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From the Editor
Positive Vibes, Innovations are Moving Automation and Robotics Forward
This week’s Automate 2022 event in Detroit featured a large ecosystem of companies dedicated to the advancement of automation and robotics. Component makers, systems integrators, robot manufacturers and software providers were showing off the latest innovations to help advance what can be possible through robotics – not just in traditional industries such as manufacturing or automotive, but also logistics, medical and other fields. While the new location for the show was held in the birthplace of the automobile, it was clear that those that assist with supply chain, logistics and other segments were well represented at the show. Like the MODEX show earlier this year, many folks were happy to return to an in-person, live event after the past 2.5 years of virtual conferences and Zoom calls. There’s a lot of great momentum from robotics and automation companies, and we will be including our thoughts on the major trends from the show in future newsletters. – Keith Shaw, Managing Editor. |
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Epson Launches New SCARA Robots With Higher Performance
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Epson Robots has announced the new GX Series lineup of SCARA robots, with higher performance, payload capacity and smoother motion control. The GX4 (pictured) and GX8 (below) robots can provide performance and flexibility for companies in the medical device, electronics and consumer electronics industries. Both of the new robots offer high throughput, smooth motion control and support heavier payloads through Epson’s GYROPLUS technologies. Multiple arm configurations are available, with the GX4 supporting a range of 250 mm to 350 mm, and the GX8 supporting between 450mm to 650 mm reach. High-precision tasks, including assembly, pick and place, and intricate small-parts handling, can be performed with the new robots. |
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OnRobot Launches Palletizer Solution to Ease Manual Tasks
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Denmark-based OnRobot has launched the OnRobot Palletizer solution, a collaborative application package designed to reduce the physical and financial pain from palletizing processes. The system can handle many different sizes of boxes, patterns, pallets and stacking heights, and is compatible with collaborative and light industrial robots from brands such as Doosan, FANUC, OMRON, Techman and Universal Robots. The OnRobot Palletizing system includes four new hardware and software offerings, including the 2FGP20, an electric palletizing gripper; the Lift100, an elevator with a total payload of 100 kg that provides a 7th axis for cobot and light industrial robots; a Pallet Station that ensures consistent positionining; and palletizing software. |
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Celera Motion Expands Omni+ Direct Drive Motor Platform
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Celera Motion has announced it expanded its innovative direct drive motor platform, the Omni+ series. The series is designed for optimal system integration with several axial lengths and winding options, including a new size – the Omni+ 100 mm. The Omni+ series motors are designed to provide higher torque density and ultra-low cogging, resulting in smooth motion, lower power dissipation and decreased temperature rise, Celera said. The technology provides high speeds and accelerations with “superior mechanical stiffness,” which reduces settling time and increases system performance and throughput. |
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Rapid Robotics Adds Easy Task Switching to RMO System
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Rapid Robotics has announced updates to its Rapid Machine Operator (RMO), an industrial robot that can get up and running in a matter of hours, but also “is the first manufacturing robot that can move between jobs in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee.” Through the company's new Smart Setup capability, the RMO can move onto a new job in as little as 60 seconds via built-in computer vision, with no programming or robotics expertise needed. In addition to the task-switching process, Smart Setup can put an end to work stoppages caused by changes or disruptions to a work environment. While other robots need to be reset by trained specialists, anyone can get an RMO back in action in minutes. |
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Robotiq Unveils New CNC Machine Tending Solution
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Responding to continuing labor shortages and supply chain challenges for manufacturers, Robotiq has announced a new Machine Tending Application Solution to make cobot automation more accessible. The company said the solution can lower implementation costs by up to 50%, and take less than two hours to go from unboxing to machining the first part – no coding experience needed. Robotiq said its new solution features intuitive automation technology that emulates the machine operator, with no need to modify or alter the machine controls. Because it is non-intrusive, the Machine Tending Solution will work with any brand of CNC machine, the company added. |
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Canvas Launches Targeted Sprayer Capability for Drywall Construction Robot
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Construction robotics company Canvas has announced the launch of its Level 4 Targeted Spray System (L4TS), which enables customers to make drywall finishing safer and more predictable than before. In December 2021, the company rolled out its Innovation Partner Program, which now includes seven leading technical contractors. These companies were selected by Canvas to participate more directly in creating better outcomes for their workers and projects, and now their crews train on the Canvas system to operate machines independently. The Level 4 Targeted Spray emerged from this project, as partners showed a desire for the Canvas worker-controlled machine to spray both a Level 5 finish, in which the entire wall is sprayed prior to sanding; and a Level 4 finish, which targets only the drywall seams. |
