Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Mitsubishi Electric says its robots are ‘bridging skills gaps’ in automation technology

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The global manufacturing landscape is increasingly embracing robotics, as evidenced by a substantial rise in installations worldwide.

According to the World Robotics 2024 Report, over 4.28 million robots are now operating in factories, marking a 10 percent increase, with annual installations surpassing half a million units for the third consecutive year.

This trend reflects not only a growing reliance on robotics to enhance production capabilities but also demonstrates that companies are effectively overcoming key implementation challenges associated with robotics integration. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric says its robots are ‘bridging skills gaps’ in automation technology

Pusan National University scientists develop ‘game-changing method’ to create safer, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries

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A novel mathematical framework unlocks unlimited customization of full concentration gradient in high-nickel cathodes for improved safety and stability

High-nickel cathodes are promising for improving the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, their high nickel concentration leads to intense side reactions, degrading safety and stability. While full concentration gradient (FCG) design can address this issue, current approaches limit design flexibility.

Now, researchers have developed a novel mathematical framework that, combined with an automated reactor system, allows unlimited customization of FCGs with independent parameter control, leading to LIBs with enhanced safety and stability.

With the recent global push toward renewable energy and electric vehicles, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is rising rapidly. The performance and stability of LIBs largely depend on the cathode material, which can account for nearly 40-45 percent of the total battery cost. [Read more…] about Pusan National University scientists develop ‘game-changing method’ to create safer, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries

Fraunhofer develops ‘resource-efficient’ measurement system for semiconductor wafer production

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The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS), in collaboration with DIVE imaging systems, has achieved a major milestone in resource-efficient semiconductor manufacturing.

With the successful installation of an optical measurement system by DIVE in the cleanroom of Fraunhofer IPMS, the effort required for quality control during wafer production has been significantly reduced. This collaboration paves the way for a more sustainable and efficient semiconductor production process.

Semiconductor manufacturing involves up to 1,500 process steps, including etching, deposition and lithography. Due to their complexity of structures, finished wafers must be nearly defect-free, which requires rigorous quality control. [Read more…] about Fraunhofer develops ‘resource-efficient’ measurement system for semiconductor wafer production

Tokyo University scientists discover key to ‘stable, high-performance, and long-life’ sodium-ion batteries

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Sodium (Na)-ion batteries have recently emerged as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to lithium (Li)-ion batteries. Na, the sixth most abundant element on Earth, offers lower material costs and greater availability compared to Li-ion batteries.

The design of cathode materials plays a key role in determining battery life and stability. Layered sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO2) has received increased attention from researchers for its use as a cathode material in Na-ion batteries.

NaMnO2 exists in two crystal forms: α-NaMnO2 and β-NaMnO2. The α-phase features a monoclinic layered structure, where planar MnO2 layers, consisting of edge-sharing distorted MnO6 octahedra, are stacked alternatively with Na-ions in between. [Read more…] about Tokyo University scientists discover key to ‘stable, high-performance, and long-life’ sodium-ion batteries

Swiss Steel develops ‘sustainable and easy-to-machine special steels’ for automotive industry

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The automotive industry is facing major challenges, and the demands placed on materials are more diverse than ever before.

At the Swiss Steel Group, the development and production of special steels plays a key role in meeting current and future needs – particularly with regard to sustainability, efficiency, and machinability.

The trend is increasingly toward lighter, safer, and more resource-efficient vehicles. This applies not only to vehicles with low-CO2 drives, but also to the manufacture of components for electric vehicles, which rely on lighter materials to maximize range and energy efficiency. [Read more…] about Swiss Steel develops ‘sustainable and easy-to-machine special steels’ for automotive industry

How to Calculate Diminished Value for Your Car After an Accident

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Even after your car gets expertly repaired following an accident, there’s a good chance its value will never quite be the same as it was before.

Buyers and even professional appraisers tend to view vehicles with accident histories as less desirable, which means you could potentially lose a significant chunk of money if you decide to sell or trade in your car somewhere down the road.

That’s where diminished value becomes really important to understand. [Read more…] about How to Calculate Diminished Value for Your Car After an Accident

Gartner predicts one in 20 supply chain managers will manage robots, not humans, by 2030

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Eighty percent of humans will engage with smart robots on a daily basis, and one in 20 supply chain managers will manage robots, rather than humans, by 2030, according to business management consultancy Gartner.

Organizations are placing greater emphasis on enhancing the capabilities of their existing workforce by supplementing with robotics due to factors like labor scarcity and rising costs.

Smart robots have been identified by chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) as an important investment area, though many acknowledge their organization lacks internal robotics expertise to maximally leverage these innovative technologies. [Read more…] about Gartner predicts one in 20 supply chain managers will manage robots, not humans, by 2030

Moldova launches new incubator for robotics, digital agriculture, and foodtech

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Moldova, a small country in eastern Europe, is taking a decisive step toward the future of agriculture with the launch of a new incubator and pre-accelerator at Agrotek Arena Incubator, an innovation space dedicated to digital agriculture, robotics, and food technology.

The initiative is part of the Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden, and aims to modernize the country’s agri-food sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.

On July 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Moldova’s Ministry of Digitalization and Economic Development (MDED), the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Innovate Moldova Programme, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), marking the start of this strategic partnership. [Read more…] about Moldova launches new incubator for robotics, digital agriculture, and foodtech

Pudu Robotics launches new industrial sweeper and vacuum

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Pudu Robotics, a specialist in service robotics, has unveiled the Pudu MT1 Vac, an AI-powered robotic Sweeper and Vacuum designed to meet the rising demand for high-performance dry cleaning in commercial and industrial spaces.

Combining sweeping, vacuuming, and dust-mopping functions in a single robot, MT1 Vac brings intelligent automation to large-area environments such as airports, metro stations, hotels, casinos, and office buildings.

The MT1 Vac expands Pudu Robotics’ cleaning portfolio by addressing a clear market need for reliable, high-capacity automated vacuuming. [Read more…] about Pudu Robotics launches new industrial sweeper and vacuum

Out of thin air: MIT engineers develop device that creates safe drinking water from air

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MIT engineers have developed an atmospheric water harvester that produces fresh water anywhere – even Death Valley, California.

Today, 2.2 billion people in the world lack access to safe drinking water. In the United States, more than 46 million people experience water insecurity, living with either no running water or water that is unsafe to drink.

The increasing need for drinking water is stretching traditional resources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. [Read more…] about Out of thin air: MIT engineers develop device that creates safe drinking water from air