Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

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HP launches print-to-order book manufacturing services

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HP has introduced HP Piazza, a set of independent and interlocking cloud-based services that it says will enable publishers to make book manufacturing and distribution more time- and cost-efficient.

Publishers can build a virtual warehouse for the management, automation, distribution, print, and direct fulfilment of book orders, while holding zero inventory.

Bridging the worlds of book publishing and digital book printing, the Piazza platform focuses on the needs of publishers in a world where short-run digital production is an everyday reality.

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UgenTec founds Molecular Automation Network with Hamilton Robotics

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UgenTec has announced the founding of a new network, dubbed the Molecular Automation Network, along with a new partner in the form of Hamilton Robotics.

The network aims to facilitate business and technical information exchange between automated liquid handling workstations manufacturers, real-time PCR device manufacturers, software and Dx companies.

Its goal is to provide laboratories with more encompassing solutions to their automation problems by creating collaborations between industry leaders.

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Robotic spine exoskeleton paves the way for new spine deformity treatments

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Columbia Engineering researchers have invented a new Robotic Spine Exoskeleton (RoSE) that may lead to new treatments for spine deformities.

Spine deformities, such as idiopathic scoliosis and kyphosis (also known as “hunchback”), are characterized by an abnormal curvature in the spine.

The children with these spinal deformities are typically advised to wear a brace that fits around the torso and hips to correct the abnormal curve. Bracing has been shown to prevent progression of the abnormal curve and avoid surgery. The underlying technology for bracing has not fundamentally changed in the last 50 years.

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Yaskawa introduces Sigma SD spindle drive

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The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has introduced the Sigma SD line of spindle drive systems. The new product was created to bring a notable increase in precision and productivity to automated machining equipment.

Sigma SD draws upon the technical advances of Yaskawa’s Sigma Series servo systems to meet the specialized demands of high volume machine tool manufacturers.

The SD product uses Sigma technology to give a spindle drive with precise speed control, plus the ability to move between speed settings very rapidly, says the company. This capability enables an SD system to create more finished components per hour without sacrificing the quality and uniformity of the finished component.

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TI collaborates with Heidenhain on first industrial drive control system-on-chip

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Texas Instruments (TI), with help from Heidenhain, has developed a microcontroller (MCU) for the semiconductor industry—the C2000TM MCU.

The C2000 offers the Heidenhain EnDat 2.2 interface as an option and delivers a complete solution with a direct connection for industrial motor and servo drives, supporting both analog and digital position sensors.

When combined with TI’s DesignDRIVE Position Manager, this new solution eliminates the complexities of position sensor management in the industrial drive development cycle, saving ancillary components, development time and system cost.

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Husqvarna acquires minority stake in Franklin Robotics

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Husqvarna Group has acquired 25 percent of Franklin Robotics, a Boston, US-based start-up that has developed “Tertill”, a solar-powered weeding robot for vegetable and flower gardens.

The investment forms an important partnership for the Group to further explore and accelerate customer-driven innovation within robotic applications in the lawn and garden market.

“From our position as the global market leader in robotic lawn mowers we see opportunities to broaden our focus into other robotic applications within lawn and garden care,” says Karin Löfgren, Senior Manager, Husqvarna Group Business Development.

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Cree acquires Infineon RF Power Business

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Cree, Inc. has acquired assets of Infineon Technologies AG Radio Frequency (RF) Power Business for approximately €345 million. The transaction expands the Cree Wolfspeed business unit’s wireless market opportunity.

“The acquisition strengthens Wolfspeed’s leadership position in RF GaN-on-SiC technologies and provides access to additional markets, customers and packaging expertise,” said Cree CEO Gregg Lowe.

“This is a key element of Cree’s growth strategy and positions Wolfspeed to enable faster 4G networks and the revolutionary transition to 5G.”

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Bosch expands its research and technology centre in California

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Bosch has moved to a larger location in Silicon Valley, opening a new 36m-euro Research and Technology Center (RTC) in Sunnyvale. The RTC was previously located in Palo Alto, roughly 15 kilometres to the west.

“We have had a presence here for nearly 20 years. The new offices will help us keep our finger on the pulse of Silicon Valley, thanks also to our excellent connections to the local research community and local businesses,” said Mike Mansuetti, president of Bosch in North America.

The facilities bring together 200 associates under one roof for the first time. Covering almost 10,000 square meters, the new location offers 40 percent more space in total and room for up to 300 associates.

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US stroke association teams with Ekso to promote exoskeleton technology

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A new partnership has been launched to educate stroke survivors and the medical profession about the benefits of exoskeleton technology in stroke rehabilitation.

The National Stroke Association, a US non-profit organisation that provides stroke education and programs to stroke survivors, caregivers, and the healthcare community, and Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc., a leader in exoskeleton technology for medical and industry use, have announced an educational partnership to increase awareness of and access to advance stroke rehabilitation exoskeleton technology, which enables earlier mobility and restored independence for survivors of stroke.

The partnership will coincide with National Stroke Awareness Month, in May, and Stroke and Technology Month, in November, when the national spotlight will be on developments in technologies that provide post-stroke independence and improved health outcomes.

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Kuka expands China business

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Kuka is to combine its Chinese general industry business and the Chinese Swisslog business by setting up joint ventures with Midea Group companies. The respective shareholders of the joint venture companies will each have a stake of 50%.

The Robotics joint venture will be controlled by Kuka and the Chinese automotive business will fully remain with Kuka.

These joint ventures will significantly increase market penetration in China and expand Kuka’s Chinese business.

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