Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

steel

Robot cell guarding: When adaptability trumps strength

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Luke Wilkinson, design and product development manager at Matara, looks at the growing use of aluminium over steel in robot guard frames and the reasons behind its rising popularity

It is estimated that there are around 23,000 robots operating in industrial settings in the UK. The automotive sector is the largest user employing over 9,000, with the food and drink sector recently rising to second place.

With their ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately, swiftly and consistently, it’s not hard to understand why the use of robots across industry is growing. A survey conducted by the British Automation & Robot Association showed sales of robots in the UK to be 7.5% higher in 2020 from the previous year.

Whilst the benefits of using robots in industrial settings are clear, it’s important to take into account the potential safety risk they pose; not of a science fiction nature, but a very real, present in the here and now type risk that primarily stems from people accidentally getting in their way which can have serious consequences if the machine is fast moving, carrying a heavy payload and so on. [Read more…] about Robot cell guarding: When adaptability trumps strength

Top 5 Benefits of Prefab Steel Buildings

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Building a new structure from the ground up can be a huge undertaking. But prefab steel buildings are rising in popularity, and for good reasons.

More people are turning to steel prefabs to create structures for various purposes. Read on if you want to know more about prefab steel buildings and their advantages. [Read more…] about Top 5 Benefits of Prefab Steel Buildings

Dual Extruder 3D Printing Advantages How to Use

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A dual extruder allows people to print things in two colors, and it helps to make the printing process a little faster, or perhaps a little more efficient, and as yet may prove to offer a broader range of printing options as we advance the technology behind 3D printing.  [Read more…] about Dual Extruder 3D Printing Advantages How to Use

Sumitomo develops robot that climbs steel walls

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Japanese industrial giant Sumitomo Heavy Industries says it has developed a “novel robot capable of traveling over curved steel walls by magnetic adhesion”.

The achievement is part of a robot development project at Sumitomo’s Technology Research Center, aiming to automate various manufacturing tasks at industrial sites. The development was achieved under Challenge Program 1, launched in 2018.

Wheeled robots with magnetic adhesion are well known in manufacturing and maintenance of large steel structures like ships and industrial facilities. Most conventional wall climbing robots are designed for flat surfaces. [Read more…] about Sumitomo develops robot that climbs steel walls

Fanuc launches its first stainless steel delta robot

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Fanuc, the world’s largest industrial robot maker, has unveiled the new DR-3iB/6 Stainless delta robot for primary food handling.

The new DR-3iB/6 Stainless is Fanuc’s first stainless steel food-grade delta robot for picking and packing primary food products.

Rated IP69K, the robot meets USDA and FDA food safety standards, and sets a new benchmark for robotic food handling in terms of payload, speed, reach and sanitation. [Read more…] about Fanuc launches its first stainless steel delta robot

IndustrialML and one to ONE Holdings expand partnership to serve galvanized steel tube market

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IndustrialML, an enterprise software company serving industrial customers, is expanding its partnership with one to ONE Holdings (o2Oh) to develop and bring real-time smart factory solutions to the galvanized steel tubing market around the world.

IndustrialML has a diverse team of experts in manufacturing, enterprise software, and data analysis dedicated to helping the underserved majority of manufacturers – the 99 percent of companies looking to help their employees make and communicate decisions more quickly and effectively.

Nearly all manufacturers are trying not to build new, fully automated factories that stop relying on human intuition; rather, they want to help employees make smarter decisions, both about setting up their production lines and responding to production issues, even as more and more tenured factory workers begin to retire. [Read more…] about IndustrialML and one to ONE Holdings expand partnership to serve galvanized steel tube market

Startup uses ‘industrial origami’ technique to build electric motorbikes

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Swedish technology and design startup STILRIDE is to produce sustainable electric motorcycles and scooters using a groundbreaking manufacturing process dubbed “industrial origami”.

The trailblazing technique involves robots which are able to fold single sheets of recyclable steel into intricate, lightweight and durable new structures – significantly reducing the environmental impact of production.

This process is being used to create the chassis for a fleet of next-generation e-motorcycles which will be made available to consumers in Europe later this year. [Read more…] about Startup uses ‘industrial origami’ technique to build electric motorbikes

SIS 2021: The benchmark event for surface inspection and quality assurance systems

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The preliminary agenda is set, exhibitors have confirmed their participation and the doors to the 2021 Surface Inspection Summit (SIS) in Aachen, Germany are ready to open from November 9th to 10th.

Visitors can look forward to the comprehensive agenda covering new developments in industrial and institutional research, spanning industry 4.0, artificial intelligence and automation. Experts will also deep dive into product-specific case studies and share their knowledge and experiences.

Throughout the exhibition, manufacturers of OIS and OIS components will present new breakthroughs and products. [Read more…] about SIS 2021: The benchmark event for surface inspection and quality assurance systems

What is Steel Fabrication: Uses, Purpose, and Benefits

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Steel fabrication is a process that helps turn the raw metal into an item or product that can be used in assembly lines, homes, construction, and other places. This process requires skilled technicians who can ensure minimum to no errors to eliminate or reduce wastage.

Steel fabrication involves various techniques. Some basic ones are machining, welding, cutting, drilling, coating, and bending to turn the material into predefined customer shapes and sizes.

In machining, technicians use drills, lathes, and mills to remove unwanted materials and model the metal into the required shape and size. In trimming, processes like flame, water jet, or plasma cutting are used to slice steel into dimensions that are easy to work with. [Read more…] about What is Steel Fabrication: Uses, Purpose, and Benefits

Comau’s exoskeleton producing ‘significant, measurable benefits’ at Pintarelli

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Comau’s wearable exoskeleton with its news model, the MATE-XT, aims to satisfy the special needs of those working in harsh conditions in industry, other sectors and even outdoors.

Comau’s MATE exoskeleton is the first and still the only exoskeleton in the world to be EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet) certified. This confirms its effectiveness in reducing the risk of biomechanical upper limb strain in workers whose daily activities involve repetitive flexion and extension of the arms.

MATE has become an indispensable aid for some of the operators at Pintarelli, who perform repetitive manual movements involving continuous use of the upper limbs and shoulders. Pintarelli Verniciature is based in Lavis in the province of Trento and employs around 30 people. [Read more…] about Comau’s exoskeleton producing ‘significant, measurable benefits’ at Pintarelli