Automation

Teaching robots to build and use tools

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed robots that have the ability to reason about shape, function and attachment of unrelated parts. This lets the robots build basic tools by combining objects. The breakthrough is a significant step toward enabling intelligent agents to devise tools that could prove useful in hazardous situations.

Record sales of cobots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

For the first time, the annual World Robotics report includes a specific analysis on the market for collaborative robots, documenting a robust 23% growth worldwide. The International Federation of Robotics’ report indicates that a substantial part of the adoption will be driven by more intelligent components, such as smart grippers, “plug and play” interfaces and programming by demonstrations.

Automatic Guided Vehicles

While we still a way to go to achieve autonomous driving on the road, but factories are miles ahead: AGVs (automatic guided vehicles) are already being used in the area of production. They are responsible for intralogistical tasks in production transporting workpieces from unfinished parts to finished parts between the respective stages of production. Here’s how raw material makes it into a fully automated production system finished parts exit the system with Liebherr solutions.

Finger Gate Pick Module Impact Gate

Wildeck Inc. announces the launch of a new pick module impact gate, the Finger Gate. This durable steel gate easily integrates into any facility and provides a strong, protective barrier at elevated work levels, helping facilities achieve their automation goals.

Halter CNC Automation and Fastems to join forces

Halter CNC Automation B.V. from the Netherlands and Fastems Oy Ab from Finland have an intention to establish a joint venture, the Halter Group. Relevant parts of Fastems Systems GmbH related to R&D and production of the Halter LoadAssistant product range will be transferred to the newly founded Halter CNC Automation GmbH. This company will be located in Issum, Germany, and, together with Halter CNC Automation B.V., it will form the Halter Group.

LMT Tools develops partnership with Liebherr

Toolmaker LMT Tools and Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH, a leading manufacturer of CNC gear cutting machines and automation systems, are collaborating to continue the success story of the patented ChamferCut method. The two technology partners signed a cooperation contract for the new ChamferCut-CG (collision gear) and ChamferCut-IG (internal gear).

Unified Mechanical and Electrical Interface

OnRobot A/S continues to drive its mission of making robotic applications faster and easier to implement with a unified mechanical and electrical interface for any OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) that simplifies automation. Now, with a single robotic system, single platform for programming and training, and single vendor relationship, manufacturers have access to a full range of tools, full robot compatibility, and virtually unlimited possibilities for collaborative applications. This new one-system solution speeds deployment so manufacturers save time and money and can quickly realize the benefits of automation.

Demand for articulated robots is expected to surge

As per the findings of a report, the global industrial robotics market is projected to indicate substantial growth over the forecast period due to multiple driving factors such as adoption of internet of things in industries and growing digitization of manufacturing industry across geographies.