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From The Editor
Robotics Optimism is Catching as March Arrives
 Despite what my family may tell you, I’m generally an optimistic person. In covering technology over the past 20 years, I enjoy discussing how innovations can help people live better lives, which is probably how I ended up writing about robotics so much. This time of year is also the most optimistic – March brings many new events to attend, the start of spring somehow arrives at some point during the month, and in the middle we get St. Patrick’s Day and the start of “March Madness” in the world of college basketball. Robotics has remained optimistic over the past two years of doom and gloom, with the recognition by the industry about how robots can help companies address surging demand and labor shortages (in what seems like every industry). As the world (finally, fingers crossed) emerges from the pandemic, industries can look to the robotics sector to drive forward the optimism to solve any challenges that comes our way. At least, I remain hopeful that it will.
— Keith Shaw, Managing Editor. |
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FANUC Expands Line of CRX Cobots With 3 New Models
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| FANUC has announced three new models to its CRX line of collaborative robots (cobots), designed to handle different lengths and capacities for small and large manufacturers looking to address labor issues. The CRX-5iA, CRX-20iA/L and CRX-25iA join the existing CRX-10iA and CRX-10iA/L models within the line. With its existing line of CR and CRX cobots, FANUC has 11 cobot models that can handle products from 4 kg to 35 kg in capacity. The CRX-5iA provides up to 5kg in payload, the CRX-20iA/L can handle up to 20 kg, and CRX-25iA supports up to 25 kg. |
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ROEQ Doubles Payload of AMR with New Cart Modules
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| Denmark’s ROEQ has announced a new top module that doubles the payload for users of Mobile Industrial Robot’s (MiR) autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). THe new TMS-C500 Ext and S-Cart500 Ext module/cart combination enables the robot to carry up to 500kg (1,102 lbs) of materials. The design of the TMS-C500 Ext also allows companies to include larger cargo with up to 1.2 meters (47.2 inches) in length without compromising safety, as the emergency stop button is easily accessible. In addition, increased tilt stability is provided by a longer wheelbase of the S-Cart500 Ext. |
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EPC Launches 3-Phase BLDC Motor Drive for Drones, Robots and e-Bikes
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| EPC (Efficient Power Conversion) has announced the availability of the EPC9167, a three-phase BLDC motor drive inverter that uses the EPC2065 eGaN FET. The design aims to provide premium motor drive performance at a low cost for drones, robots and e-bikes. The EPC9167 operates from an input supply voltage between 14V and 60V (nominal 48V) and has two configurations – standard unit and high-current version. The standard reference design board is a three-phase BLDC motor drive inverter board that features the EPC2065 eGaN FET, rated at 3.6 mΩ maximum RDS(on), with 80V maximum device voltage. The standard configuration uses single FETs for each switch position, and can deliver up to 20ARMS maximum output current. |
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STMicroelectronics Launches 0.5Mpixel Depth Image Sensor
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| Global semiconductor firm STMicroelectronics (ST) has announced a new family of high-resolution Time-of-Flight sensors that bring advanced 3D depth imaging to smartphones and other devices, including consumer robots and AR/VR equipment. The 3D family debuts with the VD55H1, a sensor that can map three-dimensional surfaces by measuring the distance to over half a million points. Objects can be detected up to five meters from the sensors, and even further with patterned illumination, ST said. The sensor addresses the AR/VR market use cases that includes room mapping, gaming, and 3D avatars. For robotics, the VD55H1 provides high-fidelity 3D scene mapping for all target distances to enable new and more powerful capabilities. |
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IDS Updates NXT Ocean Camera with Multiple Neural Network Support
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| IDS has announced that users of its all-in-one embedded vision system, IDS NXT ocean, can now have a range of new features with its latest updates. This includes multi-regions of interest (ROI) for AI-based object detection, and the possibility to use different neural networks for different ROIs in one image via the Vision App. Binning, line scan mode, performance and configuration improvements have also been made. In addition, new customers can freely choose whether they want to use the IDS NXT lighthouse training software on AWS – previously offered by IDS – or whether to use Microsoft Azure Cloud. |
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Product Profile: ElectroCraft APES23 Stepper Linear Actuator
