Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

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ABB launches new, ‘fastest’ five-axis Delta robot

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ABB has launched a new five-axis Delta robot which it claims is “the fastest for lightweight product picking, packing and reorientation”.

The new machine is part of the FlexPicker Delta robot portfolio and is called the IRB 365. With five axis and 1.5 kg payload, the IRB 365 is both flexible and the fastest in its class for reorienting packaged lightweight products such as cookies, chocolates, peppers, candies, small bottles, and parcels.

Responding to the rise in e-commerce and growing demand for shelf ready packaged goods, the IRB 365 has been developed for applications including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, where production line speed and adaptability are essential. [Read more…] about ABB launches new, ‘fastest’ five-axis Delta robot

Multiverse Computing to develop quantum digital twin for Bosch manufacturing facility

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Multiverse Computing, a quantum computing solutions provider, is collaborating in a research project with the Bosch Automotive Electronics plant in Madrid to leverage the power of quantum computing in the virtual replica or “digital twin” of a factory.

Multiverse is implementing quantum-based optimization algorithms at Bosch, delivering cutting-edge electronics components to several original equipment manufacturers around the world.

The Multiverse software solution will leverage data to assess the performance of individual equipment as well as broader production processes to enhance quality control and improve overall efficiencies, including energy and waste management. [Read more…] about Multiverse Computing to develop quantum digital twin for Bosch manufacturing facility

Enabling manufacturing innovation with the virtual twin experience

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Manufacturers in just about every industry are already embracing the reality of Industry 4.0 – that the digital transformation of factories is necessary, replacing manual processes with automated systems in cyber-physical smart factories.

This is crucial to manufacturers as challenges caused by global disruptions can make it even more challenging for them to ramp up production to satisfy ever-volatile market demands.

There are many subtle differences in the obstacles faced by manufacturers in different industries, but there are also a few key challenges that all manufacturers have in common. Having a limited number of assembly lines makes it difficult for manufacturers to keep up with the rising demand for customised products as well as the accelerating rate of innovation (and by extension, obsolescence) in new products.

Many manufacturers still lack the visibility required to respond to supply and demand volatility in an agile manner. At the same time, it can be challenging to be mindful of the growing list of certifications required and regulations that manufacturers need to comply with – in addition to the growing pressure for manufacturers to shift towards more sustainable practices. [Read more…] about Enabling manufacturing innovation with the virtual twin experience

Rockwell Automation and Comau partner to ‘simplify robot integration for manufacturers’

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Rockwell Automation and Comau are partnering to, as they say, “give businesses worldwide vital tools to maximize manufacturing efficiencies through unified robot control solutions”.

Blake Moret, chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, says: “Industrial companies are looking for efficient ways to integrate robotics into their operations for process optimization and agility.

“Rockwell Automation’s collaboration with Comau will simplify programming and lifecycle management, accelerating time to value for our customers.” [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation and Comau partner to ‘simplify robot integration for manufacturers’

ABB releases ‘faster, higher payload’ delta robot

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ABB has released what it says is a “faster, higher payload and more flexible” delta robot – the IRB 390 FlexPacker.

The industrial giant says the machine, along with its other solutions, will its enhance robotic picking and packing portfolio and transform omnichannel order fulfillment and retail logistics.

The new IRB 390 FlexPacker is designed for applications such as customized packaging, vertical packing and high-speed, high-variation sorting and on demand order picking in logistics and e-commerce fulfillment centers. [Read more…] about ABB releases ‘faster, higher payload’ delta robot

What is a ‘digital twin’ and why it matters

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Seeing double? That’s a good thing when it comes to improving efficiency and anticipating problems in refineries.

A refinery is a high stakes environment with no room for error.

Operators must learn how to run production facilities, but training on the real asset would be risky. A minor error could put workers in harm or cause downtime, costing hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. [Read more…] about What is a ‘digital twin’ and why it matters

B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

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B&R has integrated its “industrialPhysics” simulation tool into its Automation Studio engineering environment.

The company says the 3D simulation software greatly simplifies model-based machine development, enabling easier digital twin development.

B&R says developers can import CAD data from machine components or entire machines directly into the simulation tool, and then they can quickly and easily generate a digital twin for developing and testing the machine software. [Read more…] about B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

ABB launches new version of robotic picking software Pickmaster

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ABB has launched the new version of its robotic picking software Pickmaster, which now feature “digital twin technology” to reduce commissioning times. 

The product was introduced today at the China International Industry Fair in Shanghai. It will be on display next week at Pack Expo in Las Vegas at the ABB Robotics booth C-2051.

The company says the system is now capable of achieving picking times that are “15 percent faster”, enabling it to increases output and total line efficiency by 40 percent.

ABB Robotics says PickMaster is the market-leading robotic software for vision-guided random flow picking and packing applications for the digital factory of the future. [Read more…] about ABB launches new version of robotic picking software Pickmaster