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Achieve more with mobile robots using SICK modular sensor solutions

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The rapidly expanding use of automation has generated an array of technologies and applications; creating a critical need for high performance solutions for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) that can adapt to different scenarios.

Industry leader SICK has developed its modular series of sensors to do just this – meeting and exceeding industry needs for adaptability, safety and precision to provide long-term solutions.

SICK’s modular sensor technology enables manufacturers and users of mobile robots to select precisely the modules they require and combine them to create the ideal solution for their application. [Read more…] about Achieve more with mobile robots using SICK modular sensor solutions

Bota Systems unveils new force-torque sensor for heavy payloads

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Bota Systems, a pioneer in multi-axis force-torque sensors, has launched the SensONE T80, specifically designed for larger cobots. Featuring ISO-standard flanges on both sides, the sensor simplifies integration and ensures superior accuracy even with heavier payloads.

The SensONE T80 is equipped with ISO-9409-1-80-6-M8 flanges, directly matching the mounting flanges on the latest UR20 and UR30 collaborative robots from Universal Robots, eliminating the need for an adapter.

This streamlines the work of integrators by removing the need for additional engineering to design adapter mounting equipment, significantly reducing time to market. [Read more…] about Bota Systems unveils new force-torque sensor for heavy payloads

Sonair raises $6.8 million to develop ‘breakthrough’ 3D ultrasonic sensor

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Sonair has closed a new funding round, led by Skyfall Ventures, to “propel the robotics industry into a new era of sensing technology”.

The investment introduces a completely new category of sensors that will transform a mobile robot’s spatial awareness from 2D to 3D, offering a significantly improved safety performance over traditional vision systems while cutting costs by 50-80 percent.

The company’s Early Access Program now counts AMR manufacturers, automakers, and distributors from across the world. [Read more…] about Sonair raises $6.8 million to develop ‘breakthrough’ 3D ultrasonic sensor

Naviq releases magnetic guide sensor to ‘enhance’ mobile robots path following

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Naviq is introducing the MTS160, a “state-of-the-art” magnetic guide sensor for mobile robots, featuring patented angle measurement capabilities with 1-degree precision and position accuracy within 1 mm.

This unique dual functionality provides exceptional orientation and positioning precision, significantly improving the navigation capabilities of mobile robotic systems.

Unlike traditional magnetic line-following sensors that only detect position along a single dimension, the MTS160’s unique angle detection allows robots to assess the curvature of the track. [Read more…] about Naviq releases magnetic guide sensor to ‘enhance’ mobile robots path following

Sonair claims ‘breakthrough’ 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots

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Sonair, previously operating in stealth, has revealed its innovative developments in sensor technology designed to improve safety in industrial automation.

The company also announced the upcoming launch of their first evaluation kit this summer, signaling a significant advancement in the field of robotic and machine autonomy.

The Sonair 3D ultrasonic sensor allows AMRs to detect distance and direction to all objects in a 180×180 field of view, up to a five-meter range. Combined with 2D images and AI, the outcome is confident navigation. [Read more…] about Sonair claims ‘breakthrough’ 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots

Omron launches new integrated autonomous mobile robot solutions with lifter and roller modules from ROEQ

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Omron’s new medium-payload autonomous mobile robots, the MD-650 and the MD-900, are launching as complete solutions with top modules by ROEQ, a leader in mobile robotic equipment.

Businesses looking to deploy autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in their facility often realize that an AMR without a top module is like a robot arm without a gripper.

A lifter top module enables an AMR to drive underneath the cargo, lift it up and transport it to the desired location, while a top roller makes sure that the cargo is seamlessly transferred from the AMR to a conveyor station, providing a fully-automated, efficient logistics cycle.

Kyle Hable, group product manager, Omron Robotics and Safety Technologies, says: “Manufacturers are adopting AMR technology at a staggering rate as the world moves forward from the supply chain crisis inflicted by the pandemic and it’s never been more important to launch complete, out of the box solutions accelerating production automation projects.” [Read more…] about Omron launches new integrated autonomous mobile robot solutions with lifter and roller modules from ROEQ

Bota Systems launches ‘highly sensitive’ robotics force-torque sensor

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Bota Systems, a pioneer in multi-axis force-torque sensors, is excited to announce the launch of the MiniONE Pro.

This advanced six-axis force-torque sensor offers exceptional sensitivity and compactness, empowering small robotic systems with enhanced feedback capabilities.

The MiniONE Pro acts as a crucial connector between robot arms and probes, providing highly sensitive feedback for improved performance. With a high sampling rate of up to 2000Hz and an ultra-low-noise signal delivering an accuracy of better than 2 per cent, the MiniONE Pro offers precise measurements.

Integrating this sensor is seamless, as it is already plug-and-play compatible with popular small-scale industrial robots such as the Yaskawa MotoMini and the Mecademic Meca500. [Read more…] about Bota Systems launches ‘highly sensitive’ robotics force-torque sensor

Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

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Hesai Technology, a provider of lidar solutions, and Cratus, a software solution integrator for lidar systems, have agreed a strategic alliance to develop autonomous warehouse solutions using Hesai’s “groundbreaking safety-rated” 3D lidar, the QT128.

Cratus has selected the QT128 as the lead sensor in its all-new lidar perception package for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AGVs and AMRs have been used for many years in warehouses and manufacturing plants to accomplish a variety of material handling tasks. [Read more…] about Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

Bota Systems and Kinova partner for easy installation of force torque sensors

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Bota Systems, a pioneer in multi-axis force-torque sensors, announces it is working with Kinova, and has developed the Bota Kinova Kit to make it quick and easy to mount the Bota SensONE force torque sensor on a Kinova Gen3 robot arm.

Kinova will show the kit with the Kinova Gen3 robot as a hand-guiding demo at its booth A16 at ICRA, the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, from 29 May – 2 June 2023, in London, UK.

The 6-axis SensONE force torque sensor from Bota enhances the end-effector force torque sensitivity of the Kinova Gen3 robot. The mounting kit makes it easy to install the sensor on the robot arm with just a few screws (supplied). [Read more…] about Bota Systems and Kinova partner for easy installation of force torque sensors

Motional chooses Ouster as exclusive supplier of long-range lidar for its autonomous vehicles

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Motional, a specialist developer of driverless cars, has selected Ouster as the exclusive provider of long-range lidar sensors for its all-electric Ioniq 5-based robotaxis. 

The serial production agreement will see Ouster supply Motional with Alpha Prime VLS-128 sensors through 2026.

A culmination of ten years of lidar development and learning from millions of road miles, the Alpha Prime long-range sensor is specifically designed for autonomous driving and advanced vehicle safety at highway speeds. [Read more…] about Motional chooses Ouster as exclusive supplier of long-range lidar for its autonomous vehicles