Robotics & Automation News

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welding

Using robots to address the welder shortage

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Automated welding solutions are used across a range of industries, most commonly observed in the automotive industry where arc welding has been automated since the 1960s as a reliable method of manufacturing that increases accuracy, safety and efficiency.

The primary driver of automated welding solutions has always been a desire for reduced long term costs, increased reliability and productivity.

However, now there is a new driving force as robots are being used as a way of addressing the skills gap in the welding industry. More experienced welders are retiring in large numbers and there aren’t enough certified welders being trained to replace them. [Read more…] about Using robots to address the welder shortage

Comau to develop new robotic systems with shipbuilder Fincantieri

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Shipbuilder Fincantieri and Comau Robotics, two Italian industrial giants in their respective markets, have signed a letter of intent to develop prototypes of robotized steel welding solutions and the resulting construction of series of machines, to be implemented at first in Fincantieri shipyards.

Paolo Carmassi, Comau CEO, and Fabio Gallia, Fincantieri general manager, signed the agreement.

The first joint project, of which the operating agreement is currently under way and related tests are scheduled at the Fincantieri shipyards by the first half of the year 2022, will involve a welding robot vehicle consisting of an anthropomorphic welding robot and a remote control tracked vehicle. [Read more…] about Comau to develop new robotic systems with shipbuilder Fincantieri

Path Robotics raises $56 million to ‘lead American manufacturing into the future’

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Path Robotics, the Columbus, Ohio-based artificial intelligence and robotics company responsible for designing “the world’s first truly autonomous robotic welding system”, has received $56 million dollars in Series B funding, bringing the total invested in the company to $71 million.

Investment company Addition led the round and was joined by returning investors Drive Capital, Basis Set, and Lemnos Lab.

Lee Fixel of Addition says: “Path Robotics is solving a complex and critical problem in our country by bridging the gap between the supply of skilled welders and demand. [Read more…] about Path Robotics raises $56 million to ‘lead American manufacturing into the future’

Hirebotics’ new ‘Cobot Welder’ can be used through smartphone app

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Hirebotics says its Cobot Welder system delivers advanced robot welding through an “easy-to-use” smartphone application.

The company says that the robotic welding system, powered by Beacon, is a complete, user-friendly collaborative robot welding system that enables “painless automated welding deployments”.

Rob Goldiez, co-founder and CEO, Hirebotics, says: “The Cobot Welder is a major leap forward in easy-to-use welding automation that combines industrial grade robot welding functionality with consumer level ease-of-use and a phenomenal price point.” [Read more…] about Hirebotics’ new ‘Cobot Welder’ can be used through smartphone app

Robot Applications in Auto Manufacturing

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Robots have been used in automotive assembly lines for over 50 years. And now, automakers are using robotics in even more processes.

Why robots? They are efficient and dependable in production lines. They also bring supply chain automation to the automotive industry and make it one of the largest users of robots. [Read more…] about Robot Applications in Auto Manufacturing

Robotic 3D metal printing startup MX3D raises €2.25 million in new funding

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Innovative robotic 3D metal printing company MX3D has raised €2.25 million to scale up and launch its M1 Metal Additive Manufacturing System.

DOEN Participaties, PDENH and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency took part in the investment round in MX3D, which is based in Holland and is famous for building a 3D printed bridge across a canal.

The funds will be used to launch the M1, a complete robotic metal AM system, including a welding robot, software and control system to 3D print metal parts in-house. [Read more…] about Robotic 3D metal printing startup MX3D raises €2.25 million in new funding

John Deere pilots new robotic welding solution

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John Deere is leveraging Intel’s artificial intelligence technology to help solve a costly, age-old problem in the manufacturing welding process.

Deere is piloting a solution that uses computer vision to automatically spot common defects in the automated welding process in its manufacturing facilities.

Andy Benko, quality director, John Deere construction and forestry division, says: “Welding is a complicated process. This AI solution has the potential to help us produce our high-quality machines more efficiently than before. [Read more…] about John Deere pilots new robotic welding solution

Yaskawa Motoman has sold 500,000 industrial robots

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Yaskawa Motoman, one of the world’s largest industrial automation companies, has sold 500,000 industrial robots.

The company says cumulative shipments of Motoman Yaskawa’s industrial robots reach 500,000 units last month – February 2021.

Yaskawa has attracted a wide range of customers worldwide since its first all-electric industrial robot in Japan Motoman-L10 was shipped in 1977. [Read more…] about Yaskawa Motoman has sold 500,000 industrial robots

Merkle relies on Kassow Robots for complete robot welding systems

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Merkle Schweissanlagen-Technik, or Merkle Welding Systems, will use 7-axis cobots from the Copenhagen-based collaborative robot company Kassow Robots as standard in its WeldROB complete robot welding systems from now on.

Dr Ulrich Prank, deputy managing director of the medium-sized company located in Koetz in Bavaria, Germany, says: “We have always focused on innovation. The lightweight robots from Kassow Robots are a new generation of particularly powerful and flexible cobots and offer our industrial customers real advantages.

“Instead of complex, elaborate robot technology with a high need for training and familiarization, welding with the WeldROB 7 is surprisingly simple.”  [Read more…] about Merkle relies on Kassow Robots for complete robot welding systems

The Future of Robotics in Automotive Manufacturing

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As the UK automotive manufacturing industry gets back on its feet, many carmakers will be looking at innovative ways to safeguard their futures.

Robotics has long been used in the automotive industry, but technological developments are thrusting the industry forward in new and exciting ways. [Read more…] about The Future of Robotics in Automotive Manufacturing