|
From the Editor
Finding Robotic Innovations in New Locations
I was intrigued by two news announcements this week that should act as an inspiration for robotics developers, or act as proof that you can find ideas in other markets and locations. First was an announcement by Impossible Mining that it had raised $10.1 million to further fund its underwater robotic mining system. What’s cool about this company is that it can grab minerals and other materials from the seabed floor without disturbing the ecosystem, rather than just having a big shovel dig for stuff at the bottom. The second is the solar-to-water generation system found on the 2023 Living Vehicle (see featured article, below). While I’m not ready to plunk down $340,000+ for this vehicle yet, I’m intrigued about the possibility of using solar power to create water, which could be used by robotic systems. For example, imagine an autonomous robot working out in the field that needs water to spray crops – instead of a big tank or water system, the robot could generate its own water through solar power. Stories like this always get my brain buzzing about “what’s possible” in the future, which always gives me continued hope for the industry and the future of humanity.
– Keith Shaw, Managing Editor. |
|
|
|
Universal Robots Adds 20kg Industrial Cobot to Lineup
|
|
Universal Robots, the Denmark-based manufacturer of collaborative robots (aka cobots), has announced a new 20kg payload cobot to its lineup of robots. The UR20 boasts an all-new design based on the company’s experience in refined engineering, featuring an entirely new joint design to allow for faster cycle times and the ability to handle heavier loads. The UR20 boasts a 1,750mm reach, and has been designed to work to the full height of the standard Euro-pallet, while its small footprint lets companies achieve more within any existing production space. In addition to palletizing applications, the UR20 is designed to perform welding, material handling, machine loading and machine tending tasks, as well as other solutions created through UR’s partner ecosystem. |
|
|
|
EV Safe Charge Launches Mobile ZiGGY Charging Robot for Electric Cars
|
|
EV Safe Charge, which is developing flexible electric vehicle (EV) charging technology, has announced ZiGGY, a mobile EV charging robot. The company said ZiGGY can be deployed in parking facilities, shopping and entertainment centers, hotels, fleet operators and property owners to provide cost-effective charging and overcoming the limitations of stationary EV chargers without the need for costly electrical infrastructure. The system also includes a digital ad server, which can generate advertising revenue for the facility and display customized information. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orbbec Announces Availability of Femto ToF 3D Cameras
|
|
Michigan-based Orbbec, which develops 3D camera technologies, has announced it is shipping its line of Femto 3D cameras, time-of-flight (ToF) models that enable the capturing of the exact position and shape of static or moving objects and scenes with high accuracy. The Femto line offers solutions for designers in healthcare, warehousing/shipping, autonomous robotics and augmented reality, along with other applications. Orbbec said its Femto lineup gives developers, engineers, researchers and hobbyists the ability to customize a ToF solution for their particular application. |
|
|
|
Toppan, Brookman Develop ToF Sensor That Can Measure up to 30 Meters Away
|
|
Toppan, which develops communication, security and electronics solutions, has announced a partnership with Brookman Technology to employ a hybrid time-of-flight (ToF) method to develop a three-dimensional range image sensor that can measure distances from one to 30 meters. The new sensor can measure over a range that is five times greater than possible with 3D sensors employing a conventional indirect ToF method, Toppan said. The new development will contribute to enhancing operability and safety for autonomous drones and robot carriers that are equipped with sensors to allow them to avoid obstacles. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ODU-USA Extends Touch-Proof Connector Series
|
|
ODU-USA, which supplies connector systems for multiple applications, has launched the ODU MEDI-SNAP size 3.5, an extension of its touch-proof connector series. The connectors are designed for medical, test and measurement, and industrial electronics, but also can work with robot connections and other electronic systems. The MEDI-SNAP connectors are available in the new 3.5 size with hybrid technologies capabilities, as well as high-pole options. The company said size 3.5 offers special inserts for hybrid solutions, including more signals in combination with power and fluid transmissions. |
|
|
|
Product Profile: Oriental Motor’s BLH Series Brushless DC Motor Connector Type
|
|
The BLH Connector Type features an all-new motor with a motor connector to attach a single motor cable. The original BLH design used a connection cable between the motor lead wires and the driver. The same three driver types are available with the new Connector Type, and has an “H” designated in its product code. Traditional gearheads designed for use with the classic BLH design are also compatible with the new Connector Type, Oriental Motor said. In addition, a new Center Shaft (CS) gearhead with increased torque and larger overhung load is exclusively available for the new Connector Type. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
In Case You Missed It
Amazon Set to Deliver Via Drones in California Town
Amazon has announced that customers in Lockeford, Calif., will be among the first to receive Prime Air drone deliveries in the U.S. later this year. The company said Lockeford residents will be able to provide feedback about Prime Air, with drones delivering packages in their backyards, in order to “create a service that will safely scale to meet the needs of customers everywhere – while adding another innovation milestone to the town’s aviation history.” The company said it will also invest in the community by creating new jobs and building partnerships with local organizations. Read More |
|
|
Featured Article
Living Vehicle Debuts Electric Model with Solar Water Generation Tech
Living Vehicle, which is creating a luxury travel trailer, has announced its 2023 model that includes technology that gets it closer to achieving a Net-Zero offering. The new Living Vehicle 2023 Travel Trailer lets owners “travel far away from campgrounds and overcrowded RV parks” with solar technology capable of creating an endless water supply for its owners. Through a partnership with Watergen, the 2023 Living Vehicle's water system can use humidity in the air to create potable water. The technologically independent trailer has a robust LVEnergy power system that offers energy independence to power all onboard equipment. The model also includes the Creative Studio, a mobile office that includes the latest technology from Apple to allow professionals to "work on the road." Read More |
|
|
Industry News
- A3 Reports Largest Attendance Ever for Automate 2022
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) said the Automate 2022 trade conference was the most successful in its history, with new records for registrants, exhibit booths and online engagement during its four-day run earlier this month. Organizers said the event is expected to be even bigger in 2023, with nearly 75% of an expanded show floor already booked for the event, May 22-25, 2023, in Detroit.
