The rapid advances in technology since the turn of the 21st century, have yielded countless applications; especially in the industrial and manufacturing sector. Industrial automation involves the use of control systems such as computers or automated systems such as robots to simplify different pr

Sometimes described as “the workhorse of industrial automation”, a programmable logic controller, or PLC, is a computing device that is specially designed for use in an industrial operation. A PLC can take many shapes and sizes, but in most instances it does not look like a conventional desktop co

Epson Robots has signed Olympus Controls, an engineering services provider specializing in the integration of motion control, machine vision, and robotic technologies, as an official distributor of Epson Robots automation products. As factory automation projects become increasingly complex, strong

Warehouse robotics and automation provider Geek+ has extended its cooperation with Decathlon, one of the world’s largest retailers of sporting goods, present in over 50 countries with more than 1,600 stores globally. Following the success of a two-year collaboration in its e-commerce and retail fu

By Thomas R. Cutler Autonomously driven forklifts, whether in distribution centers, manufacturing, or some hybrid, are much more cost-effective than manned forklifts for extremely repetitive processes. They can be integrated into continuous round-the-clock operations covering several shifts. Self-

ForwardX Robotics, a provider of artificial intelligence and robotics solutions, says it will now offer Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) options for its collaborative mobile robots. Whilst also offering outright sale and renting options, the RaaS subscription-based model aims to encourage supply chain o

Tianjin Electric Research Institute, a subsidiary of Sinomach, has independently developed a high-power three-level AC-DC-AC frequency converter, which passed a test run in the high roller mill modification project of Taiyuan Iron & Steel Group Co (TISCO). It marks the first application of a d

Volkswagen’s first new generation electric car is being built with Siemens automation and digitalization technologies. The two companies say they are developing a standard for the upcoming Volkswagen electric car generation. Volkswagen aims to increase the degree of automation in the body shop to

Realtime Robotics is partnering with Siemens to simplify the integration of robotic workcells into industrial facilities. (See video below.) Realtime Robotics, which specialises in autonomous motion planning for industrial robots, says the initiative is part of its strategic partnership with Sieme

The Australian government’s newly formed Australian Space Agency (ASA) has partnered with Fugro to design, build and operate the Australian Space Automation, Artificial intelligence and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC) in Western Australia. Benefitting from additional funding support from the WA

Robots provide opportunities for a restart of the economy after the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to industry leaders surveyed by Automatica, one of the largest industrial automation trade shows in the world. Messe Munchen, which owns Automatica, says it did a survey and fou

Elementary Robotics, a Los Angeles-based robotics startup, has raised $12.7 million in its Series A funding round led by Threshold Ventures, an early-stage investor in technology companies. Founded in 2017, Elementary has built a hardware and software platform for applying machine learning and com

Industrial automation specialist Acieta has launched a new, high-speed robotic machine loading cell. (See video below.) The company says the system will enable manufacturers to solve labor and capacity challenges. The global coronavirus pandemic has made it a challenging time for companies to reco

Comau Robotics & Automation claims its “MATE” exoskeleton is the first on the market to receive the Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet certification. The company says the certification provides clear evidence of its exoskeleton’s effectiveness in reducing the “risk of biomechanical overload” of t

Intralogistics technology provider Dematic says that its parent company, Kion Group, has completed the acquisition of Digital Applications International, a UK-based software company specializing in logistics automation solutions, on its behalf. Valued at around €120 million, the transaction is Kio

Kantsu has selected inVia Robotics, a provider of warehouse automation solutions, to supply autonomous mobile robots that automate fulfillment operations in its primary distribution center in Osaka, Japan. inVia’s modular automation system, which includes a fleet of 200 autonomous mobile rob

By Maya Xiao of Interact Analysis The coronavirus pandemic which has devastated economies worldwide is expected to reduce revenues in the industrial robot market by more than 8 per cent, according to a study by Interact Analysis. “After a weak 2019, we originally expected the 2020 robot market to

ABB is celebrating the big story of its small robot, with its dual-arm YuMi collaborative robot reaching its fifth birthday this year. (See video below.) Originally launched in 2015 to assist workers in lightweight assembly tasks, ABB says its collaborative YuMi robot has gone on to blaze a trail

Hokuyo, a global manufacturer of sensor and automation technology, has announced a new firmware update on the safety laser scanner “UAM-05LP-T301”. (See video below.) The firmware has been updated periodically since the product release in 2015 and this is the fifth update. The firmware is updated

By Dr Paul Rivers, CEO, Guidance Automation Smart automation has the potential to deliver great economic benefits, but there remain many concerns that the use of AI and robotics could displace many existing jobs. With the desire for automation increasing and more sectors looking to deploy the tec