Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

manufacturers

Wyzo the ‘sidebot’ to be showcased at Pack Expo

by

Wyzo, the world’s first direct-drive pick-and-place sidebot, will be showcased to the US market for the first time at Pack Expo Las Vegas on 27-29 September.

From artisan companies taking their first steps into automation to established large-scale manufacturers, visitors to booth 6027 can experience first-hand how Wyzo can work safely side-by-side with humans with zero protective barriers or performance compromises.

Ideal for lightweight applications with a payload up to 1.1 lbs, Wyzo is suitable for the food and beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, automotive, electrical and electronics sectors. [Read more…] about Wyzo the ‘sidebot’ to be showcased at Pack Expo

Project Business Automation: Large Manufacturers Learn to Integrate Disparate Systems

by

By Thomas R. Cutler

Much attention has been paid to the small and mid-sized manufacturer. As local and regional job creators that attention has been well-deserved.

However, the reality is large manufacturers continue to represent a significant portion of jobs within the sector, and new solutions geared to their needs are among the most innovative and dynamic.

Project Business Automation (PBA) is a new category of business systems built specifically to support large project-based manufacturers from end-to-end. [Read more…] about Project Business Automation: Large Manufacturers Learn to Integrate Disparate Systems

Robotiq launches new screwdriving solution for robots

by

Robotiq, a provider of tools and software solutions for the collaborative robot market, announced today the launch of its Screwdriving Solution.

Designed for manufacturers looking to automate screwdriving applications, this solution’s intuitive features eliminate the need for expensive, complicated custom-designed solutions.

Catherine Leclerc, product owner at Robotiq, says: “Screwdriving is a dull and repetitive task that often leads to fastening inconsistencies and stress injuries. [Read more…] about Robotiq launches new screwdriving solution for robots

Google research reveals ‘what’s needed for AI acceleration in manufacturing’

by

By Dominik Wee, managing director manufacturing and industrial, Google Cloud

While the promise of artificial intelligence transforming the manufacturing industry is not new, long-ongoing experimentation hasn’t yet led to widespread business benefits. Manufacturers remain in “pilot purgatory,” as Gartner reports that only 21% of companies in the industry have active AI initiatives in production.

However, new research from Google Cloud reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic may have spurred a significant increase in the use of AI and other digital enablers among manufacturers.

According to our data—which polled more than 1,000 senior manufacturing executives across seven countries—76% have turned to digital enablers and disruptive technologies due to the pandemic such as data and analytics, cloud, and artificial intelligence (AI). And 66% of manufacturers who use AI in their day-to-day operations report that their reliance on AI is increasing.

The top three sub-sectors deploying AI to assist in day-to-day operations are automotive/OEMs (76%), automotive suppliers (68%), and heavy machinery (67%). [Read more…] about Google research reveals ‘what’s needed for AI acceleration in manufacturing’

Teradyne leads $20 million funding round for MachineMetrics

by

MachineMetrics, an industrial data startup that helps improve manufacturing performance through autonomous machining, has raised $20 million in Series B financing.

The company will use the funding to scale its platform globally and democratize access to the machine insights that power manufacturing operations.

Bill Bither, co-founder and CEO of MachineMetrics, says: “Manufacturing is on the brink of a digital renaissance. The intersection of software, big data and physical machinery is the next frontier for manufacturing and a proven solution for overcoming the production and labor shortages we are experiencing right now. [Read more…] about Teradyne leads $20 million funding round for MachineMetrics

Startup company launches new class of robot – the Wyzo ‘sidebot’

by

Wyzo, a startup company with backing from established companies such as Demaurex, the inventor of the delta robot, has launched a new class of robot – the Wyzo “sidebot”.

Wyzo – which is described as “the world’s first high-speed pick-and-place sidebot” – is now available for companies making their first steps into automation, as well as for large manufacturers looking for “unrivalled versatility”.

Compact and agile, Wyzo works safely side-by-side with humans without protective barriers or performance compromises. Critically, the robot uses the “revolutionary” new direct drive invented by Genesis Robotics. [Read more…] about Startup company launches new class of robot – the Wyzo ‘sidebot’

Realtime Robotics raises $31.4 million in Series A funding round

by

Realtime Robotics, a developer of motion planning software for industrial robots, has completed its $31.4 million Series A round.

New strategic investors including HAHN Automation and SAIC Capital Management, as well as new institutional investors Soundproof Ventures and Heroic Ventures, join existing investors SPARX Asset Management, Omron Ventures, Toyota AI Ventures, Scrum Ventures and Duke Angels in concluding this round.

Realtime Robotics says it was founded to transform automation with flexible robot control capabilities, built on its innovative, real-time collision-free motion planning technology. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics raises $31.4 million in Series A funding round

US government-funded project tests connected vehicles for lifesaving applications

by

A US Department of Transportation-funded project called THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot has been testing connected vehicles for lifesaving applications at the American Center of Mobility.

The tests were undertaken in collaboration with automotive manufacturers and road operators.

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Connected Vehicle Pilot (THEA CV Pilot) is a $22 million project jointly funded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and THEA. [Read more…] about US government-funded project tests connected vehicles for lifesaving applications

Hexagon and Plex Systems partner to offer smart manufacturing solutions

by

Hexagon and Plex Systems are partnering to offer smart manufacturing solutions. The companies say the new partnership will provide manufacturers a path to greater automation and Industry 4.0 adoption.

Hexagon, a provider of sensor, software, and autonomous technologies, and Plex Systems, a cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions company, describe this as a new “strategic partnership”.

The global partnership will enable Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Plex to co-sell Plex MES to Hexagon manufacturing customers, helping them to take control of the plant floor through full visibility and connectivity and realize the promise of Industry 4.0. [Read more…] about Hexagon and Plex Systems partner to offer smart manufacturing solutions

DFI provides ‘the most reliable brain and cerebellum’ for giant AGV in LCD panel factories

by

DFI’s AMR-dedicated AI computer enhances mobility and accuracy of mobile robots

The humble LCD panel was originally one of the Taiwanese government’s “Two Trillion & Twin Star” plan to develop its high-tech sectors. Now, it’s one of the country’s most significant symbols of electronics manufacturing.

With the trend of panel generation becoming larger and larger, in the production line of large-size panels, handling technology is also relatively important. [Read more…] about DFI provides ‘the most reliable brain and cerebellum’ for giant AGV in LCD panel factories