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| ElectroCraft’s APES23 is a 56mm/NEMA 23 frame, hybrid stepper-based linear actuator. The APES23 is available in standard or custom designs as a linear actuator (non-captive), leadscrew motor (external linear), or guided linear actuator (captive). Several resolutions are offered, ranging from 0.0127 to 0.0635 mm per step, with an output force of up to 1779 N (400 lbs.) ElectroCraft's unique motor, shaft and insert designs offer output force per frame size while providing superior precision, speed and efficiency. |
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In Case You Missed It
Motional, VIa Launch Free Self-Driving Robotaxi Rides in Las Vegas
 Motional, which develops driverless technology, and transit technology firm Via have announced the launch of a new robotaxi service in Las Vegas. The service will provide free self-driving rides to passengers in downtown Las Vegas. Motional is also working with Lyft to provide self-driving ride-hailing services in other parts of Las Vegas, scheduled to deploy in 2023. The partnership with Via signifies the first step in the companies’ vision to introduce networks of on-demand and shared robotaxis at scale in cities – with the ultimate goal of using autonomous vehicles (AVs) to expand the public’s access to safe, affordable and sustainable transportation options, Motional said. The new service combines Via’s intelligent booking, routing and software application technology with Motional’s self-driving robotaxis, fleet management and in-vehicle passenger experience. The service will connect riders with business hubs, residential buildings, green spaces, government buildings, and public transit stations. Read More |
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Featured Article
Case Study: Fuzzy Logic Helps European Manufacturer Through Robotics
 MBDA is a leading European manufacturer in the aerospace and armaments sector, specializing in the design of missiles and missile systems for the operational needs of the three branches of the military (army, navy and air force). MBDA France's Bourges site specializes in the manufacturing of tactical missile equipment using several key technologies: mechanical manufacturing (metal and composite materials) and electromechanical assembly. The company wanted to have robots perform certain processes in small series or even single unit production, by allowing an operator with no programming skills to teach the robotic system in just a few seconds, the process to be carried out, and then execute the cycle with complete confidence without human supervision. Fuzzy Logic Robotics’ Repplix application software module addresses all aspects of this requirement in a cost-effective manner. The first use case selected was the tedious, manual cleaning of the molds used to manufacture composites. Read More Schedule a Demo |
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Industry News
- Perrone Robotics to Deploy Autonomous Shuttle to Philadelphia Navy Yard
Founded by former Apple engineers, Instrumental is a manufacturing optimization platform that proactively identifies issues in real-time as they appear on the assembly line. Their platform provides engineers and manufacturing teams with the complete data record they need to quickly discover new issues, complete failure analysis, communicate concisely with the factory team, and make process improvements in production. Instrumental helps remote engineering teams discover correlations between multiple data sets from the line, including functional tests and visual records, in order to find the root cause behind failures. Using 20-megapixel Blackfly S cameras from Teledyne FLIR, Instrumental imaging stations can capture high levels of detail required for inspecting small electronic micro assemblies where very small errors can lead to failures (among several other applications). Read Case Study/a>
- Perrone Robotics to Deploy Autonomous Shuttle to Philadelphia Navy Yard
Perrone Robotics has announced that Pennsylvania’s first automated vehicle (AV) shuttle is coming to Philadelphia this summer. The autonomous shuttle will provide visitors and employees with transportation services within the Philadelphia Navy Yard and to SEPTA’s NRG Station, located at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. The Navy Yard AV shuttle deployment will include a backup operator on board during the pilot. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will oversee regulatory approvals, and is partnering with researchers at Drexel University to analyze shuttle performance and rider feedback to help inform future deployments. View Video
- Iris Automation Partners with City of Reno for BVLOS Operations
Iris Automation, on behalf of the City of Reno, Nevada, and the Reno Fire Department, has announced it received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to fly a small drone autonomously beyond the pilot’s line of sight, without any visual observers or the use of additional ground-based equipment. The waiver will help the city and Iris achieve autonomous flight, first by testing over unpopulated areas, before it can move to urban areas. The waiver covers a rural, unpopulated area south of Reno and was submitted by Iris Automation for the use of its advanced detect-and-avoid solution, Casia X. Watch Demo
- Tompkins Robotics Expands Capabilities of tSort System
