Robotics World

Firgelli Automations Announces Adjustable Electric Linear Actuator

Firgelli Automations, which develops linear actuators and other motion equipment, has announced new adjustable limit switch linear actuators that feature a patent-pending mechanical limit switch device, which allows users to alter the built-in stopping position to give them additional flexibility. The company said electro-mechanical linear actuators typically have built-in non-adjustable limit switches that stop the actuator when it reaches either its fully extended or fully retracted position. For example, a linear actuator with a 6-inch stroke will automatically stop once the rod has extended the full six inches. With the new actuators, users can modify the final one inch of travel to produce a bespoke stroke length that properly matches an application, making final fit and installation considerably easier.

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ATI Industrial Launches New Tool Changer for Smaller Robots

ATI Industrial Automation, which develops robotic accessories and robot arm tooling, has announced a new standard tool changing option for smaller robots. The QC-29 Robotic Tool Changer aims to bring the powerful and rugged technology of the company’s Heavy Duty Tool Changers to robots in the 25 kg to 35 kg payload class. The QC-29 is the first standard ATI Tool Changer designed with a rectangular body that mounts directly to 40 mm and 50 mm robot wrists, the company said. IT also includes in-body lock/unlock sensing and a new locking mechanism. The new QC-29 is compatible with ATI’s standard utility modules and tool stands, giving customers several unique configuration options, ranging from ultrasonic welding to servo motor support and more.

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iRobot: Roombas Can Clean Around Holiday Trees, Socks, Shoes

Just in time for the holidays, iRobot has announced new features for its Roomba j7 and j7+ robot vacuums that are powered by additions to its Genius Home Intelligence software. The new features include the ability to identify and clean around holiday trees, shoes, and socks, in addition to previous obstacles such as cords and solid pet wastes. The consumer robot company said the new update also allows existing customers to transfer robot intelligence from their current Imprint Smart Mapping robot to a new Smart Mapping robot.

Seegrid, which develops autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling tasks, has announced new details about the technology that powers its Palion Lift AMR, the company’s first autonomous lift truck. Seegrid said Palion Lift includes the latest generation of Seegrid IQ, the company’s autonomy technology, and “is the only lift truck AMR in the market with industry-leading 3D perception.” Seegrid’s acquisition of Box Robotics in October 2020 has driven the acceleration of the next-generation Seegrid IQ technology. The technology fuses data from cameras, lidar and machine learning models with the company’s proprietary 3D computer vision system to provide safe and reliable material handling, the company said.

IKO International has published a free downloadable whitepaper that discusses the benefits of using crossed roller bearings for modern robotics and automated machines. The report gives an overview of crossed roller bearings and provides advice on what to look for when choosing a crossed roller bearing for a robotic application. Examples of robot types that can benefit from crossed roller bearings include industrial robots with articulating arms, or bionic exoskeleton shells aimed at helping industrial workers to lift without injury.

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Robotics Data Launches Market Report for Counter-Drone Market

Robotics Data, a robotics analytics and consultant firm and strategic partner of Robotics World, has announced a new report providing details on the counter-drone systems market. Also known as counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), the market includes equipment and software that allows organizations and governments to detect drones that may be threatening their airspace or facilities. While most organizations cannot legally take down an unauthorized drone, many of the companies listed in Robotics Data’s 10-page report offer different methods of detecting the drones. Because of the increase in the number of global incidents caused by unauthorized drones around the world, organizations increasingly need to understand which companies can provide gear to counter the threat.

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News for Robot Makers

MassRobotics, AWS Team up to Accelerate Robotics Startups
MassRobotics has announced a strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), creating a Robotics Startup Accelerator to help companies address the biggest challenges in the automation, robotics, and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) market. MassRobotics helps entrepreneurs and robotics startups with the workspace and resources they need to develop, prototype, test and commercialize their products and solutions. Combined with the cloud-based technical resources and network of AWS, the collaboration will help robotics startups and the industry overall to experiment and innovate, while connecting startups with the AWS customer bases, MassRobotics said. The AWS Robotics Startup Accelerator, delivered by MassRobotics, is a four-week technical, business and mentorship accelerator opportunity open to robotics startups from around the world.
Macy’s Installs Robotic Micro-Bakery at Santa Clara Mall
Le Bread Xpress, which has created a robotic vending machine for baking a variety of meals and pastries on demand, has announced that Macy’s Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, Calif., has installed a custom-branded Bake Xpress. The machine provides a full menu of fresh-baked meals and pastries that complements the beverage and snack options provided by Macy’s. The new machine features a Macy’s-branded machine wrap and custom menu chosen by the retailer. The Bake Xpress micro-bakeries are robotic vending solutions that offer a selection of pastries, pizza, and artisan sandwiches that are freshly baked at the time of an order.
U.S. Army to Deploy Liteye SpyGlass 3D Radar Solution
Liteye Systems, which develops counter-drone systems, has announced that the U.S. Army will be the first customer of its Spyglass 3D Radar as part of a multi-mission, multi-domain defense solution. Liteye said the Spyglass 3D Radar is designed and manufactured by Numerica Corporation, based in Fort Collins. The company also said production orders are now being accepted, with delivery beginning in Q2 2022, with the U.S. military taking priority deliveries.
U.S. Air Force Orders 15 Guided Cargo Delivery Drones
Silent Arrow, which develops autonomous cargo drone technologies, has announced that the U.S. Air Force awarded the company a contract for the delivery of 15 Silent Arrow drones that will be reconfigured as an autonomous cargo delivery glider. The new gliders will be designed and built at the company’s headquarters in Irvine, California, with the 15 aircraft shipped to a flight test center in Pendleton, Oregon, for operational evaluations at the Pendleton UAS Test Range. Initial specifications include a 500-pound maximum weight, 350-pound cargo capacity, 39 inches in length and deployable from high altitudes and airspeeds.