Robotics & Automation News

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7 Supply Chain Technology Trends Shaping a Sustainable Future

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In almost all industries, companies are confronted with the sustainability challenges induced by climate change, scarcity of natural resources, and ever-shifting customer demands.

In general, a sustainable supply chain is one that ensures to balance the economic, social, and environmental performances – such as better assurance of human rights, ethical work practices, carbon footprint reduction, waste management, and resource efficiency. [Read more…] about 7 Supply Chain Technology Trends Shaping a Sustainable Future

Deep learning networks prefer the human voice – just like we do

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Columbia engineers demonstrate that AI systems might reach higher performance if programmed with sound files of human language rather than with binary data labels. (See video below.)

The digital revolution is built on a foundation of invisible 1s and 0s called bits.

As decades pass, and more and more of the world’s information and knowledge morph into streams of 1s and 0s, the notion that computers prefer to “speak” in binary numbers is rarely questioned.

According to new research from Columbia Engineering, this could be about to change. [Read more…] about Deep learning networks prefer the human voice – just like we do

ABB says its robots have boosted productivity at Nestlé’s Brazilian plants by ‘over 50 percent’

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ABB says its robots have boosted productivity at Nestlé’s Brazilian plants by more than 50 percent. The company says its SafeMove collaborative robot technology “enhances employee safety while increasing efficiency at Nestle’s confectionary factories”. (See video below.)

ABB robots are supporting Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, to improve the productivity of pallet loading in its chocolate manufacturing facilities in Brazil “by 53 percent”, using a new ABB palletizing robot solution.

While the company currently uses ABB Robotics palletizing solutions, the latest requirement was for a more compact cell that could fit into a smaller area and easily be replicated at other sites. An important requirement was for the robot to safely interact with employees, who occasionally need to enter the palletizing area to speed up pallet changes. [Read more…] about ABB says its robots have boosted productivity at Nestlé’s Brazilian plants by ‘over 50 percent’

FPT Industrial uses Sherpa autonomous mobile robots to increase production

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Powerful performance, advanced technology, real sustainability. And now, also a landmark target achieved. FPT Industrial announces the production of the 10,000th Cursor 13 NG engine, rolling off the line of its plant in Bourbon-Lancy (France) on March 9th.

First unveiled in Turin (Italy) in October 2017 during the FPT Tech Day, the Cursor 13 Natural Gas engine, in little more than three years, has won the hearts and the profit-oriented minds of even the most natural gas-skeptical transport professionals, reaching an ever increasing popularity and record sales.

Currently the most powerful 100 percent Natural Gas engine available in the on-road segment and the first purely NG engine specially developed for long-haul missions, the Cursor 13 NG is produced at Bourbon-Lancy, the FPT Industrial plant located in the Burgundy region of France. [Read more…] about FPT Industrial uses Sherpa autonomous mobile robots to increase production

More flexible gear machining for industrial robots

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Today’s industrial robots must fit into smaller spaces, so as much “manufacturing real estate” as possible is dedicated to production. This places pressure on manufacturers to machine smaller, tighter components for these machines. Here, Harish Maniyoor, global product manager for automotive at the machine tooling specialist Sandvik Coromant explains why power skiving is the answer.

The overall number of industrial robots operating in factories worldwide grew to 2.7 million in 2019, according to the 2020 World Robotics Report by the International Federation of Robotics. 

This was a 12 percent increase from 2018 and a historic high. Robots factor into a range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to the food industry and pharmaceuticals – yet all of these sectors have common requirements.

Not only must these robots be smaller, but also lighter with reduced inertia and able to perform more exact movements with optimal speed and efficiency. The challenge is on for manufacturers to machine smaller and more precisely engineered-components – like internal gear reducers – with more flexible designs. [Read more…] about More flexible gear machining for industrial robots

Chinese robotics sector files ‘44 percent of total global patents’

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The Chinese robotics sector generated almost half of total global patents in the most recent year available, according to a new report. 

The figure was published in the Annual Report on the Development of the Robot Industry in China, jointly written by HRG International Institute of Research and Innovation as well as the China Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation.

The two organizations produced what they call the 2021 Blue Book of the Robot Industry, based on their research. [Read more…] about Chinese robotics sector files ‘44 percent of total global patents’

Intralogistics market forecast to grow at 15 percent a year

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The global intralogistics market is expected to surge at a compound annual growth rate of 15.5 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to FactMR.com., which would provide more opportunities for automated guided vehicle and autonomous mobile robot suppliers. 

The market burgeoned at a spritely rate of 14.3 percent over the last five years owing to transcendent demand for increased productivity and efficiency across industries, globally.

Moreover, commencement of industry 4.0 has comprehensively compelled industry verticals to go digital with their supply chain networks. [Read more…] about Intralogistics market forecast to grow at 15 percent a year

New study reveals 80 percent of manufacturers see smart manufacturing as key to future success

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The survey’s nearly 300 respondents indicate the pandemic accelerated the need and adoption of smart manufacturing technologies, outpacing earlier predictions

Plex Systems, a provider of cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions, has released the results of its sixth annual study, the State of Smart Manufacturing.

This year’s study, which was conducted in collaboration with Hanover Research, highlights how manufacturers use smart technology to tackle today’s challenges and drive measurable return on investment, and are positioned to take advantage of future opportunities.

The findings demonstrate a need for smart manufacturing technology to address current challenges, including those heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, 83 percent of manufacturers say the pandemic has made adopting smart manufacturing technologies and processes a priority. [Read more…] about New study reveals 80 percent of manufacturers see smart manufacturing as key to future success

Okuma unveils machining center that forms and finishes metal parts in ‘one setup’

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Okuma has unveiled a new machining center that it says can form and finishes large metal parts and components in one setup.

The company says its MCR-S double column machining center “combines cutting-edge technology and process improvements to reduce cycle time by 25 percent”.

Okuma is one of the largest manufacturers of CNC machine tools, and says its MCR-S roughs and finishes press dies in one setup and is designed for heavy duty machining of process-intensive press dies. [Read more…] about Okuma unveils machining center that forms and finishes metal parts in ‘one setup’

Delivery robot company Refraction AI raises $4.2 million

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Refraction AI, the robotics startup and creator of the REV-1 autonomous delivery robot, has raised $4.2 million in new seed funding led by Pillar VC.

The company says the capital will be used for customer acquisition, geographic expansion and product development.

Founded in July 2019, Refraction AI solves last-mile delivery logistics with a practical, economical and sustainable application of mobile robot technology. [Read more…] about Delivery robot company Refraction AI raises $4.2 million