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ABB opens refitted, ‘state-of-the-art’ US robotics facility

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ABB has opened its refitted US robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, which will support ABB Robotics’ global leadership in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge robotic solutions in the US, for the US and the Americas.

The expanded facility reflects ABB’s commitment to long-term growth in the US market, which is predicted to follow global growth rates for robotics of 8 per cent compound annual growth rate, as well as the company’s global investment to build Robotics and Automation capacity and create new, highly skilled jobs.

This is ABB’s third global robotics factory expansion in three years across China, Europe and the Americas and is part of its efforts to further strengthen its local-for-local footprint.

[Read more…] about ABB opens refitted, ‘state-of-the-art’ US robotics facility

Locus Robotics unveils AI-powered warehouse optimization system

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment warehouses, has released its transformative and innovative LocusHub business intelligence engine.

LocusHub, an integral component of the LocusOne platform, harnesses advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to deliver predictive and prescriptive insights that maximize productivity, lower costs, and unlock new levels of warehouse intelligence.

Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, says: “LocusHub represents a major step forward that will enable warehouses to leverage the game-changing potential of AI and machine learning to drive warehouse optimization. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics unveils AI-powered warehouse optimization system

Exotec reaches $1 billion in systems sold

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Exotec, a warehouse robotics provider, says it has sold over $1 billion in systems globally, one of the fastest materials handling companies to reach the milestone.

This achievement illustrates the rapid adoption of the Exotec technology since its founding in 2015 as it continually expands its headcount, reinvests into new solutions and reaches new markets across the world.

Romain Moulin, CEO and co-founder at Exotec, says: “Reaching the milestone of $1 billion in systems sold globally shows that our approach to warehouse automation is differentiated and strongly resonates with our customers. [Read more…] about Exotec reaches $1 billion in systems sold

ABB Robotics teams with innovative tech start-up to deliver sustainable and affordable housing

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ABB Robotics is collaborating with UK-based tech start-up Automated Architecture, or AUAR, to advance the use of robotic micro-factories to build affordable, sustainable low energy timber homes.

AUAR’s transformative approach to integrating robotic automation into the building process will tackle skills shortages, boost sustainability, and improve health and safety by deploying robots in a global network of local micro-factories.

These micro-factories will construct energy-efficient, affordable buildings from sheet timber. AUAR reports today that it has completed a £2.6 million seed round led by deep-tech and AI fund Miles Ahead, alongside ABB Robotics & Automation Ventures and several other investors. [Read more…] about ABB Robotics teams with innovative tech start-up to deliver sustainable and affordable housing

Civ Robotics shows how to improve pre-construction surveying efficiency by using robots and precision positioning

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Managing a construction project from planning stage to execution in the real world is replete with challenges. Whether a company is building a sprawling solar farm or laying lines on the road, precision is paramount. Errors of just a few inches can have massive implications that can lead to critical delays and cost overruns.

In this new case study, Civ Robotics explains how Point One’s Polaris RTK precision technology has been instrumental in lowering their operating costs and streamlining processes for many of its high-precision layout projects.

Land surveying is a critical stage in the construction layout process, during which workers use various forms of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to mark specific locations for builders. Because this process demands a high degree of precision, all GNSS readings must be validated and corrected to ensure accuracy, sometimes within even a few centimeters. [Read more…] about Civ Robotics shows how to improve pre-construction surveying efficiency by using robots and precision positioning

Stanford scientists unveil new spring-assisted actuator: A replacement for traditional motors that could enhance next-gen robots

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By Laura Castañón

Researchers at Stanford have designed a spring-assisted actuator – a device that can accomplish dynamic tasks using a fraction of the energy previously required. (See video below.)

Whether it’s a powered prosthesis to assist a person who has lost a limb or an independent robot navigating the outside world, we are asking machines to perform increasingly complex, dynamic tasks.

But the standard electric motor was designed for steady, ongoing activities like running a compressor or spinning a conveyor belt – even updated designs waste a lot of energy when making more complicated movements. [Read more…] about Stanford scientists unveil new spring-assisted actuator: A replacement for traditional motors that could enhance next-gen robots

Locus Robotics and Geodis to introduce ‘next-generation’ warehouse robotic automation to Mexico

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment warehouses, has completed a new implementation with Geodis, a global logistics provider, to bring “high performance, next-generation robotics automation” to Mexico to fulfill e-commerce and retail orders for a major global apparel brand.

The new site, Geodis’ first in Latin America to feature Locus Robotics technology, is located in Cuautitlan Izcalli, Mexico and features a fleet of Locus’s award-winning Origin bots operating across all levels of a three-level mezzanine structure, efficiently controlled by the innovative LocusOne warehouse execution platform.

LocusOne enables efficient pick-and-pass, multi-level functionality while delivering real-time operational visibility and management insights to ensure high productivity and a fast ROI. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics and Geodis to introduce ‘next-generation’ warehouse robotic automation to Mexico

Boston University celebrates grand opening of its Robotics & Autonomous Systems Teaching & Innovation Center

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An autonomous robot cut the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of Boston University’s $8.8 million Robotics & Autonomous Systems Teaching & Innovation Center (RASTIC).

Held March 4th, the grand opening included talks from state, industry and university leadership; facility tours; and 16 student demonstrations of robotic projects, spanning smart cities, medical robotics, drones, autonomous driving, smart home applications, and more.

In development over the past year, RASTIC brings together academia and industry to develop the next-generation competitive robotics and autonomous systems workforce. [Read more…] about Boston University celebrates grand opening of its Robotics & Autonomous Systems Teaching & Innovation Center

Advanced Robotics partners with Meltio to boost growth of additive manufacturing in Italy

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Advanced Robotics, and Meltio, a disruptive laser metal deposition technology manufacturer, have agreed a partnership within which Advanced Robotics is going to play a key role in the distribution and support of the Meltio metal 3D printing solutions in the Italian market, as an official sales partner.

Meltio offers a pioneering metal 3D printing solution that enables industrial applications with a process built around welding wire, the safest, cleanest, and most affordable metal feedstock in the market.

Advanced Robotics will focus on building a supportive ecosystem for Meltio’s technology in the Italian territory partnering and driving business opportunities alongside technology centers, tooling machine companies, robotic integrators, academia, and industry. [Read more…] about Advanced Robotics partners with Meltio to boost growth of additive manufacturing in Italy

LG collaborates with SVT Robotics to ‘accelerate’ development of autonomous mobile robots

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LG Business Solutions USA is collaborating with SVT Robotics, a software provider that empowers IT teams to seamlessly integrate, monitor, and scale automation, to integrate LG’s new CLOi CarryBot autonomous mobile robots into US warehouse environments.

By leveraging the SoftBot Platform from SVT Robotics, prebuilt integrations easily enable the LG CLOi CarryBot AMRs to connect to virtually any warehouse management solution.

According to Tom Bingham, Senior Director at LG Business Solutions USA, the SoftBot Platform enables LG CLOi CarryBot customers to quickly deploy new robots without the need for custom code, reducing risk and minimizing IT burden. [Read more…] about LG collaborates with SVT Robotics to ‘accelerate’ development of autonomous mobile robots