Robotics & Automation News

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ABB says its new 3D inspection robot cell makes quality control testing ‘10 times faster’

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ABB has unveiled a new 3D inspection robot cell which it claims makes quality control testing “10 times faster”.

The industrial automation giant says its 3D quality inspection (3DQI) robot cell is “capable of detecting defects of less than half the width of a human hair and imperceptible to the naked eye”.

It adds that the cell will “dramatically accelerate production by providing fast, accurate testing to make metrology easier and less time consuming”. [Read more…] about ABB says its new 3D inspection robot cell makes quality control testing ‘10 times faster’

AutoStore reports record revenue growth for 2019

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AutoStore, the Norwegian robot technology company, reported revenues of $195 million in 2019, up 36 percent from 2018.

The company generated earnings of $108 million following the “continued strong demand for automated warehouse solutions”.

AutoStore adds that the outlook remains strong, despite short-term Covid-19 impact. [Read more…] about AutoStore reports record revenue growth for 2019

Automation is the ‘obvious answer’ to coronavirus disruption to e-grocery supply chain, says Swisslog

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Higher levels of automation is the “obvious answer” to the challenges brought about by the disruption to the e-grocery supply chain, according to warehouse robots maker Swisslog.

The company says Covid-19 is “accelerating changes to e-grocery fulfillment”.

After years of relatively stagnant demand, e-grocery services started to ramp up in 2019 and analysts were predicting significant growth in 2020. [Read more…] about Automation is the ‘obvious answer’ to coronavirus disruption to e-grocery supply chain, says Swisslog

The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Modern Workforce: 3 Tips to Protect Your Company

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Moving your small business online is a great way to build your business brand and help open up brand new avenues to market your product or service.

However, opening your business up online can also leave you open to cyber-attacks, which means that in addition to developing a website and strong digital marketing strategy, you need to think about developing a strong cybersecurity policy.

While a cyberattack is potentially harmful regardless of who is the victim, for a business it can be even more damaging and potentially deadly. [Read more…] about The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Modern Workforce: 3 Tips to Protect Your Company

Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

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Since 1965, when the first exoskeleton was produced for military use, exoskeletons have been increasingly popular in the manufacturing world, supporting workers and improving the quality of their working hours. (See video below.)

In 2018 more than 7,000 units were sold in manufacturing, according to ABI Research data.

However, the potential market need would be 60,000 units for all types of exoskeleton, with an estimated growth rate of more than 50 percent from 2019 to 2024. [Read more…] about Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

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Misumi, a global manufacturer and provider of mechanical components and indirect materials for special machine construction and assembly automation, has commissioned SSI Schaefer to implement a new logistics center in Frankfurt / Main.

The distribution center will be built in several stages and have a capacity for 450,000 items on more than 10,000 sq m of storage area.

Core elements of the system are an automated shuttle warehouse, a four-storied rack system, ergonomic work stations connected via a conveying system and the logistics software Wamas. [Read more…] about SSI Schaefer implements logistics center for Misumi

ABB launches new robot and controller

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ABB is introducing a new harsh environment version of its IRB 1100 robot and OmniCore controller, designed with enhanced protection against water and dust.

The entire body of the new IRB 1100 model has an IP67 rating, with all electrical components sealed against contaminants.

This makes it resistant to water and provides the robot with “complete protection from dust ingress”, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches new robot and controller

Mazak showcases machining centre with ‘world’s fastest CNC’

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Mazak has demonstrated a new machining centre which it says has the “world’s fastest CNC”.

Mazak says its Integrex i-400S Multi-Tasking machining centre at the upcoming Autosport Engineering and Southern Manufacturing 2019 exhibitions.

The i-400S features a large 1500mm machining bed with a completely new design offering higher performance machining and greater workpiece capacity than any other multi-tasking machines in its size range. [Read more…] about Mazak showcases machining centre with ‘world’s fastest CNC’

Material advancements allow creation of ‘perfect products’

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Since the turn of the 17th century, the planet has undergone a huge period of industrialization. Although the manufacturing companies operating today bear little resemblance to the factories of decades past, many of the processes we use today can trace their lineage to those earlier times.

Stated by polyurethane manufacturers, as many industries have increased the demand for manufactured goods, the market has needed to constantly adapt and improve. Material advancements have allowed us to create complex processes that were impossible just a few decades ago.

One material that has become indispensable in manufacturing in recent years is polyurethane. Let’s dive into how urethane has been able to meet these ever-changing demands in the manufacturing industry. [Read more…] about Material advancements allow creation of ‘perfect products’

B&R showcases technology for mass customisation

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Industrial automation company B&R has been showcasing its technology for mass customisation, or “batch of one”.

The company exhibited its SuperTrak process at the metal industry event EMO, held recently in Germany.

B&R says the metal industry is not immune to the global trend away from bulk annual orders toward small-batch customer orders with short lead times. [Read more…] about B&R showcases technology for mass customisation