Robotics & Automation News

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automatica opens door to climate-neutral, highly economical production through AI and digitization

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Digitization and AI have become a matter of intense public discourse. However, this leads to more questions than answers.

This is where automatica, held from June 27 to 30, 2023, comes in with its digital solutions and components from the fields of robotics, machine vision, and assembly technology.

It’s a place where visitors gain first-hand knowledge of how these technologies can increase the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of industrial production. [Read more…] about automatica opens door to climate-neutral, highly economical production through AI and digitization

ExRobotics develops ‘new and improved’ version of its inspection robot

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ExRobotics has developed a “new and improved” version of its ATEX-certified inspection robot, together with the help of Shell Pernis and DOW Terneuzen.

ExRobotics says “many companies” have adopted this way of working, and as a result, there are now 30 of its robots operating worldwide on a daily basis.

Why do industrial companies send employees into potentially hazardous environments (ATEX Zone 1 environments) when robots could do some of the work? Several studies have shown that inspection of hazardous environments by robots is the solution to preventing human injury during inspection. Robots perform inspections more accurately, more productively and more cost-effectively than humans. [Read more…] about ExRobotics develops ‘new and improved’ version of its inspection robot

MobileDrive builds next generation ADAS with Siemens’ digital twin technology

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MobileDrive has adopted a model-based systems engineering approach to support its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems development, using the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio and its comprehensive digital twin technology.

By leveraging Siemens’ robust expertise in the digital thread, MobileDrive has accelerated its progress to build the next-generation autonomous driving systems and helped to achieve the industry-leading quality of the products.

Founded in 2021 as a joint venture between two mobility technology leaders, FIH Mobile and Stellantis, MobileDrive is focused on developing infotainment, telematics and a cloud service platform, together with ancillary hardware and software. [Read more…] about MobileDrive builds next generation ADAS with Siemens’ digital twin technology

Interactive cyber-physical human: Generating contact-rich whole-body motions

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Performing human-like motions that involve multiple contacts is challenging for robots. In this regard, a researcher from the Tokyo University Science has envisioned an interactive cyber-physical human (iCPH) platform with complementary humanoid (physical twin) and simulation (digital twin) elements.

iCPH combines human measurement data, musculoskeletal analysis, and machine learning for data collection and augmentation. As a result, iCPH can understand, predict, and synthesize whole-body contact motions.

Humans naturally perform numerous complex tasks. These include sitting down, picking something up from a table, and pushing a cart. These activities involve various movements and require multiple contacts, which makes it difficult to program robots to perform them. [Read more…] about Interactive cyber-physical human: Generating contact-rich whole-body motions

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