Posts

Iván Hernández Dalas: MC600 combines UR cobot with MiR base for mobile manipulation

Image
The MC600 is designed for reliable mobile manipulation, says MiR. Source: Mobile Industrial Robots Mobile Industrial Robots ApS today announced the the latest addition to its growing list of MiR Go-approved products, the MC600 mobile collaborative robot. “By integrating the ‘legs’ of a mobile robot with the ‘arms’ of a cobot, the MC600 addresses multiple automation workflow challenges such as palletizing and machine tending with one system,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of Mobile Industrial Robots ( MiR ). “While some companies have explored  humanoid  robots or one-off custom mobile cobot solutions for such tasks, they remain far from widespread industrial use,” he stated. “The MC600 is ready today to safely handle these complex automation challenges.” Mobile Industrial Robots develops and manufactures autonomous mobile robots ( AMRs ) designed to automate internal logistics and optimize  material handling  for a wide range of payloads, including pallets. The Odense, Denm
Read more

Iván Hernández Dalas: In just seven years, the global robot density in factories has doubled, IFR finds

Image
Robot density in the manufacturing industry in 2023, according to the IFR. | Source: IFR Factories worldwide are continuing to adopt more robots, according to the International Federation of Robotics, or IFR. The new global average robot density reached a record 162 units per 10,000 employees in 2023 — more than double the 74 unit average measured only seven years ago. The Frankfurt, Germany-based IFR noted the growth in its “World Robotics 2024″ report. “Robot density serves as a barometer to track the degree of automation adoption in the manufacturing industry around the world,” stated Takayuki Ito, the IFR’s new president . “This year’s runner-up is China, which ranks third worldwide behind Korea and Singapore, but right up with Germany and Japan.” Europe leads in regional robot density When breaking these numbers down by region, the European Union had the highest robot density, with 219 units installed per 10,000 employees. This is an increase of 5.2% from 2022 , with Germ
Read more

Iván Hernández Dalas: Flexiv releases Elements Series 3 to simplify robot simulation, programming

Image
The path toward general-purpose robots is being paved by software to accelerate application development. Flexiv last week launched Elements Series 3, the latest version of its adaptive robot control system to makes programming faster and easier. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said its engineers have simplified the user experience, focusing on human-centered design and semi-automated features. Founded in 2016, Flexiv said it is dedicated to developing and manufacturing adaptive robots. The company said it has integrated industrial-grade force control, computer vision, and artificial intelligence to deliver “turn-key automation” that can enhance efficiency while reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Apply to speak . Teach pendant plus simulation Flexiv asserted that its new, ruggedized Teach Pendant and intuitive software allows programmers of any skill level to easily create and manage robotics applications, whether they’re in an office or on the producti
Read more

Iván Hernández Dalas: New FANUC heavyweight industrial robot can lift up to 500 kg

Image
The M-950iA is designed to deliver a wide range of motion with precision—even in tight workspaces. | Source: FANUC FANUC yesterday introduced the M-950 i A industrial robot, which is capable of lifting heavy items including automotive components, construction materials, and electric vehicle battery packs. Fitting between FANUC’s M-900 i B and M-1000 i A families, the serial-link structured M-950 i A/500 offers a wider range of motion than standard parallel-link robots. This offers adaptability for tight workspaces and variable layouts, said the company. “We’re thrilled to introduce our new robot to the market,” said Eric Potter, general manager of FANUC America Corp.’s Robot Application Segment. “Its design is perfect for rapid and robust performance in heavy part lifting, palletizing, and demanding material-handling tasks.” “With its exceptional strength and versatility, the M-950iA is set to become a powerhouse for customers seeking adaptable solutions in challenging industrial
Read more

Iván Hernández Dalas: KIMM develops automated mooring system for docking autonomous vessels

Image
Principal researcher Dr. Yongjin Kim (right) and senior researcher Dr. Young-ki Kim (left) from the Department of Reliability at KIMM, developed an automated mooring system. | Source: the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, or KIMM, has developed an automated mooring system to enhance the safety and efficiency of docking operations for autonomous vessels. The institute designed the system to overcome the limitations of conventional wire-based mooring methods. KIMM said it expects the innovation to be commercially available by 2025. “This automated mooring system represents a key advancement in the safe docking of autonomous vessels and will play a pivotal role in the development of smart port infrastructure,” stated Dr. Yongjin Kim, principal researcher in the Department of Reliability at KIMM. “We expect this solution to set a new standard in operational safety and efficiency across the marine industry.” The Korea Institute
Read more

Iván Hernández Dalas: ANELLO Photonics secures funding for inertial navigation in GPS-denied environments

Image
ANELLO offers an evaluation kit for its navigation and positioning system. Source: ANELLO Photonics Self-driving vehicles, mobile robots, and drones need multiple sensors for safe and reliable operation, but the cost and bulk of those sensors have posed challenges for developers and manufacturers. ANELLO Photonics Inc. yesterday said it has closed its Series B funding round for its SiPhOG inertial navigation system, or INS. “This investment not only validates our SiPhOG technology and products in the marketplace, but will [also] allow us to accelerate our manufacturing and product development as we continue to push the boundaries and leadership for navigation capabilities and performance to our customers who want solutions for GPS-denied environments,” stated Dr. Mario Paniccia , co-founder and CEO of ANELLO Photonics. Founded in 2018, ANELLO has developed SiPhOG — Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope — based on integrated photonic system-on-chip ( SoC ) technology. The Santa Clara
Read more

Iván Hernández Dalas: Nuro Driver expands Level 4 autonomous deliveries in California and Texas

Image
Delivery-only vehicles use Nuro Driver to safely carry food and drink, with no human present in the vehicle. | Source: Nuro Nuro Inc. today announced a significant expansion of its driverless capabilities using zero-occupant vehicles with the artificial intelligence-powered Nuro Driver system. The company said this expansion covers multiple cities in two states and includes significant operational advancements. The expanded deployment of autonomous vehicles demonstrates foundational technology for transporting people and goods, asserted Nuro. It plans to expand in Mountain View and Palo Alto, Calif., where the company increased its deployment area by 83%. Nuro also plans to increase its deployment area in Houston by 70%, in terms of linear miles.  In September, Nuro expanded its business model to include licensing Nuro Driver to automotive OEMs. As part of the new licensing model, the company also announced the Nuro AI Platform , which consists of scalable and performant develo
Read more