Robotics & Automation News

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The evolution of the industrial robotic arm and how humanoids might make it go extinct

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Industrial robotic arms have been a cornerstone of manufacturing since their inception in the mid-20th century.

From the earliest iterations like the Unimate to today’s sensor-packed collaborative robots, these mechanical arms have transformed industries, defined automation, and become a symbol of industrial efficiency.

But as humanoid robots emerge as a potential competitor, the future of robotic arms is more uncertain than ever. This article delves into their evolution, market growth, and the challenges they face in maintaining their dominance. [Read more…] about The evolution of the industrial robotic arm and how humanoids might make it go extinct

Panasonic tests its mobile robot vending service in Tokyo park

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Panasonic has been testing its “Pimto” mobile robot vending service, which uses remotely operated robots, for unmanned sales at a park in Tokyo.

The garden, located in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment.

With the number of visitors to Shinjuku Gyoen increasing, Panasonic sought to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining service quality by increasing opportunities to purchase products that convey the charm of Shinjuku Gyoen. [Read more…] about Panasonic tests its mobile robot vending service in Tokyo park

Robots are forever: How a robot diamond cutter could change a market already disrupted by lab-grown diamonds

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About six years ago, the Scientific and Technical Research Center for Diamonds, in Antwerp, Belgium, demonstrated a highly sophisticated robotic system that can automatically cut or polish diamonds in a fraction of the time it takes the most experienced human diamond cutter to do it by hand – “10 to 20 times faster”, according to its makers.

Called the “Fenix” robot, the system is incredibly well designed and it’s no surprise that it generated a lot of interest. So much so that a company called HS Technology, based in the United States, ended up acquiring the entire organisation – it bought the Scientific and Technical Research Center for Diamonds.

Not much was heard about Fenix after that, but the latest is that HD Blueprint, a company specialising in the development of diamond cutting and polishing technologies, now owns the company and machine. [Read more…] about Robots are forever: How a robot diamond cutter could change a market already disrupted by lab-grown diamonds

Yarbo to showcase ‘major new upgrades’ to its outdoor robot at CES

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Yarbo, a company that specializes in outdoor automation, is planning to showcase its “cutting-edge” lineup of outdoor robotic solutions, including the latest versions of its Lawnmower, Blower, and Snow Blower modules equipped with the Smart Assist Module.

Yarbo says the new developments demonstrate that the company continues to “push the boundaries of convenience, technology, and performance in outdoor tools”.

After capturing significant buzz during its debut at CES last year, Yarbo says it is “excited” to return for its second showcase at this year’s CES, which starts on the 7th of January. [Read more…] about Yarbo to showcase ‘major new upgrades’ to its outdoor robot at CES

Will humanoid robots make industrial robotic arms obsolete?

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Two of the biggest trends we have noticed and covered over the past seven years or so since we started this website have been what are called “autonomous mobile robots”, or AMRs, and collaborative robotic arms, or “cobots”, which are different from traditional robotic arms in that they do not need to be kept separate and can be used much like power tools.

Traditional industrial robotic arms were generally too dangerous to be too close to. They don’t know you’re there and have the power to cause injury or death if they make contact with you in the course of doing their job.

But even these “traditional” industrial robots have increasingly become more collaborative through, for example, being installed with sensors to detect human presence or touch, and stop when they might cause harm. [Read more…] about Will humanoid robots make industrial robotic arms obsolete?

Humanoid era: List of all the most prominent companies building humanoid robots

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2024 may be remembered as the year humanoid robots proliferated to the point where there can be no question that they will – whether we like it or not – become part of our lives in the not-too-distant future.

While they may still have technical limitations even today, many of the previous obstacles have now been smoothed out.

Such is the interest now in humanoid robots, Honda may even bring Asimo out of its locker or wherever it has been kept past few years. [Read more…] about Humanoid era: List of all the most prominent companies building humanoid robots

Mobile robot shipments set to grow from 547,000 to 2.8 million by 2030, says report

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Mobile robot shipments will remain the highest across all robot form factors. ABI Research, a technology intelligence firm, forecasts shipments to grow from 547,000 units in 2023 to 2.79 million by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 24.1 percent.

Mobile robots are most used within warehousing and logistics, but the form factor is increasingly essential in manufacturing, last-mile delivery, agriculture, and healthcare. Mobile robots demonstrate efficiency improvements for diverse applications varying from cleaning to security.

Accordingly, revenue generated from mobile robots will rise from $18 billion to $124 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 23.6 percent. [Read more…] about Mobile robot shipments set to grow from 547,000 to 2.8 million by 2030, says report

FlexLink introduces new ‘collaborative palletizing’ system

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FlexLink, a Coesia company and a provider of material handling solutions, has launched the new RC12, its third-generation collaborative palletizer.

Designed to enhance efficiency and safety in end-of-line operations, the RC12 provides a streamlined, flexible palletizing solution for demanding production environments requiring no robotics programming skills to operate.

Building on over a decade of experience in collaborative palletizing, FlexLink has developed the newest generation of RC12 to meet the growing demand for smarter and safer palletizing systems. [Read more…] about FlexLink introduces new ‘collaborative palletizing’ system

Distalmotion surgical robot used for first time in outpatients department

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Less than 30 days after receiving FDA De Novo marketing authorization, Distalmotion’s Dexter Surgical Robot has successfully treated the first US patients in an outpatient setting. Two adult inguinal hernia repairs were completed with Dexter on November 26.

Greg Roche, Distalmotion’s CEO, says: “With over 90 percent of inguinal hernia repairs in the US performed in outpatient and ambulatory surgical settings, there is a need for robotic solutions tailored to these environments.

“We are thrilled to demonstrate how Dexter can overcome the traditional barriers of cost, space, and workflow disruption in the outpatient setting, while delivering robotic excellence that elevates surgeon and patient care.” [Read more…] about Distalmotion surgical robot used for first time in outpatients department

Geekplus launches ‘world’s most powerful robot management system’ in time for peak season holiday rush

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Geekplus, the world’s largest warehouse robotics provider, has unveiled a “significant upgrade” to its Robot Management System (RMS) – just in time for the peak holiday season. The company says it is “the world’s most powerful robot management system”.

The enhanced RMS is capable of coordinating over 5,000 robots and processing 10,000 tasks per second, setting a new benchmark for high-volume logistics operations during the busiest time of the year.

As e-commerce orders surge during the holiday season, warehouses face the challenge of managing massive throughput without compromising speed or accuracy.

[Read more…] about Geekplus launches ‘world’s most powerful robot management system’ in time for peak season holiday rush