Robotics & Automation News

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Intel’s new AI chip enables ‘real-time learning for robots’

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Intel Labs, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology and the Technical University of Munich, has introduced a new approach to neural network-based object learning.

It specifically targets future applications like robotic assistants that interact with unconstrained environments, including in logistics, healthcare or elderly care.

This research is a crucial step in improving the capabilities of future assistive or manufacturing robots. It uses neuromorphic computing through new interactive online object learning methods to enable robots to learn new objects after deployment. [Read more…] about Intel’s new AI chip enables ‘real-time learning for robots’

Fraunhofer Research uses Nvidia simulation technologies to design ‘futuristic autonomous mobile robots’

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Fraunhofer Research is using Nvidia simulation technologies to design futuristic autonomous mobile robots that significantly advance the state of the art in autonomous mobile robots.

The Germany-based research group’s O3dyn platform is intended for the creation and testing of autonomous mobile robots for manufacturing. [Read more…] about Fraunhofer Research uses Nvidia simulation technologies to design ‘futuristic autonomous mobile robots’

NFI places $10 million order for material handling robots from Boston Dynamics

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NFI Industries, a supply chain solutions provider, has signed a $10 million agreement to deploy Boston Dynamics’ newest robot, Stretch, across its US warehousing operations.

The mobile robot will begin unloading trucks and containers as a pilot program at NFI’s Savannah, GA facility in 2023, with plans to outfit additional warehouse locations across North America over the next few years.

Supply chain demand remains near all-time highs. To support the flow of goods and increase operational capacity, NFI continues to invest in technology that supports a people-led, technology-enabled approach. [Read more…] about NFI places $10 million order for material handling robots from Boston Dynamics

Robot sales reach record high in North America for third consecutive quarter

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For the third-straight quarter, robot sales in North America hit a record high, driven by a resurgence in sales to automotive companies and an ongoing need to manage increasing demand to automate logistics for e-commerce.

According to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), of the 12,305 robots sold in Q2 2022, 59 percent of the orders came from the automotive industry with the remaining orders from non-automotive companies largely in the food and consumer goods industry, which saw a 13 percent increase in unit orders over the same period, April through June, in 2021.

Jeff Burnstein, A3 President, says: “While automotive entities have long been the frontrunner in deploying robotics and automation, the last few years have seen food & consumer goods, life sciences and other industries grow at even higher rates. [Read more…] about Robot sales reach record high in North America for third consecutive quarter

Alstef unveils robot for baggage handling at airports

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Alstef has unveiled a mobile robot for handling baggage at airports. The new machine – the BAGXone – was launched by Nicolas Breton, Alstef Group’s CEO, at a recent industry event.

BAGXone is described as a high-speed automated guided vehicle designed to handle individual bags. It can cover short distances, from check-in to screening machines or from the screening machines to an early bag store, reconciliation room, make-up carousel.

It can also cover long distances – for example, link between two terminals. It is also “easily adaptable” to suit scalability and redundancy requirements. If there are increased capacity requirements or expansion of the baggage sorting system, new AGVs can be added to extend the fleet. [Read more…] about Alstef unveils robot for baggage handling at airports

Recycling robot tackles electrical waste

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A sustainable circular economy depends on recycled electronic consumer goods. But recycling electronic waste can endanger human workers – which makes it an optimal application for robotics and automation.

To overcome these challenges, the Irish technology company Votechnik has developed a system based around a Kuka industrial robot.

Because of mercury and other gases, as well as sharp-edged parts, it’s dangerous for people to dismantle LCD screens and monitors. [Read more…] about Recycling robot tackles electrical waste

Dobot introduces expanded lineup of non-contact cobots

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Collaborative robot manufacturer Dobot and its US-based master distributor DB Cobots have unveiled the addition of its 3 kg and 10 kg collaborative robots to the existing 5 kg version of the Safe Skin model previously available.

This expanded lineup will enable more industries and companies to use cobots with the safest technology available in their automation, says the company.

Dobot’s standard line of Industrial Cobots are inherently safe by stopping when the arm makes contact with an object. [Read more…] about Dobot introduces expanded lineup of non-contact cobots

PickNik Robotics releases MoveIt Studio developer platform and SDK

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PickNik Robotics, a robotics software and engineering services company, has released both its MoveIt Studio Developer Platform and MoveIt Studio SDK (software development kit). The new software products help robotics and software engineers to create, debug, and ship complex manipulation projects faster.

Dr Dave Coleman, CEO of PickNik Robotics, says: “These premium offerings leverage cutting edge approaches that we have developed over seven years working with some of the best robotics companies in the world.

“Both MoveIt Studio products ensure customers don’t have to waste time programming common manipulation behaviors. This will further evolve the robotics industry by making it more practical to use advanced manipulation techniques in more applications.” [Read more…] about PickNik Robotics releases MoveIt Studio developer platform and SDK

Addverb Technologies releases new sorter robot for warehouses

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Addverb Technologies, a robotics company providing warehouse automation solutions, has released a new sorter robot called SortIE – a fast-moving scalable solution for rapid and efficient order fulfilment.

As a fully automated robotic put-to-wall sorting system, SortIE is capable of performing SKU-wise intelligent sortation at very high speeds and at different height levels.

Additionally, it enables easy and rapid picking. It can be easily integrated with existing conveying systems such as conveyors, robots, and manual transport with no impact on ongoing operations. [Read more…] about Addverb Technologies releases new sorter robot for warehouses

Acieta unveils new collaborative robotic system for welding

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Acieta has unveiled a new collaborative robotic system for welding. The company says the new “FastARC” cobot can pay back customers’ investment “in as little as six months”.

Acieta says that “everyone is struggling to hire and retain good laborers, especially those with welding skills”. But when the position is unfilled, a welding system sits idle and doesn’t make a profit.

Companies simply cannot afford to wait for the next skilled welder to walk through the door. The labor pool is dwindling and there’s fierce competition to attract those individuals. [Read more…] about Acieta unveils new collaborative robotic system for welding