Robotics & Automation News

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Motlow College becomes an ABB Robotics Education affiliate

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Motlow State Community College in McMinnville, Tennessee is a new member of the ABB Robotics Affiliate Education Program.

ABB instructors have already begun teaching certificate training classes at the recently built Automation & Robotic Training Center (ARTC) adjacent to the Motlow campus.

The 12,500 square-foot ARTC has a dedicated ABB Robotics lab equipped with six 6-axis ABB robots and robot controllers, and all the necessary software and peripheral equipment to teach ABB customers how to program and operate ABB industrial robots. [Read more…] about Motlow College becomes an ABB Robotics Education affiliate

Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America

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North American distributors of Universal Robots are now opening Authorized Training Centers (ATCs), offering classes spanning basic to advanced programming of UR cobots. The first four ATCs have been launched, with another nine to follow by end of 2019.

Universal Robots says it is committed to making collaborative robots (cobots) in the workplace accessible to all. The company is now building on the popular online modules offered through the UR Academy by enabling its sales channel to open ATCs.

Through hands-on classes hosted by UR trained teachers, the ATCs will broaden users’ understanding of the UR cobots’ range of use cases, while providing opportunities for hands-on practice in real-life applications.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America

Osso VR’s training gaining support from medical sector

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Osso VR, a provider of a virtual reality surgical training platform, says its technology is being incorporated into surgical training programs worldwide and is now used by more than 20 leading teaching hospitals and eight top medical device companies in 11 countries.

Focused on increasing access to hands-on training that improves patient outcomes and increases the adoption of higher value medical technology, Osso VR provides an immersive, repeatable environment to safely work up the learning curve.

Leading hospitals using Osso VR include Brown University, Vanderbilt University, Hospital for Special Surgery, Marshall University, Newcastle Simulation Centre, The University of Hawaii, UCLA, University of Washington, Wake Forest Baptiste Health, University of Kentucky, University of Utah, and New York University. [Read more…] about Osso VR’s training gaining support from medical sector

BMW highlights application of virtual and augmented reality in production

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Automotive giant BMW is providing an insight into its application of virtual and augmented reality in the company’s production system.

The company says the “fast and flexible” planning of new workstations in production is made possible by virtual reality and digitized 3D factory data.

It’s still a learning process but augmented reality technologies is making it possible to design training courses without any coding knowledge.

It also enables comparison between the camera image and CAD models for fast, straightforward quality checks of parts and vehicles. 

Full story below… 

[Read more…] about BMW highlights application of virtual and augmented reality in production

Kiwi automation company Aurora shows off its palletizing robot

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New Zealand automation company Aurora demonstrates and describes its robotic palletizing system

Palletizing equipment is a critical component of many end-of-line processes. Without the right system in place, inefficiencies and production downtime can harm your bottom line.

One of Aurora’s popular solutions is the Fuji-Ace Robotic Palletizer. Often cited as the most advanced palletizer in the world, it is a high-capacity, energy efficient, easy-to-use machine that is streamlining the processes of packing and manufacturing facilities across the world.

In the words of one satisfied customer, site engineer Kendell Chapman of Seales Window: “The output of the system has improved capabilities over our last system. [Read more…] about Kiwi automation company Aurora shows off its palletizing robot

Nvidia unveils new reinforcement learning research at ICRA 2019

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Nvidia researchers from the newly opened robotics research lab in Seattle, Washington have presented a new proof of concept reinforcement learning approach that aims to enhance how robots trained in simulation will perform in the real world. (See video below.)

The work was presented at the recent International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in Montreal, Canada.

The research is part of a growing trend in the deep learning and robotics community that relies on simulation for training. [Read more…] about Nvidia unveils new reinforcement learning research at ICRA 2019

VW unveils cutaway model of electric Golf car

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Volkswagen has demonstrated a cutaway model of an electric version of its popular Golf model of car, calling it “eGon”.

Volkswagen released details of the multifaceted program in store for visitors at IdeenExpo in Hannover, Germany from June 15 to 23.

eGon, the cutaway model of an e-Golf, is one of Volkswagen’s highlight projects to be showcased at Germany’s largest youth event for science and technology.

[Read more…] about VW unveils cutaway model of electric Golf car

Universal Robots launches global network of training centers

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Universal Robots has launched a global network of training centers. The collaborative robot-maker says it aims to lower automation barriers with robotic programming classes for beginners and advanced users.

The initiative is part of the company’s “mission to make the advantages of collaborative robotics widely accessible”, says Universal Robots.

The worldwide network of Authorised Training Centers that expands on the company’s popular Universal Robots Academy online training.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches global network of training centers

John Deere introduces next generation of construction simulators

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John Deere is rolling out its new construction simulators – further bridging the gap between the classroom and jobsite.

The modular update outfits the new John Deere simulators to one of six machine types: backhoe, crawler dozer, excavator, wheel loader, joystick-controlled motor grader and fingertip control motor grader.

“The next generation of John Deere simulators builds on a state-of-the-art technology that teaches machine controls, hand-eye coordination, safe operation, and operator technique,” said Jon Goodney, manager learning technology, John Deere Construction & Forestry.

[Read more…] about John Deere introduces next generation of construction simulators

Bosch and IHK offer Industry 4.0 qualification

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Bosch has joined forces with the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Germany and other science and industry partners to develop a certification course called Fachkraft für Industrie 4.0 (IHK), or Industry 4.0 specialist, and launch a pilot program.

The first nationwide IHK training course to cater to skilled workers, it brings technicians up to speed with the requirements of connected manufacturing.

Technologies that enable Industry 4.0 applications figure prominently on the syllabus, as do agile working methods.

[Read more…] about Bosch and IHK offer Industry 4.0 qualification