Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

solutions

Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

by

Mitsubishi Electric has released the company’s smallest and most powerful compact programmable logic controller to date – the FX5UC series Premium Micro PLC.

The company says the new PLC’s diminutive size is set to help machine builders and manufacturers pack “ever more functionality into a smaller space”, while also providing the web access and network connectivity demanded by the latest smart factory applications.

Mitsubishi Electric launched its first range of micro controllers, the FX family of PLCs, over 35 years ago as part of the MELSEC-F series. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

Delta Electronics and JTC Corporation agree initiative to develop smart manufacturing systems in Singapore

by

Delta Electronics, a provider of power and thermal management solutions, and JTC Corporation, the lead government agency responsible for developing industrial infrastructure, have signed an agreement to collaborate to drive adoption of Industry 4.0 technology.

Delta will set up an Industry 4.0 Solutions and Training Center to support JTC customers, upskill small- and medium-sized business partners and provide advanced automation solutions to tackle problem statements in Singapore’s manufacturing industry.

Jackie Chang, vice president, Southeast Asia and India of Delta Electronics, says: “Delta is greatly looking forward to collaborating with JTC to support its customers with our deep domain knowledge in electronics. [Read more…] about Delta Electronics and JTC Corporation agree initiative to develop smart manufacturing systems in Singapore

Panasonic introduces autonomous ride share service around its Japan HQ

by

Panasonic has launched autonomous ride share service around its headquarters, which cover an area of approximately 468,000 sq meters and has about 14,000 staff. (See video below.)

The company says that, as autonomous driving evolves and interest in mobility as a service grows, there are “increasing expectations” for their adoption in towns and communities.

Panasonic says offering an autonomous ride share service for its employees around its headquarters in Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, is the first step towards this direction. [Read more…] about Panasonic introduces autonomous ride share service around its Japan HQ

DMG MORI and Tulip partner to offer agile manufacturing solutions

by

DMG MORI and Tulip have agreed a partnership through which the two companies plan to offer “agile manufacturing solutions”.

US software provider Tulip is to help DMG MORI simplify its customers’ entry into digital production.

Using a drag-and-drop interface, manufacturing workers can easily create and integrate APPs into existing systems. [Read more…] about DMG MORI and Tulip partner to offer agile manufacturing solutions

Autoware aims to make advanced AI available to small manufacturers

by

Autoware says it aims to make advanced AI and related technologies available to small- and medium-sized enterprises that would otherwise not be able to afford or implement it.

The EU-funded project calls its offering “cognitive manufacturing”, which includes the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Basicaly, Autoware is a research and development project that helps manufacturing SMEs to integrate new digital technologies in their production processes. [Read more…] about Autoware aims to make advanced AI available to small manufacturers

Scania teams up with Combient network to tap into ‘huge potential’ of automation and AI

by

Scania says its partnership with the Combient Foundry is intended to tap into the “huge potential” of automation and artificial intelligence in the transportation industry.

The Combient network, which Scania is part of, is a cross-Nordic industry collaboration that aims to accelerate transformation in areas like automation, artificial intelligence, analytics and open innovation.

A part of Combient is the Foundry which connects startups with Nordic industry leaders, enabling the co-creation of new services and solutions. [Read more…] about Scania teams up with Combient network to tap into ‘huge potential’ of automation and AI

Alibaba increases stake in Cainiao by $3.3 billion

by

Alibaba, the world’s largest e-commerce company, has increased its equity stake in Cainiao, a provider of automated logistics systems. The two companies have been partners for some time and last year opened what was reported to be the largest robot-operated warehouse in China. 

The additional investment in Cainiao Smart Logistics Network totals RMB23.3 billion (US$3.3 billion) and increases Alibaba’s equity from approximately 51 per cent to approximately 63 per cent.

The investment method used involved subscribing for newly issued Cainiao ordinary shares in its latest financing round and purchasing certain equity interest from an existing Cainiao shareholder. [Read more…] about Alibaba increases stake in Cainiao by $3.3 billion

Festo to distribute Magswitch magnetic gripping and clamping solutions

by

Festo is now offering Magswitch switchable magnetic gripping and clamping solutions to automotive and original equipment manufacturers through a new distribution agreement.

Magswitch says its automation solutions are “designed to last the life of a production line”, and says its equipment can lower energy costs by as much as 90 per cent.

It also says that throughput can be increased by up to 30 per cent, and capital costs reduced as much as 25 per cent compared to systems using vacuum cups and pneumatic and electric grippers or clamps. [Read more…] about Festo to distribute Magswitch magnetic gripping and clamping solutions

Kassow Robots adds three ports to its collaborative robots for end of arm tools

by

Kassow Robots, a startup which launched a new collaborative robot last year, has adding ports into its machines to provide integration with end-of-arm tools.

The Danish robot manufacturer, which develops and produces its 7-axis collaborative robots in Copenhagen, says the ports provide “easy connection of end-of-arm tool directly to a Kassow Robot without cable on the outside of the robot”.

Dieter Pletscher, head of sales at Kassow Robots, says: “All our cobots have three ports with various I/Os and power supply signals. Two of the ports are for digital or analogue input/output. [Read more…] about Kassow Robots adds three ports to its collaborative robots for end of arm tools

ABB launches IoT Dashboard for mid-sized commercial building automation solutions

by

ABB has launched its new “user-friendly IoT Dashboard” to improve usability and reduce maintenance in smart buildings.

The company’s says the launch is in response to its finding that “preventative maintenance is three to nine times cheaper than reactive maintenance”.

ABB says its IoT Dashboard is “easy to commission, simple to install and intuitive to use”, and allows stronger control, monitoring and automation of all building functions, from dimming and switching of lights to controlling blinds, heating and ventilation. [Read more…] about ABB launches IoT Dashboard for mid-sized commercial building automation solutions