Robotics & Automation News

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OnRobot’s Nasa technology-based ‘Gecko’ gripper named finalist in the 2019 Edison Awards

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OnRobot, a global leader in end-of-arm tooling for collaborative robots, announced today its Gecko Gripper has been named a finalist in the Applied Technology’s Robotics category in the 2019 Edison Awards.

The Edison Awards, named after Thomas Alva Edison, recognizes and honors the world’s best in innovators and innovations. The Awards will announce gold, silver and bronze award winners at the Edison Awards Gala held Thursday, April 4, 2019, in New York City.

OnRobot provides hardware and software that is used with collaborative robots – or cobots – from a variety of robot manufacturers, such as Universal Robots, Kuka, Fanuc and Yaskawa. Recently, OnRobot announced general availability of its Gecko Gripper.  [Read more…] about OnRobot’s Nasa technology-based ‘Gecko’ gripper named finalist in the 2019 Edison Awards

Flexible collaborative robots boost capacity at Swedish machine shop

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FT-Produktion turned to flexible collaborative robots – cobots – to boost productivity without adding personnel. The new technology also elevated job satisfaction by bringing variation to daily routines – a key advantage in an industry battling to attract and retain qualified labour.

No machine shop in its right mind would turn down global leaders like Volvo, Renault and Scania when they come calling with orders – even if it means pushing capacity and productivity to the limit. But in a labour market where recruiting qualified employees is easier said than done, it takes innovation to increase output capacity.

To meet growing market demand, the Swedish machine shop FT-Produktion turned to specialised robot technology designed to meet the automation needs of small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses.  [Read more…] about Flexible collaborative robots boost capacity at Swedish machine shop

OnRobot launches robotics tool changer

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OnRobot, a specialist in robotic end-of-arm tooling, is launching a new patented tool changer for collaborative applications developed by Purple Robotics, recently acquired by OnRobot.

Weighing only 200 g (7 oz.), the Quick Changer has a low impact on robot payload. Its compact size also adds minimal distance from the tool centre point (TCP) to the robot, which minimises stress on robot joints.

The Quick Changer releases end-of-arm tools with just a click and inserted tools are automatically positioned correctly with a repeatability of ±0.02 mm. The Quick Changer can be used on any robot arm, drone, or other equipment with an ISO-9409-1 flange.

[Read more…] about OnRobot launches robotics tool changer

OnRobot strengthens its grip on market with acquisition of Purple Robotics

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Purple Robotics, which developed an innovative vacuum gripper within one year – the world’s first gripper specifically for cobots – has now been acquired by OnRobot.

The acquisition takes place just two months after the OnRobot merger of three robotics companies – Perceptron from the US, OptoForce from Hungary, and OnRobot from Denmark – to create one global player with a strong focus on the market for industrial robot accessories.

Now, OnRobot in Odense, Denmark, adds what it regards as another “trail-blazing technology” to its product mix.  [Read more…] about OnRobot strengthens its grip on market with acquisition of Purple Robotics

Newly-formed OnRobot debuts new products at Automatica

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The newly-formed company OnRobot, a combination of US-based Perception Robotics, Hungary-based OptoForce, and Denmark-based OnRobot, is launching several new products at the ongoing trade show Automatica 2018.

The new products are:

  • the “Gecko Gripper”;
  • the “Polyskin Tactile Gripper”;
  • the “RG2-FT”; and
  • a major technical upgrade of the existing “HEX” force-torque sensor product line based on OptoForce technology.

OnRobot says these “innovative solutions will open up new areas of application for collaborative robotics” at the same time as making implementation “even easier”.  [Read more…] about Newly-formed OnRobot debuts new products at Automatica

OnRobot and OptoForce target 250 per cent growth in Southeast Asia

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Robotic solutions providers OnRobot and OptoForce – which are both now part of one single company – are aggressively targeting Southeast Asia, aiming to grow 250 per cent in the region this year.

Executives at the companies believe the increased demand will come from the electronics, automotive and CNC machining industries.

This new assessment follows the appointment of Niels Ole Sinkbæk Sørensen as sales manager, Asia Pacific, who oversees business expansion in the region for both companies, based in Kuala Lumpur.  [Read more…] about OnRobot and OptoForce target 250 per cent growth in Southeast Asia

Former Universal Robots CEO launches ambitious plan for end-effectors sector

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Enrico Krog Iversen, former CEO of collaborative robot maker Universal Robots, is partnering with the Danish Growth Fund to address what he sees as “the next challenge in automation” with the merger of three innovative end-of-arm tooling companies to facilitate the ongoing growth of collaborative robotics, an industry expected to reach $8.5 billion by 2025.

The new company – which combines US-based Perception Robotics, Hungary-based OptoForce, and Denmark-based On Robot – will be called OnRobot.

Iversen says the new company will drive innovation and ease-of-use for robotic end-of-arm tooling.  [Read more…] about Former Universal Robots CEO launches ambitious plan for end-effectors sector