Robotics & Automation News

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ABB opens its Mexico Technology and Engineering Center

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ABB has established a new regional operations center for North America, bringing technology expertise closer to customers and building on its similar resources globally.

An initial $1 million investment has been made for the new Mexico Technology and Engineering Center (MXTEC) in the city of Merida, Yucatan, to help the technology leader to reach higher project delivery capacity and increase competitiveness.

The center, located within the modern SkyWork building alongside a community of technology and cyber security companies, will be a go-to resource for ABB engineers and covers disciplines including automation, electrical and software engineering. [Read more…] about ABB opens its Mexico Technology and Engineering Center

Kodiak Robotics equips autonomous trucks with Ambarella AI system-on-chip

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Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving trucking company, has agreed a partnership with Ambarella, an edge AI semiconductor company, to integrate Ambarella’s CV2AQ AI perception system-on-chip (SoC) into its self-driving trucks for all camera data processing.

To kick off the partnership publicly, Kodiak will exhibit one of its self-driving trucks at Ambarella’s demo event in Las Vegas during the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Don Burnette, founder and CEO, Kodiak, says: “Our focus on building the world’s safest and most reliable self-driving trucks requires us to seek out the best partners. [Read more…] about Kodiak Robotics equips autonomous trucks with Ambarella AI system-on-chip

Wieland acquires Heyco Metals and National Bronze Manufacturing

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With the acquisition of Hummock Industries, Wieland has acquired Heyco Metals, a leader in light and medium gauge copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel strip processing, and National Bronze, a manufacturer and distributor of bronze-based bearing products.

Hummock Industries is a family-owned holding company focused on long-term investments in North American-based manufacturing companies.

These complementary operations will further strengthen Wieland’s market position with expanded product offerings, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution networks in North America. [Read more…] about Wieland acquires Heyco Metals and National Bronze Manufacturing

North American robot sales on track for another record year for 2022

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North American robot sales in the first nine months of 2022 reached record levels, with all indications pointing to 2022 ending with the highest number of robots sold in a year for the second year in a row.

According to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), from January to September 2022, North American companies purchased 35,804 units valued at $1.875 billion, up 24 percent for units ordered and 27 percent for revenue over the same period in 2021.

Jeff Burnstein, president of A3, says: “Ongoing labor shortages, easier-to-use robotic solutions and new industries embracing robotics, such as restaurants, retail, construction and even agriculture, have led to record units sold here in North America this year. [Read more…] about North American robot sales on track for another record year for 2022

Flexiv Robotics selects Sycodal as first Canadian distribution partner

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Flexiv, a provider of general-purpose robotics solutions, is partnering with Sycodal, a leading Quebec-based automation integrator, to bring adaptive robotic technology to the Canadian market.

As part of Flexiv’s continued expansion into North America, this latest partnership will enable Canadian companies to take full advantage of an adaptive robot’s efficiency, flexibility, customizability, and ease of use.

Created to address the shortcomings of collaborative robots, adaptive robots offer their users artificial intelligence, industry-leading force control, and computer vision integration to achieve unmatched precision. [Read more…] about Flexiv Robotics selects Sycodal as first Canadian distribution partner

Flexiv continues US expansion by partnering with Infinity Robotics

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Flexiv, a general-purpose robotics company, has agreed a partnership with its new US-based integration company Infinity Robotics.

As a Flexiv integration partner, Infinity Robotics will work with customers to maximize production efficiency by installing Flexiv’s range of adaptive robots into their settings.

With more than ten years of experience in the distribution and manufacturing of automated control systems, Infinity Robotics provides innovative and customizable manufacturing solutions to its customers in and around Minnesota. [Read more…] about Flexiv continues US expansion by partnering with Infinity Robotics

Autonomous delivery vehicle maker Clevon expands in America

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Clevon, an autonomous delivery vehicle maker, is expanding the company’s operations to North America with the opening of its Center of Excellence and US headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ).

As part of the celebration today, Clevon will also host President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis; Brandom Gengelbach, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; and Ross Perot, Jr, chairman for the Perot Group and Hillwood at the company’s opening commemoration.

Clevon is expanding into the North American market as the pressure from businesses to offer on-demand, same-day or next-day delivery of goods and services continues to skyrocket. To meet this demand, Clevon has brought its autonomous delivery vehicles to North America. [Read more…] about Autonomous delivery vehicle maker Clevon expands in America

Wolfspeed to build ‘world’s largest’ silicon carbide materials facility in North Carolina

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Wolfspeed, a developer of silicon carbide technology, says it will build a new, state-of-the-art, multi-billion-dollar materials manufacturing facility in Chatham County, North Carolina.

The investment is targeted to generate a more than 10 fold increase from Wolfspeed’s current Silicon Carbide production capacity on its Durham campus, supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy, accelerating the adoption of Silicon Carbide semiconductors across a wide array of end-markets and unlocking a new era of energy efficiency.

Gregg Lowe, president and CEO of Wolfspeed, says: “Wolfspeed is the industry leader in supplying the materials required to meet the accelerating demand for next generation semiconductors and creating a more sustainable future for all. [Read more…] about Wolfspeed to build ‘world’s largest’ silicon carbide materials facility in North Carolina

Solinftec unveils new sprayer robot for farms

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Solinftec, a global leader in agricultural digitalization, has unveiled a new sprayer robot for applications on farms and in agriculture.

The company says it is expanding its Solix Ag Robotics offerings. In addition to its Solix Scouting robot, the company has unveiled its Solix Sprayer robot designed to detect and spray weeds.

In partnership with the manufacturing, research, and development company, McKinney Corporation, who will produce and manufacture the Solix spray robot, this new cutting-edge technology is slated to become commercially available in 2023 to the entire agricultural market including farmers, cooperatives, and ag-retailers. [Read more…] about Solinftec unveils new sprayer robot for farms

NFI places $10 million order for material handling robots from Boston Dynamics

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NFI Industries, a supply chain solutions provider, has signed a $10 million agreement to deploy Boston Dynamics’ newest robot, Stretch, across its US warehousing operations.

The mobile robot will begin unloading trucks and containers as a pilot program at NFI’s Savannah, GA facility in 2023, with plans to outfit additional warehouse locations across North America over the next few years.

Supply chain demand remains near all-time highs. To support the flow of goods and increase operational capacity, NFI continues to invest in technology that supports a people-led, technology-enabled approach. [Read more…] about NFI places $10 million order for material handling robots from Boston Dynamics