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Severstal invests in robotics to automate advanced composites manufacturing with Airborne

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Severstal, one of the world’s largest vertically integrated steel and mining companies, has invested in Dutch company Airborne, a developer of robotic and digital automation platforms for the production of composite parts and products with integrated composites.

Severstal joins other investors in this investment round, including Pangaea Ventures, the leading advanced materials venture capital fund, and SABIC, the world’s third largest diversified chemical company.

Airborne has developed and brought to market a unique set of digital technologies that increase the efficiency of carbon fiber composite production by automating the production process. [Read more…] about Severstal invests in robotics to automate advanced composites manufacturing with Airborne

Fanuc invests in Soft Robotics as startup raises $23 million in oversubscribed funding round

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Soft Robotics has raised $23 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round.

The round was co-led by Calibrate Ventures and Material Impact and includes additional existing investors Honeywell, Hyperplane, Scale, Tekfen Ventures, and Yamaha.

With this round Soft Robotics also adds Fanuc, the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturer, as a new investor. [Read more…] about Fanuc invests in Soft Robotics as startup raises $23 million in oversubscribed funding round

Amazon signs up Balyo to provide robotic solutions

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French robotics software startup Balyo has signed a seven-year commercial agreement with Amazon on robotic solutions.

Balyo says the deal is a “decisive step” in its development, and supports the added value of its robotic solutions and will potentially boost their deployment.

Under the agreement, Amazon would obtain the right to subscribe up to 29 per cent of Balyo’s capital depending on the level of potential future orders by Amazon up to €300 million. [Read more…] about Amazon signs up Balyo to provide robotic solutions

Universal Robots partners with DLL to launch financial services leasing program

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Universal Robots, the largest collaborative robot manufacturer in the world, has launched a new cobot leasing program in partnership with DLL, a global vendor finance company.

The new agreement enables all manufacturers, regardless of size or capital equipment budgets, to reap the benefits of automation without worrying about cash flow and seasonal fluctuations.

Klaus Vestergaard, CFO at Universal Robots, says: “We’re leveling the playing field by enabling all manufacturers to immediately put cobots to work without an upfront capital investment. [Read more…] about Universal Robots partners with DLL to launch financial services leasing program

Visteon showcases virtual dashboard innovations at CES

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Visteon, an automotive dashboard electronics technology company, has been showcasing its latest innovations at CES 2020.

The company says the showcase includes a range of technology solutions “designed to enhance safety and the driving experience by enabling the transformation of cockpits to all-digital environments”.

Visteon displayed cockpit electronics technology platforms in four core areas:

  • Driver Information: Industry-leading digital clusters and multi-display modules
  • SmartCore: Industry-first cockpit domain controllers
  • DriveCore: Enhanced safety domain controllers for Level 2-plus automated driving
  • Infotainment: Scalable Android-based infotainment solutions

Digital displays are key enabler of the cockpit of the future, and as a highlight of its CES exhibit, Visteon debuted a new digital display technology that delivers exceptional brightness and contrast with a rich color gamut. [Read more…] about Visteon showcases virtual dashboard innovations at CES

ThyssenKrupp and Wilhelmsen to develop additive manufacturing solutions for shipbuilding

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ThyssenKrupp is collaborating with Wilhelmsen, one of the largest maritime products and services provider in the world, to jointly develop additive manufacturing enabled commercial solutions for the maritime industry.

Under the Memorandum of Agreement signed by both companies, ThyssenKrupp and Wilhelmsen’s Marine Products division will collaborate on providing 3D-printed components for maritime vessels, leveraging on ThyssenKrupp’s expertise in additive manufacturing alongside Wilhelmsen’s in-depth maritime expertise and direct ongoing experience of developing 3D printing as a service for vessels.

The collaboration will also leverage on the capabilities of the recently inaugurated ThyssenKrupp Tech Center in Singapore and its Global Additive Manufacturing Tech Center in Mulheim, which has been awarded the Approval of Manufacturer certificate by leading quality assurance and risk management firm DNV GL. [Read more…] about ThyssenKrupp and Wilhelmsen to develop additive manufacturing solutions for shipbuilding

Vecna Robotics raises $50 million to expand business

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Vecna Robotics, the workflow orchestration and self-driving forklift provider, has raised $50 million in Series B funding.

With double-digit annual growth forecast for the mobile robot market over the next five years, the new capital will expand Vecna Robotics’ industry-leading footprint and accelerate the development of new product offerings.

This round is led by Blackhorn Ventures, with participation from new investors Highland Capital and Fontinalis Partners, and additional funding from existing investors Drive Capital and Tectonic Ventures. [Read more…] about Vecna Robotics raises $50 million to expand business

Hitachi completes acquisition of JR Automation

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Hitachi has completed the acquisition of the robotic system integration business mainly operated by JR Automation from funds managed by Crestview Partners.

The agreement to acquire JR Automation was announced on April 23, 2019 and the companies have now brought this deal to a successful conclusion.

JR Automation and Hitachi have been closely engaged throughout the integration process leading to the closing, working together to ensure a “seamless transition” for their customers. [Read more…] about Hitachi completes acquisition of JR Automation

Piab Group claims to be ‘global leader in ergonomic handling solutions’ after TAWI acquisition

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Piab Group now claims to be the “global leader in ergonomic handling solutions” after its acquisition of the TAWI Group.

Piab Group entered into the agreement to acquire TAWI Group recently. TAWI is a manufacturer of smart lifting solutions with global reach.

Total 2019 sales for TAWI is expected to reach 340 million Swedish krona, which is about $36 million. [Read more…] about Piab Group claims to be ‘global leader in ergonomic handling solutions’ after TAWI acquisition

Genesis Robotics to showcase latest innovations at IREX 2019

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Genesis Robotics and Motion Technologies is planning to showcase its revolutionary direct drive motor technology and innovative gearing solutions for robotic applications at the International Robot Exhibition (IREX).

IREX 2019 will take place from December 18-21 at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. Genesis’ booth location is W4-33.

Since entering the market with its LiveDrive Direct-Drive Motor (LiveDrive), the company has continued to develop high torque, low profile form factor solutions that enhance productivity and lower total cost of ownership across robotics and industrial automation. [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics to showcase latest innovations at IREX 2019