Robotics & Automation News

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Wiferion launches cloud-based optimization platform for intelligent mobile robot charging

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Wiferion, an energy solution supplier powering mobile robots and autonomous industrial vehicles through wireless charging, has launched what it says is “the world’s first cloud-based solution for smart robot charging optimization platform.

The cloud-based etaHUB application helps companies utilize their fleets more efficiently by reducing energy consumption, extending battery life, and increasing the productivity of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) through real-time intelligent charging management.

With its expansion into the North American market this year, Wiferion will debut etaHUB at Automate, May 22-25, 2023, in Detroit. [Read more…] about Wiferion launches cloud-based optimization platform for intelligent mobile robot charging

Columbia scientists build ‘highly dexterous robot hand that can operate in the dark – just like humans’

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Columbia university engineers design a robot hand (video below) that is the first device of its kind to join advanced sense of touch with motor-learning algorithms – it doesn’t rely on vision to manipulate objects

Think about what you do with your hands when you’re home at night pushing buttons on your TV’s remote control, or at a restaurant using all kinds of cutlery and glassware. 

These skills are all based on touch, while you’re watching a TV program or choosing something from the menu. Our hands and fingers are incredibly skilled mechanisms, and highly sensitive to boot.

Robotics researchers have long been trying to create “true” dexterity in robot hands, but the goal has been frustratingly elusive. Robot grippers and suction cups can pick and place items, but more dexterous tasks such as assembly, insertion, reorientation, packaging and so on have remained in the realm of human manipulation. [Read more…] about Columbia scientists build ‘highly dexterous robot hand that can operate in the dark – just like humans’

Robot-based automation: 3 tips for a time and cost-efficient implementation

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Why no-code and low-code tools have become indispensable in robotics

Using robots is almost always worthwhile for companies. They can reduce labor costs, relieve employees, and make production more flexible – because the required batch sizes are becoming smaller and production processes more individual.

In addition, a robot or cobot offers another major advantage: it can work without breaks and fatigue, thereby increasing product quality and reducing scrap.

With modern robot systems, almost all processes can now be automated. Usually, robots take over simple, dirty, monotonous, physically demanding, or even dangerous tasks.

However, with the right hardware and, above all, software, very complex or particularly demanding tasks, so-called “Advanced Robotics” applications, can also be solved. Examples of this include the assembly of flexible and bendable components such as cables, wires, or hoses or force-controlled surface processing. [Read more…] about Robot-based automation: 3 tips for a time and cost-efficient implementation

ITU planning ‘world’s first press conference featuring humanoid social robots’

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The International Telecommunications Union’s upcoming AI for Good Global Summit will include what the organization says is “the world’s first press conference featuring humanoid social robots”.

At this “unprecedented media event”, nine robots and their creators will be available for questions from reporters in Geneva, Switzerland on 7 July.

Over 40 specialized robots demonstrating capabilities ranging from fighting fires and building houses to providing healthcare and farming sustainably will also be on display during the full event running from 6 to 7 July at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG). [Read more…] about ITU planning ‘world’s first press conference featuring humanoid social robots’

The Future of Solar Panel Cleaning: Robots vs Humans

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One of the advantages of solar systems is their minimal maintenance.

This is true, there are no moving parts in the panels that can fail due to friction, they do not wear out, so they can serve for a long time without loss of efficiency.

But often users notice that performance has started to drop. Some even call specialists, believing that something is wrong with the batteries. There’s something wrong with them, they are just dirty.

Solar systems need constant care. It is necessary to clean the surface of the panels at least 2 times a year – in spring and autumn, but it is better to do this more often. [Read more…] about The Future of Solar Panel Cleaning: Robots vs Humans

How Danone created its new automated palletising system with Yaskawa

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When Yaskawa Southern Africa was contacted about Danone’s new automation project in Boksburg, the industrial robotics manufacturer teamed up with one of their preferred suppliers, Tectra Automation, a division of Bosch Rexroth, to offer a turnkey solution.

Yaskawa brought forward its automation expertise to Danone, answering the multinational’s challenge with additional lifting capacity and speed, thanks in no small part to its PL 190 palletising robots. [Read more…] about How Danone created its new automated palletising system with Yaskawa

igus unveils ‘first’ industrial robot made of plastic

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igus has unveiled what it says is “the first robot made of high-performance plastic”. At just 8 kg, ReBeL is the lightest in its class: a real lightweight robot.

The compact, space-saving design with an integrated control system in the base opens up completely new fields of application for service robotics.

In collaboration with people, the ReBeL takes on tasks in the event and gastronomy sector, for example as a reliable coffee enricher or as a machine loader in production.

The robot is available as a plug-and-play version with integrated control system and robot software or as an open source version. In addition, users can choose between four or six degrees of freedom and thus adapt the ReBeL to their individual application scenario. [Read more…] about igus unveils ‘first’ industrial robot made of plastic

Demand for robot vision system is anticipated to reach $7 billion by 2033

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The global robot vision system market is likely to be worth $2,690.4 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.4 percent during the forecast years of 2023-2033.

In order to improve job efficiency and replace human labour, the market for robots is rising and is anticipated to rise more during the coming year.

The market is expanding as a result of increased adoption of machine vision systems and the use of cognitive humanoid robots in end use industries such as automotive industry and others. [Read more…] about Demand for robot vision system is anticipated to reach $7 billion by 2033

Avidbots releases first floorscrubbing robot built for industrial spaces

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Avidbots, a robotics company, has launched its first cleaning robot, Neo 2W, describing it as having been “designed specifically for warehouses and manufacturing environments to improve cleaning quality, efficiency and productivity”.

Warehouses and factories present unique and challenging environments for robots, given floor debris, dynamic activity, and frequent layout changes.

In collaboration with industrial customers, Avidbots developed Neo 2W to alleviate common issues, resulting in a more consistent clean with less downtime and unnecessary human intervention. [Read more…] about Avidbots releases first floorscrubbing robot built for industrial spaces

Doosan robot central to coffee machine deal with Everysys

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Doosan Robotics, a manufacturer of industrial and collaborative robotics, has announced an exclusive partnership with Everysys, a Swiss manufacturer of commercial coffee machines. 

The Eversys Cameo coffee machine will now be featured in “Dr Presso”, Doosan’s robot café module, which could be described as a robotic work cell.

Dr Presso can prepare 15 types of hot and cold coffee, now with the same in-cup quality found in specialized franchises. Doosan says Dr Presso is “the only robot on the market that can close the caps on coffee cups”. [Read more…] about Doosan robot central to coffee machine deal with Everysys