Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

technology

Why Manufacturers Should Consider Using a Cloud-based MES Platform

by

Traditional manufacturing execution systems are deployed on a single machine that might be networked to a handful of terminals inside of a machine shop.

While this made sense in an era before widespread Internet adoption, it’s hopelessly dated today. Few people have the technology needed to turn their smart devices into antique telnet clients, and there are even less who would want to.

Cloud-based technology is a much better alternative, but adoption has been surprisingly slow. That’s causing many industry sectors to play a dizzyingly fast game of catch-up. [Read more…] about Why Manufacturers Should Consider Using a Cloud-based MES Platform

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Surveillance Industry

by

Like other sectors of our lives, the game-changing impact of artificial intelligence in our security systems cannot be ignored.

Let’s face it, despite several innovative and giant strides in security systems, they still depend on human monitoring and unwavering focus. It is an undeniable fact that the attention span of a typical human is short at best.

The need to keep close eyes on things means more cameras and more critical events likely to be missed in real-time. Browsing through tonnes of boring recorded video data after the fact is not an easy task. [Read more…] about The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Surveillance Industry

ABB unveils weird magnetic levitation system for ‘multi-dimensional manufacturing’

by

ABB has expanded its flexible manufacturing portfolio with the launch of an innovative magnetic levitation shuttle system.

The solution is the result of a strategic partnership with Planar Motors (PMI), which enhances ABB business unit B&R’s adaptive machine offering, integrating PMI’s new production technology milestone in open, adaptive manufacturing.

ABB says it is partnering with Canada’s PMI to expand its machine automation offering: The integration of PMI’s magnetic levitation technology into the company’s machine automation division’s (B&R) portfolio will accelerate industry’s transition from strictly linear production to an open, adaptive manufacturing space. [Read more…] about ABB unveils weird magnetic levitation system for ‘multi-dimensional manufacturing’

How Businesses Can Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Technology

by

Nowadays, technology evolves quickly. Progress and advances in technology are growing at a far faster rate than ever before. Intelligent new products are invented and developed continually. It can feel almost impossible to keep up with the latest innovations, as there are just so many of them being announced all of the time.

Generally, all these technological advancements have been great news for businesses. It is now easier than ever before for companies to engage with their target audience and market products directly to them using social media. App technology has also meant that businesses have a brand-new and hassle-free way to encourage customers to shop with them or use their services, and this provides more choice and convenience for the customer too.

Technology does not just make our lives easier, although it is incredibly convenient. It also represents significant opportunities for businesses. In general, most consumers embrace technology and see it as a positive tool to enhance their daily life. [Read more…] about How Businesses Can Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Technology

Automating Performance Metrics: Start with Demand and Inventory Forecasting

by

By Mike Mills, Director, Business Consulting, Blue Ridge

2021 is the year when companies need earlier insights into new market opportunities, including what items consumers want, on what channel, how much they should stock, and how much they will pay for these products.

The ability to compete in new areas with this level of agility will be the key to unraveling chaos. As e-commerce continues to threaten the market with competitive products that are available nearly instantly, shifting consumer trends can make stocking shelves even more challenging.

Two-thirds of distributors, retailers, and manufacturers report that transportation, labor, and goods were rising more quickly than in previous years. Automation has become a full imperative; Covid has magnified the need. [Read more…] about Automating Performance Metrics: Start with Demand and Inventory Forecasting

Hanwha launches new collaborative robot solutions

by

Hanwha has launched what it describes as “new advanced solutions”, including Hanwha Collaborative Robot Advanced (HCR Advanced) and a collaborative-robot-solutions package to continue building its momentum in the collaborative robot market that is expected to grow rapidly.

The global market for cobots was worth $1.2 billion last year, and it is expected to grow on average by 42 percent annually as more smart factories are built and the increasing demand for contactless services due to Covid-19 are expected to reach $7 billion by 2026.

In response, Hanwha is aggressively developing advanced cobots that combine Hanwha’s AI technology with its mobility capabilities. The company is integrating its robotics technology with existing logistics automation systems, secondary batteries, and display-related facilities to create synergy and satisfy the diverse needs of customers worldwide. [Read more…] about Hanwha launches new collaborative robot solutions

Why We’re Still Decades Away From Self-Driving Cars

by

While self-driving cars are becoming a much-discussed piece of technology, experts say that we’re still decades away from seeing cars drive themselves autonomously.

While there are a good number of driving assist safety features in modern vehicles, these are merely rudimentary examples compared to the technology that makes a fully autonomous car possible.

In fact, even when most modern cars are equipped with these safety features, there are still a good number of scenarios like these Tampa car accidents. [Read more…] about Why We’re Still Decades Away From Self-Driving Cars

Ibeo and SICK partner in ‘largest ever’ LiDAR co-operation agreement

by

Ibeo Automotive Systems and SICK Sensor Intelligence are partnering in what is described as the “largest ever LiDAR co-operation agreement”. The technology partnership between Hamburg-based automotive LiDAR specialist Ibeo and SICK will result in a 3D solid-state LiDAR sensor for industrial applications.

The technology, developed by Ibeo to automotive standards, is based on a new photon laser measurement technology and is entirely free of moving parts. An additional, camera-like reference image adds a “fourth dimension” to the measurement provided by the sensor.

The market for autonomous and semi-autonomous systems in an industrial context is predicted to grow at above-average rates. There is particular demand for durable, small, and cost-efficient sensor solutions. [Read more…] about Ibeo and SICK partner in ‘largest ever’ LiDAR co-operation agreement

E-mobility manufacturer orders test benches for e-drives from teamtechnik valued at ‘several million euros’

by

An original equipment manufacturer in the e-mobility sector has ordered test benches for electric drives from teamtechnik valued at “several million euros”.

For teamtechnik, the turn of the year was a success. The year 2020 ended with the announcement that machine and system builder Dürr is coming aboard at teamtechnik with a majority shareholding of 75 percent.

Simultaneously, teamtechnik received a major contract – one of the world’s largest e-mobility OEMs commissioned the company to build test benches for electric drives. [Read more…] about E-mobility manufacturer orders test benches for e-drives from teamtechnik valued at ‘several million euros’

AOT obtains CE certification for ‘world’s first human-approved contact-free laser cutting of bones with a robot’

by

Swiss medical technology company AOT has obtained CE certification for what it says is the “world’s first human-approved contact-free laser cutting of bones with a robot”.

The patented Cold Ablation Robot-guided Laser Osteotome system – CARLO for short – is said to cut bones precisely and contact-free with a specialized laser using a robot.

The laser beam vaporizes the water inside the bone substrate within milliseconds, so the bone will be removed precisely in layers, leaving no residue, as deep as desired or until it is severed. [Read more…] about AOT obtains CE certification for ‘world’s first human-approved contact-free laser cutting of bones with a robot’