Robotics has added to increasingly complex production environments, driving demand for tools to enable plant managers to collect and use data gathered as a side product of automation, said ABB Robotics. It has released its new modular OptiFact software, which is intended to streamline data collection, visualization, and analysis in automated facilities. The number of robots sold worldwide has almost tripled over the past decade, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). “Digitization, the acceleration of sustainable manufacturing, and the pandemic have all contributed to the increased demand for automation,” said ABB in a release. “Across industries, we see…
While robots have become more common in warehouses and distribution centers, certain tasks have been challenging to automate. Dexterity Inc. yesterday announced that it is collaborating with FedEx Corp. to apply artificial intelligence and robotics to the loading of boxes into trucks and trailers. “Our culture of innovation is driven by a desire to help our team members and customers succeed,” stated Rebecca Yeung, corporate vice president of operations science and advanced technologies at FedEx, in a release. “Based on feedback from our operations team, we have been looking for a solution that helps alleviate the challenges of truck loading,”…
Systems integrator RobotLAB today announced has signed its first franchise partners in North Carolina. Business partners and cousins Chetan and Neel Patel have acquired exclusive RobotLAB franchising rights to the entire Charlotte territory, which encompasses more than 31,000 businesses and nearly 900,000 residents. “We’ve watched Charlotte grow rapidly over the last decade, and as local business professionals ourselves, we recognize how robots can be used to modernize businesses, solve staffing problems, and correct operational inefficiencies,” said Chetan Patel in a release. “We are excited to begin our franchise journey with RobotLAB and pave the way for expanded access to robotics…
Boston Dynamics' AI Institute today announced that it has hired Dr. Kate Darling to lead its study of ethics and societal impact in relation to robotics and artificial intelligence. In this role, she will lead a team of researchers to explore key societal questions related to the development of intelligent machines. “All new technologies offer opportunities and risks,” said Marc Raibert, executive director of The AI Institute, in a release. “Our goal in establishing the ethics team at the Institute is to maximize the opportunities that robotics and AI can offer, while minimizing the risks.” “We are excited to have…
Despite lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic constraints, and geopolitical conflict, global adoption of robotics is continuing to grow. The new World Robotics 2023 Industrial Robots and Service Robots report said that 553,052 industrial robots were installed in factories around the world in 2022 – a year-over-year growth rate of 5%. By region, 73% of all newly deployed robots were installed in Asia, 15% in Europe, and 10% in the Americas, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). “The world record of 500,000 units was exceeded for the second year in succession,” stated Marina Bill, president of the…
Robots offer the possibility of more efficient and profitable recycling, keeping more waste out of landfills. The Can Manufacturers Institute today said it is using an innovative financing model to deploy a robot at a Caglia Environmental material recovery facility, or MRF, in California. Ardagh Metal Packaging and Crown Holdings, two members of the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), will fund a two-year equipment lease for a robot from EverestLabs. The companies said they expect the robot to capture more than 1 million used beverage cans (UBCs) a year at the Caglia MRF, which sorts single-stream recyclables. Caglia will share with…
The energy sector plays a key role in Norway's robotics and automation industry. Investments in renewable sources could boost demand for automation, according to a recent market report from HowToRobot.com and the Norwegian Society of Electric and Automatic Control, or NFEA. “The Norway findings underscore a global shift: Robots and automation aren't limited to manufacturing anymore,” stated Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot. “Often, they align with sectors that hold significant economic weight in their respective markets, like energy in Norway.” Founded in 2020, HowToRobot.com is a global marketplace to connect buyers with automation suppliers. The Copenhagen, Denmark-based company, which has…
To maximize the productivity of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) or automatic guided vehicle (AGV) deployment, it’s critical to create the optimal environment that allows the vehicles to perform at their peak. For that reason, Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC® created the new TriGard® ESD Ultra finish for its ResinDek® engineered flooring panels. The new finish is ideal for high-traffic robotic applications characterized by highly repetitive movement patterns and defined travel paths. Scott McGill, Cornerstone’s Vice President of Sales: “As AMRs and AGVs travel throughout a facility — including on elevated warehouse platforms, pick modules, and mezzanines — the durability…
Dobot Robotics last week opened its U.S. office in Dallas, following its global expansion strategy. The Shenzhen, China-based company also launched its CRA series of collaborative robots and the associated VX500 Smart Camera in the U.S. market. Dobot said the new products expand its range of high-performance, easy-to-use cobots for companies in industries such as electronics, automotive, and metal processing. “The Dallas office functions as the headquarters for Dobot’s North American operations, encompassing a showroom, training center, logistics hub, and service centers,” said Alla Huang, general manager of Dobot USA, in a release. “Leveraging our U.S. subsidiary, we are committed…
Oceaneering International Inc. last week said the pricing of its previously announced $200 million offering of additional 6.0% senior notes due 2028 is available in a private placement to eligible purchasers at a price of 91.5% of par, plus accrued interest from Aug. 1. In 1964, Mike Hughes and Johnny Johnson formed a Gulf of Mexico diving company called World Wide Divers. The company grew in response to increasing demand for their services, and in 1969, it merged with two other diving companies to form Oceaneering International. The Houston-based company supplies underwater robots for inspection, maintenance, repair, and decommissioning operations…
WORCESTER, Mass.—If all politics is local, so too are opportunities to develop workforces and boost regional economies with robotics. The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative last week held its third annual Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up at Polar Park, showcasing collaboration among business, academia, and government to innovate, educate, and grow. About 1,500 people attended the event, 25% growth over 2022, according to the event organizers. This year's Mash-Up included the 8th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony, the announcement of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program (MMAP) grant winner, and exhibits by technology companies, as well as student networking and challenges. “Our organization is proud to…
