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Job-stealing robots a growing concern for world leaders

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A “RoboThespian” humanoid robot at the Tami Intelligence Technology stall at the World Robot Conference in Beijing, China. Picture: Reuters
A “RoboThespian” humanoid robot at the Tami Intelligence Technology stall at the World Robot Conference in Beijing, China. Picture: Reuters

By Martinne Geller and Ben Hirschler, Reuters

Open markets and global trade have been blamed for job losses over the last decade, but global CEOs say the real culprits are increasingly machines.

And while business leaders gathered at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos relish the productivity gains technology can bring, they warned this week that the collateral damage to jobs needs to be addressed more seriously.

From taxi drivers to healthcare professionals, technologies such as robotics, driverless cars, artificial intelligence and 3D printing mean more and more types of jobs are at risk.  [Read more…] about Job-stealing robots a growing concern for world leaders

Tiny chip capable of running deep neural networks could accelerate robotics development

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One of the challenges in robotics development is the fact that the computer processing required is just massive, often too much for a complex machine to handle onboard without packing very large pieces of hardware. 

One way around it has been to connect the robots up to cloud computing systems which run such things as neural networks and can remotely process data – but this is inefficient and slow.

Even if takes a few seconds to process massive quantities of data, those seconds are just too much time wasted for a machine such, for example, an autonomous car on the move – these things need to be instantaneous.  [Read more…] about Tiny chip capable of running deep neural networks could accelerate robotics development

SAP logistics boss says ‘robotics and automation are the future’

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The head of logistics at software giant SAP says the future of the digital supply chain is robotics and automation. 

SAP is one of the world’s largest software companies in any sector, with more than 300,000 clients in around 190 countries, and its logistics division has customers such as luxury automaker Porsche, and large transport operations such as Trenitalia.

In an interview with em360tech.com, Hans Thalbauer, SVP of extended supply chain and IoT at SAP, says industries are becoming smarter because of these technologies.

However, Thalbauer adds that robotics and automation needs to be effectively integrated into the overall business processes, otherwise they won’t work.  [Read more…] about SAP logistics boss says ‘robotics and automation are the future’

Auto interiors company hires Rethink’s collaborative industrial robots

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Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is utilising collaborative industrial robots from Rethink Robotics to “improve accuracy, and output” 

Yanfeng has put two of Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer robots to work in its Monroe, Michigan-based facility.

By introducing Sawyer, Yanfeng Frenchtown says it is improving two production processes, while freeing up employees to be used at positions where they can add more value.

Both Sawyer robots are being utilized to perform packaging tasks. One robot is removing trapped labor by packing parts from a conveyor onto a rack, handling 180 parts every 54 minutes. The second robot is counting parts from a conveyor as it places them into a tote, precisely packaging each tote with 80 parts.  [Read more…] about Auto interiors company hires Rethink’s collaborative industrial robots

Large industrial robots finding their way into smaller enterprises, says Acieta

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Mark Sumner, national sales manager for Acieta, a provider of industrial automation solutions, says large robots which used to be the preserve of mega corporations are gradually finding their way into smaller enterprises

Robots benefit manufacturers in many ways: improved quality, increased capacity and a safer workplace. That’s why sales of robot handling systems increase year after year, and it’s not just high-volume manufacturers that are buying them.

Dramatic advances in robotic technologies and lower costs are reducing barriers to implementation, making them effective in medium- and low-volume environments.  [Read more…] about Large industrial robots finding their way into smaller enterprises, says Acieta

Bossa Nova Robotics partners with Digimarc on retail product scanning technology

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bossa nova robotics

Bossa Nova Robotics and Digimarc are collaborating to automate planogram compliance by combining the two companies’ scanning and robotics technologies. 

A planogram is a visual representation of the layout of a store and the arrangement of its products.

Bossa Nova says its robot would help retailers make more strategic, money-saving inventory management decisions.  [Read more…] about Bossa Nova Robotics partners with Digimarc on retail product scanning technology

Universal Robots signs up Cimtec Automation as US distributor

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Partnership augments Cimtec’s automation component offering to southeast US  

Cimtec Automation has been selected as Universal Robots’ distribution partner for collaborative robots serving the US southeastern region.

The partnership augments Cimtec’s automation components and will provide even more advanced automation tools to “improve its customers’ manufacturing quality and efficiency”, says a statement from Cimtec.

Dan Keenan, president of Cimtec Automation, says: “We are excited about this new partnership with Universal Robots.

“Having built our reputation on providing state-of-the-art automation products and industry solutions, we are eager to bring this advanced robotic technology to our customers.”  [Read more…] about Universal Robots signs up Cimtec Automation as US distributor

Yaskawa to invest €25 million to expand manufacturing operations in Europe

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Yaskawa management gave details of the planned strategic investments in Europe at a press conference in the presence of Slovenian guests.  (Source: Yaskawa)

Industrial robotics and automation giant Yaskawa is expanding its manufacturing operations in Europe.

The company says it aims to become one of the two leading manufacturers of industrial robots in strategic target markets in the medium term.

The company outlined its vision at a press conference hosted by Hiroshi Ogasawara, representative director and president of Yaskawa Electric, and Manfred Stern, president and CEO of Yaskawa Europe and Corporate Vice President Yaskawa Electric.  [Read more…] about Yaskawa to invest €25 million to expand manufacturing operations in Europe

Industrial robot revenue will triple by 2025, says report

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ABI Research forecasts revenues will reach nearly $45 billion in 2025, fueled by Chinese demand

ABI Research forecasts that industrial robot shipments will exhibit an average year-over-year growth rate of 16 per cent by 2021.

As industrial robots continue to infiltrate the workforce to increase production efficiencies, this will result in annual revenue exceeding $30 billion in 2020 and nearly $45 billion in 2025.

The automotive sector will remain the leading acquirer of industrial systems, even as it loses share to other growing industry verticals, including the electrical and electronics, rubber, and plastics industries.  [Read more…] about Industrial robot revenue will triple by 2025, says report

Tesla begins production at its Gigafactory – said to be the largest battery manufacturing plant in the world

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Tesla’s Gigafactory has almost 5 million square feet of operational space and when it’s completed, it will be the largest building in the world

lockTesla has started making lithium-ion battery cells at its brand new “Gigafactory” in Nevada, US. 

At almost 2 million square feet, the facility is said to be the largest battery manufacturing plant in the world – and that’s just for starters.

In a statement, Tesla says: “The current structure has a footprint of 1.9 million square feet, which houses 4.9 million square feet of operational space across several floors. And we are still less than 30 percent done. Once complete, we expect the Gigafactory to be the biggest building in the world.”  [Read more…] about Tesla begins production at its Gigafactory – said to be the largest battery manufacturing plant in the world