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New study: Mobile robots in logistics centres to exceed $3 billion in 2022

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Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) used in logistics applications are forecast to enjoy massive growth in the next five years and grow ten-fold to exceed $3bn in 2022, according to a new report from Interact Analysis.

Despite the market being worth just $300m in 2017, the report forecasts that more than 400,000 mobile robots will be installed by the end of 2022.

Whilst AGVs have long been used in manufacturing environments to lower costs and improve efficiencies, logistics and fulfilment centers are a relatively new opportunity.

[Read more…] about New study: Mobile robots in logistics centres to exceed $3 billion in 2022

Milacron to show huge injection molding machine at NPE

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Milacron Holdings Corp. will display the largest tonnage injection molding machine to operate at an NPE show – “The Cincinnati” by Milacron, with 2250 tons of clamping power at NPE 2018 in Orlando, Florida, USA, from 7-11 May.

The Cincinnati is a new large tonnage, true two-platen machine designed to meet the demands of the global automotive, appliance, and other large part molding markets.

The Cincinnati’s enhanced machine specifications and performance are powered by Fanuc servo motor power packs. The improved machine layout and enhanced access to the eject and die areas make operation, maintenance and servicing easier, says the company.

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Universal Robots debuts at US supply chain expo Modex

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Universal Robots will showcase its collaborative robot arms in new application, at Modex, from April 9-12 in Atlanta, USA.

Warehouse processes such as order fulfillment require the ability to recognize and pick a wide range of items that are different sizes, weights, and materials, often jumbled together in bins.

While traditional industrial robots usually stay bolted down in protective cages, dedicated to one handling task only, collaborative robots, or cobots, effectively address this automation challenge with flexible implementation and low upfront cost.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots debuts at US supply chain expo Modex

PSA Group modernises its European manufacturing with UR cobots

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Europe’s second-largest car manufacturer, PSA Group, is increasing factory performance and reducing production costs, using Universal Robots (UR) as part of its “Excellent Plant” initiative.

Results of the new robotic assembly system include improved worker ergonomics and cost savings of two to eight Euros per car, which represents up to 400,000 to 1,600,000 euros in initial cost savings.

“We chose the UR10 robot for its reach, ease of programming and safety, but we’ve been extremely impressed with how quickly this initiative paid for itself,” said Cedric Grandjean, Architect Element Specialist, Finish Assembly Line at Groupe PSA. [Read more…] about PSA Group modernises its European manufacturing with UR cobots

Robot used to remove burner in gas-fired power plant

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Removing a burner from inside a gas turbine is a tricky task. Siemens decided to use a Kawasaki robot to perform this maintenance operation, which heralds the way for reduced outage times for power plant operators.

This Kawasaki MG10HL robot, installed at the Siemens Lausward power plant in Dusseldorf, has a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kg and a 4-metre reach. The powerful, extra large payload Kawasaki robot was installed to perform the dangerous, routine maintenance task of replacing burners and transitions on huge gas turbines.

Watch the video here

Husky UGV used for 3D mapping in Mars simulation

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The Austrian Space Forum (OeWF), in partnership with international research organisations including Oman Astronomical Society, conducted a four-week Mars simulation mission in the Arabian desert in Oman.

The study was to simulate a typical day on Mars. Tasks performed in the study included 3D mapping, minerology, evaluation of biological habitats, and preparation of food.

The Husky UGV from Clearpath Robotics, was used for 3D mapping of the Oman terrain and transportation in the simulated mission, with the help of a 260 degree scanner laser. Once the Husky mapped environments, it was able to identify potential hazards, move around and collect data for the astronauts.

Watch the video here

Electronics industry increasingly relies on collaborative robots to boost productivity, says Rethink Robotics

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Rethink Robotics says its collaborative robot Sawyer augments human efforts by taking on tedious tasks like circuit board testing, quality control

Rethink Robotics, a provider of collaborative robots for the manufacturing industry, has seen significant collaborative robot adoption by leading electronics manufacturers.

The company says manufacturers are “increasingly choosing Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer to increase productivity and relieve employees from performing repetitive tasks”.

Sawyer is characterized by intelligent force control, which enables the precise and appropriate use of force when handling electronic components, fragile parts and high-quality accessories.  [Read more…] about Electronics industry increasingly relies on collaborative robots to boost productivity, says Rethink Robotics

Baumüller to present intelligent automation solutions at Hannover

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Baumüller, the automation and innovative electric drive company, will present its wide range of Industry 4.0 solutions at the Hannover Messe from April 23-27, 2018.

Visitors to the stand (hall 14, stand H12) can find out about the design of new drive systems and the optimization of existing drive systems as well as current service concepts from the field of Industry 4.0.

The automation specialist equips entire machine modules, from the motor to the software, which can then be linked to each other via suitable interfaces or that can be integrated into existing systems.

[Read more…] about Baumüller to present intelligent automation solutions at Hannover

Kuka showcases innovative medical project at the 2018 European Robotics Forum

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Kuka is showcasing an innovative research project from the medical sector at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) in Tampere, Finland, this week.

Together with the University of Bremen and Chemnitz University of Technology, FACT Software and CAT Production, Kuka is presenting an application for the simulation of one of the most challenging steps during an operation: implanting an artificial hip.

Performing the operation in the virtual world with haptic feedback via the Kuka LBR iiwa lightweight robot is an important component in the training of future surgeons as well as in the planning stages prior to an operation.

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Automatica 2018: Innovative automation solutions in plastics, foodstuffs and packaging

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Leading automation companies will be at automatica in Munich, Germany, from June 19 to 22, 2018. Visitors from industries such as food and beverages, plastics and packaging will find numerous innovative automation solutions and have the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts.

Companies from the fields of plastics, foodstuffs and packaging are increasingly employing innovative automation to improve their competitive position. Compared to the pioneering automobile industry, however, these three industry sectors have some catching up to do.

The great economic importance of automation technology can be felt on a global level: According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), more than 1.7 million new industrial robots will be installed in factories all over the world by the year 2020, which will increase global inventory to more than three million units.

[Read more…] about Automatica 2018: Innovative automation solutions in plastics, foodstuffs and packaging