Robotics & Automation News

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DHL to acquire 2,000 robots from Locus Robotics

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DHL Supply Chain, part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, has signed a framework agreement expanding its collaboration with Locus Robotics.

Initial investments in assisted picking robots have proven effective in commercially scaled operations, and this multi-million dollar agreement will enhance DHL’s wider Accelerated Digitalization Strategy.

By 2022, the supply chain specialist plans to take on up to 2,000 robots, then being by far the largest customer of Locus Robotics worldwide. [Read more…] about DHL to acquire 2,000 robots from Locus Robotics

Vention to sell Fanuc collaborative robots online

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Vention, the cloud-based manufacturing automation platform, and Fanuc, a world-leading manufacturer of industrial robots, have agreed a new alliance in the field of collaborative robotics.

Centered around the Fanuc CRX cobot, this collaboration will enable prospective end-users, system integrators, and training centers to design and order complete, end-to-end robot cells directly from the Vention cloud platform. [Read more…] about Vention to sell Fanuc collaborative robots online

Watch Now: How Robots Won the Digital Transformation Dance at Boston Dynamics

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You’d love to dance your way through a digital transformation, swinging to the sounds of product innovation, business acceleration, and unfettered visibility.

But, maybe you’re a bit hesitant to get on your feet and waltz your way to more effective customer engagement and efficient operations.

Boston Dynamics – the groundbreaking manufacturer behind those viral dancing robots (video below) – led their digital transformation to success by choreographing the right mix of great technology, a single digital platform, and proven best practices. [Read more…] about Watch Now: How Robots Won the Digital Transformation Dance at Boston Dynamics

Seegrid creates ‘Blue Labs’ research and development group

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Seegrid, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has established something it calls “Blue Labs”, a research and development group to further the company’s technical progress.

With an in-house team of innovators in mobile automation building upon Seegrid’s proprietary, artificial intelligence technologies, the company will accelerate its expanding footprint throughout the manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics sectors it serves.

This year the company has launched multiple new automated workflows for its fleet of Palion AMRs along with a cloud-based data analytics platform, and has been heavily focused on faster development of new products and rapid expansion of its product offering. [Read more…] about Seegrid creates ‘Blue Labs’ research and development group

Maximising uptime in industrial robotics

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Castrol’s advanced lubricants for robotic applications are designed to reduce industrial robot downtime while having a positive effect on the quality, cost and efficiency of your production process.

Industrial robots have transformed manufacturing companies across every industry, helping to increase quality and efficiency while decrease costs.

However, the threat of unplanned downtime caused by robotic failure remains a challenge for factories looking to enhance levels of automation. A single minute of interruption can cost an automotive manufacturer dearly. [Read more…] about Maximising uptime in industrial robotics

The robot smiles back: Columbia scientists teach robot how to respond to human facial expressions

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Columbia Engineering researchers use AI to teach robots to make appropriate reactive human facial expressions, an ability that could build trust between humans and their robotic co-workers and care-givers. (See video below.)

While our facial expressions play a huge role in building trust, most robots still sport the blank and static visage of a professional poker player.

With the increasing use of robots in locations where robots and humans need to work closely together, from nursing homes to warehouses and factories, the need for a more responsive, facially realistic robot is growing more urgent. [Read more…] about The robot smiles back: Columbia scientists teach robot how to respond to human facial expressions

Collaborative robotics market set to grow to $8 billion by 2030

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Despite the challenges facing the wider manufacturing industry during the coronavirus pandemic, collaborative robots continue to attract attention and investment, due to their ease of use, redeployability, and convenience to end-users who struggle to afford more traditional forms of automation.

According to a new report from global tech market advisory firm ABI Research, the cobot market is set to grow substantially over the coming decade.

The market had a global valuation of $475 million in 2020, which will expand to $600 million in 2021 and $8 billion in 2030, with a projected annual growth of 32.5 percent. [Read more…] about Collaborative robotics market set to grow to $8 billion by 2030

Universal Robots upgrades its UR10e arm with 25 percent greater payload

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Universal Robots is launching an enhanced UR10e with an increased payload of 12.5 kg (27.55 lbs), creating new possibilities for applications such as palletizing, machine tending, and packaging. The robot’s price remains unchanged.

Kim Povlsen, President of Universal Robots, says: “Universal Robots is committed to continuous improvement based on meaningful conversations with customers and our ability to address critical market opportunities. Our customers have already deployed UR cobots on a wide variety of palletizing applications.

“Over time, they have identified opportunities to utilize our UR10e cobot in handling tasks with heavier items. [Read more…] about Universal Robots upgrades its UR10e arm with 25 percent greater payload

Using robots to address the welder shortage

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Automated welding solutions are used across a range of industries, most commonly observed in the automotive industry where arc welding has been automated since the 1960s as a reliable method of manufacturing that increases accuracy, safety and efficiency.

The primary driver of automated welding solutions has always been a desire for reduced long term costs, increased reliability and productivity.

However, now there is a new driving force as robots are being used as a way of addressing the skills gap in the welding industry. More experienced welders are retiring in large numbers and there aren’t enough certified welders being trained to replace them. [Read more…] about Using robots to address the welder shortage

InOrbit launches ‘Time Capsule’ to provide greater insights into robot fleets

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InOrbit, a provider of cloud-based software to help operations teams orchestrate service robots, has launched a new service called “Time Capsule”, which gives engineering and operations staff greater insights into their robot fleets.

The latest upgrade to the SaaS platform captures critical data needed to understand robot autonomy exceptions, giving users the ability to “turn back time” to understand where the failures occurred and enabling them to improve productivity.

Time Capsule, along with additional user interface improvements, is immediately available for new and existing InOrbit customers. [Read more…] about InOrbit launches ‘Time Capsule’ to provide greater insights into robot fleets