Robotics & Automation News

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How to simplify the control architecture of cartesian coordinate robots

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By Barry Weller, product manager at Mitsubishi Electric

In order to remain competitive, it is generally accepted that industries should adopt lean manufacturing strategies to improve process efficiency.

A key action can be to reduce part count, that is to say the number of components in an assembly or system. This is particularly challenging when it comes to highly accurate cartesian coordinate (linear) motion applications.

In these cases, machine builders would often need to use both PLCs and computer numerical controllers (CNCs) in order to fully manage movement within the machine – until now. [Read more…] about How to simplify the control architecture of cartesian coordinate robots

Comau establishes ‘highly specialised’ robotic laser labs

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Comau, an industrial automation specialist, has created what it describes as “highly specialized laser laboratories”.

The company says they are designed to support customers as they develop, implement and optimize the laser processes involved in constructing and assembling e-motors and batteries.

Comau now has two labs in Grugliasco, Turin – one specialized in batteries and the other dedicated to e-motors, together with additional labs in Shanghai and Detroit. [Read more…] about Comau establishes ‘highly specialised’ robotic laser labs

Fanuc and SICK develop new safety integration for robot machine tending

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A collaboration between Fanuc and SICK has pioneered new safety integration for robot machine tending that points the way towards simpler, more cost-effective and adaptable solutions in future.

ROBOTS excel in heavy, repetitive and high-speed tasks, far surpassing humans in their repeatable, reliable performance.

For this reason, the manual operation of machine tending – ubiquitous throughout manufacturing industry – has become a prime candidate for robotic automation. [Read more…] about Fanuc and SICK develop new safety integration for robot machine tending

Mirka launches project to develop robotic surface finish solution for industrial customers

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Surface finishing technology company Mirka has launched what it says is the world’s first patent pending Automated Industrial Programme to develop robotic orbital sanding systems.

The initiative is being launched globally by Mirka in April 2020, and is spearheaded by the Mirka Airos.

The aim is to build an “innovative, electric Automated Industrial Random Orbital Sander”, which integrates with manufacturers’ robotic systems to carry out intensive, high work load sanding, where precision and minimal maintenance is critical. [Read more…] about Mirka launches project to develop robotic surface finish solution for industrial customers

Locus Robotics launches new design service for fast implementation of warehouse robots for rapidly growing e-commerce sector

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment centers, has unveiled a new service which is says will speed up the implementation of warehouse robots for the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

The Locus Rapid Assessment & Design Service, or “RAD” is said to enable prospects and customers to quickly evaluate the productivity benefits and return on investment of installing Locus’ collaborative robotics solution.

The company says this will help ensure that businesses are “ready to meet high demand in the post-pandemic economy”. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics launches new design service for fast implementation of warehouse robots for rapidly growing e-commerce sector

Ecentria Distribution Center installs inVia Robotics to increase e-commerce throughput and accuracy

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inVia Robotics, a provider of warehouse automation solutions, says Ecentria has deployed its robotics-as-a-service system to automate order fulfillment in the Ecentria Distribution Center in Aurora, Illinois.

inVia’s integrated automation system, which includes a fleet of autonomous mobile robots and artificial intelligence-driven software, is now live in EDC, the primary distribution center supporting OpticsPlanet, an Ecentria company and a “Top 200 Online Retailer for more than 12 years”.

The system gives Ecentria a flexible robotics solution that can scale along with dynamic e-commerce order volumes. [Read more…] about Ecentria Distribution Center installs inVia Robotics to increase e-commerce throughput and accuracy

Fetch Robotics launches integrated fulfillment solution with Zebra Technologies

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Fetch Robotics, a provider of warehouse robots, has agreed a collaboration with Zebra Technologies, a warehouse solutions specialist, to optimize and automate warehouse picking processes through the integration of Fetch autonomous mobile robots and Zebra FulfillmentEdge software.

The two companies say the unique solution optimizes picking across multiple orders for piece, case, and pallet workflows.

By dynamically optimizing and orchestrating the movement of warehouse workers and robots, FulfillmentEdge and Fetch AMRs enable collaborative picking for faster, more accurate fulfillment and improved workflows that allow workers to spend more time in the aisle instead of manually moving material throughout a facility. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics launches integrated fulfillment solution with Zebra Technologies

Q-Span Workstation Kit becomes first UR+ Application Kit for quality inspection to be certified by Universal Robots

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New Scale Robotics has launched its Q-Span Workstation Kit, the first application kit for quality inspection to be certified by Universal Robots and featured on the UR+ platform. (See video below.)

The Q-Span Workstation Kit allows quality teams to automate measurement inspection of small parts. Deployed on a UR3e collaborative robot (cobot), the Q-Span Workstation Kit increases measurement consistency and helps quality teams to achieve gage R&R targets.

David Henderson, CEO of New Scale Robotics, says: “New Scale Robotics is pleased to be in the vanguard of Universal Robots’ new UR+ application kits for quality inspection processes. [Read more…] about Q-Span Workstation Kit becomes first UR+ Application Kit for quality inspection to be certified by Universal Robots

Fast Company includes UBTech Robotics on list of ‘most innovative companies worldwide’

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UBTech Robotics, an artificial intelligence and robotics company specializing in the services and education sectors, has been selected by Fast Company into its latest list of most innovative companies worldwide.

The Shenzhen-based company has been included in the robotics category for advancing the art of humanoid service for various business environments.

The enterprise-grade, cloud-connected Cruzr robot has been used in retail stores, airports, banks, and other environments. With wheels and arms, the gleaming white bot is already performing tasks such as providing directions and discounts to shoppers at EasyHome, China’s largest home-innovation chain. [Read more…] about Fast Company includes UBTech Robotics on list of ‘most innovative companies worldwide’

DHL to install 1,000 new warehouse robots from Locus Robotics

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DHL Supply Chain is installing 1,000 warehouse robots from Locus Robotics. The world’s largest logistics company will integrate the Locus robots at 10 of its US facilities in 2020.

DHL and Locus Robotics have an ongoing working relationship, but the new initiative significantly expands this partnership.

The companies have signed an “Expanded Multi-Site Services Agreement” outlining the terms. [Read more…] about DHL to install 1,000 new warehouse robots from Locus Robotics