Corindus Vascular Robotics (NYSE:CVRS) this week registered for an upcoming mixed shelf offering worth up to $60 million. The company said that net proceeds from the round are currently slated to support further commercialization of its coronary robotic-assisted intervention programs as well as expanding the capabilities of its CorPath system, according to an SEC filing. The…
The changing landscape of mobility as seen at Automate and ProMat
America's retailers are closing stores faster than ever while demand for warehouse workers by online retailers is higher than ever. Retailers and logistics companies have been opening facilities at a record pace and in this fast-paced world, warehousing and logistics managers are looking for robotics solutions to remain competitive. UPDATED 4/18/2017 to show Chinese entry into mobile robot…
Smart grasping demonstrated at Automate and ProMat trade shows
Tactile sensing and force feedback are – and have been – problem areas for robot grasping. Humans could see, select and pick so much faster. Yet to handle the millions of different everyday items in our factories and warehouses, costly positioning and camera systems have been required. These systems made it easy for fast robots with…
Collaborative robotics at the Automate and ProMat trade shows
Six to ten years ago, exhibitors at Automate were promoting bin-picking in many, many booths. Bin picking wasn't mentioned this year because it is an available option these days. For the last six years vendors have been promoting human-robot collaboration in manufacturing. Here's what I saw this year at the big Automate and ProMat trade shows held last…
FANUC introduces R-30iB Plus robot controller
FANUC introduced its new R-30iB Plus robot controller at an open house event this week at its headquarters in Japan. The new R-30iB Plus controller features a new iPendant with an enhanced screen resolution and processing capability. The user interface, iHMI, has an icon-based screen which provides a familiar and easy-to-use experience with intuitive guides for setup […]
ABB announces SafeMove2 is now available on IRB 1200
ABB Robotics has announced that SafeMove2 is now available for IRB 1200, the smallest ABB robot to feature its leading edge advanced safety-certified monitoring and control software. SafeMove2 enables people to work safely alongside ABB robots with payloads ranging from 6kg to 800kg without compromising productivity. It also provides an optimum level of collaboration and flexibility […]
RobotStudio software from ABB optimizes robot setups (with videos)
On display from ABB at the recent Automate 2017 was the company’s RobotStudio 6.05 — an offline programming tool for the setup of robots. With it, designers can visualize and confirm layouts before robots are installed — and boost part quality through the creation of more accurate paths. For the offline programming, RobotStudio uses ABB VirtualRobot Technology. RobotStudio 6.05 takes ABB Virtual […]
ATI Industrial Automation breaking ground on operations expansion
ATI Industrial Automation will break ground on the expansion of its corporate and manufacturing headquarters on April 21. This expansion–the largest in ATI’s 28-year history–will increase the size of its Apex facility to 185,000 sq-ft. “Global demand for our robotic end-effectors continues to grow,” said ATI Chairman Keith Morris. “This latest major expansion, our second in […]
Poker AI Wins $290K from Humans
It is the second time in 2017 an AI program beat competitive poker players.
Marble Delivery Robots Working for Yelp Eat24 in San Francisco
Yelp Eat24 is testing Marble’s delivery robots in two San Francisco neighborhoods. Marble’s delivery robots are over four feet tall, travel 3-4 MPH and hold up to four grocery bags at a time.
Japanese automakers get in on health robotics
Japanese automakers, including Toyota (NSDQ:ADR), are reportedly turning their focus to robots to help the country’s rapidly aging society. Japan faces dwindling demand for cars and its falling population has yielded labor shortages and pension squeezes. Toyota today launched a rental service for its walk assist system, which helps stroke survivors learn how to walk again.…
FDA clears Mazor X Align spinal surgical planning software
Mazor Robotics (NSDQ:MZOR) said today it won FDA clearance for its Mazor X Align spinal surgical planning software, with plans to launch in early May. The Mazor X Align software is designed to assist surgeons in planning for spinal deformity correction and spinal alignment procedures with the Mazor X Surgical Assurance platform, the Israel-based company said.…
Honda Miimo Robot Lawn Mower Comes to US
Honda is bringing its robot lawn mowers to backyards in the United States starting in June 2017. Honda introduced two Miimo robot lawn mowers that will be available at select dealerships nationwide, excluding California.
Fears of Robots Taking Jobs Require Response, Says LivePerson
A LivePerson survey found that many Americans are worried about robots taking jobs, but less about automation affecting their own work. What should government and business do in response?
CBS News outlines jobs and robotics debate; IFR fills in gaps
CBS News, and reporter David Pogue, displayed some new technologies threatening jobs while the International Federation of Robotics suggested that deploying robots actually increases jobs. Are either true? Or both? In this Sunday Morning CBS News piece, David Pogue cites the numbers of drivers that will be displaced as self-driving cars and trucks hit the…
AccuFast II laser-based seam finder improves weld quality and reduces cycle times
AccuFast™ II, an economical laser-based seam finder for Yaskawa Motoman’s arc welding robot line, features improved sensor capabilities. The improved sensor offers increased performance by providing more reliable and repeatable feedback to the robot controller regarding part position. It also provides readings on a variety of materials and at angles of measurement that were not […]
ArcWorld 200 and ArcWorld 500 Workcells with dual workstation design
The new ArcWorld® 200 and ArcWorld 500 welding solutions are designed to be versatile workhorses for small- to medium-sized parts or medium-volume production runs. These customizable models feature a dual-station design allowing for high robot utilization; the operator can load one workstation while the robot is servicing the other. Floorspace requirements are minimal, as they can […]
BWC shows commitment to STEM education with 10 years as FIRST Robotics sponsor
Bishop-Wisecarver Group, a WBENC-certified family of companies that offer guidance solutions, contract specialty manufacturing and mechatronic-based engineering services, is celebrating a decade of committed support to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education as it continues to sponsor the FIRST Robotics programs. In 2017, Bishop-Wisecarver Group (BWG) is a Diamond Supplier at the national level and […]
MegaBots Giant Robot Fight Set for August 2017
MegaBots says the long-awaited giant robot fight between its Mk. III and Team Japan’s KURATAS will take place in August 2017. The location of the giant robot fight isn’t being released to ensure no further delays.
Intuitive Surgical shares rise amid takeover rumors
Intuitive Surgical (NSDQ:ISRG) stocks are up today on rumors that the company may be looking at a takeover from a larger player in medtech. Shares have ticked up nearly 1%, up $7.11 at $769.45 today due to the rumors, according to Seeking Alpha. The Sunnyvale, Cali.-based company has seen its shares trend upwards steadily since the…
Gantry robots pose alternative to articulated robots for bigger applications
Bigger isn’t always better. Articulated robot arms have grown to meet their needs, but manufacturers should also consider gantry robots for heavy or bulky payloads, noted a Gudel exec at Automate.
Mazor Robotics slides on Q1 prelims
Share prices for Mazor Robotics (NSDQ:MZOR) slid today despite preliminary 1st-quarter sales numbers that beat expectations on Wall Street. The Caesarea, Israel-based robot-assisted surgery device maker said it expects to post sales of $11.5 million for the 3 months ended March 31, ahead of The Street’s $11.2 million forecast and up 79.7% compared with Q1 2016. Investors…