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Europalco buys two robots from Kuka to add ‘wow factor’ to shows

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Europalco, a Portuguese company which claims to be “the largest provider of solutions for events and shows in Southern Europe”, has recently invested in two Kuka robots to “create differentiating events with a new ‘wow factor’” for its clients.

Europalco plans to use the Kuka KR210 robots in many ways, with LED walls, LCD, lasers, and even artists or people assisting the events. The robots can hold, move, or animate monitors or video screens. They can also be used to produce props and mobile stage designs. The range of applications is limitless.

The Kuka KR210 are fast, dynamic, and flexible to bring splendid effects to the stage and the event. Engineers can leverage the flexibility of robots to create fascinating static stage sets for performance. [Read more…] about Europalco buys two robots from Kuka to add ‘wow factor’ to shows

Micropsi Industries’ AI software now compatible with Fanuc robots

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Micropsi Industries says its artificial intelligence-based software MirAI is now compatible with numerous robots produced by Fanuc, the world’s largest supplier of robotics and factory automation.

With MirAI, Fanuc customers can now add valuable hand-eye coordination to multiple Fanuc industrial and collaborative robots (cobots) to handle difficult-to-automate functions such as cable plugging and assembly.

Using AI, the MirAI controller generates robot movements directly and in real-time. Robot skills are trained, not programmed, in a few days through human demonstration, without requiring knowledge of programming or AI. [Read more…] about Micropsi Industries’ AI software now compatible with Fanuc robots

Helping robots ‘see’ by using advanced AI and video in manufacturing

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Not long ago, a world inhabited by robots was merely a sci-fi storyline.

Today, robots have become part and parcel of many manufacturing lines. We’ve become used to seeing them assemble, pick and pack, and zip down warehouses looking for the latest item for delivery.

They have become indispensable to many organizations and individuals, where many work hand-in-hand with human colleagues. Now, they are being given the ability to see and are using video technology to be even more efficient. [Read more…] about Helping robots ‘see’ by using advanced AI and video in manufacturing

Comau’s exoskeleton producing ‘significant, measurable benefits’ at Pintarelli

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Comau’s wearable exoskeleton with its news model, the MATE-XT, aims to satisfy the special needs of those working in harsh conditions in industry, other sectors and even outdoors.

Comau’s MATE exoskeleton is the first and still the only exoskeleton in the world to be EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet) certified. This confirms its effectiveness in reducing the risk of biomechanical upper limb strain in workers whose daily activities involve repetitive flexion and extension of the arms.

MATE has become an indispensable aid for some of the operators at Pintarelli, who perform repetitive manual movements involving continuous use of the upper limbs and shoulders. Pintarelli Verniciature is based in Lavis in the province of Trento and employs around 30 people. [Read more…] about Comau’s exoskeleton producing ‘significant, measurable benefits’ at Pintarelli

How are AGVs different from AMRs?

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Automating internal supply chain or logistic flows is always a challenge for both big and small companies. With more and more sophisticated systems, companies are increasingly looking to replace operator dependency and let robots handle the goods transfer activity.

Two automation systems are customer’s go-to option for goods/pallet movement: automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

While AGVs have been around for a long time, drastically increasing their functionality and technology over time, AMRs are gaining traction in recent times. [Read more…] about How are AGVs different from AMRs?

K.Hartwall launches new ‘autonomous mobile robot’

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K.Hartwall has launched a new “autonomous mobile robot” called A-Mate. The company says this is the first fully electric free-lift pallet “AGV” with omnidirectional drive on the market. 

K.Hartwall calls its new machine an AGV as well as an AMR, which indicates the ongoing merging of the two technologies across the industry.

The company says the A-Mate is an extremely versatile mobile robot that will bring a new level of automation to intra-logistics, and to the movements of different load carriers, from pallets to roll containers and foldable cages or “gitter” boxes. [Read more…] about K.Hartwall launches new ‘autonomous mobile robot’

How modern robots are developed: ‘Human cyborgs will become commonplace’

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Today, neuroscience and robotics are developing hand in hand. Mikhail Lebedev, academic supervisor at HSE University’s Centre for Bioelectric Interfaces, spoke about how studying the brain inspires the development of robots.

Robots are interesting to neuroscience and neuroscience is interesting to robots – this is what the article “Neuroengineering challenges of fusing robotics and neuroscience” was about in the journal Science Robotics.

Such collaborative development contributes to progress in both fields, bringing us closer to developing more advanced android robots and a deeper understanding of the structure of the human brain. And, to some extent, to combining biological organisms with machines, to create cybernetic organisms (cyborgs). [Read more…] about How modern robots are developed: ‘Human cyborgs will become commonplace’

BHS Technologies unveils RoboticScope to assist surgeons

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A Swiss company called BHS Technologies has unveiled a specially designed robot to assist surgeons, claiming it to be a world first.

“A high-precision robot, a high-resolution 3D camera and an innovative head-mounted display – the world’s first RoboticScope has arrived on the market,” says the company, adding that it “sets new standards in microsurgery”. 

Essentially, the system uses a head-mounted display to translate small head movements of the surgeon directly into movements of the robotic arm, enabling the surgeon to view exactly what they want. [Read more…] about BHS Technologies unveils RoboticScope to assist surgeons

BICS powers first intelligent exoskeleton with global connectivity

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BICS, a global communications enabler, is providing global internet-of-things connectivity and asset management for a pioneering exoskeleton developed by German Bionic.

The Cray X is the first connected asset from the Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) provider and marks the first instance of a European manufacturer developing, producing and deploying smart exoskeletons for use in industrial production.

Designed to support and enhance the wearer’s movements, German Bionic’s Cray X reduces the risk of accidents and excessive strain for employees in sectors that involve repetitive but unpredictable heavy lifting. [Read more…] about BICS powers first intelligent exoskeleton with global connectivity

Mitsubishi Electric develops tech for controlling mobile robots

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Mitsubishi Electric says it has developed a technology for controlling “in-building” mobile robots used for cleaning, security, delivery and guidance, as well as next-generation electric wheelchairs.

The company says the software uses building dynamic maps to achieve cooperative interaction between the mobile machines and building facilities, such as elevators and access control systems.

Mitsubishi says that by supporting the safe, efficient movement of people and in-building mobilities in buildings, the new technology is expected to reduce the workloads of building-management personnel and help realize smart buildings in which people and robots coexist safely. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric develops tech for controlling mobile robots