Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

safety

Webinar: Fast Solution for Speed and Separation Monitoring in a Collaborative Robot Application

by

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-anVothsTM2a7mMUOfdViQ

SICK Sensor Inc announces the latest webinar in association with Robotics and Automation News. 

Collaborative robot adaptation is growing faster than ever before and leading the charge is Universal Robots.

SICK has partnered with UR to create the fastest way to implement speed and separation monitoring for collaborative robot applications.

The webinar will take place on 15th April and the guest speaker will be Nate Gose, Manager of Safety Services at SICK Sensor Inc.

Nate Gose, Manager of Safety Services at SICK Sensor Inc

Nate has been with SICK for over seven years, providing safety expertise to customers in various industries and will cover the following points during the webinar:

  • How to quickly and easily implement speed and separation monitoring for robot protective measures
  • How programming a safety scanner can be achieved without the use of a separate PC or software
  • The benefits of using a collaborative robot with an integrated safety scanner

 

TCL implements ‘world’s first’ 5G-enabled autonomous mobile robots from ForwardX

by

The Huizhou factory of Chinese multinational electronics company TCL, specializing in surface-mount technology processes, has installed dozens of ForwardX Max 300 Lift Autonomous Mobile Robots to automate the movement of materials across the production facility.

So far, the project has resulted in improved productivity across the production process, less labor dependency for material handling, and a quicker inventory turnover.

The AMRs connect and communicate through a 5G network which was set up as part of TCL’s 5G+ Smart Factory Initiative. [Read more…] about TCL implements ‘world’s first’ 5G-enabled autonomous mobile robots from ForwardX

Comau launches new high-speed collaborative robot

by

Comau has launched its Racer-5-0.80 collaborative robot – or Racer-5 Cobot – which it describes as “a new paradigm in collaborative robotics” that meets the growing demand for fast, cost-effective cobots that can be used in restricted spaces and in different application areas.

Countering the belief that collaborative robots are slow, Racer-5 Cobot is a 6-axis articulated robot that can work at industrial speed up to 6 m/s. With a 5 kg payload and 809 mm reach, it ensures optimal industrial efficiency while granting the added benefit of safe, barrier-free operations.

Furthermore, the cobot can instantly switch from a collaborative mode to full speed when operators are not around, letting its 0.03 mm repeatability and advanced movement fluidity deliver unmatched production rates. [Read more…] about Comau launches new high-speed collaborative robot

Canadian Tire and NuPort Robotics to commercialize Canada’s first automated heavy duty trucks

by

Canadian Tire Corporation and Toronto based start-up NuPort Robotics, Canada’s first autonomous trucking company, are partnering with the Ontario government to invest $3 million to undertake an automated heavy duty trucking project to test a “first-of-its-kind-in-the-world” technology. 

The breakthrough technology provides a transportation solution for the middle mile, the short-haul shuttle runs that semi-tractor trailers make between distribution centres, warehouses and terminals each day.

It is designed to enable next-generation automated trucks that are more fuel efficient, safer to operate, and provide an enhanced driver experience. [Read more…] about Canadian Tire and NuPort Robotics to commercialize Canada’s first automated heavy duty trucks

Startup company building autonomous trucks on Nvidia platform already has ‘more than 10,000 pre-orders’

by

The autonomous trucking industry is about to get what is described by Nvidia as “a major new addition”.

Self-driving truck company Plus announced that its upcoming autonomous vehicle platform will be built on Nvidia Drive Orin.

This software-defined system will “continuously improve upon the safety and efficiency of the delivery and logistics industry with high-performance compute and AI algorithms that can be updated over the air”, says Nvidia. [Read more…] about Startup company building autonomous trucks on Nvidia platform already has ‘more than 10,000 pre-orders’

How a top automotive manufacturer went ‘fork free’ to boost productivity and safety

by

By Rob Sullivan, president and CEO, AutoGuide Mobile Robots

With forklifts an ongoing contributor to workplace accidents, and skilled operators difficult to find and retain in today’s competitive manufacturing environment, automating material transport is solving both issues.

A few years ago, a top-tier automotive manufacturer wanted to reduce how often employees had to manually lift and move heavy objects, and eliminate the risk of forklift-related injuries.

They understood that they needed safer and more efficient solutions for transporting engines and other materials from assembly to testing within their 40,000 square foot facility. [Read more…] about How a top automotive manufacturer went ‘fork free’ to boost productivity and safety

Stäubli launches three new six-axis industrial robots

by

Stäubli is launching three new six-axis industrial robots for the medium payload range.

The TX2-140, TX2-160 and TX2-160L extend the current TX2 generation and bring the total to nine models.

The company says their “rigid structure and smart design make them the ideal choice for a variety of applications in ambient conditions ranging from harsh to sterile”, adding that they feature the “highest level of safety and connectivity”. [Read more…] about Stäubli launches three new six-axis industrial robots

Motional operates driverless vehicles on public roads in Las Vegas

by

Motional is operating driverless vehicles on public roads, becoming one of the world’s first companies to do so. The inaugural testing took place in Las Vegas this month and consisted of multiple driverless vehicles safely navigating intersections, unprotected turns, and interactions with other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

In pursuit of this milestone and a future of safer roads, Motional set a high bar for the industry. The company’s driverless operation follows decades of innovation, 1.5 million miles, and a two-year self-imposed safety evaluation process that took hundreds of employees more than 100,000 hours to complete.

During this process, Motional proactively sought external review. TÜV SÜD, a world-leading independent technical service provider with extensive experience assessing driverless technology, was given access to the company’s proprietary systems, technology, and operations. [Read more…] about Motional operates driverless vehicles on public roads in Las Vegas

ZF builds on technology portfolio with acquisition of WABCO

by

ZF is building on its technology portfolio with the recent acquisition of US truck maker WABCO.

ZF says it is poised to be “the leading technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry” with the addition of WABCO’s capabilities. The company is playing a pivotal role in the industry’s drive towards a more sustainable, connected, automated safer future.

The company says WABCO’s Autonomous Driving Open Technology (ADOPT) software platform increases safety, efficiency and operational productivity. ADOPT provides automated vehicle operations with “advanced vehicle motion control”. [Read more…] about ZF builds on technology portfolio with acquisition of WABCO

K.Hartwall launches new ‘autonomous mobile robot’

by

K.Hartwall has launched a new “autonomous mobile robot” called A-Mate. The company says this is the first fully electric free-lift pallet “AGV” with omnidirectional drive on the market. 

K.Hartwall calls its new machine an AGV as well as an AMR, which indicates the ongoing merging of the two technologies across the industry.

The company says the A-Mate is an extremely versatile mobile robot that will bring a new level of automation to intra-logistics, and to the movements of different load carriers, from pallets to roll containers and foldable cages or “gitter” boxes. [Read more…] about K.Hartwall launches new ‘autonomous mobile robot’