Robotics & Automation News

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Robust AI raises $22.5 million to build ‘world’s first’ industrial-grade cognitive engine for robotics

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Robust.ai, the company pioneering an industrial grade cognitive engine for robots, announced today the close of a $15 million Series A investment round, taking the company’s total funding to date to $22.5 million.

JAZZ Venture Partners led the Series A round and was joined by previous investors Playground Global, Liquid2, Fontinalis, Jaan Tallinn and Mark Leslie. Esther Dyson, Steve Blank and Tim O’Reilly are also angel investors in Robust.ai.

Historically, robots have largely been confined to highly predictable environments; Robust aims to change that by creating a new cognitively-driven AI platform that gives robots the problem-solving capabilities they need to work alongside humans in dynamic, open-ended environments, vastly increasing their potential in complex public spaces. [Read more…] about Robust AI raises $22.5 million to build ‘world’s first’ industrial-grade cognitive engine for robotics

Brain Corp adds new capabilities to its OS for robots

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Brain Corp, a San Diego-based AI for robotics company, has launched its new user experience (UX) design and reporting capabilities for autonomous mobile robots.

The software enhancements are designed to optimize usage of BrainOS-powered robots for different types of users – from a robot operator to management personnel – on a global basis.

They also include powerful new software features for BrainOS-enabled robotic scrubbers that deliver improved cleaning efficiency and flexibility for commercial locations. [Read more…] about Brain Corp adds new capabilities to its OS for robots

Robotiq launches new robotic bin picking solution

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Collaborative robot application specialist Robotiq has introduced a “versatile and affordable” bin picking system which will bring additional proficiency and flexibility to a broad spectrum of mid to high volume manufacturing and processing operations.

In line with the company’s core value of democratising automation, the Robotiq Bin Picking Kit provides a complete solution for locating, picking, handling, and placing flat and cylindrical parts – with rapid set-up that ensures optimal return on investment.

Compatible with Universal Robots, the Kit is particularly well-suited to appliance manufacturing, automotive components, general industry, and metal and plastic products, for applications ranging from stamping, bending, engraving, marking and painting, to deburring, grinding, line feeding and assembly. [Read more…] about Robotiq launches new robotic bin picking solution

Automating image-based inspection with artificial intelligence

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High demands on products as well as high time and cost pressure are decisive competitive factors across all industries and sectors.

Whether in the food or automotive industry quality, safety and speed are today more than ever before factors that determine the success of a company.

Zero-defect production is the goal. But how can it be guaranteed that only flawless products leave the production line? [Read more…] about Automating image-based inspection with artificial intelligence

Business Management: Using Current Tech to Your Advantage

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Technology is revolutionizing our personal and business lives. There is always new software emerging that can make your life easier, as well as solve problems you currently face.

If you are willing to make the investment, you can take advantage of current technology and upgrade your business. [Read more…] about Business Management: Using Current Tech to Your Advantage

Swisslog partners with retail chain H-E-B to build automated micro-fulfillment centers

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Swisslog, a warehouse automation company, has partnered with H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas to support the company’s growing demand for online fulfillment.

H-E-B says demand for its online grocery services is continuing to accelerate.

Swisslog is working with H-E-B to build a number of automated micro-fulfillment centers to support the chain’s curbside pick-up and delivery business. [Read more…] about Swisslog partners with retail chain H-E-B to build automated micro-fulfillment centers

Yaskawa and Phoenix Contact partner to develop new PLC platform

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Yaskawa, a manufacturer of motion control, robotics, and variable speed drives, and Phoenix Contact, a manufacturer of automation solutions, have agreed a partnership to develop a new programmable logic controller platform.

The companies say they will utilize PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact in the development of the “next generation machine controller and PLC platform”, realizing the i3-Mechatronics solution concept lead by Yaskawa.

The common goal of both companies is to offer an open and future-proof ecosystem for industrial automation. In this context, Phoenix Contact has licensed its PLCnext runtime environment to Yaskawa and agrees on further joint developments. [Read more…] about Yaskawa and Phoenix Contact partner to develop new PLC platform

Denso unveils new IoT platform to link 130 factories

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Denso, one of the world’s largest automotive component manufacturers, has launched a Factory-IoT Platform that connects 130 production factories worldwide using information technology and the internet of things technologies, based on the concept of “as if under one roof.”

This is the first in-house development of a cloud-native platform using open-source-software in the automotive supplier industry. Cloud-Native refers to a system development method that uses open-source-software to cooperatively control multiple applications on the premise of operation in the cloud.

Open-source-software is free software that anyone can use. The newly developed platform stores data collected from a range of equipment at various production sites in a single cloud that can be used freely across Denso’s organization network. [Read more…] about Denso unveils new IoT platform to link 130 factories

Innovative Ways for Robotics Companies to Step up Their Performance

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When we think about robotics, many of us automatically have the image of the robots from our favorite science-fiction movie or animation.

Robots in movies have incredible artificial intelligence and functions that often sees them at odds with the human characters.

In actual fact, robots are incredibly useful for our lives and robotic scientists are constantly coming up with new innovations which are advancing the development of new robotic technology at an incredible speed. [Read more…] about Innovative Ways for Robotics Companies to Step up Their Performance

Freight Hauling Technologies Used Today

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Today, several freight hauling technologies have revolutionized the way freight is transported. Freight services have become fast and convenient with the use of these new technologies.

These types of services include trucking and shipping, and air freight and cargo transportation. So, what are the freight hauling technologies being used today? [Read more…] about Freight Hauling Technologies Used Today