Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

percent

Plus One Robotics survey shows 75 percent of Americans say delivery delays ‘dampen holiday spirit’

by

A new survey commissioned by Plus One Robotics, a provider of AI vision software and solutions for robotic parcel handling, reveals that 75 percent of Americans report holiday delivery delays negatively impact their holiday experience, with 12 percent saying delays ruin their celebrations entirely.

The survey of 1,000 US consumers demonstrates the importance of reliable and transparent shipping operations during the holiday season.

An overwhelming 82 percent of consumers consider seeing the expected delivery date before checkout either “extremely important” or “very important”, indicating that shipping information plays a crucial role in holiday shopping behavior. [Read more…] about Plus One Robotics survey shows 75 percent of Americans say delivery delays ‘dampen holiday spirit’

Worldwide silicon wafer shipments increase 6 percent in Q3 2024, SEMI Reports

by

Worldwide silicon wafer shipments increased 5.9 percent quarter-over-quarter to 3,214 million square inches (MSI) in the third quarter of 2024 and registered 6.8 percent growth from the 3,010 million square inches recorded during the same quarter last year, the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) reported in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry.

Lee Chungwei, chairman of SEMI SMG and vice president and chief auditor at GlobalWafers, says: “The third quarter wafer shipment results continued the upward trend which started in the second quarter of this year.

“Inventory levels have declined throughout the supply chain but generally remain high. Demand for advanced wafers used for AI continues to be strong.

[Read more…] about Worldwide silicon wafer shipments increase 6 percent in Q3 2024, SEMI Reports

The Rise of Automation in Manufacturing

by

Manufacturing operations across the globe have experienced a great deal of turbulence in recent years.

From disruptions to production lines and supply chains brought about by both the pandemic and geopolitical disturbances, to an increased focus on sustainable practices intended to reduce energy consumption and make more appropriate use of finite resources.

In an effort to address these pressures, organizations around the world are working to find actionable ways to improve productivity without incurring avoidable expenses. [Read more…] about The Rise of Automation in Manufacturing

ABB expands large robot family with four ‘energy saving’ models, 22 variants

by

ABB Robotics is expanding its large robot range with four new models and 22 variants, offering more choice, increased coverage and greater performance.

The next generation models include the IRB 6710, IRB 6720, IRB 6730 and IRB 6740, suitable for payloads ranging from 150 kg to 310 kg, with a reach from 2.5 m to 3.2 m, offering customers greater choice and significant performance and energy efficiency improvements.

Marc Segura, president of ABB’s Robotics Division, says: “Sustainable production is a major priority of automotive manufacturers, with 78 percent of companies identifying it as important to their business and 77 percent identifying it as a priority for their customers. [Read more…] about ABB expands large robot family with four ‘energy saving’ models, 22 variants

Toyota and Daimler partner to advance autonomous truck technologies in Japan

by

Following the news that Daimler Truck and Toyota have entered into a partnership to combine their truck businesses in Japan, Varshini Shetty, automotive analyst at GlobalData, offers her view.

Shetty says: “To accelerate the development and manufacture of CASE (Connected / Autonomous & Automated / Shared / Electric) technology and hydrogen vehicles, many businesses are forming alliances with other automakers, start-ups, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“Aligning with this trend is the deal between Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd. and Daimler-owned Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. to combine their truck businesses in Japan. [Read more…] about Toyota and Daimler partner to advance autonomous truck technologies in Japan

nTopology claims it can reduce 3D design file sizes by 99 percent

by

nTopology, the developer of generative design software for engineering, and EOS, an industrial 3D printing company, are developing a new “Implicit Interop” capability, solving what they see as “a major bottleneck in the additive manufacturing workflow”.

The companies say they are achieving this by allowing the transfer of the most complex designs in megabyte-sized files, thereby quickening the time to manufacturing.

Previewed at the Formnext industry event a few months ago, the technology advancement was said to be “eagerly received” by nTopology partners and customers. [Read more…] about nTopology claims it can reduce 3D design file sizes by 99 percent

Soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on industry, says Protolabs report

by

A new Protolabs report reveals that almost one third (32 percent) of robotics industry experts believe that soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on how robotics manufacturing will develop in the next five years.

Meanwhile, more than one quarter (29 percent) see the material supply chain as the most serious barrier to progress.

Sustainability and speed were highlighted as important factors for innovation and product development in fresh applications. [Read more…] about Soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on industry, says Protolabs report

Netrush and Brightpick partnership ‘cuts fulfillment costs by 50 percent’

by

At a time when consumer expectations have never been higher and a positive workplace culture is more crucial than ever, e-commerce growth expert Netrush is investing in a solution that the company says is “sure to help the company further improve customer and employee satisfaction while also enabling it to significantly reduce costs”.

The initiative is part of an agreement between Netrush and its newest partner Brightpick, whose warehouse automation solutions “have helped e-commerce retailers cut order fulfillment costs by as much as 50 percent”, according to the companies.

Netrush CEO Shane Atchison says: “With this partnership, we’re innovating to deliver a logistics operation that is four times more efficient and a corporate culture that is second to none. [Read more…] about Netrush and Brightpick partnership ‘cuts fulfillment costs by 50 percent’

Internet of robotic things market is likely to surpass $210 billion

by

The Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) market is likely to surpass $210 billion amid demand for automation in the manufacturing and service sector, according to Future Market Insights.

The IoRT market revenue was estimated at $21.4 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 25.6 percent from 2022 to 2032.

By the end of 2032, the IoRT market is expected to reach a valuation of $210 billion. The service sector segment will dominate the market at a projected CAGR of 25.4 percent from 2022 to 2032. [Read more…] about Internet of robotic things market is likely to surpass $210 billion

Recycling company EverestLabs raises $16 million and reports 200 percent growth

by

EverestLabs, developer of RecycleOSSM, which it claims is “the first AI-enabled operating system for material recycling facilities” (MRFs), has reported its key milestones accomplished in 2022.

Successes included rapid customer growth with key recycling facilities, such as North America’s largest commingled recycling facility, more than 200 percent deployment growth for the second year in a row, and the closing of Series A funding that will fuel expansion.

JD Ambati, founder and CEO of EverestLabs, says: “2022 was a year of tremendous growth for EverestLabs, thanks in large part to our customers, partners and employees. [Read more…] about Recycling company EverestLabs raises $16 million and reports 200 percent growth