Robotics & Automation News

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Badger Technologies and STCR plan to take Autonomous Robots to independent grocers

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Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil, is teaming up with STCR, a provider of advanced retail point of sale (POS) and self-checkout solutions, to increase the momentum of multipurpose robot rollouts by independent and regional grocers around the world.

This collaboration will speed deployments of Badger Technologies autonomous robots to address critical out-of-stock, price integrity, planogram compliance and other operational inefficiencies.

Farrell McKenna, GM of STCR, says: “Our mission is to bring much-needed retail automation to the independent and regional grocer, empowering them to run their stores more efficiently while competing more effectively with the largest supermarket chains. [Read more…] about Badger Technologies and STCR plan to take Autonomous Robots to independent grocers

OnRobot launches new gripper for demanding applications

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OnRobot has launched a new gripper for demanding applications.

OnRobot’s cleanroom-ready, IP67-certified, collaborative 2FG7 parallel gripper is the latest addition to OnRobot’s range of all-electric gripper products.

OnRobot describes the 2FG7 as “a complete, low cost, easy to use, out-of-the-box, cleanroom-ready parallel gripper”. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches new gripper for demanding applications

ABB unveils new ‘compact’ robotic interior painting system

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ABB has unveiled a new “compact” robotic interior painting system, mainly aimed at the automotive manufacturing sector.

The Compact Interior Painting station enables automotive manufacturers to reduce the size of their vehicle interior painting stations by one-third, while saving costs and making automotive paint facilities more sustainable.

ABB says its latest innovative solution for automotive manufacturing – the Compact Interior Paint station – combines 12 robots to offer a space-saving alternative to traditional robotic interior painting solutions, helping automotive original equipment manufacturers reduce the footprint of their paint booths “by up to 33 percent”, while being able to paint a variety of vehicle types, from cars and SUVs to large MPVs. [Read more…] about ABB unveils new ‘compact’ robotic interior painting system

Autonomous boats could be your next ride

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Five years in the making, MIT’s autonomous floating vessels get an upgrade in size and learn a new way to communicate aboard the waters

The feverish race to produce the shiniest, safest, speediest self-driving car has spilled over into our wheelchairs, scooters, and even golf carts.

Moreover, recently, there’s been movement from land to sea, as marine autonomy stands to change the canals of our cities, with the potential to deliver goods and services and collect waste across our waterways.

In an update to a five-year project from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and the Senseable City Lab, researchers have been developing the world’s first fleet of autonomous boats for the city of Amsterdam, and have recently added a new, larger vessel to the group: “Roboat II”. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Autonomous boats could be your next ride

Robust AI raises $22.5 million to build ‘world’s first’ industrial-grade cognitive engine for robotics

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Robust.ai, the company pioneering an industrial grade cognitive engine for robots, announced today the close of a $15 million Series A investment round, taking the company’s total funding to date to $22.5 million.

JAZZ Venture Partners led the Series A round and was joined by previous investors Playground Global, Liquid2, Fontinalis, Jaan Tallinn and Mark Leslie. Esther Dyson, Steve Blank and Tim O’Reilly are also angel investors in Robust.ai.

Historically, robots have largely been confined to highly predictable environments; Robust aims to change that by creating a new cognitively-driven AI platform that gives robots the problem-solving capabilities they need to work alongside humans in dynamic, open-ended environments, vastly increasing their potential in complex public spaces. [Read more…] about Robust AI raises $22.5 million to build ‘world’s first’ industrial-grade cognitive engine for robotics

Trumpf enters the world of automated arc welding

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Industrial machine tools company Trumpf has released its first automated arc welding system. The TruArc Weld 1000 comes with a collaborative robot, also known as a “cobot”. After the operator has manually guided it over a component, the cobot then automatically carries out the weld.

It is significantly more efficient than would be possible manually. With the new system, Trumpf says it is responding to the increasing lack of skilled workers and helps fabricators get started with automated welding. CE-compliant and approved by TÜV Austria, the TruArc Weld 1000 “meets the very highest safety standards”. [Read more…] about Trumpf enters the world of automated arc welding

Simbe unveils new version of its shop inventory robot

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Simbe Robotics, a provider of retail service robots, has launched Tally 3.0 – the latest design iteration of its autonomous inventory robot, Tally.

Simbe says its “unique, human-centered approach to design” has set Tally apart from competitors since its initial debut in 2015.

The company adds in its press release: “With enhancements to the robot’s optical system, greater durability and maneuverability to ensure cost-effective top performance, and the introduction of an embedded data processor, Tally 3.0 continues to lead the pack and remains the most innovative, efficient retail robot on the market.” [Read more…] about Simbe unveils new version of its shop inventory robot

ABB launches ‘fastest ever’ robot-based press automation solution

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ABB has launched its “fastest ever” robot-based press automation solution.

The company has extended its range of ABB IRB 760 handling robots with new press tending model, the IRB 760PT, which it says offers “fast and flexible performance for automotive press automation”.

The new IRB 760PT is aimed at press automation applications in the automotive industry, and is a “flexible” press tending solution offering 25 per cent faster cycle times compared to other robot-based press automation solutions, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches ‘fastest ever’ robot-based press automation solution

Brain Corp adds new capabilities to its OS for robots

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Brain Corp, a San Diego-based AI for robotics company, has launched its new user experience (UX) design and reporting capabilities for autonomous mobile robots.

The software enhancements are designed to optimize usage of BrainOS-powered robots for different types of users – from a robot operator to management personnel – on a global basis.

They also include powerful new software features for BrainOS-enabled robotic scrubbers that deliver improved cleaning efficiency and flexibility for commercial locations. [Read more…] about Brain Corp adds new capabilities to its OS for robots

Smart Home Upgrades for Modern Living

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A smart home is a happy home. At least, in the sense that the easier you make things for yourself and your family, the better!

These days, planning and going about renovations is as much about smart home upgrades as it is the usual decorative touches. A gadget here, a convenience there and before you know it you’re wondering how you got by without them.

But which smart home upgrades for modern living should appear at the top of your ‘must-buy’ list? If you’re planning on bringing a few 21st century mod-cons into your home this year, which indispensable gadgets should you make a beeline for? [Read more…] about Smart Home Upgrades for Modern Living