Robotics & Automation News

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ABB launches new, ‘fastest’ five-axis Delta robot

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ABB has launched a new five-axis Delta robot which it claims is “the fastest for lightweight product picking, packing and reorientation”.

The new machine is part of the FlexPicker Delta robot portfolio and is called the IRB 365. With five axis and 1.5 kg payload, the IRB 365 is both flexible and the fastest in its class for reorienting packaged lightweight products such as cookies, chocolates, peppers, candies, small bottles, and parcels.

Responding to the rise in e-commerce and growing demand for shelf ready packaged goods, the IRB 365 has been developed for applications including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, where production line speed and adaptability are essential. [Read more…] about ABB launches new, ‘fastest’ five-axis Delta robot

Wyzo sidebot combines with Piab’s ‘extremely lightweight’ mini gripper

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Handling food or other small, lightweight products quickly and easily with human-machine interaction – that’s exactly what the Wyzo sidebot is designed to do.

With a maximum payload of one kilogram, the weight of the gripper is critical. So, what could be a better fit than Piab’s featherweight, the MCG, at just 270 grams, which also has “versatility and outstanding energy efficiency”.

Process automation continues to advance in the food, packaging, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and electronics industries. People in these sectors often work side by side with machines. [Read more…] about Wyzo sidebot combines with Piab’s ‘extremely lightweight’ mini gripper

Schaeffler to unveil ‘eagerly anticipated innovative solution’ for robots

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Schaeffler says it will present at Hannover Messe 2022 an “eagerly anticipated innovative solution package” for collaborative robots and articulated robots.

The manufacturing industry requires lightweight robots that can operate with high dynamics and a high degree of precision.

Ralf Moseberg, head of business field industrial automation at Schaeffler, says the industry is looking for innovation. [Read more…] about Schaeffler to unveil ‘eagerly anticipated innovative solution’ for robots

Roam Robotics launches ‘smart knee’, a robotic partial exoskeleton

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Roam Robotics, an artificial intelligence and wearable robotics company, has launched its Ascend product, a “first-of-its-kind smart knee orthosis that helps wearers reduce knee pain and regain mobility”, according to the company.

Ascend’s technology is actively adapting, meaning it senses the body’s movement, automatically adjusts to the wearer’s needs, and provides precise support at the right moment for target muscle groups.

It is a registered Class I device with the FDA and will be available for purchase directly and through private and Medicare insurance, radically expanding public accessibility to wearable robotic devices. [Read more…] about Roam Robotics launches ‘smart knee’, a robotic partial exoskeleton

Comau unveils new ‘lightweight, ruggedized’ version of its exoskeleton

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Comau Robotics has unveiled a new “lightweight, ruggedized” version of its exoskeleton.

The new Mate-XT wearable exoskeleton “fully accommodates the specific needs of workers in demanding industrial, non-industrial and open-air environments”, says Comau.

Featuring a slim, lightweight carbon fiber structure and an intuitive regulation system, the water, dust, UV-light and temperature resistant design can be quickly adjusted to fit virtually any body frame. [Read more…] about Comau unveils new ‘lightweight, ruggedized’ version of its exoskeleton

FLIR Systems launches new sensor for drones and robots

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FLIR Systems has launched something called “FLIR Hadron”, which the company describes as the industry’s first dual sensor module for drone, robotic, and imaging original equipment manufacturers.

Designed to help reduce development costs and improve time-to-market, the lightweight, low power, and compact form factor includes a 12-megapixel visible camera paired with the FLIR Boson 320×240 resolution thermal camera with up to a 60-hertz framerate.

Paul Clayton, general manager, components business at FLIR, says: “With the introduction of Hadron, FLIR Systems is leading the way in offering low-cost, dual sensor integration across a variety of industries from commercial drones to industrial imaging systems. [Read more…] about FLIR Systems launches new sensor for drones and robots

BMW unveils ‘novel aerodynamic wheels’ for the purely electric cars

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BMW has unveiled a new wheel design which it says is more aerodynamic and provides “all-round efficiency”.

The “Aerodynamic Wheel” will feature on the BMW iX3 as well the iNext and i4 models.

In tests, BMW found that the new aerodynamic wheel reduced drag for the iX3 by “about 5 per cent” compared with the conventionally powered BMW X3. [Read more…] about BMW unveils ‘novel aerodynamic wheels’ for the purely electric cars

Clearpath unveils new indoor research robot ‘Dingo’

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Clearpath Robotics has unveiled its Dingo Indoor Research Robot, described as a “compact, lightweight and cost-effective indoor robotic platform” that is extensible and programmable, and designed to accelerate robotics research and education.

Julian Ware, general manager at Clearpath Robotics, says: “Dingo offers the reliability and flexibility our customers expect from a Clearpath robot, at an approachable price point.

“We have seen a gap in the market for a system with these capabilities and believe Dingo is a cost-effective, ROS-ready indoor platform suitable for benchtop and laboratory testing. The lower cost also makes the use of multi-robot systems more accessible than with other robots.” [Read more…] about Clearpath unveils new indoor research robot ‘Dingo’

Magna celebrates growing footprint in China with two grand opening events

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Magna held two grand opening ceremonies last month in China, for new factories in Changsha and Shanghai.

The new plant in Changsha, a joint venture with GAC subsidiary GAC Component Co., Ltd. (GAC Component), began production of composite liftgates for a global automaker’s crossover vehicle in late 2018.

Last month, Magna’s plant in Shanghai started production on active aerodynamic grille shutters for an American brand producing multiple vehicle platforms for the China market.

[Read more…] about Magna celebrates growing footprint in China with two grand opening events

Collaborative robotic system makes ‘monotonous and physically demanding tasks’ at BMW easier

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bmw dingolfing kuka robot
A worker at BMW Dingolfing, with the Kuka collaborative robot

The employees at BMW Group’s Dingolfing Plant have a new, highly responsive assistant: an LBR iiwa lightweight robot from Kuka, which they say takes over “monotonous and physically demanding tasks”. 

Previously, BMW employees had to lift a differential case which weighed up to 5.5 kg, and had to manoeuvre it with millimeter-precision, in the assembly of the front axle.

Now the robot is taking over this “ergonomically demanding work”.  [Read more…] about Collaborative robotic system makes ‘monotonous and physically demanding tasks’ at BMW easier