Robotics & Automation News

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Manufacturing

Swiss sportswear brand On opens ‘world’s first’ robotic LightSpray shoe production facility in Zurich

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Swiss sportswear brand On has officially launched the world’s first fully automated production facility using its proprietary LightSpray technology.

Located at the company’s headquarters in Zurich, the new factory brings advanced robotic manufacturing of performance running shoes back to Switzerland.

The LightSpray Factory, unveiled in a ceremony attended by 100 VIPs across business, science, sports, and media, houses four industrial robots capable of producing ultra-light shoe uppers in a single automated process. [Read more…] about Swiss sportswear brand On opens ‘world’s first’ robotic LightSpray shoe production facility in Zurich

From Bottleneck to Breakthrough: Solving Common Assembly Line Inefficiencies

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Assembly lines keep the heart of manufacturing beating. When every part moves in sync, products roll out on time, and costs stay predictable.

But it does not take much to throw this rhythm off. A single slow workstation or outdated equipment can cause ripple effects that slow the entire line.

Fortunately, you can turn even the most stubborn bottlenecks into opportunities. This article will explore ways to recognize inefficiencies early and implement changes that lead to lasting improvements. [Read more…] about From Bottleneck to Breakthrough: Solving Common Assembly Line Inefficiencies

Comau partners with Roboze to develop on-demand manufacturing solutions

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Industrial automation specialist Comau and 3D printing expert Roboze have agreed a collaboration focused on meeting the market need for affordable automation in advanced, on-demand manufacturing applications.

The cooperation targets a range of sectors, from automotive and aerospace to energy, racing, and beyond.

The joint effort accelerates the availability of automation for advanced manufacturing everywhere, enabling true just-in-time production whenever and wherever it is needed.

This directly supports reshoring strategies and sustainable manufacturing models, allowing companies to optimize resources, minimize waste, and align with growing market expectations for low-impact, environmentally responsible production. [Read more…] about Comau partners with Roboze to develop on-demand manufacturing solutions

Comau and Intecells collaborate to develop advanced cold plasma battery electrode process

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Comau has entered an important collaboration with Intecells to optimize the use of cold plasma within industrial cell manufacturing processes.

Comau will work with Intecells, who has patented an innovative cold plasma application, to develop a cost-effective technology path for customers looking to integrate the new technology within existing cell manufacturing lines.

The plasma-based solution available today reduces cycle time and energy consumption in soaking and drying when added to existing cell manufacturing lines, while also improving cell capacity, cyclability, and production quality across a full range of battery types and sizes. [Read more…] about Comau and Intecells collaborate to develop advanced cold plasma battery electrode process

GENESIS consortium to promote sustainable semiconductor manufacturing in Europe

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Newly formed consortium unites 58 partners in Project GENESIS, which aims to minimizes ecological footprint in Europe’s semiconductor industry

A pan-European consortium dedicated to developing sustainable processes and technologies for the semiconductor-manufacturing supply chain announces the launch of the GENESIS project.

This integrated, large-scale initiative aims to enable Europe’s chip industry to meet its sustainability goals – from material development to final waste treatment.

Fraunhofer IPMS takes a managing role for one of the central work packages in order to minimize chemical waste and reduce emissions. [Read more…] about GENESIS consortium to promote sustainable semiconductor manufacturing in Europe

Semiconductor industry rebounds: AI and strategic investments drive 21 percent surge

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The global market for the highly specialized equipment used to manufacture semiconductors is experiencing a significant uplift, with billings soaring 21 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025 to hit $32.05 billion.

This strong start to the year, highlighted in SEMI’s Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report, signals robust health in a critical sector underpinning the entire tech world.

The primary engines behind this growth? The relentless artificial intelligence (AI) boom and proactive, large-scale investments in future chipmaking capacity across the globe. [Read more…] about Semiconductor industry rebounds: AI and strategic investments drive 21 percent surge

Global semiconductor fabrication equipment sales up 21 percent

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Surging demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and fab expansion offset geopolitical uncertainty, says SEMI

The global market for semiconductor manufacturing equipment grew sharply in the first quarter of 2025, with total billings reaching $32.05 billion – a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to new data from industry association SEMI.

Released as part of SEMI’s Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report, the figures show that continued investment in advanced chip production, driven by AI and high-performance computing applications, is helping the sector remain resilient amid geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies.

Although Q1 2025 saw a typical seasonal decline of 5 percent from the previous quarter, the year-on-year growth points to what SEMI describes as a “future-looking investment cycle” across multiple regions. [Read more…] about Global semiconductor fabrication equipment sales up 21 percent

Rethinking packaging: How automation is transforming production lines

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As manufacturing faces growing pressure from labor shortages, sustainability, and quality demands, packaging is becoming a critical point of focus, especially in high-volume sectors like wood processing.

The article examines how one of the Baltic region’s largest furniture producers restructured its packaging operations through automation, revealing broader shifts in how industrial systems are designed and staffed.

Across global manufacturing, packaging is emerging as one of the most urgent frontiers for automation. [Read more…] about Rethinking packaging: How automation is transforming production lines

Comau to collaborate with multiple companies to develop on-demand manufacturing

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Comau has agreed to collaborate with multiple industry-leading companies, at an international level, addressing the need for affordable automation to drive advanced on-demand manufacturing applications.

The collaborations are aimed at numerous sectors, from automotive, naval and aerospace to energy, microfactories, mold & tooling, construction and beyond.

By accelerating automation for advanced manufacturing everywhere, Comau now delivers truly on-demand, just-in-time production when and where it is needed, fully supporting reshoring initiatives and sustainable manufacturing models. [Read more…] about Comau to collaborate with multiple companies to develop on-demand manufacturing

Comau designs and builds ‘cutting-edge’ automation technology for Li Auto factory

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Industrial robotics specialist Comau has designed and developed what it describes as a “cutting-edge automation technology” for Li Auto’s next-generation range extender line, allowing the Chinese electric vehicle maker to reach an annual production capacity of up to 400,000 units.

(A range extender for an electric vehicle is a secondary power source, typically a small internal combustion engine, that acts as a generator to charge the EV’s main battery when it’s running low.)

The full-value-chain solution, which includes concept design, system simulation, assembly, and commissioning, highlights Comau’s ability to support the dynamic demands of the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market with innovative, high-performance manufacturing systems and enabling technologies.

The integrated automation solution, which covers the interior assembly line, exterior assembly line, cylinder head line, and piston-connecting rod line, has significantly enhanced reliability, operational efficiency and flexibility. [Read more…] about Comau designs and builds ‘cutting-edge’ automation technology for Li Auto factory