Robotics & Automation News

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SGS introduces ‘cutting-edge testing protocol’ for robots checking furniture drawer slides

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SGS, a testing, inspection and certification company, has launched a new advanced slide test protocol that uses “PROF” – short for “SGS Performance Factory” – to assess the performance and durability of furniture drawers.

The PROF furniture drawer slide test protocol accurately simulates real consumer use and misuse to measure and map the evolution of opening force, damping force and drawer face position when operating. It can also compare the impact of drawer use on the right and left sides and be used to contrast different brands and designs.

This protocol has several key advantages for consumers, manufacturers and brands. Its high-quality, trusted and impartial data supports performance and durability claims, enabling consumers to make better-informed purchasing decisions. It also empowers better commercial decisions concerning design improvements and product selection. [Read more…] about SGS introduces ‘cutting-edge testing protocol’ for robots checking furniture drawer slides

Thermal imaging cameras in the food industry

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In the food industry, it’s essential to carefully control the temperature of perishable goods throughout production, transportation, storage, and sales.

Repeated warnings about illnesses due to tainted and improperly cooked foods highlight the need for tighter process control. Because this almost always involves a human factor, food processors need tools that automate crucial operations in a way that helps minimize human error while holding down costs.

Thermal imaging cameras are such a tool. Using FLIR thermal imaging cameras, you can make automated non-contact temperature measurements in many food processing applications. Analog video outputs can be viewed on video monitors, and digital temperature data, including MPEG4 video outputs, can be routed to a computer via Ethernet. [Read more…] about Thermal imaging cameras in the food industry

Wingtra lands $22 million funding round for its commercial drones

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The business use case and appetite for drone technology is growing rapidly, a marketplace that was worth $29.8 billion in 2022 and is growing 38.6 percent annually.

Serving this demand, Wingtra, which claims to be the world’s largest producer of commercial vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones, has closed a $22 million series B funding round as they accelerate their operations globally.

The funding round included DiamondStream Partners, EquityPitcher Ventures, Verve Ventures, the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund), ACE & Company, John L. Steffens (founder of Spring Mountain Capital) and some of the most successful Swiss Entrepreneurs. [Read more…] about Wingtra lands $22 million funding round for its commercial drones

Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

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A Finland-based company called Rocla AGV has launched a new, agile AGV – named “ACT”, short for automated compact truck – designed to lift heavy loads in narrow spaces.

Rocla says ACT is an “exceptional addition” to its existing AGV line, allowing the company to offer our customers an even more versatile product range.

From the comprehensive Rocla AGV offering, there is always a suitable pick or combination for each customer’s unique needs in warehouse and production environments. [Read more…] about Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

Bear Robotics launches ‘ultimate’ hospitality robot

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Bear Robotics, a Silicon Valley-based innovator of hospitality robots, announces the launch of its new robot, Servi Plus, a service industry game-changer featuring increased capacity, enhanced user experience features, and the smoothest suspension engineering in the industry for transporting liquids and traversing ramps. 

With an expanded 88 lb (40 kg) payload and a 16+ dish capacity, Servi Plus is the heavy-duty answer to hospitality workflow automation.

The latest addition to Bear Robotics’ renowned Servi lineup, Servi Plus is a bigger solution for alleviating repetitive work like running orders and bussing dishes so that team members may stay on the floor and focus on creating exceptional guest experiences.  [Read more…] about Bear Robotics launches ‘ultimate’ hospitality robot

The Importance of Prototyping in Manufacturing: A Guide to the Product Development Process

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Prototyping is a critical step in the manufacturing process. It plays a vital role in product development, validation, and refinement. By using prototypes, manufacturers can test and validate their product designs before moving forward with full-scale production, which can save time and resources in the long run.

The role of prototyping in manufacturing is to help identify any potential issues and make necessary changes early on, which can result in higher-quality products and better commercial success. [Read more…] about The Importance of Prototyping in Manufacturing: A Guide to the Product Development Process

Massage robot to start product evaluation in the US and clinical trial in Singapore

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Singapore robotics firm AiTreat will be embarking on a new product evaluation in the United States for their massage robot powered by artificial intelligence at Mayo Clinic, USA.

At the same time, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing the efficacy of the massage robot with existing therapies such as manual Tuina – a massage used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – in managing chronic low back pain is also being planned in Singapore.

The RCT will be jointly led by the biomedical sciences and Chinese medicine programme at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH). [Read more…] about Massage robot to start product evaluation in the US and clinical trial in Singapore

Merger of Velodyne and Ouster creates $550 million lidar giant

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Velodyne and Ouster have merged to create what could be described as a “lidar giant” at a time when interest in lidar – light detection and ranging – sensors are at an all-time high because of their applications in so many robotic and automated machines. 

Ouster and Velodyne describe their successful deal as a “merger of equals”. The combined company will keep the name Ouster and continue to trade on New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “OUST”. The two companies have a combined market capitalization of more than $550 million.

The merger creates a lidar powerhouse with over 850 customers spanning the automotive, industrial, robotics, and smart infrastructure industries supported by a robust product portfolio of innovative hardware and software solutions in addition to top-tier engineering and commercial teams. [Read more…] about Merger of Velodyne and Ouster creates $550 million lidar giant

Mitsubishi Electric to invest $223 million to build new factory in India

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Mitsubishi Electric says it will invest approximately 26.7 billion yen (about $222.5 million), in its subsidiary company Mitsubishi Electric India to establish a factory for the production of room air conditioners and compressors in India.

Local production, targeted to start in October 2025, is expected to help the company meet growing demand in the Indian market. Initial annual capacity will total 300,000 room air conditioner outdoor units and, beginning in December 2025, 650,000 compressors.

The demand to replace older air conditioning and refrigeration systems with newer models is expected to continue growing as consumers and companies shift to energy-saving and low-GWP refrigerants. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric to invest $223 million to build new factory in India

SSI Schaefer fully acquires DS Automotion

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The SSI Schaefer Group, an international provider of modular warehousing and logistics solutions employing some 10,000 people, and DS Automotion, a provider of mobile robotics such as automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots, have signed an agreement under which SSI Schaefer will acquire all shares in DS Automotion.

Through the new agreement, SSI Schaefer will expand the minority interest it has held since 2018 to reflect the growing importance of autonomous and mobile robotics and the AGV business in intralogistics.

The acquisition of the remaining shares will take effect on March 1st, 2023 and is subject to approval by Austria’s Federal Competition Authority. [Read more…] about SSI Schaefer fully acquires DS Automotion