Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

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Wanted: Robot to load dishwasher. Must be careful

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Chris Roberts, head of industrial robotics at Cambridge Consultants, provides an overview of the jobs robots could potentially do in future

Cambridge Consultants recently announced a new technology for automating one of the most unloved jobs in a commercial kitchen – loading the dishwasher.

This technology combines innovative robotics with cutting edge AI to achieve something hitherto impossible – detecting and handling a wide variety of dirty crockery haphazardly arranged on a tray.

However, the fundamental techniques used in this product can be applied to a wider range of situations and problems. There are many different tasks that it is only now possible to automate.

[Read more…] about Wanted: Robot to load dishwasher. Must be careful

Epson Robots signs Smith Power Systems as distributor in south central US

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Epson Robots has signed Smith Power Systems, provider of selling services for its manufacturing partners, as an official distributor for the full line of Epson Robots automation products for the Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas territories.

This includes Epson SCARA, 6-Axis and Linear Module robots as well as integrated solutions such as the IntelliFlex Feeding System, Vision Guide, Force Guide and many other industrial automation products offered by Epson Robots.

Gregg Smith, president, Smith Power Systems, says: “Our partnership with Epson gives us a solid footprint in the factory automation, assembly and robotics field in our territory.

[Read more…] about Epson Robots signs Smith Power Systems as distributor in south central US

UTC begins work on hybrid electric aeroplane

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United Technologies (UTC) has recently launched the advanced projects group within the company, which moves at speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators.

The group’s first product demonstrator is a hybrid-electric X-plane under the project name, Project 804.

The number “804” represents the straight-line mileage between the Pratt & Whitney facility in Longueuil, Québec, and the Collins Aerospace facility in Rockford, Illinois.

[Read more…] about UTC begins work on hybrid electric aeroplane

New solder paste enables further miniaturisation in automotive electronics

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For the production of miniaturised electrical systems, such as those used in the automotive industry, solder material must meet extremely high requirements.

In response, Heraeus Electronics has developed its new solder paste Microbond SMT650, which it says guarantees consistently high surface resistance.

The combination of the new F650 flux system with the Innolot metal alloy increases reliability and prevents electrochemical migration even under the most extreme environmental conditions.

[Read more…] about New solder paste enables further miniaturisation in automotive electronics

Universal Robots certifies SMC magnetic grippers

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SMC Corporation of America, a pneumatics and industrial automation components manufacturer, has joined Universal Robots’ UR+ program, launching the new UR+ certified MHM Series Magnetic Gripper.

The gripper is bundled into an easy plug and play kit that integrates to a unique solution for picking, transferring, and placing ferromagnetic workpieces of uneven surfaces, porous, or that are susceptible to damage when traditional methods of vacuum systems or mechanical grippers are not viable.

A working demonstration of the MHM Magnetic Gripper kit installed on the arm of a Universal Robot was demonstrated at SMC’s booth and UR’s booth at the recent Automate Show in Chicago.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots certifies SMC magnetic grippers

Okuma and Hartwig open tech centre in Houston

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Okuma America Corporation, a world leader in CNC machine tool manufacturing, and Okuma distributor Hartwig, have opened a new Okuma Tech Center at Hartwig Houston in Texas, USA.

The 23,000 sq ft showroom which features more than 20 machine tools – including larger machines specifically built for the oil and gas industry.

Wade Anderson, Okuma Product Specialists Sales Manager and Tech Centers Manager, said: “The new space allows us to show the larger machines that are significant to the oil and gas industry, and our customers can see live-cutting applications demonstrated on these Okuma machine tools.”

A new type of robotic ‘brain’ could transform modern factories

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By Richard van Hooijdonk

Industrial robots like the ones that assemble Tesla vehicles or Nokia’s 5G base stations are a sight to behold.

They’re critical for manufacturing automation and lead to improved product quality, shorter cycle times, and decreased production costs.

So, it’s no surprise that the global industrial robotics market is expected to reach a whopping $97.41 billion by 2026 as investments in this technology ramp up. [Read more…] about A new type of robotic ‘brain’ could transform modern factories

Anca launches new robot arm

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Anca has launched its first industrial robot – a selective compliance assembly robot arm, or SCARA.

Anca is better known for its computer numerical control machines, and supplies the automotive, electronic, medical, aerospace and many other manufacturing verticals.

The company says it spends 10 percent of its annual turnover on research and development projects and often collaborates with universities to develop its latest technology. [Read more…] about Anca launches new robot arm

Infographic: How AI is streamlining the supply chain

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Noodle AI has produced an infographic to show how artificial intelligence is changing commerce

Artificial intelligence is everywhere. In fact, you may have interacted with it today and you didn’t even know it.

AI can streamline a lot of our daily business operations, freeing us up to tackle more difficult tasks.

Within the world of e-commerce, AI may be the key to streamlining the supply chain. [Read more…] about Infographic: How AI is streamlining the supply chain

Autodesk to bundle Nastran simulation and manufacturing software free with Inventor

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Autodesk is planning to include simulation and computer-aided manufacturing software into its Inventor mechanical design suite of applications, according to a report on Engineering.com. 

Autodesk Inventor is generally used by engineers in mechanical design, and was available for $2,500 a year through the company’s website.

Autodesk’s senior director of manufacturing business strategy, Stephen Hooper, told Engineering.com that the company would now include Nastran and HSMWorks in an Inventor suite.  [Read more…] about Autodesk to bundle Nastran simulation and manufacturing software free with Inventor