Robotics & Automation News

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Japanese scientists develop ‘98 percent accurate’ robotic grasping system

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Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, have developed a novel 6D (six degrees-of-freedom) pose dataset designed to improve robotic grasping accuracy and adaptability in industrial settings. They used an Intel RealSense depth D435 camera in their experiments. 

The dataset, which integrates RGB and depth images, demonstrates significant potential to enhance the precision of robots performing pick-and-place tasks in dynamic environments.

Accurate object pose estimation refers to the ability of a robot to determine both the position and orientation of an object. It is essential for robotics, especially in pick-and-place tasks, which are crucial in industries such as manufacturing and logistics. [Read more…] about Japanese scientists develop ‘98 percent accurate’ robotic grasping system

Symbotic to buy Walmart’s robotics business for up to $350 million

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Symbotic, a developer of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, has agreed to acquire Walmart’s Advanced Systems and Robotics business.

This transaction expands the long-standing relationship between Walmart and Symbotic with the aim of developing an integrated automated supply chain.

Walmart has chosen Symbotic to develop, build and deploy an advanced solution leveraging Symbotic’s AI-enabled robotics platform to offer Walmart customers greater shopping convenience through accelerated online pickup and delivery (APD) options at stores. [Read more…] about Symbotic to buy Walmart’s robotics business for up to $350 million

Kuka partners with Shenyang Institute of Technology

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Kuka Robotics has officially opened its Kuka Institute at the Shenyang Institute of Technology as part of the “2024 Kuka Robotics School-Enterprise Cooperation Conference”.

The aim of the partnership between Kuka China and the institute is to educate talent with the changing technological and industrial needs in mind. This initiative is a significant step in promoting collaboration between academia and industry.

The collaboration includes the signing of a cooperation agreement between the institute and Kuka China, the creation of a platform for talent development, and the awarding of the prestigious title “Kuka Authorized Industrial Robotics Institute” to the Shenyang Institute of Technology. [Read more…] about Kuka partners with Shenyang Institute of Technology

SeoulTech’s ‘graphene breakthrough’ could lead to ultrathin flexible displays

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A new graphene-assisted laser lift-off method keeps ultrathin displays flawless and ready for wearable technology.

Researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) claim they have pioneered a graphene-based laser lift-off technique that prevents damage while separating ultrathin OLED displays.

By utilizing graphene’s ability to absorb UV light and distribute heat, they have achieved pristine, flexible displays. This advancement opens doors for ultra-thin, stretchable devices that fit comfortably against human skin, revolutionizing wearable device technology.

As the demand for thinner, lighter, and more flexible electronic devices grows, the need for advanced manufacturing processes has become critical. [Read more…] about SeoulTech’s ‘graphene breakthrough’ could lead to ultrathin flexible displays

General Motors to shut down autonomous car developer Cruise despite $10 billion spend

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General Motors is planning to close down Cruise, its autonomous vehicle technology development business, after the startup had racked up expenses of approximately $10 billion while generating revenues of only $500 million.

The way GM announced the closure on its website was that it plans to “realign its autonomous driving strategy and prioritize development of advanced driver assistance systems on a path to fully autonomous personal vehicles”.

GM will build on the progress of Super Cruise, the company’s hands-off, eyes-on driving feature, now offered on more than 20 GM vehicle models and currently logging over 10 million miles per month. [Read more…] about General Motors to shut down autonomous car developer Cruise despite $10 billion spend

Predictions for 2025: Generative AI and more technology in factories

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Chris Iveson, CEO and co-founder of FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, shares four predictions for how he believes smart factory operations will evolve in 2025

The manufacturing industry is often bombarded by tech companies and consultants pushing pipedream technologies nowhere near ready for implementation in most factory settings.

Despite this, the smart factory movement keeps marching on, driven by practical, down-to-earth tools that manufacturers can deploy at scale to deliver rapid return on investment. [Read more…] about Predictions for 2025: Generative AI and more technology in factories

Drev and Kollmorgen to develop ‘groundbreaking’ AGV with integrated contamination control technology

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As gigafactories and recycling plants scale to meet rising demands, the need for innovative solutions that address both safety and efficiency continues to grow.

To meet this demand, Drev and Kollmorgen Autonomous Mobile Solutions have agreed to jointly develop “a groundbreaking Automated Guided Vehicle with integrated contamination control technology”.

Designed to operate in large, highly restricted and hazardous environments, this AGV aims to ensure the safety of workers by operating where humans should not, while at the same time recovering valuable raw materials that would otherwise be discarded as dust. [Read more…] about Drev and Kollmorgen to develop ‘groundbreaking’ AGV with integrated contamination control technology

FlexLink introduces new ‘collaborative palletizing’ system

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FlexLink, a Coesia company and a provider of material handling solutions, has launched the new RC12, its third-generation collaborative palletizer.

Designed to enhance efficiency and safety in end-of-line operations, the RC12 provides a streamlined, flexible palletizing solution for demanding production environments requiring no robotics programming skills to operate.

Building on over a decade of experience in collaborative palletizing, FlexLink has developed the newest generation of RC12 to meet the growing demand for smarter and safer palletizing systems. [Read more…] about FlexLink introduces new ‘collaborative palletizing’ system

Heraeus inaugurates new facility in China

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Heraeus Electronics Technology – a Germany-headquartered company specializing in the production of electronics components and special materials – has officially started operations at the Changshu New & Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone (CNZ), Jiangsu Province.

Heraeus produces electronics materials such as metal ceramic substrates, serves high-quality development in fields like electric vehicles and new energies, and says it “supports China in achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new facility, Jan Rinnert, chairman and CEO of Heraeus Group, said: “Today marks a significant further expansion of our presence and coincides with the 50th anniversary of Heraeus in China.

[Read more…] about Heraeus inaugurates new facility in China

Why Cleanroom Apparel is Essential for Robotics and Automation Facilities

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Cleanroom apparel serves as the first line of defense in protecting sensitive equipment, ensuring product quality, and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.

As technology continues to advance, the role of specialized protective clothing has become increasingly crucial in preventing contamination and preserving the integrity of sophisticated robotic systems.

The modern manufacturing landscape demands unprecedented levels of precision. Even the most minute contaminant can have a negative effect on sensitive robotic machinery. This can cause damage to these systems and cause operations to grind to a halt. [Read more…] about Why Cleanroom Apparel is Essential for Robotics and Automation Facilities