Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

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Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

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Since 1965, when the first exoskeleton was produced for military use, exoskeletons have been increasingly popular in the manufacturing world, supporting workers and improving the quality of their working hours. (See video below.)

In 2018 more than 7,000 units were sold in manufacturing, according to ABI Research data.

However, the potential market need would be 60,000 units for all types of exoskeleton, with an estimated growth rate of more than 50 percent from 2019 to 2024. [Read more…] about Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

Fanuc to introduce new RoboNano ‘ultra precise’ machining tool

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Fanuc is to introduce its new “RoboNano α-NTiA” at SPIE Photonics West 2020, February 4-6, in San Francisco, Booth #5684.

Designed to help manufacturers improve productivity, the RoboNano is described as an “ultra-precise machine tool offering the ultimate in finish quality for optical surfaces”.

Available in two models, including the new RoboNano α-NTiA for turning applications and the RoboNano α-NMiA for 5-axis milling and scribing / engraving, the RoboNano meets the requirements of the most demanding applications in the automotive, biomedical, and watchmaking industries. [Read more…] about Fanuc to introduce new RoboNano ‘ultra precise’ machining tool

How Laser Markers Are the Next Best Thing for Your Products

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Laser Markings became a hit as soon as the technology was invented. Almost all the big companies around the world are marking their products through laser.

I’ll get to the benefits of laser marking in a while, but first thing first: What is laser marking in the first place?

It is a simple procedure where your product is marked/tagged with the script/barcode, and so on, of your choice. It can be easily customized to fit your requirements. Just like all other things, it also comes in different qualities. [Read more…] about How Laser Markers Are the Next Best Thing for Your Products

FLIR launches ‘industry’s first’ deep learning camera

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Imaging company FLIR Systems has launched what it says is “the industry’s first” deep learning camera for applications ranging from industrial inspection to autonomous driving and others.

FLIR says the Firefly DL enables systems designers to build neural networks that are capable of decision-making at the edge.

FLIR is believed to be the world’s largest commercial company specializing in the design and production of thermal imaging cameras, components and imaging sensors. [Read more…] about FLIR launches ‘industry’s first’ deep learning camera

SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

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Misumi, a global manufacturer and provider of mechanical components and indirect materials for special machine construction and assembly automation, has commissioned SSI Schaefer to implement a new logistics center in Frankfurt / Main.

The distribution center will be built in several stages and have a capacity for 450,000 items on more than 10,000 sq m of storage area.

Core elements of the system are an automated shuttle warehouse, a four-storied rack system, ergonomic work stations connected via a conveying system and the logistics software Wamas. [Read more…] about SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

FLIR launches new camera capable of deep learning

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FLIR Systems has launched a camera which includes deep learning capabilities – the Firefly DL – for applications ranging from industrial inspection to autonomous driving and others.

Deep learning is a type of artificial intelligence which tends to ingest, or collect, far more data than does the machine learning method.

Both deep and machine learning types of AI tend to require large computing systems, generally necessitating clusters in the cloud, or at least a powerful PC. [Read more…] about FLIR launches new camera capable of deep learning

Exploring the Present and Future Impact of Robotics and Machine Learning on the Healthcare Industry

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Robotics has already revolutionized the manufacturing industry, but it has begun to impact the healthcare industry as well. AI is already showing that it can do a lot of what humans can, only faster and cheaper.

The potential benefits of machine learning and artificial intelligence are only starting to be seen, though we can make an educated guess regarding the benefit it can have.

Let’s look at the current and future impact robotics and machine learning is making on the healthcare industry. [Read more…] about Exploring the Present and Future Impact of Robotics and Machine Learning on the Healthcare Industry

RND Automation integrates Epson Robots into hydraulic valve assembly

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RND Automation, a provider of robotic packaging solutions, has integrated Epson Robots into its “unique” hydraulic valve assembly process. (See video below.)

RND is using the Epson T3 All-in-One and G3 SCARA robots, as well as the C8 compact 6-Axis robots in the process, and says it offers customers a “fully customized and complete automation solution for demanding assembly operations at an affordable price”.

RND, a Platinum level Epson AutomateElite System Integrator partner, incorporates the Epson SCARA and 6-Axis robots with rotary and linear indexers and machine vision for its Hydraulic Valve Assembly Machine, a “turnkey solution” for the most demanding assembly operations. [Read more…] about RND Automation integrates Epson Robots into hydraulic valve assembly

Universal Robots ‘future-proofs’ production processes at Vietnamese manufacturer with collaborative robots

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Universal Robots has helped Vietnam-based Vinacomin Motor Industry Joint Stock Company “future-proof” its production processes with collaborative robots.

VMIC is a subsidiary of the Vinacomin Group, a state-owned coal and mining giant.

VMIC, one of the first state-owned manufacturers to deploy cobots, has seen productivity increase two to three times, with improved product quality, leading to a 50 to 60 percent rise in orders. [Read more…] about Universal Robots ‘future-proofs’ production processes at Vietnamese manufacturer with collaborative robots

Nissan teaches robots to make replacement parts for old cars

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Breakthrough could mean parts for discontinued models become more widely available for customers

Nissan has developed a new way to use robots to make car parts out of sheet steel, a breakthrough that could make replacement parts for discontinued models more widely available for customers.

Nissan hopes to commercialize the proprietary technique, known as dual-sided dieless forming. The technique involves two synchronized robots working from opposite sides of a steel sheet, using diamond-coated tools to gradually shape the steel.

Thanks to its flexible production, short lead times and minimal upfront costs, the new technique could make it commercially viable to produce and sell a wide variety of after-service and replacement parts in small volumes for cars that Nissan no longer makes. [Read more…] about Nissan teaches robots to make replacement parts for old cars