Robotics & Automation News

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Bosch Rexroth adopts Ubuntu Core and snaps for app-based ctrlX Automation platform

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Bosch Rexroth has selected Ubuntu Core for its app-based platform ctrlX Automation.

ctrlX Automation leverages Ubuntu Core, designed for embedded devices, and snaps, the universal Linux application containers, to deliver an open source platform to remove the barriers between machine control, operation technology and information technology, or OT-IT.

Industrial manufacturing solutions built on ctrlX Automation with Ubuntu Core and snaps will benefit from an open ecosystem, faster time to production and stronger security across devices’ lifecycle. [Read more…] about Bosch Rexroth adopts Ubuntu Core and snaps for app-based ctrlX Automation platform

HOOPS Exchange 2020 ramps up support for manufacturing as a service

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Tech Soft 3D, a provider of software development toolkits to engineering software companies, has released HOOPS Exchange 2020.

The company describes it as “the industry’s fastest and most accurate CAD data access and reuse technology for manufacturing and architecture, engineering and construction workflows”.

Tech Soft adds that HOOPS Exchange 2020 continues to improve support for manufacturing as a service applications. [Read more…] about HOOPS Exchange 2020 ramps up support for manufacturing as a service

SICK launches versatile new software development platform

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Sensors giant SICK has launched a new software development platform that it says is versatile enough to enable programmers to create solutions for the entire industrial process.

SICK says its AppSpace (see video below) offers system integrators and original equipment manufacturers the “freedom and flexibility” to independently develop application solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of any task.

Whether it’s designing the ideal online user interface, selecting the most suitable programming technology, or distributing the sensor app on various SICK sensors, SICK says AppSpace gives developers the power to develop their own customized solutions. [Read more…] about SICK launches versatile new software development platform

RoboDK celebrates five years of robot virtualisation software

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Founded by Albert Nubiola and Lauren Ierullo in January 2015, RoboDK is a spin-off company from the CoRo laboratory at ETS University in Montreal, Canada, one of the most prestigious robotics labs in North America.

While working on his PhD at CoRo lab, RoboDK’s CEO Albert Nubiola was the main developer of RoKiSim, a multi-platform educational software tool for 3D simulation of serial six-axis robots.

RoboDK software is the extended commercial version of RoKiSim and is designed to bring powerful robotics simulation and programming capabilities to companies large and small and to coders and non-coders alike. [Read more…] about RoboDK celebrates five years of robot virtualisation software

Siemens’ MindSphere wins plaudit as industrial IoT platform

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MindSphere, the industrial internet of things platform from Siemens, has been named a leader in its market by an independent research firm.

MindSphere can be described as an industrial technology “ecosystem”, which now integrates software from SAS, AWS, Microsoft, Alibaba and Arrow Electronics.

Siemens says the IIoT has the potential to significantly improve global productivity and growth, with Accenture estimating that this latest wave of digital innovation will accelerate the reinvention of sectors that account for almost two-thirds of world output and add $14.2 trillion to the global economy by 2030. [Read more…] about Siemens’ MindSphere wins plaudit as industrial IoT platform

Now you can make Boston Dynamics’ robot dog as scary as you like with the new SDK

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Boston Dynamics has launched a software development kit for its robot dog, Spot.

Already one of the scariest robots the world has ever seen, now the nightmare canine can be made even more terrifying by sick and twisted developers.

Boston Dynamics says the SDK enables a broad range of developers and non-traditional roboticists to communicate with the robot and develop custom applications that enable Spot to do useful tasks across a wide range of industries. [Read more…] about Now you can make Boston Dynamics’ robot dog as scary as you like with the new SDK

Swiss scientist developing robot that ‘grips without touching’

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A scientist at the Swiss university ETH Zurich is developing a robot that “grips without touching”.

The technology is based on sound waves, or “ultrasound waves”, to be more precise.

ETH pioneer fellow Marcel Schuck is responsible for the invention, and has a small version of the robot on his desk. [Read more…] about Swiss scientist developing robot that ‘grips without touching’

ABB adds 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation software

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ABB is introducing 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation and offline programming software, which will enable users to program ABB robots for additive manufacturing “in just 30 minutes”. (See video below.)

Part of the PowerPac portfolio of RobotStudio, the new 3D Printing feature eliminates manual programming to allow faster prototype production.

The 3D Printing PowerPac supports a variety of processes, such as welding and printing with granules or concrete and is ideal for low-volume, high-mix printing. [Read more…] about ABB adds 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation software

Wagner Logistics implements inVia Robotics software in its Kansas warehouse

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inVia Robotics, a provider of warehouse robotics, has implemented its artificial intelligence-driven automation software in Wagner Logistics’ Edgerton, Kansas warehouse.

inVia’s software includes the newly introduced inVia PickMate tool which it says “increases warehouse workers’ productivity and accuracy” by directing them to the most efficient route through the warehouse to take products from inventory to pack out.

In the coming months, Wagner plans to deploy inVia Picker robots to work in tandem with its warehouse workers to further automate its order fulfillment process. [Read more…] about Wagner Logistics implements inVia Robotics software in its Kansas warehouse

SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

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Misumi, a global manufacturer and provider of mechanical components and indirect materials for special machine construction and assembly automation, has commissioned SSI Schaefer to implement a new logistics center in Frankfurt / Main.

The distribution center will be built in several stages and have a capacity for 450,000 items on more than 10,000 sq m of storage area.

Core elements of the system are an automated shuttle warehouse, a four-storied rack system, ergonomic work stations connected via a conveying system and the logistics software Wamas. [Read more…] about SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi