Robotics & Automation News

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IMHX provides platform for more robotics and automation technologies

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IMHX is one of the largest trade shows aimed at the intralogistics sector in the UK. Held in Birmingham, the event features more than 450 exhibitors and attracts more than 16,000 industry experts over its four-day duration, from September 24th to 27th.

As with the other events Robotics and Automation News has covered over the past year or two, IMHX is seeing an increasing number of robotics and automation solutions sharing the stage with technologies that have been established for a lot longer.

Longer-established technologies can be said to be the ones that brought about “mechanised” automation, which has become more sophisticated over time, integrating electronics and computer technologies into it. [Read more…] about IMHX provides platform for more robotics and automation technologies

Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot shows off its gymnastic skills

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Boston Dynamics, the much-talked-about maker of humanoid and canine robots, has been demonstrating the gymnastic skills of one of its robots, Atlas. (See video below.)

Atlas is about 1.5 metres tall, weighs approximately 80 kg, and has 28 hydraulic joints.

The Boston Dynamics team have always impressed with their ability to mimic natural human or canine movements with their robots, and the new gymnastic skills they have taught Atlas are equally as accomplished. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot shows off its gymnastic skills

IFR report: Global investment in industrial robots reaches record $16.5 billion

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The new World Robotics report, released by the International Federation of Robotics, shows an annual global sales value of $16.5 billion in 2018 – a new record.

At least 422,000 units were shipped globally in 2018 – an increase of 6 percent compared to the previous year.

IFR forecasts shipments in 2019 will recede from the record level in 2018, but expects an average growth of 12 percent per year from 2020 to 2022. [Read more…] about IFR report: Global investment in industrial robots reaches record $16.5 billion

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

Smart factories driving industrial robot controller market

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The growth of the global industrial robot controller market is being sustained and driven by the accelerating activity in factory automation, according to a report by FMI.

FMI’s research shows that the industrial robot controller market valued at approximately $632.6 million in 2018 and is projected to increase at a growth of 9.1 percent between the projected period of 2019 and 2029.

As per the findings of the report, the global industrial robot controller market is anticipated to see substantial growth over the forecast period.

This is set in motion by increase in the adoption of human machine interaction, data and cloud capabilities boosting hardware control, and optimization of industrial robot cost. [Read more…] about Smart factories driving industrial robot controller market

Robot end-effector market forecast to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025

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The global market for robot end-effectors is forecast to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025, according to research done by Global Market Insights.

The revenue of Robot End-Effector Market crossed $2.5 billion in the year 2018 and is predicted to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025, growing at 14 percent between the years 2019 and 2025.

The advent of industry 4.0 in manufacturing industry which includes the inclusion of technological trends such as cloud robotics, automation, cyber-physical systems, big data, and IoT is driving the demand for advanced end-effectors. [Read more…] about Robot end-effector market forecast to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025

Left Hand Robotics raises $3.6 million for ‘transformer’ robot

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Left Hand Robotics has raised $3.6 million for its “transformer” robot, which can be used as a commercial field mower and then reconfigured to be used as a snow clearing robot.

The funding round was led by Catapult Ventures to build out its team and expand distribution of the world’s first state-of-the-art, fully autonomous outdoor robot designed as a scalable platform that allows customers to complete multiple tedious outdoor tasks.

The company says the robot transforms from a large-scale field mowing robot to a snow clearing robot by “simply switching out attachments”. [Read more…] about Left Hand Robotics raises $3.6 million for ‘transformer’ robot

Strange spacecraft lands on Earth carrying humanoid robot

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An unmanned spacecraft recently landed on Earth carrying a humanoid robot. But, perhaps disappointingly for UFO buffs, neither is alien in origin.

The spacecraft is the Soyuz MS-14 space capsule, which made a “first of its kind test flight” to the International Space Station.

The vehicle is Russian, and so is its passenger, a humanoid robot called Skybot F-850, also known as “Fedor”, apparently (main picture). [Read more…] about Strange spacecraft lands on Earth carrying humanoid robot

Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

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Omron has launched an updated ranges of optical sensors that the company says can better detect black, mirrored and transparent surfaces.

Omron Electronic Components Europe says the new series of optical sensors, also feature a longer detection distance.

Omron B5W sensors are particularly effective at identifying black, transparent, reflective and other hard to detect services, and the new range also features enhanced performance in this area. [Read more…] about Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

Epson to showcase its latest robots at Pack Expo

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Epson Robots will be showcasing the latest 6-axis and SCARA robots as well as its integrated parts feeding solutions at Pack Expo Las Vegas.

Epson will also lead a discussion on how to plan and implement automation projects.

6-axis robots

Thanks to their SlimLine design, Epson 6-axis robots can save on valuable factory floor space and fit where other robots cannot – with no compromise to performance, speed and reach. [Read more…] about Epson to showcase its latest robots at Pack Expo