Robotics & Automation News

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Quasi Cloud Connect Simplifies Mobile Robots Control

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Quasi Robotics, based in the tech hub of Frederick, Maryland, is a leading robotics and artificial intelligence company providing mobile automation solutions for laboratory, healthcare, warehousing, and manufacturing businesses alike.

The robotic process automation offered by Quasi combines a trio of elements: the proprietary intelligence suite Qai, which powers the operations of two autonomous mobile robots – Model R2 and Model C2 – all managed through an integrated, user-friendly, all-encompassing, mobile robot platform, Cloud Connect. [Read more…] about Quasi Cloud Connect Simplifies Mobile Robots Control

ETH develops ‘lighter, safer, more robust’ artificial muscles for robots

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Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed artificial muscles for robot motion. The researchers say their solution offers several advantages over previous technologies: it can be used wherever robots need to be soft rather than rigid or where they need more sensitivity when interacting with their environment.

Many roboticists dream of building robots that are not just a combination of metal or other hard materials and motors but also softer and more adaptable. Soft robots could interact with their environment in a completely different way; for example, they could cushion impacts the way human limbs do, or grasp an object delicately.

This would also offer benefits regarding energy consumption: robot motion today usually requires a lot of energy to maintain a position, whereas soft systems could store energy well, too. So, what could be more obvious than to take the human muscle as a model and attempt to recreate it? [Read more…] about ETH develops ‘lighter, safer, more robust’ artificial muscles for robots

New Scale Robotics brings automated gauging to Fanuc’s collaborative robots

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New Scale Robotics has formed a new partnership with Fanuc Americas as an Authorized Systems Integrator.

This new relationship expands the Fanuc system’s capabilities by enabling the automation of manual gauging processes, helping manufacturers eliminate bottlenecks and improve productivity.

By automating tedious manual gauging tasks, New Scale’s Q-Span systems improve measurement consistency, repeatability, and throughput while eliminating data entry errors. [Read more…] about New Scale Robotics brings automated gauging to Fanuc’s collaborative robots

Brain Corp partners with Dane Technologies to launch new robotic retail solutions

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Brain Corp, an autonomous technology company, has unveiled its BrainOS InventoryAI Suite, a retail inventory analytics solution designed to analyze inventory data captured by autonomous mobile robots running on its platform.

It also unveiled the “Dane AIR”, a purpose-built inventory scanning robot developed in collaboration with Dane Technologies.

Currently, the majority of retailers manually track in-store inventory by deploying associates to meticulously identify inconsistencies amongst tens of thousands of SKUs, looking for issues with product availability, price tags and product locations. [Read more…] about Brain Corp partners with Dane Technologies to launch new robotic retail solutions

ABB finalizes acquisition of Sevensense

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ABB has acquired Swiss start-up Sevensense, a provider of AI-enabled 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Sevensense was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Swiss technical University, ETH Zurich.

Sami Atiya, president of ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation, says: “This marks a significant step towards our vision of a workplace where AI-enabled robots assist people, addressing our customers’ needs for greater flexibility and intelligence amidst critical skilled labor shortages.

“Each mobile robot, equipped with vision and AI, scans a unique part of the building; collectively these robots complement each other’s view to form a complete map, enabling them to work autonomously in a rapidly changing environment.” [Read more…] about ABB finalizes acquisition of Sevensense

Pros and Cons of Integrating Robotics in Manufacturing

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As technology advances, it paves the way for new breakthroughs in automation. It’s, therefore, not a surprise that the robotics industry is experiencing a significant boom. This trend is especially true for industrial robotics tailored to the manufacturing sector.

There are many applications for robotics, and automated integration is extensive, from medical device production and food packaging to metal fabrication and consumer goods assembly.

As a manufacturing company, however, it’s crucial to assess your unique application to identify possible downsides and benefits of industrial robots before integration. This post explores the pros and cons of incorporating robotics into manufacturing processes. Read on to learn more. [Read more…] about Pros and Cons of Integrating Robotics in Manufacturing

Ethical Considerations in Robotics: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

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In the rapidly evolving world of robotics, each breakthrough pushes the boundaries of what’s possible and poses significant ethical dilemmas. This technological frontier, brimming with potential, demands a careful examination of the moral aspects intertwined with its development.

In this article, we delve deep into the ethical implications of robotic advancements, focusing particularly on the responsibilities of developers and industries.

As we explore this intricate landscape, our aim is to shed light on how we can responsibly harness the transformative power of robotics, ensuring that our technological progress aligns harmoniously with ethical principles. [Read more…] about Ethical Considerations in Robotics: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

Epson’s makes latest SCARA Robots available to market

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The new Epson Robots GX-B Series SCARA robots models engineered to help users develop powerful automation solutions easily, are now available.

The GX-B Series delivers optimal performance and is equipped with industrial-rated safety features, taking SCARA robot performance to the next level with ultra-high performance and flexibility for today’s medical device, electronics and consumer electronics markets.

Scott Marsic, group product manager, Epson America, says: “The latest GX-B Series is our most advanced lineup to date, enabling integrators to meet a wider range of customer needs with high-performing, reliable solutions that fit seamlessly into workflows for a range of industries. [Read more…] about Epson’s makes latest SCARA Robots available to market

Origami-inspired robotic plants grow with their environment

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How do you deploy an environmental sensor to collect climate change readings over a prolonged period on an uninhabited island without failing? How do you power a seismic detector to operate for months in an underwater cave?

In environments that are difficult to reach because of the hazards or hardships for humans, a device behaving like a native plant could be the answer.

This is the approach taken by Suyi Li, associate professor in mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, and Clemson professor and collaborator Ian Walker. Their work is being advanced thanks to a four-year, $840,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. [Read more…] about Origami-inspired robotic plants grow with their environment

Going the last mile with robotic parcel sorting

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Everyone has heard of going the extra mile, but for e-commerce, parcel, postal and logistics companies, the last mile is often the most challenging. To streamline how parcels arrive on the doorstep, many businesses are relying on localised or temporary facilities. For smaller sorting centres close to the customer, robots are a proven solution to optimise routes, maximise available capacity and reduce overheads.

Hans Jongebloed, Senior Postal Expert at Prime Vision, explores the possibilities.  [Read more…] about Going the last mile with robotic parcel sorting