Industrial automation and robot components producer igus motion plastics recently showcased its latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI), smart maintenance, and low-cost robotics at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany. With a focus on zero-lubrication and CO2-neutral solutions, igus introduced its igusGO AI-powered app alongside a series of smart sensor technologies. Igus said its new technologies are designed to streamline maintenance and optimize production processes for the lubrication-free industry of tomorrow, or industry 4.0. “Our aim with igusGO and our suite of smart products is to navigate the vast potential of motion plastics with unprecedented efficiency and transparency,” said Tobias…
Electric vehicle (EV) and industrial charging product and services provider Ampure, formerly Webasto Charging Systems, recently announced it has appointed John Thomas as global head of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) sales to grow its business. Operations-focused middle market private equity firm Transom Capital Group (Transom) recently acquired Ampure as a portfolio company. Thomas, who was president and CEO of Webasto Charging Systems from 2018 to 2020, has rejoined the Ampure leadership ranks, with the target of continuing the growth journey for its OEM and aftermarket businesses, said Ampure. “John is the right person to lead our continued growth,” said…
US-based manufacturer of CNC machines and industrial robotics Tormach recently introduced its 1500MX CNC for milling. Tormach said its 1500MX marks a significant leap forward in power, precision, and affordability within their CNC machining portfolio. The 1500MX is optimized to pair with Tormach’s ZA6 industrial robot arm for light machine tending capabilities. Tormach’s new 1500MX is a 3-axis, servo-driven mill on linear rails with an epoxy granite frame. The company said its 1500MX combines professional-grade capabilities with easy-to-use compact versatility, making it ideal for both commercial enterprises and garage-based enthusiasts. “For the past 20 years, Tormach has helped our customers…
Optical semiconductor manufacturer Lumotive recently announced a strategic partnership with EDOM Technology, an electronics distributor based in Taiwan. The companies aim to accelerate the deployment of Lumotive's Light Control Metasurface (LCM) chips across the Taiwanese market, with a focus on automotive, robotics, drone, and security applications. EDOM is the latest addition to Lumotive’s expanding global partner network, which Lumotive said further strengthens its ability to make LCM products readily available to customers across diverse regions and sectors. “EDOM's extensive reach and deep understanding of the industry will be invaluable as we work to accelerate the adoption of our LCM technology,”…
Robotics education organization the Heartland Robotics Cluster (HRC) recently announced its community involvement activities during Q1 of 2024. The HRC said it has kicked off 2024 with tremendous strides in not only robotics and STEM education, but also in stitching a continuous thread through the fabric of community engagement. From student contests to educational partnerships, the organization said its first quarter was teeming with activity, enthusiasm, and the indelible spirit of innovation. Reflecting the HRC's dedication to advancing robotics and technical literacy, the organization said this quarter's initiatives bolster STEM education and provide exciting avenues for community participation. The HRC…
Coinciding with Earth Day 2024, general-purpose robot provider Flexiv Robotics announced its new automated recycling station. The company also recently announced its Automated Cleaning Station for its Grav Enhanced gripper attachment. Rizon robot arm uses machine vision to sort out recyclables Flexiv’s recycling system uses a combination of its Grav Enhanced Gecko Gripper, a Rizon 4 adaptive robot arm, and a 3D depth camera to automatically identify and sort household waste into multiple categories. Currently the system can differentiate between glass, plastics, and what it classes as “other” materials. This classification process leverages machine vision for initial identification, followed by…
Practical collaborative robot developer Collaborative Robotics (Cobot) recently announced it has raised $100 million in Series B funding led by General Catalyst and joined by Bison Ventures, Industry Ventures, and Lux Capital. Existing investors Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures, Mayo Clinic, Neo, 1984 Ventures, MVP Ventures, and Calibrate Ventures participated as well, bringing the total funding raised to over $140 million in less than two years. “Getting our first robots in the field earlier this year, coupled with today's investment, are major milestones as we bring cobots with human-level capability into the industries of today,” said Brad Porter, CEO and founder…
Boston Dynamics recently announced it has retired the hydraulic version of its Atlas humanoid robot, unveiling a fully electric robot designed for real-world applications. As part of its commercialization strategy, the robot will be tested by Hyundai, which acquired a majority stake in Boston Dynamics in June 2021, for automotive manufacturing applications. Waltham, Mass.-based Boston Dynamics said the next generation of its Atlas program builds on decades of research and furthers its commitment to delivering capable, useful mobile robots solving challenges in industry today. Small group of customers to begin testing applications Following the commercial deployment of “robot dog” Spot,…
Warehouse inventory management service provider Gather AI recently announced two new capabilities for its systems: location occupancy and inferred case counting. The company, which produces machine vision AI software for inventory-monitoring drones, said its new capabilities enable warehouses to get automated, digitized counts and location utilization reports, unlocking higher on-time shipment rates while reducing dedicated counting labor. “Our mission is to bring unprecedented real-time inventory insights to warehouse operators,” said Sankalp Arora, Gather AI CEO and co-founder. “Our computer vision and AI analyze inventory images offering warehouse operators access to a richer source of information than barcodes. Our new inferred…
