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Stäubli launches new software to enable robot programming through PLCs

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Stäubli has launched uniVAL pi, a software solution that will enable robot programming to be implemented in the future via the PLC, using Plug & Play in Siemens TIA Portal.

A PLC, or programmable logic controller, is a type of small computer or device used to control machines in factories.

Stäubli’s new software is optionally an available communication interface, with which users can program Stäubli robots without manufacturer-specific, high-level language knowledge in their familiar environment – safely, quickly and efficiently, says the company. [Read more…] about Stäubli launches new software to enable robot programming through PLCs

Elon Musk and his Tesla Bot: Will humanoid robots take over the world like all of science fiction predicts?

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Arguably the world’s most visionary entrepreneur, Elon Musk, is rarely out of the news, whether it’s because of his super-duper Tesla electric cars or because of his achievements in aerospace, which include rockets and spacecraft built by his SpaceX company docking with and supplying the International Space Station.

In recent days, Musk has been in the news because of his reported comments about humanoid robots. According to Reuters and hundreds of other reputable news outlets, Musk believes humanoid robots will be an even bigger business than his Tesla car company, which at one stage was estimated to be the most valuable automaker in the world.

Musk unveiled his proposed humanoid robot – given the name “Tesla Bot” or “Optimus” for now – at a 3-hour stage presentation, which has been uploaded to YouTube. The machine is also mentioned on the Tesla company website. [Read more…] about Elon Musk and his Tesla Bot: Will humanoid robots take over the world like all of science fiction predicts?

MiR autonomous mobile robot sales increase by 42 percent in 2021

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Mobile Industrial Robots, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, says it experienced a 42 percent increase in sales in 2021 compared with 2020.

December alone was a “record month” for the company, with close to 300 robots shipped, which is more than any previous month.

Søren Nielsen, president of MiR, says: “We grew significantly in 2021 despite component shortages as customers recognize the value of our safe, reliable and easy-to-deploy AMRs. [Read more…] about MiR autonomous mobile robot sales increase by 42 percent in 2021

Universal Robots reports record revenue of $311 million

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Universal Robots, the Danish producer of collaborative robots, has reported record annual revenue of $311 million, 41 percent up on 2020 and 23 percent up on pre-pandemic results in 2019.

Kim Povlsen, the company’s president, says: “Universal Robots has had a great year. In a company like ours, which manufactures sophisticated hardware to high quality standards, this sort of growth requires tremendous commitment from all involved.

“Our production team in Denmark has broken internal records for the number of cobots built, producing 400 cobots in a single week in Q4. Our supply chain experts have worked hard to keep our business running smoothly despite global supply challenges.” [Read more…] about Universal Robots reports record revenue of $311 million

Dental Robotics: A Disruptive Technology

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Robotics is gradually taking over the diagnostics and treatment procedures in dental medicine.

Over the years, various techniques have been employed to solve dental problems effectively, and they have all contributed to advancing the practice at various levels.

Now, robotics is becoming the most sought-after solution in the world of dental medicine. This is many thanks to the various advantages and opportunities it offers experts in the industry. [Read more…] about Dental Robotics: A Disruptive Technology

Nidec to enter robotics market

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Nidec is set to enter the robotics market, according to a report on Nikkei.

Nidec is probably the world’s largest supplier of motors and drives, used in computer hard drives and all sorts of other devices. But it has so far, avoided entering the industrial robotics market in a big way.

Now, however, Nidec has reportedly “added robots to its core products along with electric vehicle motors”. [Read more…] about Nidec to enter robotics market

India’s richest man spends $132 million buying majority stake in robotics company

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India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, has bought the majority stake – 54 percent – in a robotics company called Addverb Technologies through his Reliance Industries conglomerate.

Addverb Technologies is a warehouse automation company, mainly in the intralogistics space, providing autonomous mobile robots and other systems, and was already working with Reliance Industries.

The purchase of the shares took place during the startup’s latest funding round. [Read more…] about India’s richest man spends $132 million buying majority stake in robotics company

Doosan showcases collaborative robot for camera work

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Doosan Robotics, a manufacturer of collaborative robots, has showcased a new robot designed for camera work in television studios. (See video below.)

The company demonstrated the system – which it has called NINA, short for “New Inspiration, New Angle” – at the recent Consumer Electronics Show.

NINA is Doosan’s first entry into the entertainment industry marketplace and its first public appearance of the CES 2022 Innovation Award winning product prior to its global launch in 2022. [Read more…] about Doosan showcases collaborative robot for camera work

Kuka wins order for 700 robots from Ford Otosan

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Industrial robotics and automation specialist Kuka has won an order from Ford Otosan in Turkey for the delivery and installation of a very large number of robots.

The two companies have signed a new framework contract for supplying more than 700 robots for Ford’s next generation electrical and connected commercial vehicle projects in Ford’s plants in Kocaeli, in the north-east of Turkey, just south of Istanbul.

Kuka says the contract marks a continuation of the companies’ partnership which has been in place for more than 20 years. [Read more…] about Kuka wins order for 700 robots from Ford Otosan

DHL to invest $15 million on Boston Dynamics robots for supply chain operations

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DHL Supply Chain, the global and North American contract logistics business unit within Deutsche Post DHL Group, is making a $15 million investment in robotics solutions from Boston Dynamics.

Boston dynamics is famous for making scary humanoid and canine robots but it has also become one of the leading developers of mobile robotics, and the robots it will supply DHL – which include an autonomous mobile robot with arm called “Stretch” (main picture) – will “further automate warehousing in North America”.

The companies have signed a multi-year agreement that begins with equipping DHL facilities with Stretch, Boston Dynamics’ newest robot specifically designed to automate the unloading process in distribution centers. [Read more…] about DHL to invest $15 million on Boston Dynamics robots for supply chain operations