- SpaceX, ABS to Review Autonomous Rocket Recovery Droneships
ABS, which provides classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, has announced a joint development project (JDP) with SpaceX. The project will review the remotely controlled functions of autonomous rocket recovery droneships used for booster rocket recovery at sea. The droneships are modified to include an expanded deck to increase the size of the landing platform, four thruster engines for propulsion and to hold on station, and blast shielding to protect electrical and engine equipment on deck. The droneships are entirely unmanned during landings, with a robot deployed on board to secure the rocket booster to the droneship before the vessel returns to port.
- New FANUC Tool Uses ML for Predictive Maintenance
Global automation provider FANUC has launched a new Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) software tool that aims to prevent production problems before they happen. The AI Servo Monitor uses artificial intelligence to predict possible failures of the drive systems for FANUC servomotors and spindle motors. In conjunction with MT-LINKi through machine learning, the AI Servo Monitor analyzes the daily performance of machines equipped with FANUC CNCs. Daily data is displayed in intuitive graphs, which allows users to monitor abnormalities on those machines. AI then automatically creates a baseline model of the machine while it’s running in a normal state. An anomaly score then expresses a difference in the baseline model and daily recorded values. Email notifications can be issued if this value exceeds the predefined thresholds.
- Allied Motion Acquires Airex for Linear, Rotary Motor Technology
Allied Motion Technologies, which designs and manufacturers precision and specialty motion control products, has announced it acquired Airex LLC, a privately owned company with more than 70 years of history providing high-precision electromagnetic components for aerospace/defense, life sciences, semiconductor and other commercial industrial applications. Airex’s patented winding technology, combined with robotic manufacturing, helps create best-in-class linear motors – ironless and iron core, rotary motors, voice coils, wound electromagnetic components and subcomponents.
|
|
|
Robotics Funding
Indoor Robotics Raises $15M for Indoor Security Drone
Israel-based Indoor Robotics, which is developing the Tando indoor drone, has announced raising $15 million in Series A funding. The round will enable the company to boost product development and enable more intelligent indoor security around the world. The company said developing autonomous indoor security robots has challenged robotics designers for years. While ground-based robots are commercially available, ordinary items such as chairs or steps often prevent them from fully securing an area. The company said its Tando drone uses multiple sensors and proprietary algorithms to accurately map and navigate in any indoor space, letting it autonomously navigate above or around any items in its path. Read More |
|
Impossible Mining Raises $10.1M to Advance Seabed Mining Robot
Impossible Mining, which is developing responsible seabed mining and refining technology, has announced raising an additional $10.1 million in seed funding. The company said it will use the funding to develop and test its four-mile deep robotic collection technology, as well as its Bio-Extraction technology. The company began working on its engineering architecture in 2020, with its first patents filed and initial funding round completed in 2021. A proof of concept is expected to be delivered later this year. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) fleet will be developed using pick and place manipulator technology to harvest nodules individually, minimizing the disturbance of sediment on seafloor ecosystems. Image sensing technology is able to identify megafauna present on the nodules, and will leave those nodules untouched, allowing for the preservation of nodule-dependent fauna. The company said the system is scalable and offers low environmental impacts. Read More |
|
Robotics Software
MiR Launches New Software for Better AMR Performance
Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) has announced new software that enables more robust and scalable autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for faster missions, tighter integration with other systems, and enhanced security features. The first phase of the software is now available for individual robots or entire fleets. The software focuses includes a more intuitive UI that lets customers perform functions such as planning and re-planning navigation on the fly around obstacles with optimized reaction to anything moving nearby, such as other robots, forklifts or human workers; and navigating in large facilities efficiently and switching smoothly between different floors or production halls. Read More |
|
Vention Updates MachineLogic Software for Code-Free Robotic Programming
Vention, which develops a cloud-based manufacturing automation platform, has announced the launch of MachineLogic V4.0, one of the company’s biggest releases since it initially launched in 2018. Offered either as a freemium or subscription basis, the software lets users leverage the full feature set of MachineLogic in its cloud version, with subscriptions required for those looking to then deploy equipment on the factory floor. MachineLogic is one of the company’s core products of Vention’s manufacturing automation platform. Focusing on code-free programming, the cloud and edge software includes a unified programming interface across robot brands (including Universal Robots, Fanuc, and Doosan), actuators (such as linear axis, conveyors and pneumatics), and both digital and analog I/Os. Read More |
|
About Us Unsubscribe Privacy Policy |
This email was sent to @. |
|