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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

SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

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SVT Robotics, a developer of software for industrial robotics, has designed a new SoftBot Platform connector for RightHand Robotics, a specialist in autonomous robotic picking solutions.

SVT Robotics worked with RightHand Robotics to develop the pre-built connector between SVT’s SoftBot Platform and the RightPick 3 item-handling robot system, the company’s newest generation of the RightPick product suite and the world’s first autonomous piece-picking solution designed to be integrator-friendly.

T.J. Fanning, VP of sales for SVT, says: “By connecting to the pre-built standard integrations of our SoftBot Platform, RightHand Robotics customers who adopt the RightPick 3 system can now deploy without the need for custom integration code. [Read more…] about SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

Comau designs ‘highly automated, high-volume’ battery manufacturing line

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Comau, an industrial robotics and automation specialist, has designed and developed a “high-volume module manufacturing line” to produce new generation lithium-ion batteries for Leclanché, a provider of energy storage solutions for the heavy transportation, naval and railway industries.

Comau says the “state-of-the-art, highly automated line” is the result of a simultaneous engineering process and combines industrial robots, vision systems, laser welding, and the automated in-line validation of joints via artificial intelligence. Priority was given to ensuring multi-module configurability, full traceability and the highest level of safety.

The line includes the latest quality and process control technologies, thus setting the foundation for the transition towards Industry 4.0 principles. It will also allow Leclanché to produce up to six times the company’s current capacity, reaching an output of more than 60,000 modules per year. The solution is also expected to reduce costs by up to 20 percent, support 50 different product configurations and save Leclanché valuable time when introducing new formats into the manufacturing line.  [Read more…] about Comau designs ‘highly automated, high-volume’ battery manufacturing line

Teradyne leads $20 million funding round for MachineMetrics

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MachineMetrics, an industrial data startup that helps improve manufacturing performance through autonomous machining, has raised $20 million in Series B financing.

The company will use the funding to scale its platform globally and democratize access to the machine insights that power manufacturing operations.

Bill Bither, co-founder and CEO of MachineMetrics, says: “Manufacturing is on the brink of a digital renaissance. The intersection of software, big data and physical machinery is the next frontier for manufacturing and a proven solution for overcoming the production and labor shortages we are experiencing right now. [Read more…] about Teradyne leads $20 million funding round for MachineMetrics

ABB wins prestigious IERA Award for its PixelPaint robotic painting system

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ABB’s PixelPaint robotic “non-overspray” technology for the automotive industry has won this year’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics & Automation (IERA) Award for Outstanding Achievements in Commercializing Innovative Robot and Automation Technology.

Launched in 2020, PixelPaint uses inkjet head technology to directly apply high resolution two-tone or individualized designs to a car body in a single pass, enabling manufacturers to easily meet the rising demand for customized paint jobs while eliminating wasteful overspray.

Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics Auto OEM business line, says: “We are delighted that our PixelPaint solution has been recognized for its innovative, sustainable technology that helps our customers respond to consumer requests for more personalized design. [Read more…] about ABB wins prestigious IERA Award for its PixelPaint robotic painting system

Infineon and Reality AI teach cars how to ‘hear’

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Today’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are based on cameras, radar or lidar. As a result, their target objects need to be within the line of sight to be recognized by the system.

This, however, turns into a weakness when it comes to emergency vehicles – they can be heard much earlier than they can be seen and thus are invisible to ADAS for a longer time.

To address this challenge, Infineon Technologies together with Reality AI created an advanced sensing solution giving vehicles the sense of hearing. [Read more…] about Infineon and Reality AI teach cars how to ‘hear’

634AI selects RTI software to manage autonomous mobile robots fleets

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Real-Time Innovations, a software framework company for autonomous systems, says 634AI, a MushashiAI spin-out, has selected its RTI Connext DDS for real-time connectivity between its Maestro system, a robot-as-a-service software solution, and its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platforms.

Connext allows for real-time connectivity between systems, supports fast, reliable communication, and enables 634AI to offer a central control tower that can streamline the management and control of AMR tasks on an industrial floor.

As the automation landscape advances rapidly, more suppliers are replacing forklifts with AMRs to complete a wide variety of tasks including navigating around factories and warehouses, and guiding autonomous cargo ships across oceans. [Read more…] about 634AI selects RTI software to manage autonomous mobile robots fleets

AutoStore sells 600 robotic systems for warehouses

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DSV, a large-scale Danish transport and logistics company, is expanding its position in the third-party logistics market through the use of AutoStore technology.

Implemented by Element Logic, the system uses AutoStore robotics and Element Logic’s proprietary software to provide a leading solution for e-commerce players.

The solution is being implemented in nine countries and represents AutoStore’s 600th system implementation. [Read more…] about AutoStore sells 600 robotic systems for warehouses

TerraClear raises $25 million to commercialize Robotic Rock Picker

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TerraClear, an applied AI and robotics company, announced Series A funding of $25 million led by Madrona Venture Group, bringing the company’s total funding to $38 million. Rocks in fields break machinery, slow precision farming, and take up valuable time that modern farms do not have.

TerraClear’s Rock Picker picks an average of 400 rocks per hour and can pick up rocks of up to 300 pounds each.

In the past year, TerraClear has deployed early versions of their solution that both map and clear fields of rocks. These rocks not only break the backs of those picking them up, but break increasingly expensive precision machinery that is in common use by farmers for planting, irrigating and harvesting. [Read more…] about TerraClear raises $25 million to commercialize Robotic Rock Picker

DFI provides ‘the most reliable brain and cerebellum’ for giant AGV in LCD panel factories

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DFI’s AMR-dedicated AI computer enhances mobility and accuracy of mobile robots

The humble LCD panel was originally one of the Taiwanese government’s “Two Trillion & Twin Star” plan to develop its high-tech sectors. Now, it’s one of the country’s most significant symbols of electronics manufacturing.

With the trend of panel generation becoming larger and larger, in the production line of large-size panels, handling technology is also relatively important. [Read more…] about DFI provides ‘the most reliable brain and cerebellum’ for giant AGV in LCD panel factories