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ABB to acquire autonomous mobile robot maker ASTI

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ABB says it will acquire ASTI Mobile Robotics Group, an autonomous mobile robot manufacturer with a broad portfolio across all major applications enabled by the company’s software suite.

This will expand ABB’s robotics and automation offering, making it the only company to offer a complete portfolio for the next generation of flexible automation.

The acquisition, a key part of ABB’s external growth strategy, was signed on July 19 and is expected to close in mid-summer 2021. Both parties agreed not to disclose any details regarding the purchase price. [Read more…] about ABB to acquire autonomous mobile robot maker ASTI

API and Mitutoyo agree global partnership in metrology

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API Metrology, the inventor of the laser tracker, is partnering with the leading measurement and inspection solutions provider to complete the most diverse metrology hardware and software portfolio.

API and Mitutoyo have agreed a partnership to distribute API’s portable dimensional metrology equipment throughout Mitutoyo’s worldwide network.

Production times and tolerances continue to grow tighter for manufacturers around the world, and their need for precise, portable measurement hardware and software has increased to meet this demand. [Read more…] about API and Mitutoyo agree global partnership in metrology

ABB launches new range of ‘next generation’ collaborative robots

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ABB is expanding its collaborative robot portfolio with the new GoFa and SWIFTI cobot families, offering higher payloads and speeds, to complement YuMi and Single Arm YuMi in ABB’s cobot line-up.

These stronger, faster and more capable cobots will accelerate the company’s expansion in high-growth segments including electronics, healthcare, consumer goods, logistics and food and beverage, amongst others, meeting the growing demand for automation across multiple industries.

GoFa and SWIFTI are intuitively designed so customers need not rely on in-house programming specialists. This will unlock industries that have low levels of automation, with customers able to operate their cobot within minutes of installation, straight out of the box, with no specialized training. [Read more…] about ABB launches new range of ‘next generation’ collaborative robots

ZF builds on technology portfolio with acquisition of WABCO

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ZF is building on its technology portfolio with the recent acquisition of US truck maker WABCO.

ZF says it is poised to be “the leading technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry” with the addition of WABCO’s capabilities. The company is playing a pivotal role in the industry’s drive towards a more sustainable, connected, automated safer future.

The company says WABCO’s Autonomous Driving Open Technology (ADOPT) software platform increases safety, efficiency and operational productivity. ADOPT provides automated vehicle operations with “advanced vehicle motion control”. [Read more…] about ZF builds on technology portfolio with acquisition of WABCO

ABB unveils weird magnetic levitation system for ‘multi-dimensional manufacturing’

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ABB has expanded its flexible manufacturing portfolio with the launch of an innovative magnetic levitation shuttle system.

The solution is the result of a strategic partnership with Planar Motors (PMI), which enhances ABB business unit B&R’s adaptive machine offering, integrating PMI’s new production technology milestone in open, adaptive manufacturing.

ABB says it is partnering with Canada’s PMI to expand its machine automation offering: The integration of PMI’s magnetic levitation technology into the company’s machine automation division’s (B&R) portfolio will accelerate industry’s transition from strictly linear production to an open, adaptive manufacturing space. [Read more…] about ABB unveils weird magnetic levitation system for ‘multi-dimensional manufacturing’

Siemens launches new version of Simcenter 3D

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Siemens Digital Industries Software announces the availability of the latest release of Simcenter 3D software, part of the Simcenter portfolio of simulation and test solutions.

Simcenter 3D and the Simcenter portfolio are part of the Xcelerator portfolio, Siemens’ integrated portfolio of software, services and application development platform.

In the 2021 release, Simcenter 3D continues to further improve its powerful unified and shared engineering platform for all simulation disciplines to help users gain full value of the benefits that simulation provides in terms of cost, speed and impact to innovation. [Read more…] about Siemens launches new version of Simcenter 3D

New Honda and Suzuki models use ThyssenKrupp carbon wheels

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The German carbon wheels manufacturer, ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components, has expanded its portfolio by five models within the last two months.

In detail three Suzuki models of the street sector, namely the GSXS1000, GSX-S1000F and Katana as well as Honda’s new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the SP version, can now be equipped with braided carbon wheels of the highest quality.

ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components’ patented braiding technology ensures not only stunning optics but also high damage tolerance. The carbon wheels for both Japanese manufacturers are available in Style 1 and – thanks to ABE, DOT E and JWL homologation – road-legal worldwide. [Read more…] about New Honda and Suzuki models use ThyssenKrupp carbon wheels

40 North Ventures acquires 11 companies from GE Ventures

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40 North Ventures, an early-to-growth stage venture capital fund focused on technology investments in the industrial sector, has acquired investments in 11 companies from GE Ventures.

Although 40 North Ventures is not disclosing the value of this deal, the fund raised $200 million last year. This was in part utilized for the acquisition from GE Ventures, as well as four prior investments, according to a spokesperson.

The 11 new portfolio companies are aligned with 40 North Ventures’ focus on technology and business model innovation, adding to its growing portfolio of high-performance companies building the industrial future. [Read more…] about 40 North Ventures acquires 11 companies from GE Ventures

Geek+ partners with Kuecker to offer ‘smart logistics’ across North America

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Geek+, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses, has agreed a new distribution partnership with Kuecker Logistics Group, a material handling systems integrator.

The two companies will work together to provide smart logistics solutions to customers across North America.

Geek+ has built up an extensive portfolio of successful cases across industries and a wide variety of artificial intelligence-driven robotics solutions. [Read more…] about Geek+ partners with Kuecker to offer ‘smart logistics’ across North America

Kuka launches new robot controller that is ‘smaller and requires less energy’

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Kuka has launched a new robot controller which it says requires less energy than its predecessor and is at the same time “significantly more compact”.

The KR C5 and the corresponding KR C5 micro robot controller are designed for small robots and are described as “future-compatible hardware” which feature “smart software”.

Kuka says the controllers “slot seamlessly into existing IT and cloud environments” and will gradually support all current applications – while offering considerably more possibilities and even better results. [Read more…] about Kuka launches new robot controller that is ‘smaller and requires less energy’