The Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America, R/X Automation Solutions (RXAS) and Universal Robotics have formed a strategic partnership to deliver robotic pharmacy order fulfillment systems. The robotic system will provide complete verification of National Drug Code bar codes and validation of robotically placed patient labels for pharmacy unit-of-use items. The system will automatically handle an extensive variety of items from bottles to boxes and odd-shaped products. ROI is projected to be less than one year. “Offering automated systems to the mail order, central fill and specialty pharmacy industries, as well as drug manufacturers and drug repackagers, is a natural…
QComp Technologies recently celebrated its 25th year anniversary as a leading automation integrator in the U.S., specializing in material handling automation solutions. Founded in 1990 by Tom Doyle, the company initially focused on applications in the paper and metals industries but over the years has expanded its reach into the flat glass, solar, food, consumer goods and manufacturing industries. “Thanks to our team of dedicated automation experts, we have designed and installed hundreds of robot-based automation systems throughout the United States and are known for our customer-focused approach, superior engineering capabilities, strategic partnerships, vast industry knowledge and comprehensive support systems,“…
As Manufacturing Day approaches, the International Society of Automation (ISA) and its affiliate association, the Automation Federation, are celebrating the importance of manufacturing to the world’s economic health and future. Supported by leading manufacturers and other industry supporters, Manufacturing Day on October 2 is designed to amplify the voice of individual companies and coordinate a collective movement toward greater understanding and solutions to key manufacturing challenges. According to the ISA, perhaps the most pressing challenge facing manufacturers in the US is the growing skills gap. Experts project that over the next 10 years nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will be…
North American sales of machine vision systems and components grew 16% to $1.2 billion in the first half of 2015, the market’s highest first half total in history, according to new statistics issued by AIA, the industry’s trade group. Total machine vision sales include sales of machine vision systems and components. The machine vision systems category saw a year over year increase of 18% to $1.0 billion in the first half of 2015. Machine vision systems include smart cameras and application specific machine vision (ASMV) systems. Smart cameras expanded by 13% to $151.3 million, while ASMV systems increased 19% to…
Amid rapid advances and adoption of robotic technology in materials handling, it can be hard to keep up with all the tipping points. Grippers, vision systems, navigation solutions and software are combining to make once fantastical robotic applications all but inevitable. But, even as they offer solutions to age-old challenges, concepts like robotic piece picking are also bound to present sizable tests. When it comes to piece picking, humans have the advantage of highly dexterous manipulation, versatile product identification and intuitive decision-making. Robots offer consistency and predictability, but they will need greater speed and flexibility to keep up with the…
