Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

machinery

SRI unveils autonomous digger for construction sites

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SRI, a technology development company founded in 1946 by Stanford University, has unveiled an autonomous digger for construction sites and other similar heavy-duty applications. (See video below.)

The “smart excavator” can be operated remotely and comes with an augmented reality system which makes the process secure, more convenient, and “as easy as playing a video game”.

SRI likens it to the Nintendo Wii, saying the control system only takes “a couple of minutes to master”, adding that, by giving excavators a “robotification upgrade”, the operator doesn’t need to be in the driver’s seat and can even “operate the machinery from anywhere around the world”. [Read more…] about SRI unveils autonomous digger for construction sites

Danfoss and RISE Robotics collaborate on new innovation to ‘accelerate electrification of heavy machinery’

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Danfoss Power Solutions and RISE Robotics have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly validate and test a key innovation that has the potential to transform the heavy machinery market through electrification.

Danfoss Power Solutions, a global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics as well as electric powertrain systems, and RISE Robotics, a leading zero-emission heavy machinery company, have formalized their collaborative relationship.

The two businesses have signed an agreement to work together to validate the latest electromechanical actuator technology from RISE. [Read more…] about Danfoss and RISE Robotics collaborate on new innovation to ‘accelerate electrification of heavy machinery’

Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

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Murata Machinery USA has expanded its logistics & automation product offerings with an extensive line of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The A-Series adds seven standard base models to their existing Muratec Premex Series that are customizable for a wide range of load capacities, lift heights, navigation methods, temperature ratings, and software applications.

From their Charlotte headquarters, Murata Machinery will take over and lead all North American operations in partnership with the AGVE Group, directing day-to-day North American sales, installation, service, and marketing operations. [Read more…] about Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

Proposed new European laws will cause ‘severe damage’ to industry, warn global robotics leaders

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The European Commission’s proposed AI Act and updated regulations on machinery products will cause “severe damage” to European small businesses, robotics companies and innovation, according to four of the most influential voices in robotics and automation.

Together, the International Federation of Robotics, the VDMA Robotics + Automation Association, EUnited Robotics and REInvest Robotics urgently call on European policymakers to revisit and amend the proposals. [Read more…] about Proposed new European laws will cause ‘severe damage’ to industry, warn global robotics leaders

Software AG helps automate OEE calculation with new app for Cumulocity IoT

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Software AG has launched an app to automate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) calculation for its Cumulocity IoT platform.

The new app will enable manufacturers of any size to collect and process key data as it’s created and quickly understand production effectiveness.

By monitoring production line availability, performance and quality, organizations can be more responsive to inefficiencies in their operations, enabling them to avert problems and capitalize on opportunities to be more effective. [Read more…] about Software AG helps automate OEE calculation with new app for Cumulocity IoT

5 manufacturing trends to look forward to in 2021

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The past year has highlighted the need for sweeping and immediate changes across the manufacturing industry. It has been facing several evolving challenges accelerated by the pandemic.

To improve efficiency and productivity, here are five manufacturing trends you should look forward to in 2021:

Continued Focus On the Development of IoT
IoT (the internet of things) remains a buzzword in manufacturing owing to its adaptability and disruptive nature. As companies and their equipment continue to be digitized, IoT can help companies in multiple ways. [Read more…] about 5 manufacturing trends to look forward to in 2021

Autonomous excavators ready for around the clock real-world application

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Researchers from Baidu Research and the University of Maryland have developed a robotic excavator system that integrates perception, planning, and control capabilities to enable material loading over a long duration with no human intervention

Researchers from Baidu Research Robotics and Auto-Driving Lab (RAL) and the University of Maryland, College Park, have introduced an autonomous excavator system (AES) that can perform material loading tasks for a long duration without any human intervention while offering performance closely equivalent to that of an experienced human operator.

AES is among the world’s first uncrewed excavation systems to have been deployed in real-world scenarios and continuously operating for over 24 hours, bringing about industry-leading benefits in terms of enhanced safety and productivity.

The researchers described their methodology in a research paper published on June 30, 2021, in Science Robotics. [Read more…] about Autonomous excavators ready for around the clock real-world application

6 Engineering Tips When Designing Machinery

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One of the commonly asked questions from machine designers or integrators is how they can effectively build a machine design or integrate the conversion of a machine with servomechanism advancement to meet the expected performance and needs.

Although this may be a challenging endeavor, technological advancement has made it easier to create engineering variations and unique operating processes.

When designing machinery, it would be helpful to employ several effective engineering tips even during the planning stage. It’s crucial to analyze all the possible scenarios to decrease the chances of failing and working through a demanding set of combinations and situations. [Read more…] about 6 Engineering Tips When Designing Machinery

Where Do You Look When You Want to Purchase Cutting-Edge Technology for Your Business?

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More and more people are opening up to the idea that technology can essentially run our businesses solo. If you’re planning on starting a single-person business, then technology is like an employee that never gets tired and never complains.

It’s essential for making certain tasks easier and it can gradually expand as you need it to perform more functions and handle more tasks. However, technology can involve anything from a simple laptop to a cutting-edge piece of machinery that is specific to your use case.

Technology is an extremely generic term of basically anything that we use in our businesses, and this can open up a few misconceptions with terms like “cutting-edge technology”. [Read more…] about Where Do You Look When You Want to Purchase Cutting-Edge Technology for Your Business?

IQ Motion Control launches new range of servo motors

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IQ Motion Control has launched a new range of servo motors.

IQ Motion Control designs and delivers high performance motor modules for robotic and industrial applications.

The company’s proprietary technology was born out of the University of Pennsylvania’s robotics lab and combines unique hardware designs with innovative calibration and control software to achieve high end motor performance at an affordable cost. [Read more…] about IQ Motion Control launches new range of servo motors