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ABB launches ‘Wizard’ to make robot programming ‘more intuitive’

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ABB has launched what it calls “Wizard Easy Programming” to make robot programming “more intuitive”. (See video below.)

The company says Easy Programming makes robots easier to install, program and operate without specialized training, reducing barriers for first-time robot-users to implement automation

Wizard easy programming is a graphical programming method designed to enable users to quickly create robot application programs for ABB’s single-arm YuMi collaborative robot, without the need for specialized training. [Read more…] about ABB launches ‘Wizard’ to make robot programming ‘more intuitive’

SoftBank Robotics launches educational IDE for Pepper robot

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SoftBank Robotics Americas has launched an integrated development environment for its humanoid Pepper robot.

SoftBank calls the IDE “Tethys”, and says it has been created to teach students how to code.

The standalone visual programming software can connect to their humanoid robot, Pepper, to program full functionality of the robot in real time.

SBRA’s first commercially available software tool is the latest milestone in their longstanding education initiative spanning Nao, Pepper, and their partnership with the SoftBank Group. [Read more…] about SoftBank Robotics launches educational IDE for Pepper robot

OnRobot unveils compact Gecko gripper for smaller jobs

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OnRobot, a global leader in robotic end-of-arm tooling, has launched a compact, single-pad version of its innovative Gecko no-mark adhesive gripper.

The new Gecko Single Pad (SP) gripper brings the previous model’s revolutionary adaptability to more varied applications with smaller payloads.

It is available in three sizes, SP1, SP3 and SP5, indicating the different grippers’ lifting capacities in kilos. [Read more…] about OnRobot unveils compact Gecko gripper for smaller jobs

ABB adds 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation software

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ABB is introducing 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation and offline programming software, which will enable users to program ABB robots for additive manufacturing “in just 30 minutes”. (See video below.)

Part of the PowerPac portfolio of RobotStudio, the new 3D Printing feature eliminates manual programming to allow faster prototype production.

The 3D Printing PowerPac supports a variety of processes, such as welding and printing with granules or concrete and is ideal for low-volume, high-mix printing. [Read more…] about ABB adds 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation software

ArtiMinds boosts its robot programming solutions with Wibu-Systems security

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Wibu-Systems, a security technology company, has supported the integration of its comprehensive CodeMeter licensing and security solution into ArtiMinds industrial robot programming software suite.

CodeMeter allows ArtiMinds Robotics, a German provider of sensor-based automation solutions, to protect their intellectual property while enabling them to monetize their software solutions with easy and flexible entitlement management based on different factors, such as user seats or robot-bound licenses.

ArtiMinds Robot Programming Suite combines online and offline programming with a unique approach to create complex robot programs without manually writing a single line of source code. [Read more…] about ArtiMinds boosts its robot programming solutions with Wibu-Systems security

Madison College students win industrial robotics competition

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Madison College students Schuyler Bostedt, Garrett Butler and Jonathan Stowell took first place in the Industrial Robotics Competition held during the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Technology Show October 8-10 in Milwaukee.

Bostedt, Butler and Stowell are enrolled in the Electromechanical Technology associate degree program.

The contest tested robotic programming knowledge by challenging students to complete a set of tasks on a Fanuc education robot in three hours. [Read more…] about Madison College students win industrial robotics competition

Record sales of collaborative robots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

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With a growth of 23 percent in annual installations of collaborative robots from 2017 to 2018, the new World Robotics Report, published by International Federation of Robotics, shows a huge demand for end-of-arm-tooling, (EoAT).

In 2018 almost 14,000 new cobot arms were installed, and if this trend continues, that number will double in approximately three years, prompting an unprecedented EoAT market opportunity that OnRobot is ready to address.

For the first time ever, the annual World Robotics Report includes a specific analysis on the market for cobots, documenting a robust 23 percent growth worldwide. [Read more…] about Record sales of collaborative robots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

Fanuc to demonstrate cobots and automation technology at Westec 2019

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Fanuc America, supplier of robotics, CNCs and robomachines will demonstrate robotic and automation solutions for the aerospace, medical, industrial machinery and consumer goods industries at Westec 2019, 24-26 September in Long Beach, California, USA.

It will show the Fanuc CR-15iA collaborative robot, which uses iRVision to locate a part and then loads it into a chuck to simulate machining. The robot unloads the part and the cycle repeats.

Fanuc’s CR-7iA collaborative robot will demonstrate a variety of pre-programmed movements. Visitors will be able to use the hand-guidance mode, which allows them to instruct the robot to perform different movements and record paths.

[Read more…] about Fanuc to demonstrate cobots and automation technology at Westec 2019

Industrial measurement and testing: Faster commissioning results in quicker time to market

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Bosch Rexroth provides insight into measurement and testing processes

To ensure consistency, repeatability, quality and compliance with regulations, many companies employ rigorous testing and measurement processes.

Kraus automation technology (KAT), specialises in providing tailored testing systems for life-span, fatigue and material tests.

To offer testing systems which meet the needs of their diverse customer base, KAT use National Instruments’ LabView software to create custom user interfaces for engineers. [Read more…] about Industrial measurement and testing: Faster commissioning results in quicker time to market

Ket-Met reduces machine costs by more than 40 percent, says Universal Robots

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Ket-Met has been able to reduce machine costs by more than 40 percent through the application of collaborative robots, according to a case study by Universal Robots

Ket-Met is a Finnish subcontract machine tooling shop.

Until recently, the company had progressively lost its cost competitiveness – the main reason for this was that its traditional way of using CNC machines required too much manpower.

Machine hour costs were reduced by over 40 percent due to Universal Robots’ cobots.

This helped the company win new orders. [Read more…] about Ket-Met reduces machine costs by more than 40 percent, says Universal Robots