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manufacturing

Robots vs CNCs: What’s better for working metal?

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By David Alatorre, CTO, Rivelin Robotics

The use of metal additive manufacturing has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, allowing for the creation of complex and intricate parts in a faster and more cost-effective manner.

However, essential post processing of these parts introduces time and financial constraints to the overall cost-per-part that can negate the benefits of additive manufacturing altogether. Support removal is the critical first step of post processing metal additive manufacturing parts, and it is a challenging one.

Today, supports are still essential for part fidelity during the manufacturing process, but they must be removed to achieve the required finished product with the intended shape, features and tolerances. [Read more…] about Robots vs CNCs: What’s better for working metal?

Jabil to manufacture Sarcos’ robotic systems

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Sarcos Technology and Robotics, an exoskeleton and other robotic systems company, is collaborating with Jabil, a manufacturing solutions provider, to expand Sarcos’ production capacity for its robotic systems and sub-systems.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sarcos will utilize Jabil’s broad manufacturing services to produce a variety of leading-edge robotic systems and sub-systems.

Sarcos also will be able to leverage Jabil’s global footprint, strategic supplier relationships, and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to accelerate volume production while benefiting from advanced supply chain, procurement, and component-sourcing solutions. [Read more…] about Jabil to manufacture Sarcos’ robotic systems

MasterMover partners with BlueBotics for AGV Navigation

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MasterMover, a manufacturer of electric tug and tow solutions, has agreed a new partnership with vehicle automation company BlueBotics to provide ANT navigation technologies for MasterMover’s range of automated guided vehicles.

Known for its broad portfolio of pedestrian operated electric tugs and electric tows, used across Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics, and Retail, MasterMover also offers a range of advanced solutions, spanning remote control operation, line follow navigation, and fully autonomous solutions.

MasterMover says its AGV products now include BlueBotics’ ANT natural navigation technology as standard, ensuring customers benefit from the “advanced features and functionality available from the vehicle navigation market leader”. [Read more…] about MasterMover partners with BlueBotics for AGV Navigation

ABB to invest another $20 million on expanding its robotics factory in US

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ABB has strengthened its commitment to one of its largest customer markets – the US – with construction starting on the expansion of its existing North American robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The project is expected to be completed in November 2023 and represents an investment of $20 million. The expansion will create 72 highly skilled new jobs in the area and is supported by a $450,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

Sami Atiya, president of ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation, says: “Our investment is a significant step in accelerating ABB Robotics’ global leadership in developing and manufacturing cutting -edge robotic solutions in the US, for the Americas. [Read more…] about ABB to invest another $20 million on expanding its robotics factory in US

Hannover Messe: Connectivity and climate neutrality

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The list of challenges facing industry is long: climate change, energy shortages, disrupted supply chains and a shortage of skilled labor. The solution to these challenges lies in the targeted use of technology.

At the same time, governments need to get their economic policy right. Hannover Messe 2023 covers not only technologies for connected, climate-neutral industry, but also provides a forum for a global policy discussion among industry, government, science and social representatives.

Dr Jochen Köckler, chairman of the Deutsche Messe group of companies, says: “Carbon-neutral production, artificial intelligence, hydrogen technologies, energy management and Industrie 4.0 – those are the overarching themes of Hannover Messe 2023. [Read more…] about Hannover Messe: Connectivity and climate neutrality

Thira Robotics launches new generation of autonomous mobile robots

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Thira Robotics, a South Korean autonomous mobile robots (AMR) developer and a subsidiary of smart factory solutions leader THiRA UTech, has officially launched in the US market, providing AMR to navigate facility conditions previously not fit for automation.

Thira Robotics offers solutions to healthcare, manufacturing, and supply chain industries to overcome physical barriers to technology adoption. Their launch coincides with Promat 2023, held in Chicago starting March 20th.

Peter Kim, CEO of Thira Robotics, says: “Some plants with poor conditions struggle to integrate AMR successfully. Now, older manufacturers don’t need to remodel to integrate. With Thira Robotics, robotization is possible for facilities not fit for automation. [Read more…] about Thira Robotics launches new generation of autonomous mobile robots

Green movement creating new markets for automation sector

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It is no doubt necessary to achieve the CO2 reduction goals that the UN and numerous manufacturing companies have set for themselves. The implementation of measures is ambitious and expensive.

However, sustainability efforts also create entirely new markets, lead to attractive business models, and offer great opportunities for the key technology that is robotics and automation.

automatica, held in Munich from June 27 to 30, 2023, presents the opportunities of sustainable production. [Read more…] about Green movement creating new markets for automation sector

Stilride and Adaxis partner to fuse robotics, 3D printing and ‘industrial origami’ into manufacturing

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Stilride, the Swedish startup known for its origami-inspired approach to electromobility design and manufacturing – is joining forces with French-Swedish robotics company Adaxis to introduce 3D printing capabilities to its suite of sustainable manufacturing tech.

Stilride’s technology, called Stilfold, involves the use of robotic arms to fold steel over curves to form light and strong new structures, using minimal component parts.

The technology is currently being used to build the chassis of a sustainable steel electric motorbike called the Sport Utility Scooter One (Sus1, pictured below) which is built using 70 percent fewer components than traditional plastic models. [Read more…] about Stilride and Adaxis partner to fuse robotics, 3D printing and ‘industrial origami’ into manufacturing

National Science Foundation awards Michael Bartlett $590,600 to study soft composite manufacturing

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Michael Bartlett, an assistant professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been granted a $590,600 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award to research and understand new strategies for manufacturing liquid metal-based soft composites.

These functional composites are deformable robust materials that could be used to make robots and electronics that are soft, stretchable, and compatible for skin-like wearable devices.

The CAREER award is the foundation’s most prestigious award for early career faculty, encouraging them to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their organizations. [Read more…] about National Science Foundation awards Michael Bartlett $590,600 to study soft composite manufacturing

South Africa’s leading manufacturing and automation shows move to new venue

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The Gallagher Convention Centre, situated in Midrand, Gauteng, has been announced as the new venue for the 12th Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF), co-located with the inaugural Future Manufacturing Africa Trade Fair and Summit (FMA) for 2023.

Running from 9-11 May 2023, these events will showcase the latest in automation, manufacturing and technology and bring together leading public and private stakeholders, successful entrepreneurs, and small businesses, to drive industry development and growth.

RX Africa, the award-winning organisers behind both events, considered the geographic location of most of their previous visitors and exhibitors and decided that the Gallagher Convention Centre would be best suited for the substantial content involved in the shows and has great proximity for attendees coming from Pretoria and further afield. [Read more…] about South Africa’s leading manufacturing and automation shows move to new venue