Robotics & Automation News

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simulation

Reinforcing the value of simulation: Teaching dexterity to a real robot hand

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Nvidia researchers show how training in simulation enables the transfer of complex manipulation skills to a robot hand with project DeXtreme

The human hand is one of the most remarkable outcomes of millions of years of evolution. The ability to pick up all sorts of objects and use them as tools is a crucial differentiator allowing us to shape the world around us.

For robots to work in the everyday human world, the ability to deftly interact with our tools and the environment around them is critical. Without that capability, they will continue to be useful only in specialized domains such as factories or warehouses.

While it has been possible to teach robots with legs how to walk for some time, robots with hands have generally proven to be much trickier to control. A hand with fingers has more joints, and they must move in specific coordinated ways to accomplish a given task. [Read more…] about Reinforcing the value of simulation: Teaching dexterity to a real robot hand

ABB RobotStudio takes to the cloud, enabling real-time collaboration

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ABB has enhanced its RobotStudio robot programming and simulation software with cloud-enabled functionality. The new RobotStudio Cloud enables individuals and teams to collaborate in real-time on robot cell designs from anywhere in the world, on any device. 

New features such as automatic version control increase transparency and productivity across teams. The software’s simplified interfaces and intuitive navigation allow users of all skill levels to work on robotic projects.

Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics division, says: “At ABB Robotics, we continue to develop innovative and flexible solutions to help businesses overcome challenges, respond to changing customer needs and thrive in an age of increasing digitalization. [Read more…] about ABB RobotStudio takes to the cloud, enabling real-time collaboration

Nimbus’ in-browser simulation ‘reduces costs by 80 percent’

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Cogniteam says its Nimbus Robotic operating system’s in-browser simulation “reduces robot simulation costs by 80 percent”, adding that the software is focused on cost-saving and collaboration, enabling teams to simulate robots at “breakneck speeds”.

Dr Yehuda Elmaliach, co-founder and CEO of Cogniteam, says: “Upload your robot and drag & drop sensors, then run an in-browser simulation without worrying about costs or hardware capabilities.”

Cogniteam says Nimbus unifies development, cloud connectivity, and deployment capabilities. The company says it has also added new low-cost, high-powered in-browser simulation capabilities. [Read more…] about Nimbus’ in-browser simulation ‘reduces costs by 80 percent’

Realtime Robotics integrates robot motion planning and control software with Siemens Process Simulate

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Realtime Robotics, the leader in collision-free autonomous motion planning for industrial robots, today announced that it has teamed with Siemens to integrate its RapidPlan software with Siemens Process Simulate, in the company’s Tecnomatix portfolio.

This integration enables Siemens customers to utilize Realtime’s innovative robot motion planning and control software as a part of their regular workflow, without leaving Process Simulate.

Customers using the integration can easily visualize, prioritize and simulate robot task plans, and validate them through virtual commissioning. Support for servo weld guns has also been added. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics integrates robot motion planning and control software with Siemens Process Simulate

Fraunhofer Research uses Nvidia simulation technologies to design ‘futuristic autonomous mobile robots’

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Fraunhofer Research is using Nvidia simulation technologies to design futuristic autonomous mobile robots that significantly advance the state of the art in autonomous mobile robots.

The Germany-based research group’s O3dyn platform is intended for the creation and testing of autonomous mobile robots for manufacturing. [Read more…] about Fraunhofer Research uses Nvidia simulation technologies to design ‘futuristic autonomous mobile robots’

Hexagon and ESAB to help manufacturers ‘optimise robotic welding processes’

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Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence division has signed a partnership agreement with ESAB, a fabrication specialist, to create a “streamlined welding solution” combining Hexagon’s simulation software with ESAB’s InduSuite solutions to help fabricators perform more efficient and successful welding operations.

Hexagon’s simulation intelligence, embedded within ESAB’s software and automation portfolio, will ensure that users have the tools required to “consistently manufacture high-quality products without costly trial and error”, according to the companies.

Producing successful welds can be challenging without the benefit of many years’ shop-floor experience and, even with an extensive welding experience, can incur high costs from waste and time. [Read more…] about Hexagon and ESAB to help manufacturers ‘optimise robotic welding processes’

Avidbots and Maplesoft partner to design new autonomous commercial cleaning systems

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Avidbots, a maker of commercial robotic cleaning systems, and Maplesoft, a provider of modeling and calculation software for engineering and research, have agreed a strategic partnership to “bring more innovation to autonomous cleaning robot design for commercial customers”.

Warehouses and retail businesses are frequently turning to tech to provide efficient, cost-effective cleaning options for essential commercial cleaning tasks, say the companies.

Finding efficient cleaning solutions has been made challenging by unpredictable staffing and the additional Covid-related surface disinfection steps. [Read more…] about Avidbots and Maplesoft partner to design new autonomous commercial cleaning systems

MORAI showcases autonomous vehicle driving simulator

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MORAI, a developer of autonomous vehicle simulation technology in Korea, has showcased its MORAI SIM Drive, its “true-to-life autonomous vehicle driving simulator” at the recent CommunicAsia 2022 trade event.

As a part of the region’s flagship tech event, Asia Tech x Singapore, CommunicAsia is Asia’s most established and relevant international industry event for the telecommunications sector, showcasing the latest ICT technologies.

This year, the event was held from June 1 to 3 at Singapore Expo and MORAI demonstrated its latest autonomous driving simulation technology. [Read more…] about MORAI showcases autonomous vehicle driving simulator

RoboDK targets integrator sales demos with web version of robot simulation software

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A new web version the popular robot programming software RoboDK has just been released.

This simplified version needs no license and provides a portable, intuitive interface for sales representatives, new robot users, and educational uses.

Creating convincing sales demos of robotic solutions is not always easy. Robot integrators often use simulations to make it easier for clients to understand their solutions, but such simulations are not easily portable. [Read more…] about RoboDK targets integrator sales demos with web version of robot simulation software

Autonomous vehicle simulation startup MorAI raises $20 million funding

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MorAI, a developer of autonomous vehicle simulation technology, has secured a $20 million Series B funding round.

The round includes investment from new investors Korea Investment Partners, KB Investment, and the state-run Korea Development Bank, as well as from existing investors Naver’s D2 Startup Factory, Hyundai Motor Group’s Zero1ne, Kakao Ventures, and Atinum Investment, bringing MorAI’s total funding to date to $25 million.

MorAI was co-founded in 2018 by three autonomous driving researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Ever since, the company has established itself as South Korea’s sole provider of full-stack autonomous vehicle simulation solutions. [Read more…] about Autonomous vehicle simulation startup MorAI raises $20 million funding