Robotics & Automation News

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Can robots save the e-commerce holiday season?

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It’s getting close to Christmas and that means it’s time for e-commerce fulfillment managers to start getting worried about the availability of labor for the holiday season.

According to a recent article in Supply Chain Dive, “this year’s peak season promises additional challenges in recruiting new hires as the pool of available labor shrinks”.

As the article points out, the US unemployment rate hit a 50-year low in September 2019. [Read more…] about Can robots save the e-commerce holiday season?

How robotics and AI are changing the fashion industry and warehousing sector

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The fashion industry is investing huge amounts of money in artificial intelligence systems that can provide what is called “sentiment analysis”, which is similar to customer feedback, except that it’s indirectly acquired.

Typically, sentiment analytics systems can gather information from social media pages as well as through natural language processing, perhaps through listening to customer phone calls.

A massive number of data points can be collated and analysed – a quantity of information that only an AI system can process. And after processing it all, conclusions can be drawn. [Read more…] about How robotics and AI are changing the fashion industry and warehousing sector

AGCO completes Maryland assembly, distribution, training facility

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AGCO Corporation, a worldwide distributor and manufacturer of agricultural equipment, has completed expansion of its Edgewood, Maryland assembly and distribution facility.

The facility will be used to build Fendt high horsepower tractors and Massey Ferguson compact and utility tractors and equipment.

The location also now includes a training center to provide dealers in the region a more cost-effective, time-efficient location for product and service training. [Read more…] about AGCO completes Maryland assembly, distribution, training facility

AREVO partners with AGC on 3D printing in Japanese markets

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AREVO, the Silicon Valley company specialising in composites manufacturing through digitalization – or 3D printing, has chosen AGC as its strategic business partner in Japan.

The two companies plan to provide “manufacturing-as-a-service” for the on-demand production of ultra-strong, lightweight 3D-printed composite parts for the Japanese market.

This service is based on AREVO’s “Aqua” platform, the world’s first industrial-grade continuous fiber 3D printing system capable of printing parts of up to one meter cubic volume. [Read more…] about AREVO partners with AGC on 3D printing in Japanese markets

Rockwell Automation partners with Accenture to create digital solutions for industrial clients

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Rockwell Automation and Accenture’s Industry X.0 are teaming up to develop a digital offering to help industrial clients “move beyond existing manufacturing solutions to transform their entire connected enterprise”.

The engagement is designed to capitalize on the expertise of both companies to deliver new capabilities for greater industrial supply chain optimization.

By providing customers with a single, trusted provider of digital solutions, the collaboration will enable clients to more effectively leverage the industrial internet of things and ultimately drive measurable growth outcomes. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation partners with Accenture to create digital solutions for industrial clients

Fanuc launches new food-grade delta robot

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Industrial automation giant Fanuc has launched a new “food-grade” delta robot.

The company says its new DR-3iB “sets a new standard for robotic food handling in terms of payload, speed, reach and sanitation”.

The new DR-3iB delta robot is Fanuc’s latest solution for picking and packing primary and secondary food products. [Read more…] about Fanuc launches new food-grade delta robot

Teradyne to acquire AutoGuide Mobile Robots for $165 million

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Teradyne is again strengthening its position in the robotics and automation market with another acquisition after already buying Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots. 

Teradyne and AutoGuide Mobile Robots have entered into a definitive agreement under which Teradyne will acquire privately held AutoGuide for $165 million – $58 million net of cash acquired plus $107 million if certain performance targets are met extending potentially through 2022.

The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. [Read more…] about Teradyne to acquire AutoGuide Mobile Robots for $165 million

Omron introduces new control panel equipment for factory automation

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Omron has introduced its sixth wave of factory automation control equipment.

The company says the devices are built on a common design platform for unified product specifications, for further innovation in control panel building.

The products will be available as 237 models in six categories. [Read more…] about Omron introduces new control panel equipment for factory automation

Fanuc opens new robotics and automation facility

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Fanuc America is planning to open a new 461,000 square-foot North Campus robotics and automation facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The world’s largest industrial robot supplier will hold a grand opening celebration for the new centre later today.

Fanuc has invited customers, local officials, educators, suppliers, and the media to an official program, ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tour. [Read more…] about Fanuc opens new robotics and automation facility

Mitsubishi Electric’s new plant in India to produce automotive products

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Mitsubishi Electric says it will start construction of a new plant on the premises of its subsidiary Mitsubishi Electric Automotive India in Gujarat, India.

The company’s new plant, along with one in Manesar, Haryana, will enable MEAI to expand its output of products such as motor-control units for electric power steering, exhaust gas recirculation valves and giant magnet-resistance sensors.

The demand for these components is expected to grow in line with increasing sales of vehicles offering enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in the Indian market. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric’s new plant in India to produce automotive products