Robotics & Automation News

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Delivery robot company Kiwibot expands operations to four cities in partnership with Knight Foundation

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Kiwibot, a robotic delivery service that has completed over 150,000 food deliveries with semi-autonomous robots, has expanded its operations to San Jose, Miami-Dade County, Pittsburgh, and Detroit. 

This implementation of sidewalk delivery devices is possible due to a partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which funds initiatives that ensure that “residents’ voices drive the future of people-centered, smart cities”, says the company.

Each of the four cities will be given up to 10 robots with one human supervisor, making deliveries across these urban zones more efficient and cost-effective through Kiwibot’s last-mile delivery network. [Read more…] about Delivery robot company Kiwibot expands operations to four cities in partnership with Knight Foundation

FedEx implements Berkshire Grey’s robotic system for small package processing

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FedEx Ground, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, has recently implemented Berkshire Grey’s Robotic Product Sortation and Identification (RPSi) systems at its station in Queens, New York.

Berkshire Grey, a developer of Intelligent Enterprise Robotics solutions, executed the RPSi systems to robotically sort the thousands of small packages that arrive daily in bulk into containers bound for other specific hubs and stations across the FedEx Ground network.

FedEx Ground plans to install additional Berkshire Grey RPSi systems at sortation facilities in Las Vegas, Nev., and Columbus, Ohio, in the coming months. [Read more…] about FedEx implements Berkshire Grey’s robotic system for small package processing

Robotiq launches new screwdriving solution for robots

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Robotiq, a provider of tools and software solutions for the collaborative robot market, announced today the launch of its Screwdriving Solution.

Designed for manufacturers looking to automate screwdriving applications, this solution’s intuitive features eliminate the need for expensive, complicated custom-designed solutions.

Catherine Leclerc, product owner at Robotiq, says: “Screwdriving is a dull and repetitive task that often leads to fastening inconsistencies and stress injuries. [Read more…] about Robotiq launches new screwdriving solution for robots

Comau’s exoskeleton producing ‘significant, measurable benefits’ at Pintarelli

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Comau’s wearable exoskeleton with its news model, the MATE-XT, aims to satisfy the special needs of those working in harsh conditions in industry, other sectors and even outdoors.

Comau’s MATE exoskeleton is the first and still the only exoskeleton in the world to be EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet) certified. This confirms its effectiveness in reducing the risk of biomechanical upper limb strain in workers whose daily activities involve repetitive flexion and extension of the arms.

MATE has become an indispensable aid for some of the operators at Pintarelli, who perform repetitive manual movements involving continuous use of the upper limbs and shoulders. Pintarelli Verniciature is based in Lavis in the province of Trento and employs around 30 people. [Read more…] about Comau’s exoskeleton producing ‘significant, measurable benefits’ at Pintarelli

5 Reasons to Use Modern Digital Displays in Your Marketing Efforts

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Today, shopping has taken a major shift, with consumers relying on digital information when selecting products and services to purchase. Business owners employ different marketing methods, including paid advertising, relationship and transactional marketing.

While developing a marketing strategy and plan, it is essential to identify your business goals, research your market, profile potential customers and competitors, and test your ideas.

With the technological advancements, shopping habits have rapidly evolved, with most people shifting to digital spaces due to the convenience and sophistication that comes with them. [Read more…] about 5 Reasons to Use Modern Digital Displays in Your Marketing Efforts

Why Use Automated Warehousing for Your Small Business

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Whether it’s about a new mechanical invention or new methods and means of finishing a task, innovations have indeed propelled the industrial sector. Technology has improved functionality on various aspects, particularly in the management of warehouses.

When it comes to stock management, warehouse owners have several alternatives to choose from. Some people select fulfillment services such as Printful, in which third-party warehouses assist in making shipment preparation and delivery easier and more straightforward.

However, as distribution channels couldn’t satisfy their needs entirely with human workforces and as mechanical advancements dominated the industrial sector, warehouse automation has come to life. [Read more…] about Why Use Automated Warehousing for Your Small Business

Emerson’s unveils new industrial edge-computing software for manufacturers

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Emerson has unveiled the PACEdge industrial edge platform designed to help manufacturers accelerate digital transformation projects by enabling users to quickly create and scale up performance-improving applications.

Emerson says the PACEdge platform simplifies application development by bringing together today’s leading open-source tools into a flexible, integrated and secure platform for utilising machine data and analytics.

The PACEdge release coincides with the launch of Emerson’s new PACSystems RXi2-BP edge computer, a small form-factor industrial PC that enables high-performance analytics to be run close to the machine. [Read more…] about Emerson’s unveils new industrial edge-computing software for manufacturers

Small Manufacturing Leaders Look for Long-Term Strategies: Connected Factories Driving Demand for Robotics Engineers

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By Thomas R. Cutler

A recent Gartner survey showed 57 percent of manufacturing leaders feel their organization lacks skilled workers to support smart manufacturing digitization plans. Most agreed a long-term strategy is necessary to develop the connected factory worker.

“Our survey revealed that manufacturers are currently going through a difficult phase in their digitization journey toward smart manufacturing,” said Simon Jacobson, vice president analyst, with the Gartner Supply Chain practice.

“They accept that changing from a break-fix mentality and culture to a data-driven workforce is a must. However, intuition, efficiency and engagement cannot be sacrificed. [Read more…] about Small Manufacturing Leaders Look for Long-Term Strategies: Connected Factories Driving Demand for Robotics Engineers

Nachi-Fujikoshi expands lineup of compact robot series

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Nachi-Fujikoshi is expanding its lineup of compact industrial robots with the launch of the new “EC06” and the “MZ12H”. 

The Japanese robot-making giant says that the need for automation by robots is expanding in the field of manufacturing with the aim of eliminating labor shortages and improving productivity.

This need has emerged against the backdrop of the worldwide declining birthrate and aging population, the shrinking working population and soaring labor costs. [Read more…] about Nachi-Fujikoshi expands lineup of compact robot series

The Role of Robotics and Automation in Industry 4.0

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As the global manufacturing industry enters its fourth revolution, innovations such as robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to take over. (1)

The number of active industrial robots worldwide is increasing by approximately 14% year on year, and automation continues to create new types of robots with improved utility and function. [Read more…] about The Role of Robotics and Automation in Industry 4.0