Supply chains need to innovate to ensure fast and reliable deliveries to customers. FORTNA this week announced its Last Mile Solution Center, which will support parcel and distribution businesses in automating last-mile operations. The Atlanta-based company said in a release that its industry experts will help improve processes, increase productivity, and reduce costs. “FORTNA is an experienced partner to our customers with a comprehensive solution portfolio and deep knowledge and understanding of their needs,” said Antonio Amadasi, vice president for the FORTNA Last Mile Solution Center.” “The Last Mile Solution Center brings additional value to our mission and further helps…
As market demands continuously change, increasing productivity is a challenge for businesses everywhere and across industries, noted Universal Robots A/S. The collaborative robotics leader is offering guidance from industry specialists, as well as customer case studies and product demonstrations in three virtual conferences in September and October. Universal Robots claimed that its cobots can help manufacturers of all sizes boost their efficiency. The company said in a release that it will provide insights on how automation can help them be more competitive “in an unpredictable world.” “If you are a manufacturing company and you want to raise productivity and stay…
Developers have been working to free robots, first from being bolted down, then to being tethered to a power outlet, and now from needing to return to a dock to recharge. CaPow, which said it delivers perpetual power to robotic fleets, today announced its expansion in the U.S. with help from partner JLC Robotics LLC. “We are honored to be partnering with CaPow,” stated Jamie Callihan, president of JLC Robotics. “Their vendor-agnostic perpetual power solution for mobile robot fleets is a true game-changer.” JLC Robotics is a leading distributor of materials handling systems including the Thouzer automated guided vehicle (AGV).…
ASTM International this week said that the Advanced Manufacturing Robotics, or ARM, Institute has awarded it funding to develop a roadmap for guidance and adoption of advanced robotics technologies. In partnership with the institute, ASTM also plans to host its 4th Specialty Workshop on Discovery & Market Analysis for Robotics in Manufacturing of Space and Hypersonic Components. The workshop will be on Oct. 4 and 5, 2023, at ASTM headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pa. Interested parties are required to register their interest in attendance. The main goals of the workshop, which the ARM Institute funded in a recent project call,…
FORT Robotics Inc. today announced that its Endpoint Controller has received Safety Integrity Level 3, or SIL 3, functional safety certification. The Philadelphia-based company claimed that the controller “brings safe, secure, dynamic wireless control to mobile, automated, or autonomous machines.” “In warehousing, manufacturing, heavy equipment, or really any machine environment, there is an increasing need for people and robots to work together,” said Nivedita Ojha, vice president of product at FORT. “Our goal is to make that collaboration as productive as possible with minimal risk.” “With the Endpoint Controller, companies can enhance operational efficiency by commanding multiple machines at once…
Fizyr BV, which provides computer vision software for robots, today announced its new U.S. headquarters in Dover, Del. The Delft, Netherlands-based company said its U.S. division now supports technical and business relationships with North American systems integrators and robotics integrators. Jeff Lomax, vice president of business development, will manage integrator partnerships, and Bob Brown, vice president of project management, will oversee partner projects for the company. “To clear the last hurdle of automation and insulate businesses from tight labor markets, shrinking margins and more, integrators need reliable computer vision to automate tasks in highly variable environments,” said Ken Fleming, CEO…
Why aren't robots more ubiquitous? Ease of use has been one obstacle to more widespread adoption, but several hardware and software providers are trying to overcome it. Mujin Corp. said its MujinController enables integrators and end users to set up palletizing and other applications. The Tokyo-based company said its technology can also be used in bin picking and truck unloading. Mujin yesterday announced that it had raised a Series C round of $85 million. Funding came from sources including SBI Investment Co. and James Kuffner, CEO of Woven by Toyota. The global market for just palletizing robots could expand by…
As the last days of summer pass, one is wistful of the time spent with loved ones sitting on the beach, traveling on the road, or just sharing a refreshing ice cream cone. However, for many Americans, such emotional connections are rare, leading to high suicide rates and physical illness. In a recent study by the surgeon general, more than half of the adults in the U.S. experience loneliness, with only 39% reporting feeling “very connected to others.” As Dr. Vivek H. Murthy stated: “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It…
For robotics adoption to spread to new applications, the systems must become easier to program. Some developers and suppliers are working to move away from requiring users to code every point in a trajectory, manually jog a robot into position, or model parts in CAD software. RoboDK today announced that it has released the design and assembly instructions of its TwinTrack Probe. “Traditional methods to teach robots by demonstration require very expensive metrology systems, dedicated support, and training,” said Olivier Allard, a software developer at RoboDK, in a statement. “The price tag of this hardware can be over $100,000, which…
Robotiq Inc. today announced its PE20 palletizing system, which it claimed is “the most powerful palletizer” in its product lineup. “With a payload capacity of 18 kg (40 lb.) and stacking heights of up to 2,150 mm (84 in.), this turnkey solution is designed to help businesses effectively scale future operations and achieve a quick return on their investment,” wrote Maude Desjardins, senior manager for product marketing at Robotiq, in a blog post. PE20 has small footprint Levis, Quebec-based Robotiq noted that the PE20 is the third automated palletizing system it has released for the packaging industry. Like its predecessors,…
