Robotics & Automation News

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Comau equips John Deere with wearable exoskeletons

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Comau has equipped John Deere, the world’s largest farm machinery maker, with multiple Mate-XT wearable exoskeletons to help sustain worker well-being, alleviate physical stress and reduce the ergonomic risk within its parts logistics operations.

Mate-XT accurately replicates all movements of the shoulder, helping employees perform their jobs comfortably by reducing muscle fatigue without limiting mobility or adding bulk.

Its ergonomic design can be easily adjusted to fit different people with different body types – changing the length of the shoulder straps and the required level of assistance based on the worker or the job at hand is quickly achieved in a few simple steps. [Read more…] about Comau equips John Deere with wearable exoskeletons

ABB launches new version of its Swifti collaborative cobot

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ABB has launched the Swifti CRB 1300 industrial collaborative robot, which the company says “bridges the gap between industrial and collaborative robots”.

Combining class-leading speed and accuracy with expanded load handling capability of up to 11kg, the Swifti CRB 1300 can be used in a wide variety of production and product handling applications – from machine tending and pelletizing to pick-and-place and screwdriving.

Andrea Cassoni, managing director for global general industry robotics at ABB, says: “Our customers are looking to robotic automation to make their processes more flexible, efficient and resilient, helping to counter labor shortages by enabling their employees to perform more value-added work. [Read more…] about ABB launches new version of its Swifti collaborative cobot

ABB launches new industrial collaborative robot

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ABB has launched the Swifti CRB 1300 industrial collaborative robot, bridging the gap between industrial and collaborative robots.

Combining “class-leading” speed and accuracy with expanded load handling capability of up to 11 kg, the Swifti CRB 1300 can be used in a wide variety of production and product handling applications – from machine tending and palletizing to pick-and-place and screwdriving.

Andrea Cassoni, managing director for global general industry robotics at ABB, says: “Our customers are looking to robotic automation to make their processes more flexible, efficient and resilient, helping to counter labor shortages by enabling their employees to perform more value-added work. [Read more…] about ABB launches new industrial collaborative robot

Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

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Lucas Systems, a provider of voice and warehouse optimization software for fulfillment and distribution centers, has entered a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Fetch Robotics to enable the next generation of smart warehouses.

Through the partnership, Lucas and Fetch will offer tailored solutions to orchestrate and optimize how warehouse workers interact in harmony with Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots.

Fulfillment and distribution centers are under tremendous pressure due to growth in e-commerce combined with a shrinking labor market. [Read more…] about Lucas Systems and Fetch Robotics partner to optimize robot-and-worker collaboration in warehouses

Safety for Workers, Here is What You Should Know

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Safety within the construction industry and beyond this is vital for the reputation of your business and the welfare of your workers.

It may begin with ensuring that they have the correct training for the job, as well as ensuring that you check drivers license status on all new workers.

However, safety now goes beyond the initial security checks. [Read more…] about Safety for Workers, Here is What You Should Know

Fetch Robotics integrates AMRs into Vargo’s warehouse execution system

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Fetch Robotics, a warehouse robotics company, has agreed a partnership with Vargo, a provider of warehouse execution software, and a plan to launch an integrated fulfillment solution.

The new solution will combine Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine (Cofe), Vargo’s industry-leading warehouse execution system (WES), to enable distribution centers to optimize order fulfillment with the latest technology in real time.

The growth of e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment has pushed companies to optimize their order fulfillment processes to gain efficiencies and to do so with more speed and accuracy. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics integrates AMRs into Vargo’s warehouse execution system

Fetch Robotics partners with Vargo to launch integrated fulfillment solution

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Fetch Robotics, a warehouse and cloud robotics company, has agreed a partnership with Vargo, a provider of warehouse execution software, to launch an integrated fulfillment solution.

The new solution will combine Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with the Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine (COFE), Vargo’s warehouse execution system (WES), to enable warehouse customers to optimize order fulfillment in real time.

The growth of e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment has pushed companies to optimize their order fulfillment processes to gain efficiencies and to do so with more speed and accuracy. [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics partners with Vargo to launch integrated fulfillment solution

Rokae unveils robotic system for making knives and scissor blades

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Rokae has unveiled a robotic system for making knives, scissor blades and other metallic objects with sharp edges. 

The company has partnered with Zhang Xiao Quan, a 400-year-old manufacturer of cutting tools, to implement a robotic system in place of what would be a very time-consuming process for a human worker.

In a typical knife manufacturing facility, huge rolls of steel arrive and are cut into blanks, which are then shaped using presses, and then sharpened. [Read more…] about Rokae unveils robotic system for making knives and scissor blades

Intelligent image processing supports production workers in Industry 4.0 applications

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Automation plays a major role in Industry 4.0. Cost reduction, increased productivity and zero-defect quality are factors that are increasingly prompting companies to digitise their processes.

But often full automation also means high investments. At the same time, the focus will continue to be on the human being in the interaction between man and machine.

Given the prevailing shortage of skilled workers and high standards of industrial safety, this is no easy task for companies. [Read more…] about Intelligent image processing supports production workers in Industry 4.0 applications

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