Robotics & Automation News

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Fanuc partners with Soft Robotics to integrate new gripper solutions into its industrial robots

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Fanuc, the world’s largest manufacturer of industrial robots, is partnering with Soft Robotics to develop new gripper solutions. (See video below.)

Soft Robotics, a startup which has produced much-discussed end-effectors that are soft and capable of handling soft products that may be of variable shape, says the strategic partnership with Fanuc will accelerate the adoption of integrated soft robotic solutions into high-growth automation markets worldwide.

Soft Robotics’ “mGrip” modular gripper system and automation solutions have enabled implementation of robotic applications in the highly variable and unstructured environments of consumer goods manufacturing, food processing and packaging, and e-commerce supply chain automation. [Read more…] about Fanuc partners with Soft Robotics to integrate new gripper solutions into its industrial robots

Boeing ‘abandons’ robots in favour of humans

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Boeing has reportedly abandoned the use of some robotic systems that were being used for fuselage work such as drilling and fastening.

According to the Seattle Times, the implementation of the robots “proved painful to set up and (was) error-prone”.

The news website quoted Jason Clark, Boeing vice president of 777/777X operations, who said back in 2015, when the robots were first introduced: “It’s a little tough in the teething. But as we get through it, it will create the rewards necessary for us to compete.” [Read more…] about Boeing ‘abandons’ robots in favour of humans

Clearpath unveils new indoor research robot ‘Dingo’

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Clearpath Robotics has unveiled its Dingo Indoor Research Robot, described as a “compact, lightweight and cost-effective indoor robotic platform” that is extensible and programmable, and designed to accelerate robotics research and education.

Julian Ware, general manager at Clearpath Robotics, says: “Dingo offers the reliability and flexibility our customers expect from a Clearpath robot, at an approachable price point.

“We have seen a gap in the market for a system with these capabilities and believe Dingo is a cost-effective, ROS-ready indoor platform suitable for benchtop and laboratory testing. The lower cost also makes the use of multi-robot systems more accessible than with other robots.” [Read more…] about Clearpath unveils new indoor research robot ‘Dingo’

NextShift Robotics develops interface connection to SVT Robotics software platform

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NextShift Robotics has developed a new interface connection with SVT Robotics, provider of a universal software platform that minimizes the labor and expense involved in integrating robotic solutions with business systems.

For NextShift, SVT Robotics software creates universal connectivity to major warehouse management systems. It provides a pre-built integration bridge between businesses of all sizes and NextShift’s autonomous mobile robots.

SVT is said to be “the fastest, simplest way to connect any company to any robot”, and its technology cuts down barriers to adoption by easily linking NextShift’s advanced autonomous mobile robot workflow software with the existing WMS and other systems installed at distribution, manufacturing and fulfillment centers. [Read more…] about NextShift Robotics develops interface connection to SVT Robotics software platform

Waypoint Robotics moves to larger facility to ‘meet growing demand’ for its warehouse robots

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Waypoint Robotics has moved to a larger facility to meet what it says “growing demand” for its autonomous mobile robots. Among the products the company supplies is the MAV3K, an AMR with the capacity to lift 3000 lb.

The new, larger manufacturing facility in Nashua, New Hampshire. The new location features expanded space for production, design, engineering, quality control, and robot testing.

Jason Walker, CEO and co-founder of Waypoint, says: “The response for our Vector and MAV3K AMRs has been strong and we quickly outgrew our Merrimack, New Hampshire location. We need space to ramp up production as customers transition from pilot programs into scaling their robot fleets. [Read more…] about Waypoint Robotics moves to larger facility to ‘meet growing demand’ for its warehouse robots

Plus Automation wins its first robotics-as-a-service contract

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Logistics and supply chain technology startup Plus Automation has won its first robotics-as-a-service contract with Jun Co, a Japanese company with diversified interests including fashion, food and fitness products. 

The company was jointly established in June 2019 and is 60 per cent owned by Mitsui, a Japanese conglomerate, and GLP Japan, said to be the largest Japanese logistics company but also has real estate and other interests.

The contract between Plus and Jun consists of a standard annual subscription together with the option to add robots when cargo volumes increase, making it “a highly convenient service package”, says Plus. [Read more…] about Plus Automation wins its first robotics-as-a-service contract

Massive growth in mobile robots expected as 6 million forecast to be shipped in 2030

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The robotics industry is set for “seismic change”, according to a report by ABI Research, which says that, of the 8 million robots forecast to be shipped in 2030, nearly 6 million will be mobile.

ABI says it has released its “most comprehensive robotics tracker yet”, and it shows that the robotics market is “set to transform over the next 10 years”.

There will be enormous growth across all sub-sectors, highlighted in a total market valuation of $277 billion by 2030, says ABI. [Read more…] about Massive growth in mobile robots expected as 6 million forecast to be shipped in 2030

AutoStore wins prestigious prize at the European Business Awards

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Norwegian robotics company AutoStore won Business of the Year with Turnover of €150 million or higher at the European Business Awards presented earlier this week in Warsaw, Poland. 

The Awards are one of the most established business competitions, which recognises Europe’s leading companies each year.

Headquartered in Nedre Vats in Rogaland, AutoStore is one of the world leaders in high-density storage with an existing award-winning robotic cube-based, storage and retrieval system that has transformed the logistics and delivery process for businesses across the globe. [Read more…] about AutoStore wins prestigious prize at the European Business Awards

Blue Ocean Robotics raises $12 million to develop service robotics market

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Blue Ocean Robotics, said to be the “world’s first” robot venture factory, has raised almost $12 million to develop its position in the service robotics market.

Blue Ocean Robotics is entering new robot markets with service robots for the healthcare, hospitality, construction and agriculture industries.

The new investment is described as a recognition of the strength of Blue Ocean Robotics’ business model and success. [Read more…] about Blue Ocean Robotics raises $12 million to develop service robotics market

Retailers expected to buy more than 150,000 robots by 2025

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The retail sector is expected to buy more than 150,000 robots by 2025, according to a study by ABI Research.

The next generation of mobile robots for cleaning, inventory management, and material handling are “passing the test in retail”, says ABI.

Several robotics companies have grown their autonomous mobile robot fleet in 2019 and are poised to scale exponentially over the next five years. [Read more…] about Retailers expected to buy more than 150,000 robots by 2025