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

Lloyd Shoes implements Magazino robots in warehouse

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Robotics company Magazino has signed the shoe manufacturer and retailer Lloyd Shoes as a new customer, and will integrate its Toru robot into Lloyd Shoes’ operation.

From now on, the first two mobile picking robots from Magazino will be used in Lloyd’s dispatch warehouse in Sulingen, Germany. The Toru robots will support the employees in picking and stowing shoes in shelving racks.

With the use of intelligent picking robot Toru, Lloyd is one of the innovative pioneers in the industry. [Read more…] about Lloyd Shoes implements Magazino robots in warehouse

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

Cyber Security: Should We Be Afraid of Robotization?

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One of the major trends that will determine the development of business and society for the coming decades is the introduction of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drones, industrial automation. These technologies will help businesses to improve the effectiveness of many processes, but they also expose companies to new threats.

A robot for automating business processes is software that runs on a user’s computer. Choose the antivirus for your computer and ensure the safety of your personal information right now with best free antivirus 2019.

It imitates human actions, performing tasks according to specific rules written in its algorithm. Robots process electronic documents, tables, interact with accounting systems, online resources, and correspondence. [Read more…] about Cyber Security: Should We Be Afraid of Robotization?

Autonomous mobile robots in warehouses: What justifies the recent high valuations?

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Analysis by IDTechEx

The trend of investment in, and acquisition of, mobile robotic companies seeking to automate the movement of goods within warehouses, fulfilment centres, and manufacturing facilities is still rising.

Only in recent months, we have seen three notable activities: Amazon, Shopify, and Teradyne acquired Canvas Technology, 6 River Systems, and AutoGuide, respectively.

In this article, IDTechEx discusses some notable acquisitions whilst considering relevant technology and market trends. [Read more…] about Autonomous mobile robots in warehouses: What justifies the recent high valuations?

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

Nokia provides venue to showcase 5G technology for last-mile delivery robots

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Engineers attending this year’s 5G Days at Nokia’s Paris-Saclay campus were likely to stumble into an unusual gofer rambling the streets of the 4,000 employees’ facility: a small autonomous delivery robot, with parcel lockers, delivering goods without human intervention or guidance. 

The robot was part of a one-shot demonstration for Nokia customers and partners, but it could soon become the default option for the delivery of small parcels across the campus.

Jean-Philippe Bellaiche, of EIT Digital, says: “Campus facility manager Sodexo, together with Nokia have decided not to deliver parcel below 5 kilos to the personnel on the campus anymore. [Read more…] about Nokia provides venue to showcase 5G technology for last-mile delivery robots

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