Robotics & Automation News

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Eavesdropping on our thoughts helps create robots like us

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Can intelligence be taught to robots? Advances in physical reservoir computing, a technology that makes sense of brain signals, could contribute to creating artificial intelligence machines that think like us.

In Applied Physics Letters, from AIP Publishing, researchers from the University of Tokyo outline how a robot could be taught to navigate through a maze by electrically stimulating a culture of brain nerve cells connected to the machine.

These nerve cells, or neurons, were grown from living cells and acted as the physical reservoir for the computer to construct coherent signals. [Read more…] about Eavesdropping on our thoughts helps create robots like us

Automating cricket ball production: Global cricket ball manufacturer uses automation with a vision system for efficiency and upskilling

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Under the laws of cricket, it is illegal for players to rub any substance other than saliva and sweat onto the ball, let alone scuffing it with their fingernails. Similarly, strict rules apply to the manufacturing of cricket balls.

Here’s how cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra designed its first ever machine tending robotic system to produce the perfect ball, with the help of industrial robot supplier, TM Robotics and MAP Services, Australian partner for TM Robotics and Shibaura Machine.

Machine tending is repetitive work. The job of loading and unloading machines with parts or materials are usually done by humans. In the production of cricket balls, workers would place covers – the outside leather of cricket balls – onto trays after being pressed into shape to form half of a cricket ball. These trays are then placed into a rack and moved to the next process – trimming excess leather from the pressed cover. [Read more…] about Automating cricket ball production: Global cricket ball manufacturer uses automation with a vision system for efficiency and upskilling

Epson unveils ‘no-code, easy-to-use’ robot teaching environment

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Epson Robots has launched what it says is a “no-code, easy-to-use” robot teaching environment.

The business need for automation continues to grow as manufacturers look to ramp up volume and improve quality, cost and employee safety.

Many new entrants to the market with limited automation experience lack expertise in text-based robotic programming language, creating a need for an intuitive robotic teaching environment. [Read more…] about Epson unveils ‘no-code, easy-to-use’ robot teaching environment

Ava Robotics to provide its Tyco robot for security patrols at buildings managed by Johnson Controls

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Johnson Controls has chosen Ava Robotics, a developer of robots for workplace applications, to provide its new Tyco Security Robot for patrols in the buildings it manages.

Tyco debuted recently in the Tyco Demo Room and Innovation Center at the Global Security Exchange (GSX) Conference in Orlando.

Taking a unified approach to solve existing and emerging challenges within the workplace, including for specific and evolving building and facility security needs, this robot is designed to bring access control, video surveillance and security robotics together for a more comprehensive and efficient solution. [Read more…] about Ava Robotics to provide its Tyco robot for security patrols at buildings managed by Johnson Controls

Robot-ready conveying optimizes pick-and-place

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By Ken Tinnell, vice president, general manager, Shuttleworth, a division of ProMach

From a machine builder’s point of view, robots can solve many processing and packaging line problems, but the chosen material handling systems supplying the line can reduce the robot’s performance. Smart Robot-Ready conveying solutions, such as Slip-Torque roller technology, DASH Dynamic Accumulation, SmartFeed, and flexible product control devices, engineered by Shuttleworth, enable precision robotic pick-and-place, maximizing system uptime and virtually eliminating product damage.

Flexibility, speed and accuracy make robotic technology ideal for pick-and-place applications in a wide range of industries. Tremendous gains in productivity are realized through the application of pick-and-place robotic technology. These robots also eliminate the risk of fatigue and injury that human labor is subjected to in these types of applications.

Robotic pick-and-place systems are low maintenance, flexible and reconfigurable, and especially beneficial in manufacturing and packaging applications when dealing with sterile, hazardous and potentially injury-causing materials. [Read more…] about Robot-ready conveying optimizes pick-and-place

GXO pilots customised robotic arm for fashion e-commerce logistics

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GXO Logistics, which claims to be the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, has launched an “industry-first” pilot of intelligent automation at its fashion e-commerce warehouse in Tilburg, the Netherlands. 

GXO’s pilot of the Pick-it-Easy Robot station is tailored for one of its key global customers, in collaboration with value chain tech provider Knapp AG.

The pilot is the first application of Knapp’s Pick-it-Easy Robot technology for automated pocket induction in the sector for apparel logistics. [Read more…] about GXO pilots customised robotic arm for fashion e-commerce logistics

Enway releases new generation of its sweeping robot

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Enway has released the new generation of its autonomous sweeping robot, the B2.

The second generation of the autonomous sweeper is the first of a new series, says the company.

There are several new features and other advantages compared to the B1 for industrial cleaning. In addition, the Europe-wide export of the fully CE-certified self-driving sweeper starts now. [Read more…] about Enway releases new generation of its sweeping robot

Everyday Robots comes out of Google Moonshot Factory with robots that can learn variety of tasks

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A startup company called Everyday Robots has unveiled a new robot that it says can perform a range of tasks including wiping tables and windows as well as arrange chairs.

Everyday Robots started out as a project at Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory – also known as X, formerly Google X – but has now started to strike out on its own, setting up its own website as well.

Writing on X’s blog, Hans Peter Brøndmo, chief robot officer, says: “We are now operating a fleet of more than 100 robot prototypes that are autonomously performing a range of useful tasks around our offices. The same robot that sorts trash can now be equipped with a squeegee to wipe tables and use the same gripper that grasps cups can learn to open doors.” [Read more…] about Everyday Robots comes out of Google Moonshot Factory with robots that can learn variety of tasks

Robotic Assistance Devices Mobile to develop autonomous delivery vehicle

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Robotic Assistance Devices Mobile (RAD-M), says it has committed to producing an intelligent autonomous delivery vehicle based on its Roameo security patrol robot (main picture).

RAD-M is a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, a developer of AI-driven security and productivity solutions for enterprise clients.

Steve Reinharz, CEO of AITX, says: “Developing this product is something that we’ve wanted to green light for some time, and I’m thrilled to be able to make the official announcement today. [Read more…] about Robotic Assistance Devices Mobile to develop autonomous delivery vehicle

Ottonomy provides ‘first’ fully autonomous delivery robots for airport

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A company called Ottonomy is providing a fleet of its fully autonomous delivery robots – called Ottobots – for food and retail at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

This is said to be the first autonomous robotic delivery of food, beverage and lifestyle products in an airport environment.

Officially launched for the holiday travel season, passengers are now able to order contactless delivery directly to their location in Concourse B of the airport, delivered by an autonomous robot. Customers can select grab and go, beverage and travel items sold at select retail stores operated by Paradies Lagardere via orderatcvg.com on mobile devices. [Read more…] about Ottonomy provides ‘first’ fully autonomous delivery robots for airport