Smart manufacturing isn’t spreading at an even rate around the world, but GP Bullhound identifies trends for robotics developers to watch.
Collaborative Robotics News
MIT robot performs Bottle Cap Challenge
You’ve probably already seen, or even participated in, the Bottle Cap Challenge. It’s the viral challenge of the week where people try to unscrew a bottle cap with a 360-degree kick. MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) didn’t want to be left out. So it got in on the fun using its RoboRaise […]
ABB cobots to be used in non-surgical healthcare systems
ABB announced today that it will introduce collaborative robots to medical laboratories as it opens a new healthcare hub at the Texas Medical Center (TMC) innovation campus in Houston, Texas. The facility will be ABB’s first dedicated healthcare research center when it opens in October 2019. ABB’s research team will work on the TMC campus with […]
Programmable soft actuators show potential of soft robotics
Researchers at TU Delft have developed soft actuators that could help soft robots collaborate with humans.
Rutgers develops system to optimize automated packing
Rutgers computer scientists used artificial intelligence to control a robotic arm that provides a more efficient way to pack boxes, saving businesses time and money. “We can achieve low-cost, automated solutions that are easily deployable. The key is to make minimal but effective hardware choices and focus on robust algorithms and software,” said the study’s […]
Researchers building modular, self-programming robots to improve HRI
Many work processes would be almost unthinkable today without robots. But robots operating in manufacturing facilities have often posed risks to workers because they are not responsive enough to their surroundings. To make it easier for people and robots to work in close proximity in the future, Prof. Matthias Althoff of the Technical University of […]
Elephant Robotics’ Catbot designed to be a smaller, easier to use cobot
The new Catbot cobot from Elephant Robotics includes features such as voice control for ease of use.
Conic Systems adds Lifetime Series zero backlash gearing
Conic Systems has developed the new Lifetime (LT) Series, precision, zero backlash harmonic gearboxes designed for high performance direct replacement of traditional high ratio planetary gearheads. The LT Series is available in metric sizes and NEMA 17, 23, 34 and 42 frames. The LT Series’ zero backlash characteristic is maintained for life and its high […]
MIT algorithm helps robots better predict human movement
In 2018, researchers at MIT and the auto manufacturer BMW were testing ways in which humans and robots might work in close proximity to assemble car parts. In a replica of a factory floor setting, the team rigged up a robot on rails, designed to deliver parts between work stations. Meanwhile, human workers crossed its […]
Piab’s piSOFTGRIP vacuum-based soft gripper handles delicate objects
The piSOFTGRIP from Piab is vacuum-controlled, comes with a stainless-steel fitting, and is made of food-grade silicone.
Bimba PA Series competitively priced against other NFPA actuators
Bimba’s PA Series has features intended to make it easier to install, easier to use, and more durable than other pneumatic actuators.
Sepro Group to integrate Visual Control System with UR cobots
Sepro Group, which makes industrial automation for plastics injection molding, will be integrating is Visual Control System with collaborative robots from Universal Robots.
ADVANCED Motion Controls debuts FlexPro digital servo drives
The FE060-25-EM is the first servo drive of the new FlexPro digital drive family from ADVANCED Motion Controls (AMC). Designed with compact form and power density in mind, the micro-sized FE060-25-EM can outperform larger-sized digital servo drives and still be integrated into tight spaces. At just 1.5 x 1 x 0.6 in. (38 x 25 […]
Mitsubishi Electric invests in Realtime Robotics’ motion-planning technology
Realtime Robotics plans to use its latest funding from Mitsubishi Electric to accelerate development of systems to improve the safety and performance of industrial robots.
Special Digital Issue on Collaborative Robotics
We hope you enjoy the latest edition of The Robot Report, a special print section dedicated to collaborative robotics that was featured in the February 2019 issue of Design World, our sister publication and flagship publication at WTWH Media. Here is a breakdown of the collaborative robotics topics covered inside: Inside NVIDIA’s Collaborative Robotics Lab […]
Universal Robots hires more than 20 Rethink Robotics veterans
As a sign of the strength of the Boston and international robotics community, Universal Robots has hired more than 20 former employees of closed competitor Rethink Robotics.
Hahn Group acquires Sawyer IP from defunct Rethink Robotics
The Sawyer collaborative robot will live on past the shutdown of Rethink Robotics, thanks to IP purchased by HAHN Group.
Cobot pioneer Rethink Robotics shuts down
Rethink Robotics, whose Baxter and Sawyer helped popularize the idea of collaborative robots, has shut down.
