Robotics & Automation News

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ABB Robotics advances construction industry automation to enable safer and sustainable building

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Nine out of 10 construction businesses predict a skills crisis by 2030, with 81 percent saying they will introduce robots in the next 10 years, while safety and the environment both catalysts for accelerating investment in robotics

ABB Robotics is driving automation in the construction industry with new robotic automation solutions to address key challenges, including the need for more affordable and environmentally friendly housing and to reduce the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage.

Robotic automation offers huge potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and manufacturing flexibility throughout the construction industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites and robot 3D printing of houses and customized structures.

As well as making the industry safer and more cost effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing quality and cutting waste. [Read more…] about ABB Robotics advances construction industry automation to enable safer and sustainable building

Small Manufacturing Leaders Look for Long-Term Strategies: Connected Factories Driving Demand for Robotics Engineers

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By Thomas R. Cutler

A recent Gartner survey showed 57 percent of manufacturing leaders feel their organization lacks skilled workers to support smart manufacturing digitization plans. Most agreed a long-term strategy is necessary to develop the connected factory worker.

“Our survey revealed that manufacturers are currently going through a difficult phase in their digitization journey toward smart manufacturing,” said Simon Jacobson, vice president analyst, with the Gartner Supply Chain practice.

“They accept that changing from a break-fix mentality and culture to a data-driven workforce is a must. However, intuition, efficiency and engagement cannot be sacrificed. [Read more…] about Small Manufacturing Leaders Look for Long-Term Strategies: Connected Factories Driving Demand for Robotics Engineers

Trends in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Domain Names 2021

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A brand name plays a vital role in any business, including robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

It evokes certain emotions and grabs the audience’s attention. If it’s appealing, the audience will be curious and more responsive. Same things apply to business domain names too.

However, coming up with a brand name that would also work as a domain name is a challenge. You have to consider its simplicity, memorability, and domain availability. [Read more…] about Trends in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Domain Names 2021

Awards update: Robotics and Automation News Awards 2021 to go ahead

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Robotics and Automation News is organising its first-ever awards event, despite the challenges caused by the global pandemic.

We had originally wanted to hold a live event, either by renting space at one of the big trade shows or a separate conference centre.

However, this is highly unlikely to happen, so we are planning a virtual awards ceremony for sometime in late October or early November 2021. [Read more…] about Awards update: Robotics and Automation News Awards 2021 to go ahead

Roam Robotics launches ‘smart knee’, a robotic partial exoskeleton

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Roam Robotics, an artificial intelligence and wearable robotics company, has launched its Ascend product, a “first-of-its-kind smart knee orthosis that helps wearers reduce knee pain and regain mobility”, according to the company.

Ascend’s technology is actively adapting, meaning it senses the body’s movement, automatically adjusts to the wearer’s needs, and provides precise support at the right moment for target muscle groups.

It is a registered Class I device with the FDA and will be available for purchase directly and through private and Medicare insurance, radically expanding public accessibility to wearable robotic devices. [Read more…] about Roam Robotics launches ‘smart knee’, a robotic partial exoskeleton

Sesto Robotics expands into Europe, targeting Germany, Austria, Switzerland

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Singapore-based Sesto Robotics is expanding into Europe, targeting Germany, Austria, Switzerland.

Sesto is believed to be the first Singapore-based robotics company to provide autonomous mobile robot solutions for smart manufacturing in Europe.

Sesto says it is Singapore’s leading autonomous mobile robot company, and is partnering with the Germany-based automation specialist Baumüller, to bring its flagship AMR Sesto Magnus (Magnus) to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. [Read more…] about Sesto Robotics expands into Europe, targeting Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Path Robotics raises $56 million to ‘lead American manufacturing into the future’

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Path Robotics, the Columbus, Ohio-based artificial intelligence and robotics company responsible for designing “the world’s first truly autonomous robotic welding system”, has received $56 million dollars in Series B funding, bringing the total invested in the company to $71 million.

Investment company Addition led the round and was joined by returning investors Drive Capital, Basis Set, and Lemnos Lab.

Lee Fixel of Addition says: “Path Robotics is solving a complex and critical problem in our country by bridging the gap between the supply of skilled welders and demand. [Read more…] about Path Robotics raises $56 million to ‘lead American manufacturing into the future’

Darpa selects eight teams for $3.5 million prize competition

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Darpa has selected eight teams to compete for a prize competition in which the winner will receive $2 million, the runner-up will get $1 million, and third place will earn half a million dollars.

The Darpa Subterranean (SubT) Challenge Systems Competition Final Event will be held on September 21-23, 2021, when the teams’ robots will have to quickly navigate unfamiliar underground environments at the Louisville Mega Cavern in search of common items including backpacks, cell phones, trapped survivors, and even invisible gas.

Those who find and identify the most items will win prizes of $2 million for first place, $1 million for second place, and $500,000 for third place. [Read more…] about Darpa selects eight teams for $3.5 million prize competition

Fetch Robotics machines ‘fully conform’ with first safety standard for industrial mobile robots

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Fetch Robotics says it has achieved “full conformance” with R15.08, the first safety standard specifically formulated for industrial mobile robots

Fetch Robotics says its full suite of autonomous mobile robots conforms with ANSI / RIA R15.08, the new safety standard for industrial mobile robots.

This latest milestone ensures that Fetch’s AMRs can be safely utilized in all current use cases throughout warehouses, factories, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.

Released on Dec 25th, 2020 by the RIA (Robotics Industry Association), R15.08 is the new safety standard for industrial mobile robots. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics machines ‘fully conform’ with first safety standard for industrial mobile robots

Plus One Robotics raises $33 million to fuel expansion

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Plus One Robotics, a provider of vision software for logistics robots, has raised $33 million in Series B funding.

McRock Capital and TransLink Ventures co-led the round, with participation from BMWi Ventures, Kensington Capital Partners, and Ironspring Ventures alongside existing investors.

Whitney Rockley of McRock Capital and Toshi Otani of TransLink will join the company’s board of directors. [Read more…] about Plus One Robotics raises $33 million to fuel expansion