Tompkins Robotics, which develops autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions, has announced the new tSort3D product, which expands the capabilities of the tSort suite by increasing the number of sort destinations while reducing the overall footprint. The tSort3D allows six to eight times the sort destinations within the same space as other traditional automated sortation systems, with the potential for thousands of sort destinations, volumes up to 20,000 an hour, creating a single very large batch pick process. Tompkins said the system is designed for fulfillment of items for customer e-commerce orders and other fulfillment workflows, including store replenishment and reverse logistics. View Video
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Robotics Funding
RightHand Robotics Raises $66M for Autonomous Picking System
 Boston-based RightHand Robotics, which develops autonomous picking systems for order fulfillment, has announced it raised $66 million in a Series C financing round. The company said it plans to use the funding to accelerate product and business development, scale its global presence and partner network, and expand its offices and invest in talent acquisition. RightHand’s piece-picking solution, RightPick 3, streamlines the supply chain processes of warehouses by leveraging AI software with intelligent grippers and machine vision. The system is an integrator-ready autonomous solution that empowers operating teams and meets the evolving needs of the fulfillment industry. Read More |
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NASA Funds Future Space Technologies, Includes Robot Projects
 A new round of grants awarded by NASA includes futuristic space technology concepts that could one day become reality. Some of these projects include work being done with robotics. NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program fosters exploration by funding early-stage studies to evaluate technologies that could support future aeronautics and space missions, the agency said. The new slate of awards provides $5.1 million to 17 researchers from nine states. The selected concepts include 12 new projects for Phase I study, as well as five Phase II awards that will allow researchers to continue their prior work on innovative concepts. The projects are still in the early stages of development and are not considered official NASA missions. Phase I fellows will each receive $175,000 for a nine-month study, and Phase II fellows will receive $600,000 each for study over a two-year period. Read More |
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Robotics Deployments
Dexai Robotics Chosen to Automate Food Services for Military Sites
 Dexai Robotics, which develops intelligent robotics solutions for commercial kitchens, has announced it signed a $1.6 million contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to automate food services in multiple military installations around the U.S. Dexai will supply 10 of its “Alfred” sous-chef systems – an automated food preparation robot that improves production and quality of operations, reduces food waste and lowers risks of viral and microbial transmissions. The first Alfred robot started operations at the end of 2021 at the Monarch Dining Facility of Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif. The Monarch DFAC is open to all 7,300-plus active duty personnel assigned at Travis, and serves an average of 950 customers per day. The Monarch installation is part of a pilot program that includes nine additional robots across the country. Read More |
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Casino to Deploy Security Robot from Robotic Assistance Devices
 Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, has announced that Red Hawk Casino in Placerville, Calif., is the deployment location for a ROAMEO mobile security robot. The robot will be used by the casino to patrol parking lots, detect and deter suspected trespassers in secured areas, and provide guest services to casino visitors as they move from the parking lots to the casino floor or hotel. The ROAMEO is a mobile security robot that is nearly seven feet tall, and weighs more than 700 lbs. The robot is designed to autonomously patrol a property or periphery and survey its surroundings, conduct routine patrols, record and report back to a central command center. The robot also includes dual 21.5-inch web-connected touch screens that provide customizable information and concierge services for guests that it may encounter while on patrol. Read More |
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HAI Robotics to Launch Automated Warehouse for Chinese Sportswear Brand
 HAI Robotics, which develops autonomous case-handling robotic (ACR) systems for warehouse logistics operations, has announced a new warehouse automation project for Anta, a Chinese sportswear brand. The system will use HAI’s autonomous totes-to-person solution to help Anta accommodate surging orders. The new project, to be launched in April in Anta's brand-new warehouse in Foshan, Guangdong Province, will be the third joint-project between the two companies. Using HAI ROBOTICS' ACR system, the 9-meter-high warehouse would reach a much higher storage density to offer up to 30,240 locations, with daily throughput expected to reach 128,000 units. Read More |
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