Robotics World

Epson Launches New SCARA Robots With Higher Performance

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.