonomic workspace, while also increasing battery life. [Read more…] about Swisslog and Kuka join forces to strengthen CarryPick

Kuka showcases innovative medical project at the 2018 European Robotics Forum

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Kuka is showcasing an innovative research project from the medical sector at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) in Tampere, Finland, this week.

Together with the University of Bremen and Chemnitz University of Technology, FACT Software and CAT Production, Kuka is presenting an application for the simulation of one of the most challenging steps during an operation: implanting an artificial hip.

Performing the operation in the virtual world with haptic feedback via the Kuka LBR iiwa lightweight robot is an important component in the training of future surgeons as well as in the planning stages prior to an operation.

[Read more…] about Kuka showcases innovative medical project at the 2018 European Robotics Forum