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Fuzzy Logic makes robotics agile at MBDA

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MBDA is a leading European manufacturer in the aerospace and armaments sector, specializing in the design of missiles and missile systems for the operational needs of the three branches of the military (army, navy and air force).

MBDA France’s Bourges site specializes in the manufacture of tactical missile equipment utilising several key technologies: mechanical manufacturing (metal and composite materials) and electromechanical assembly.

The company wanted to robotise certain processes in small series or even single unit production, by allowing an operator with no programming skills to teach the robotic system, in just a few seconds, the process to be carried out, and then to execute the cycle with complete confidence without human supervision. [Read more…] about Fuzzy Logic makes robotics agile at MBDA

Tompkins Robotics launches tSort3D autonomous mobile robot for warehouses

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Tompkins Robotics has launched its new tSort3D mobile robot, designed to increase the number of sort destinations while reducing the footprint of a system.

tSort3D allows 6 to 8 times the sort destinations in the same space as other traditional automated sortation solutions, provides for thousands of sort destinations, volumes up to 20,000 an hour, and facilitates a single, very large batch pick.

The system is ideal for fulfillment of items for customer e-commerce orders and other fulfillment flows such as store replenishment and reverse logistics. [Read more…] about Tompkins Robotics launches tSort3D autonomous mobile robot for warehouses

Flexiv unveils new operating system for its adaptive robots

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Flexiv, a developer of robotic and artificial intelligence solutions, has unveiled Flexiv Elements, its all-new operating system for “adaptive robots”.

Adaptive robots are a new category – very similar to collaborative robots – which Flexiv is concentrating on. It describes its “Rizon” model (main picture) as “the first adapative robot” – referring to its ability to maintain performance even amid significant changes in the environment, such as floating base, vibration, and human interference.

Created to provide integrators with “ground-breaking new features” which simplify complex robotic operations, Flexiv says Elements makes it “easier than ever” before to develop customized programs that enhance efficiency and productivity. [Read more…] about Flexiv unveils new operating system for its adaptive robots

Kuka owner Midea unveils new household robot

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Midea Group, a massive manufacturing company known mainly for making household appliances like washing machines and for being the parent of industrial robot giant Kuka, has unveiled a new product in the household robotics space.

The Chinese company has released details of its next-generation robot vacuum cleaner, the S8+ auto-dust-collection robot, made by Midea Robozone Technology, a subsidiary of Midea Group. The S8+ joins Midea’s intelligent cleaning product line that provides optimum performance covering all household cleaning solutions.

Alice Shaw, vice president, sales and marketing management at Robozone, says: “As an innovator in smart cleaning technology, I’m proud to say that Midea is reaffirming its leadership in the smart home industry by revolutionizing high-performance robot vacuum cleaners to provide more convenience to our global customers. [Read more…] about Kuka owner Midea unveils new household robot

Addverb Technologies expands warehouse robotics solutions to Americas

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Addverb Technologies, an automation solutions provider for warehouses and factories, is expanding into North and South America.

The move comes on the heels of $132 million in funding from Reliance Industries.

This expansion establishes an experienced US leadership team with more than four decades of robotics, manufacturing, and business development experience. [Read more…] about Addverb Technologies expands warehouse robotics solutions to Americas

Volvo and Holcim partner on mining project to use autonomous electric haulers

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Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Holcim Switzerland have entered a collaboration to jointly test and further develop the use of autonomous electric haulers in a limestone quarry.

Holcim’s quarry Gabenchopf in Siggenthal, Switzerland has been chosen as the site for this project.

The battery-electric haulers currently being tested mark a groundbreaking step in the industry: not only are they quieter and more sustainable than conventional haulers, they are also safer – in fact, they are the world’s first commercially available CE-certified electric, autonomous transport solution for the quarry and cement industries. [Read more…] about Volvo and Holcim partner on mining project to use autonomous electric haulers

ZF partners with Embotech to develop freight yard automation systems

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ZF, one of the world’s largest automotive systems suppliers, has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Embotech, a developer of autonomous vehicle software.

The companies have agreed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly develop fully autonomous systems for commercial vehicle yard operations.

The partnership aims to enhance the operational safety and productivity of distribution hubs and yards. [Read more…] about ZF partners with Embotech to develop freight yard automation systems

Automation specialist Keba acquires software startup Drag & Bot

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Keba acquired the Germany-based software company Drag & Bot – or “drag and bot”, as it prefers to be known. The start-up develops an innovative operating system for robots.

As a 100 percent subsidiary, drag and bot is part of Keba Industrial Automation, one of the three business areas of Keba Group.

With this new acquisition, Keba strengthens its position in industrial automation and strategically expands its product portfolio with flexible automation software. [Read more…] about Automation specialist Keba acquires software startup Drag & Bot

Kinova raises $48 million in new financing

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Kinova, a privately-held Canadian developer of robotic solutions for the medical and industrial markets, has raised investments totaling C$40 million ($32 million), led by Graham Partners with the participation of Export Development Canada.

The robotics company is also pleased to announce the prior closing of an agreement with the Government of Canada under the Strategic Innovation Fund for a total of C$20 million ($16 million).

These investments will accelerate the development and commercialization of Kinova’s solutions. In addition, the Canadian robot maker will use the funds to augment engineering resources to meet the demands of global customers. The new products for the industrial markets will be announced later in 2022. [Read more…] about Kinova raises $48 million in new financing

Kollmorgen performs 5G tests with Ericsson to explore autonomous mobile robot capabilities

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Motion control solutions provider Kollmorgen is currently performing 5G tests with Ericsson to explore the future capabilities of autonomous mobile robot of the type used in an increasing number of warehouses around the world.

5G can enable new levels of AI and Machine Learning, simplify requirements for infrastructure, and increase network stability – which could dramatically increase performance and cost efficiency for Kollmorgen’s partners, that today include six out of the top 10 global players in material handling, such as Toyota Material Handling, Jungheinrich, and Mitsubishi Logisnext (Rocla).

Peter Bladh, director research and development, Kollmorgen, says: “We want to continue to push the boundaries of mobile robot applications with our NDC Solutions platform. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen performs 5G tests with Ericsson to explore autonomous mobile robot capabilities