While investment in robotics and automation continued apace in November 2020, the total amount was about half of what it was in the same month a year ago.
Digital twins, AR/VR bring simulation benefits to industrial automation users, says Siemens
In this Q&A, Vincent Guo from Siemens Digital Industries Software discusses how digital twins, augmented reality, and virtual reality can help production environments with productivity and social distancing.
Top 10 robotics stories of 2020
2020 has been a year unlike any other. If the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t enough, several other world-shifting events dominated headlines, including wildfires, an impeachment trial, a racial justice movement, and an unprecedented U.S. election. While most people are understandably eager to turn the page and hit the ground running in 2021, it’s important to recap…
Phoenix Instinct team wins $1M first prize in Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge
Phoenix Instinct, one oof the five finalists in the Mobility Unlimited Challenge run by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and Nesta Challenges,
IRB 1100 industrial robots gain Wizard Easy Programming tool from ABB
ABB has expanded its Wizard Easy Programming tool to its IRB 1100 industrial robot range to make it easier to install, program, and operate robots without specialized training.
How pole beans inspired this soft robotic gripper
Scientists often look to nature for cues when designing robots – some robots mimic human hands while others simulate the actions of octopus arms or inchworms. Now, researchers in the University of Georgia College of Engineering have designed a new soft robotic gripper that draws inspiration from an unusual source: pole beans. While pole beans…
Boston Dynamics talks about its big year and acquisition by Hyundai
In the final Robot Report Podcast for 2020, learn about Boston Dynamics’ plans for its legged robots after its acquisition by Hyundai Motor, as well as the DARPA Subterranean Challenge.
LG Electronics announces autonomous disinfection robot for business applications
The latest addition to LG Electronics’ CLOi family of service robots is intended to help hotels, schools, offices, restaurants, and retailers deliver peace of mind.
Wireless robot charging provider WiBotic joins the ARM Institute
WiBotic, which has developed wireless charging systems for mobile robots, aerial drones, and lunar systems, has joined the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute.
technIQ software for Corindus CorPath GRX surgical robot receives FDA approval
Corindus said new motion automations have received FDA clearance for use in coronary and peripheral robotic-assisted procedures.
Hexapod six-axis alignment system designed to provide flexibility to automakers
Thanks to recent design improvements in hexapod systems, automotive manufacturers requiring extremely high accuracy can reduce set-up and processing time, overall production cycle times, and ultimately the cost of operation.
AutoGuide Mobile Robots opens office in Germany
The autonomous mobile robot (AMR) segment is expected to reach $6.8 billion by 2025, according to Frost & Sullivan. In a sign of that growth to come, AutoGuide Mobile Robots today opened an office in Munich. The German office will handle sales, service and support, deployment and training throughout greater Europe. This is the first…
Universal Robots sells 50k cobots; von Hollen to step down
RBR50 company Universal Robots, the leading developer of collaborative robot arms, has sold its 50,000 cobot. No other cobot company has sold close to that number of units. The cobot was purchased by VEMA technische Kunststoffteile GmbH and VEMA Werkzeug- und Formenbau GmbH, a manufacturer located in Krauchenwies-Göggingen, Germany. This is VEMA’s fourth cobot from…
Surgical robotics innovations the topic of RoboBusiness Direct discussions
Interest in surgical robotics has grown, but developers, healthcare providers, and surgeons should understand how the technology is developing, the role of motors, and what procedures are applicable. Learn more in the final RoboBusiness Direct sessions of autumn 2020.
Pipeline repair robots deployed to reduce danger for human workers
Pipeline repair and inspection is a dangerous task for humans, but automated units are now being deployed, thanks to Wisconsin-based robotics integrators using igus components.
Soft robot inspired by sea creatures can walk, roll, and transport cargo
Northwestern University researchers have developed lifelike soft materials that could be used as microscopic delivery systems for production of fuels and drugs, environmental cleanup, or transformative medical procedures.
It’s official: Boston Dynamics is joining Hyundai
It’s official. Hyundai Motor Corp announced this morning it is acquiring a controlling stake in Boston Dynamics for about $880 million. Hyundai Motor will own 80% of Boston Dynamics, while a Softbank affiliate will retain the other 20%. The final numbers are a bit different than our initial reporting, but the deal values Boston Dynamics…
Autonomous Counterbalanced Fork Truck designed by Vecna to move pallets
Vecna Robotics said its new Autonomous Counterbalanced Fork Truck adds pallet-handling capabilities to its portfolio and can work with other warehouse automation.
Best week ever for robotaxis?
In a normal week, Boston Dynamics being acquired by Hyundai Motors for nearly $1 billion would be the biggest story. But this week has been anything but normal. This has arguably been the best week ever for the development of autonomous vehicles. Robotaxis, in particular, marked new milestones. Waymo has officially opened up its robotaxi…
Immervision works to widen field of view for autonomous vehicles and drones
Canadian machine vision firm Immervision has been working on providing low-light capabilities to aerial drones and a wider field of view for autonomous vehicle lidar.
Velarray M1600 designed by Velodyne Lidar for mobile robots, delivery vehicles
Velodyne Lidar said its new Velarray M1600 is a compact, solid-state lidar sensor designed to provide advanced perception for the growing autonomous mobile robot and last-mile delivery markets.
Why did Aurora buy Uber ATG?; Robotics thriving in Pittsburgh
Welcome to Episode 27 of The Robot Report Podcast, which brings conversations with robotics innovators straight to you. Join us each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community. You can subscribe to The Robot Report Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, SoundCloud, Spotify and more. Please subscribe…