Industrial Robots

KUKA releases version 4.0 of the KUKA.sim virtual robot simulation software. The release includes advanced programming features along with new safety simulation capabilities.

FANUC extends its SR Series SCARA robot product line with four new models, all with the new web-based iRProgrammer software interface.

Path Robotics today raised $56 million in Series B funding for its autonomous welding system. Founded in 2014, the Columbus, Ohio-based company has now raised $71 million in funding. This latest round was led by Addition and saw participation from returning investors Drive Capital, Basis Set, and Lemnos Lab. The company’s robotic welding systems use…

OSARO announces a refined strategy and suite of products that offers complete, dedicated, and integrated solutions packages for e-commerce, cosmetics and grocery fulfillment.

Hirebotics announces the launch of the Hirebotics Cobot Welder. The new solution is a complete, user-friendly collaborative robot (cobot) welding system that enables painless automated welding deployments. If you’re not familiar with Hirebotics, the company is a new breed of robotics solution provider (RSP). RSP’s are the next generation of solution delivery organizations. The key for RSP’s […]

FANUC America has introduced its LR Mate 200iD/14L, the 10th model in its LR Mate series of tabletop industrial robots. Since the LR Mate Series was launched nearly 30 years ago, it has become one of FANUC’s biggest sellers with 70,000-plus units installed across the world. The LR Mate can handle parts weighing up to…

There seems to be a renewed focus on automating the grueling task of unloading trailers. Boston Dynamics revealed its Stretch mobile manipulator at the end of March, while Memphis-based robotics startup Dextrous Robotics recently emerged from stealth with its Chopstick system. Dextrous co-founder Evan Drumwright discussed the system in the RoboBusiness Direct session “Advances in…

Ambi Robotics, formerly known as Ambidextrous Laboratories, raised $6.1 million in seed funding for its picking robots and operating system that are based on simulation-to-reality artificial intelligence (AI). Co-founded by the great Ken Goldberg, a professor at UC Berkeley, Ambi Robotics said it is exiting stealth mode, although its work on improving robotic grasping hasn’t…

Using robots to unload freight on receiving docks isn’t a novel idea. A quick YouTube search will return a slew of results. But many of these previous approaches have been stifled by high costs and the inability to handle a growing variety of packages. Of course, robotics companies are still working on the problem, which…

Japanese robot maker FANUC is investing 26 billion yen ($240 million) into the expansion of its Shanghai, China plant. The company plans to expand the Shanghai facility five-fold over the next three years, through a joint venture that is operated with local player Shanghai Electric Group. The new project covers an area of ​​about 431…

Packaging operations continue to embrace automation as a way to reduce labor costs and workplace injuries while improving the efficiency and quality of packaged goods. But the use of automation isn’t evenly distributed, with large consumer packaged goods producers running with more automation than smaller packaging firms. One area ripe for increased automation are operations…

The new Yaskawa PL190 and PL320 robots expand the payload range of the PL mobile product line | Image credit – Yaskawa Yaskawa announces the availability of two new 4-axis palletizing robots that extend the range of payloads for the Yaskawa PL (palletizing) product line. The Yaskawa PL190 has a 190 kg payload capacity and…

Global professional services company Accenture is acquiring Pollux, a Joinville, Brazil-based provider of industrial robotics and automation solutions. Accenture said the acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, will expand its capabilities for clients in consumer goods, pharmaceutical and automotive industries. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. This is Accenture’s first acquisition…

Veo Robotics, a Waltham, Mass-based company turning traditional industrial robotic arms into collaborative machines, named Calvary Robotics as its initial certified systems integrator partner. Founded in 1994, Calvary Robotics is a leading developer of custom turnkey automation solutions, robotic platforms and material handling systems. Veo’s flagship product, FreeMove, uses advanced computer vision and 3D sensing…

igus has developed the e-spool flex 2.0, a new cable reel designed for industrial robots that has no slip ring. This allows for management of robot teach pendants. The system even supplies bus signals without interruptions, which can be typical with slip rings. The solution can extend cables up to 50 ft. Installation into a…

BJ Minson didn’t like the imperfect fit and sloppy profile of the standard belts he could find on the market, with the buckle and excess strap end awkwardly protruding from under his untucked shirt. So while working on a master’s degree in microfluidics, he began playing around with the design for a sleeker belt with…

Yaskawa is tapping Realtime Robotics’ motion planning technology to improve a variety of materials handling and fulfillment applications, including piece picking and mixed case palletizing. Yaskawa said using Realtime’s technology enables its robot cells to be deployed and used more efficiently. The first of these mixed pallet robot cells will soon start being installed at…

ABB introduced its Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) service that enables customers to create a preventive maintenance schedule for individual or robot fleets based on real-time operational data. ABB said the CBM service should optimize productivity and minimize downtime. CBM uses real-time data on robot operations to help identify any potential issues that could affect performance, including…

Epson Robots has signed Industrial Control as an official distributor in Michigan. Industrial Control is a minority-owned provider of factory automation solutions, products, and training. The partnership with Industrial Control involves the full lineup of Epson Robots’ automation products, including the extensive portfolio of SCARA and 6-Axis robots, as well as the integrated options such…

As one of the busiest parts of a hospital, the pharmacy has, over the years, relied on technology to streamline its operations. From electronic tablet counters to completely computerized stocking and labeling solutions, technology has had a transformative impact on pharmacies across the world. Challenge Still, factors weighing on the efficiency of drug dispensing are…

maxon’s new IDX compact integrated servo gearmotor + drive combines a powerful, brushless EC-i motor and an EPOS4 positioning controller, which can be complemented with a maxon planetary gearhead when required. This integrated motor features high torque density, high efficiency, maintenance-free components, and a high-quality industrial housing providing IP65 protection. The IDX also features configurable…

An MIT study found the high cost of integration, inflexibility, lack of standards and needed improvements to enabling technologies are the main challenges inhibiting further adoption of industrial robots.