Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

automate

Alstef automates Bank of France’s new banknote printing facility

by

The Banque de France, or Bank of France, has launched a large-scale project to build a new plant in Vic-Le-Comte, France, which already houses a paper mill, creating a global banknote production hub at the cutting edge of technological innovation.

The new, highly secure building will house both printing and logistics activities. Process automation was entrusted to Alstef Group, who will supply a logistics system including a high-bay warehouse served by four stacker cranes within an automated “greenhouse”.

Flow management will be handled by a fleet of automated guided vehicles and/or autonomous mobile robots comprising 10 of Alstef’s “Turtle” AGV-AMRs Loadstar machines equipped with roller conveyors, as well as 10 GL 10.1 AGVs. [Read more…] about Alstef automates Bank of France’s new banknote printing facility

A3 unveils new safety standard for industrial mobile robot systems

by

As the use of mobile robots continues to surge in industrial settings, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has unveiled the second installment of its flagship safety standard for industrial mobile robots, providing guidance on safe integration practices for these systems.

R15.08-2, the American National Standard for Industrial Mobile Robots (IMRs) – Safety Requirements – Part 2: Requirements for IMR systems and IMR applications provides safety requirements for deploying IMR systems into an industrial environment.

R15.08-2 specifies requirements for integrating, configuring, and customizing an IMR or fleet of IMRs into a site. [Read more…] about A3 unveils new safety standard for industrial mobile robot systems

Mercadona calls in Cimcorp Automation to help move fresh produce from field to store within 24 hours

by

Mercadona, a large grocery retailer in Spain and Portugal, has brought in Cimcorp Automation to further automate fresh food intralogistics at its distribution center in San Isidro, Spain.

Equipped with Cimcorp’s robotic solution, Mercadona says it now delivers fresh produce from field to store within 24 hours, thereby increasing shelf life for products, minimizing food waste, and ensuring freshness for customers.

Automation has also helped Mercadona improve workplace safety and satisfaction for its employees. This is the fifth automated system Cimcorp has implemented for Mercadona, following successful installations at several other new logistics facilities in Spain. [Read more…] about Mercadona calls in Cimcorp Automation to help move fresh produce from field to store within 24 hours

Micropsi Industries makes its AI-powered robot controller hardware agnostic

by

Micropsi Industries’ artificial intelligence-powered robot control software Mirai, which helps automate complex tasks too difficult or costly to automate with traditional programming, will soon be accessible for all robot users.

Previously compatible exclusively with Universal Robots and Fanuc robots, Mirai will be available for Kuka robots in early Q4, followed by other collaborative robots (cobots) and industrial robots as requested.

Using AI, Mirai generates robot movements directly and in real time. Robot skills (or specific tasks) are trained, not programmed, in a few days through human demonstration, without users needing programming or AI knowledge. [Read more…] about Micropsi Industries makes its AI-powered robot controller hardware agnostic

BlueBotics to showcase interoperability tech for mobile robots at Automate Show

by

At this year’s Automate Show, AGV/AMR navigation specialist BlueBotics will highlight how its ANT server management software enables the creation of multi-brand fleets.

Its team will also join forces with partner Oceaneering Mobile Robotics to host a seminar dedicated to building the business case for automated vehicle technology.

BlueBotics CEO Nicolas Tomatis, says: “As the AGV market grows and continues to mature, more businesses are realizing the need for scalable custom fleets, which can incorporate different types and even brands of vehicle. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to showcase interoperability tech for mobile robots at Automate Show

Korea Association of Robot Industry to operate Korea Pavilion at Automate Show

by

The Korea Association of Robot Industry (KAR) says it will be operating a “Korea Pavilion” at the Automate Show, which starts in a couple of days. Nine Korean companies will feature their products in Korea Pavilion located in booth number 3250 and 3452.

KAR has participated in many trade shows held in Europe and East Asia for the decades, but it has never participated in Automate or any other trade shows held in the US.

While China remains the largest market for Korean robot companies with exports worth of $319 million, The United States is the second-largest market with exports amounting to $204 million, according to the Korean Robot Industry Survey. [Read more…] about Korea Association of Robot Industry to operate Korea Pavilion at Automate Show

Humatics launches ‘first’ robotic system with microlocation for in-motion assembly lines

by

Humatics is planning to showcase what it says is “an industry first” – an in-motion engine assembly application with multiple robotic arms working concurrently in the same pitch.

The company will show off its new microlocation technology at this year’s Automate Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Humatics says the ability to introduce automation into production environments to achieve tasks that were previously not possible with robotics “opens up a new level of cost reduction, quality control and profitability contribution for the automotive and aerospace manufacturing industries”. [Read more…] about Humatics launches ‘first’ robotic system with microlocation for in-motion assembly lines

Thira Robotics to showcase new AMR at Automate Show

by

Thira Robotics will showcase its latest autonomous mobile robot technology at the Automate Show, where it will demonstrate how the company “guided global manufacturing, healthcare, and construction leaders in augmenting 24/7 staff services”.

Thira says demand from the market has been “strong” following its US launch in March and says it plans to show how triple safety systems overcome obstacles of first-generation AMRs.

Demos of real-life-ready logistics AMRs with the capability to navigate settings with highly complex human traffic, sloped floors, liquid spills, elevators, narrow hallways, and more are 0also planned. [Read more…] about Thira Robotics to showcase new AMR at Automate Show

Aerobotix and FerRobotics to showcase new robotic taping kit at Automate 2023

by

Aerobotix and FerRobotics, two robotics companies based in the US and Austria respectively, will exhibit their new Active Taping Kit (ATK) tool at the Automate Show in Detroit, Michigan, from May 22-25. This will be the first public demonstration of the ATK in North America.

Aerobotix and FerRobotics partnered on the ATK in response to aerospace industry demand for an automated tool for precision application of masking tape. Collaboration between engineers from the two companies led to the development of a revolutionary End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) after months of prototypes and testing.

FerRobotics’ patented Active Compliant Technology (ACT) enables a robot to use varying force when applying tape to an aircraft. The ATK allows for smooth masking on parts varying in shape, putting down perfectly straight tape lines where the customer needs them.   [Read more…] about Aerobotix and FerRobotics to showcase new robotic taping kit at Automate 2023

Universal Robots debuts ‘world’s first’ cobot spot welder

by

Universal Robots says it is “not only the most widely used collaborative robot arm in the manufacturing industry, the UR cobots have also become the platform of choice for a fast-growing ecosystem of innovative OEM solutions”.

Nowhere is that more apparent, continues UR, than this year’s Automate Show, where 60+ UR cobots will be exhibited in more than 30 booths at the show, taking place in Detroit, Michigan, May 22-25, 2023.

UR’s Automate booth #3623 showcases the latest innovation in a rapidly expanding application field, including the “world’s first cobot spot welder”, designed and manufactured by Pro Spot International. [Read more…] about Universal Robots debuts ‘world’s first’ cobot spot welder