Robotics & Automation News

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New product launches to bring new dawn for industrial robotics

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The advent of robotics has been a boon for the industrial sector and new innovations have been offering improved efficiency, less downtime, and better products.

From implementing robots for mundane tasks to enhancing precision of existing tasks, industrial robotics has come a long way.

The advancements in technologies have enabled manufacturers to utilize robots that are lightweight, perform multiple tasks, and improve efficiency. [Read more…] about New product launches to bring new dawn for industrial robotics

Scientists use supercomputer to create ‘first living robot’

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Scientists at the University of Vermont and Tufts University have created what they claim is the world’s first living robot. (See video below.)

The scientists say they have repurposed living cells, taken from frog embryos, and assembled them into “entirely new life-forms”.

The millimeter-wide “xenobots” can move toward a target, perhaps pick up a payload – like a medicine that needs to be carried to a specific place inside a patient – and heal themselves after being cut. [Read more…] about Scientists use supercomputer to create ‘first living robot’

Volkswagen unveils concept robot for electric vehicle charging

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Volkswagen has provided a glimpse into a future in which the search for charging stations for electric cars comes to an end. (See video below.)

Volkswagen Group Components’ mobile charging robot takes over this task – and drives to the electric car completely autonomously.

After it is started via app or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communication, the mobile robot drives itself to the vehicle that needs charging and communicates with it. [Read more…] about Volkswagen unveils concept robot for electric vehicle charging

IAM Robotics to open new HQ and showroom in Pittsburgh

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IAM Robotics, inventor of an autonomous mobile manipulation robot, is opening a new, headquarters and showcase innovation center.

The new 30,000 square foot facility will be located in the emerging high tech area of Pittsburgh known as Robotics Row, a stretch of land that has become a hotbed for robotics and technology companies along the Allegheny River.

The IAM Robotics Showcase Innovation Center will feature a distribution center environment where visitors will experience the company’s high tech robotic labor system in action. [Read more…] about IAM Robotics to open new HQ and showroom in Pittsburgh

Fanuc showcases its robotic technologies at CES for the first time

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Fanuc, the world’s leading supplier of robotics, CNCs, Robomachines and industrial internet-of-things solutions, has been showcasing its technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show for the first time.

After nearly 40 years of providing robots and automation for manufacturing, Fanuc says it is experiencing “rapid growth in consumer-oriented and service markets including e-commerce and warehousing, food preparation, agriculture and entertainment”.

At CES, Fanuc offered visitors the opportunity to interact with its robots in a wide range of demonstrations and contests including a selfie station, a voice-activated gift selection, hand-guided robot programming, and speed and dexterity challenges. [Read more…] about Fanuc showcases its robotic technologies at CES for the first time

Omron showcases new industrial robot with built-in AI

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Omron has demonstrated a new industrial robot with built-in artificial intelligence at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The automation giant says its Omron i4 “next generation industrial robot” possesses embedded AI for predictive maintenance.

This self-diagnosing robot detects and communicates when it needs repairs and routine maintenance, adds Omron. [Read more…] about Omron showcases new industrial robot with built-in AI

Universal Robots sells almost 40,000 units

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Universal Robots has sold almost 40,000 units to date, but says the market for collaborative robots remains “largely untapped”.

The company started selling its collaborative robots more than 10 years ago, and has become the leader in a category which it effectively created.

At the time, collaborative robots were unheard of, and industrial robots were always thought of as big, powerful machines which needed to be caged off in case of danger to human workers. [Read more…] about Universal Robots sells almost 40,000 units

ABB launches new robot and controller

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ABB is introducing a new harsh environment version of its IRB 1100 robot and OmniCore controller, designed with enhanced protection against water and dust.

The entire body of the new IRB 1100 model has an IP67 rating, with all electrical components sealed against contaminants.

This makes it resistant to water and provides the robot with “complete protection from dust ingress”, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches new robot and controller

Samsung rolls out new spherical robot at CES

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Samsung has made a keynote presentation at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show which featured a number of robotic developments.

Samsung Consumer Electronics President and CEO, H.S. Kim, unveiled the company’s vision of robots as “life companions”, and introduced Ballie, a small, rolling robot that “understands you, supports you, and reacts to your needs to be actively helpful around the house”, according to Samsung.

Sebastian Seung, executive vice president and chief research scientist at Samsung Electronics elaborated on Ballie, explaining that its on-device artificial intelligence capabilities enable it to be a fitness assistant and a mobile interface that seeks solutions for people’s changing needs. [Read more…] about Samsung rolls out new spherical robot at CES

Autonomous buses and shuttles reflect ‘strong societal trends’, says report

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Autonomous buses and robotic shuttles reflect “strong societal trends”, such as ageing populations who are less mobile and the record numbers of people moving to cities, according to a new report.

These are among the findings of a study by IDTechEx, Robot Shuttles and Autonomous Buses 2020-2040, said to be the first in-depth report on the subject.

Robot shuttles are an important new, reconfigurable form of transportation for goods and people that may even function as mobile offices, workshops, restaurants and more. [Read more…] about Autonomous buses and shuttles reflect ‘strong societal trends’, says report