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Omron to debut new autonomous mobile manipulator and Robotiq vacuum grippers at Pack Expo

Omron is planning to debut a new autonomous mobile manipulator and Robotiq vacuum grippers at Pack Expo in Las Vegas. 

Omron says its booth at the event will be “a unique opportunity to explore near-future manufacturing equipment as part of a wide-ranging, interactive demo”.

In particular, Omron’s new autonomous mobile manipulator and the integration between Omron’s TM Series collaborative robot and Robotiq’s vacuum grippers (main picture) are innovations to see. [Read more…] about Omron to debut new autonomous mobile manipulator and Robotiq vacuum grippers at Pack Expo

Robotiq launches its first UR+ certified vacuum grippers and sanding kit

The UR+ program debuted in 2016 and has since grown rapidly to include more than 140 certified UR+ products with more than 400 companies joining the UR+ developer program.

A charter partner with the UR+ program is Robotiq, the company is now adding a new chapter to its long relationship with Universal Robots by launching three new UR+ certified products at Automate 2019; AirPick and EPick, Robotiq’s new vacuum grippers, and the Sanding Kit.

Both vacuum grippers operate without the need for external air supply. The AirPick features a built-in venturi vacuum generator, while the EPick includes a built-in electrical vacuum pump. Robotiq vacuum grippers can handle a wide range of applications and are ideal for picking up even and uneven workpieces made of different materials, such as cardboard, glass, sheet metal (dry) and plastic.

[Read more…] about Robotiq launches its first UR+ certified vacuum grippers and sanding kit

Robotiq raises $30 million in funding from Battery Ventures

Robotiq, a provider of end effectors and software for the collaborative robotics market, has raised $31 million (Canadian) in funding from global investment firm Battery Ventures.

It is the company’s first round of institutional financing. As part of the transaction, Battery General partner Jesse Feldman, who specializes in industrial-technology investments, will join Robotiq’s board.

Robotiq – which makes equipment including specially designed “grippers” – says it will use the new money for product development, international expansion and enhanced support of its partner ecosystem.  [Read more…] about Robotiq raises $30 million in funding from Battery Ventures

Robotiq introduces improvements to ‘world’s best-selling’ grippers for collaborative robots

Robot peripherals manufacturer Robotiq says it has improved its 2F-85 and 2F-140 Adaptive Grippers for collaborative robots.

The company claims the grippers are “the world’s best-selling grippers for collaborative robots”.

The improvements are designed to increase robustness, safety, and customizability.  [Read more…] about Robotiq introduces improvements to ‘world’s best-selling’ grippers for collaborative robots

Robotiq’s Insights software updated to give remote access to the robot cell

Robotiq has launched Remote Access on its Insights monitoring software to bring technical support to the next level for Universal Robots.

Application experts can now access the teach pendant and video streams from the robot cell. They get all the live information needed to troubleshoot the application and (re)start production faster.

Robotiq CEO Samuel Bouchard said: “Remote Access is a precious ally to operators who are new to collaborative robots.

[Read more…] about Robotiq’s Insights software updated to give remote access to the robot cell

Robotiq launches software for embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ e-Series

Robotiq, a company which makes grippers for industrial robots, has launched new software for the embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ new e-Series of collaborative robots.

The company says utilizing the new sensor “makes force control easy” when used with Force Copilot, the related software application.

Robotiq says Force Copilot is an “intuitive” software application which operates Universal Robots e-Series’ embedded force torque sensor.  [Read more…] about Robotiq launches software for embedded force torque sensor in Universal Robots’ e-Series

Robotiq launches ‘first’ gripper ready for Universal Robots’ new e-Series collaborative robot

Robotic end-effector specialist Robotiq has launched what it claims is the first electric gripper ready for the e-Series, the new generation of collaborative robots from Universal Robots.

Robotiq says the Hand-E was developed within the Universal Robots+ ecosystem. UR+ is like an app shop set up by Universal Robots to enable other companies to develop peripherals and other technologies for use with the company’s robotic arms.

Robotiq says Hand-E’s high accuracy and 50 mm parallel stroke makes it “perfect for precision assembly tasks”. Its sealed design ensures reliability in the toughest manufacturing conditions, adds the company.  [Read more…] about Robotiq launches ‘first’ gripper ready for Universal Robots’ new e-Series collaborative robot

Robotiq discontinues sales of the FT 150 Force Torque Sensor

Robotiq’s new FT 300 Force Torque Sensor is now able to perform the applications done by the FT 150 Force Torque Sensor. Considering this, Robotiq has discontinued sales of the FT 150 Force Torque Sensor.

The latest updates on the Robotiq FT 300 Force Torque Sensor hardware and URCap enabled this product to perform highly repeatable precision force control tasks such as finishing, product testing, assembly and precise part insertion.

Notwithstanding discontinuation, Robotiq’s standard terms and conditions, including the twelve-month warranty and end-of-life product support, will continue to apply to all FT 150 units sold.

Saint-Gobain plant reduces injuries with Robotiq force-torque sensor

Glass production company says it has reduced injuries and improved production using collaborative robot

Saint-Gobain’s plant in Sully-sur-Loire, France, focuses on glass production for the armoured and aeronautical industries, and the civil market.

In their shift towards Industry 4.0, Saint-Gobain’s management has installed collaborative robot cells to free employees from tedious and repetitive tasks.

The company says Robotiq’s FT 300 Force Torque Sensor has proven “essential” to automate the grueling glass polishing process. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Saint-Gobain plant reduces injuries with Robotiq force-torque sensor