ABB has expanded its Wizard Easy Programming tool to its IRB 1100 industrial robot range to make it easier to install, program, and operate robots without specialized training.
Wireless robot charging provider WiBotic joins the ARM Institute
WiBotic, which has developed wireless charging systems for mobile robots, aerial drones, and lunar systems, has joined the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute.
Akasha Imaging closes Series A to improve robot vision in manufacturing
Sierra Ventures and Orbital Ventures have led the $10.75 million Series A financing round for Akasha Imaging, which is developing deep imaging technology to help robots see fine details.
Mech-Mind Robotics raises Series B+ funding for smarter industrial robots
Mech-Mind Robotics, which combines 3D vision, deep learning, and motion planning to make industrial automation more intelligent, has raised nearly $15 million to accelerate development and marketing.
MATE-XT exoskeleton designed by Comau to be lightweight, adjustable, rugged
Comau said its new MATE-XT exoskeleton is designed to be resistant to environmental conditions, is EWS-certified for reducing biomechanical risk, and can provide a demonstrable ROI.
Advanced automation using ROS, UV disinfection robots using 3D vision to be discussed in RoboBusiness Direct
In his RoboBusiness Direct session, Matthew Robinson, ROS-Americas program manager at the Southwest Research Institute, will discuss how the Robot Operating System can aid safe advanced automation. In addition, a DreamVu robotics expert will break out how omnidirectional 3D vision can benefit disinfection robots.
Compact Interior Paint Station designed by ABB to minimize space, costs, ecological impact
The Compact Interior Painting Station enables automotive manufacturers to reduce the size of their vehicle interior painting stations by one third, while saving costs and making facilities more sustainable, said ABB.
MGS Manufacturing uses Stäubli robots, controls for inspection of medical devices
MGS, a contract manufacturer for a major European medical device maker, turned to Stäubli robots to support automated inspection of single-use catheters.
October 2020 Robotics Transactions Dip, but Vehicles and Drones Still Get Funding
Although robotics investments, mergers, and acquisitions may have dropped a bit in October 2020, autonomous vehicles, drones, and healthcare applications continued to receive funding.
Rapid Robotics raises seed funding for robotic machine operator to avoid offshoring
Rapid Robotics has raised seed funding as it works on the Rapid Machine Operator, which it claims does not require expensive integration and can help U.S. manufacturers “close the automation gap.”
Robotics investments recap: October 2020
Robotics investments slowed somewhat in October 2020, but transportation, healthcare, and software remained strong.
Masterclass on Design for Manufacturability for CNC machining debuts from Fictiv
Fictiv’s three-part engineering Masterclass series is intended to show engineers how to minimize CNC machining challenges and design parts for optimal production quality, speed, and cost.
OSARO provides INNOTECH with machine learning software for mobile piece picking robot
OSARO is working to combine its AI software for piece picking with INNOTECH’s product expertise in a mobile robot to serve supply chains and manufacturing.
Manufacturers need next president to support automation
With less than a week to go before the U.S. presidential election, and in a year when supply chain and manufacturing have been front and center, CEOs of manufacturing companies are calling for both candidates to promote innovation, technology, and automation. I spoke to more than a dozen CEOs and largely found frustration with both…
Digital manufacturing for robotics can yield economic benefits, explains Fictiv co-founder
Despite economic hardships imposed by trade wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, robotics startups can benefit from digital manufacturing ecosystem, according to a RoboBusiness Direct speaker.
VW Commercial Vehicles deploys 800 ABB robots to manufacture electric vehicles
VW Commercial Vehicles plans to deploy 800 ABB industrial robots to support its transition to electric vehicles in the plant for its ID. Buzz van.
8 new manufacturing automation projects picked by ARM Institute for $7.5M in funding
The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing, or ARM, Institute has selected eight new projects focusing on high-value ways to empower U.S. manufacturers using robotics and automation.
Telerobotics offers automation at arm’s length for healthcare, manufacturing, and more
Telerobotics is offering different industries new benefits, such as social distancing and safety for manufacturing and remote surgeries in healthcare, writes Energid’s Neil Tardella.
Kespry Perception Analytics uses Microsoft Azure for geospatial analysis of drone data
Kespry said its Kespry Perception Analytics cloud-based system is designed for industries including chemicals, pulp and paper, energy, food and beverage, and ports.
September 2020 Robotics Transactions Include Healthcare Growth, Autonomous Vehicle Slowdown
The total number of robotics transactions held steady year over year, but the autonomous vehicle and manufacturing automation providers received less investment. Healthcare systems, field robots, and drones got funding in September 2020.
Robotics investments recap: September 2020
In September 2020, healthcare robotics, drones for inspection, and industrial automation received funding, but transactions slowed for autonomous vehicle developers.
Factories worldwide used a total of 2.7M industrial robots in 2019, reports IFR
Although industrial automation did not grow as much worldwide in 2019 as in 2018, it still set records, reported the International Federation of Robotics. The IFR also looked at regional growth.