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Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

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Associated Food Stores (AFS), a provider of groceries and other goods and services to independent retailers in nine Intermountain states, and Symbotic, a developer of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, have entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s robotic warehouse automation technology in AFS’ Utah distribution center.

Symbotic says its end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to “improve a variety of retail-facing experiences”, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores.

David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO, says: “We appreciate the partnership with Symbotic which enables us to cast an exciting vision for future growth and long-term relevance with the shoppers and retailers we serve. [Read more…] about Associated Food Stores selects Symbotic to implement warehouse automation system

3M highlights major global trends in materials science and charts its own way ahead

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3M Forward is a program that highlights how materials science-based innovation at scale can help society progress amid three unstoppable forces shaping our planet: climate change and resource scarcity, shifting demographics and social change and convergence of the physical and digital worlds. As part of 3M Forward, 3M scientists, engineers and experts share how their solutions are helping to build a brighter future.

Mark Copman, 3M senior vice president, new growth ventures, says: “The global forces highlighted within 3M Forward are disruptive in nature, but we see them as catalysts for new advances in science and positive societal impact.

“Science has the potential to solve the toughest global challenges, and 3M’s diverse global portfolio and vast expertise make us optimally positioned to imagine what’s possible and build what’s next.”  [Read more…] about 3M highlights major global trends in materials science and charts its own way ahead

Yaskawa takes center stage at Africa Automation Technology Fair

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As one of the largest manufacturers of industrial robots, Yaskawa Southern Africa took part in this year’s Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF), where various experts in the manufacturing industry gathered to exchange valuable industry expertise to increase investment prospects in the African continent’s manufacturing sector. The event, which celebrated its 25th year, centred around the theme of “For Africa from Africa”.

The AATF promotes and is passionate about furthering Africa’s transformation and promoting the development and growth of the continent’s automation industry.

Yaskawa Southern Africa was one of 150 exhibitors on display at the event, which took place from 9th to 11th May 2023, and showcased its collaborative robotic welding solution, Weld4me. This transformative piece of automated equipment presents an alternative or support to manual MIG/MAG welding with air-cooled welding equipment. [Read more…] about Yaskawa takes center stage at Africa Automation Technology Fair

Universal Robots executive receives prestigious robotics award for contribution to robot safety

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For the second time within five years, a key figure at Universal Robots, the Danish manufacturer of collaborative robots (cobots), has been awarded the world’s most prestigious robotics prize, the Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award, often described as the Nobel Prize of robotics.

Following in the footsteps of Universal Robots’ co-founder Esben Østergaard, who was given the Engelberger Award in 2018 in the Technology category, Roberta Nelson Shea (main picture), Universal Robot’s Global Technical Compliance Officer, has received the award for Applications at a ceremony at the Automate Show in Detroit.

The Application category recognises individuals or organisations that have made a significant contribution to the development of robotics technology and its practical application. Roberta won the award for her outstanding work related to robotics safety across the world. [Read more…] about Universal Robots executive receives prestigious robotics award for contribution to robot safety

Georgia Tech partners with Stilfold to advance ‘industrial origami’ engineering program

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Georgia Tech’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering is partnering with Stockholm-based startup Stilfold to roll out a pioneering initiative that will teach students innovative new approaches to sustainable manufacturing, inspired by the Japanese art of origami.

Stilfold is a leading design and technology startup pioneering the use of curve folding and robotics to build things more sustainably. The company says its “groundbreaking technology”, dubbed “industrial origami”, involves the use of robots to fold flat sheet metal over curves to create strong and sustainable new structures.

The tech is currently being used to build a lightweight electric motorcycle called the Stilride 1; and the world’s first climate-neutral car (in partnership with Polestar). [Read more…] about Georgia Tech partners with Stilfold to advance ‘industrial origami’ engineering program

BlueBotics to showcase interoperability tech for mobile robots at Automate Show

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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

DJI’s launches new commercial drone

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DJI, the world’s largest civilian drones and aerial imaging technology company, has launched a new drone, which “sets a new standard for any commercial drone operator”, according to the company.

It adds that the DJI Matrice 350 RTK (M350 RTK) “redefines the ultimate tool for the commercial drone industry”.

The M350 RTK is said to be an upgraded flagship drone platform that is more adaptable, safer and efficient for any aerial operation in public safety, energy, mapping, infrastructure or forestry, to name a few. [Read more…] about DJI’s launches new commercial drone

Reliable Robotics conducts autonomous flight demonstration at Travis Air Force Base

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Reliable Robotics, a specialist in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, has provided a demonstration of its autonomous flight technology during the recent Golden Phoenix readiness exercise at Travis Air Force Base (AFB).

This exercise demonstrated capabilities that will help the United States Air Force (USAF) modernize and project safe, rapid, global mobility. During the flight, Reliable’s remotely operated aircraft system was engaged for an end-to-end automated mission including auto-taxi, auto-takeoff, climbout and auto-landing with an onboard test pilot.

Major Wesley Williams, Travis AFB Phoenix Spark Innovation Lab, says: “This signifies a historic milestone as an aircraft, under the guidance of Air Mobility Command airmen, autonomously taxied, took off, and landed at an AMC base for the first time. [Read more…] about Reliable Robotics conducts autonomous flight demonstration at Travis Air Force Base

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

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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

RoboDK partners with Force Technology and Hexagon to make gears easier to repair

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Force Technology, a Danish technology consultancy and service company, has completed in partnership with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and RoboDK . The companies describe it as “a revolutionary project” focused on making gear repair a more sustainable process for manufacturers.

The purpose of the project was to improve laser welding procedures and determine if sustainable gear repair was possible using robot toolpath programming, digital twin, simulation, and post-processing.

Improving this practical application with robot simulation reveals a sustainable gear repair process that can guarantee high-quality results. [Read more…] about RoboDK partners with Force Technology and Hexagon to make gears easier to repair