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In Case You Missed It
Automate 2022 Preview: Robots and Automation on Display
Thousands of attendees visitED the Automate 2022 show, which runs through June 9 in Detroit. Along with the attendees, hundreds of exhibitors will show off the latest in robotics, automation, components, vision systems and more to highlight the current and future state of automation. Robotics-World attendED the event as well, and we plan on bringing you updates throughout the week on new products, as well as look for the latest trends in the automation space (hint: it’s about the tasks, not the robots). Several companies have already made announcements of new products (for example, Epson has launched new SCARA robots), while others are waiting until the show to launch their new offerings. Read More |
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Featured Article
NASA Opens Phase 2 of $3.5M Lunar Ice Excavation Competition
NASA has announced the second phase of its Break the Ice Lunar Challenge, with invitations to the public to advance system technology for excavating and delivering lunar resources. Interested teams can register for Phase 2 by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2022. The space agency said it is looking for technologies that use the Moon’s resources to support sustainable surface operations while decreasing supply needs from Earth. This includes systems that could convert lunar ice into rocket fuel, drinking water, or other vital resources. “As NASA works to extend human exploration of the solar system, our first step is a sustained presence on the Moon,” said Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. “New technologies and systems like these are essential for us to set a new paradigm for exploration.” Read More
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Robotics News
- InOrbit Launches Cloud Robotics Certification Program
InOrbit, which develops software to help companies manage their robot operations (RobOps), has launched the InOrbit Connect certification program, which aims to make it easier for companies to connect robots to the cloud. Through the system, companies deploying robots can add one or hundreds of robots on their InOrbit account with one click. Companies looking to buy robots can also access a free, comprehensive robot directory, including those with InOrbit Connect-certified robots, the company said.
- Toyota, Woven Planet Develop Portable Hydrogen Cartridge Prototype
Toyota Motor Corporation and its Woven Planet Holdings subsidiary have announced a working prototype of its portable hydrogen cartridge. The design aims to facilitate everyday transport and supply of hydrogen energy to power several daily life applications inside and outside the home, including mobility vehicles, drones, and robots, among others. The two companies will conduct proof-of-concept (PoC) trials in several locations, including Woven City, a human-centered smart city of the future being constructed in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Both companies said they are studying several viable pathways to carbon neutrality, and consider hydrogen to be a promising solution. View Video
- Doosan Robotics Expands into U.S. with Texas HQ
South Korea’s Doosan Robotics has announced a new business unit to establish a U.S.-based presence for its service and cobot equipment. Doosan Robotics America, which will be based in Plano, Texas. Alex Lee, North America general manager, will oversee the U.S. business. Established by Doosan Group in 2015, Doosan Robotics said it expanded its growth into the U.S. market to increase customer service, accelerate business development and raise awareness of Doosan Robotics’ and specific vertical industry product support.
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Robotics News
Realtime Robotics Launches RapidPlan Software for Industrial Robots
Realtime Robotics, which develops collision-free autonomous motion planning software for industrial robots, has announced the release of its new RapidPlan software, aimed to help manufacturers design and deploy industrial automation faster and more efficiently. In industrial settings, each robot in use needs a complex path for each task that identifies a string of points in space, Realtime Robotics said. Depending on the complexity of the project, such as the number of robots being programmed, the number of tasks, and whether users are starting from scratch or making modifications – all of these can make the entire process take from weeks to months of engineering time to accomplish. Realtime said the RapidPlan software autonomously creates and choreographs all robot movements and removes the need for brand-specific robot programming. Read More |
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Dutch Startup Vitestro Unveils Autonomous Blood Drawing Device
Vitestro, a medical robotics company based in The Netherlands, has announced an advanced autonomous blood drawing device that combines artificial intelligence, ultrasound imaging and robotics. The device is designed to empower patients to be self-efficacious in the full blood collection procedure, and is expected to be introduced in 2024. The Vitestro system combines AI-based, ultrasound-guided 3D reconstruction with robotic needle insertion, ensuring accurate and secure blood collection, the company said. The venipuncture technology is adaptable to patients aged 16 and older, as well as those with comorbidities and puncture difficulty. The company said beginning in 2023, it will initiate clinical studies for regulatory approval in Europe. Read More |
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