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Robotics may not be poised to take human jobs, but they have become a vital tool in a variety of industries. And they require a certain level of maintenance to keep running smoothly. What are some of the most common problems that each commonly used type of industrial robot experiences? What should operators and technicians look for when performing regular maintenance on industrial robots? Standard industrial robot maintenance Regardless of the type of robot on the floor and the type of productivity bonus it provides, there are going to be some standard types of maintenance that are present in each…
One of the major themes at Fabtech 2021 in Chicago this week was the need for small-to-midsize companies to add automation to their operations. There is not enough skilled or unskilled labor to fill the demand. Large companies with varied, small-batch production face a similar dilemma of a lack of workers to meet production needs. The COVID-19 pandemic did increase unemployment, and many people in the service industry have departed or changed jobs. However, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted that “there are now half as many available workers for every open job across the country as there have been…
CHICAGO—Fabtech 2021 here this week provided robotics and other automation companies with the first chance to display their latest fabrication technologies and upgrades to an in-person audience, many for the first time in a couple of years. Attendance may have diminished since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, but exhibitors at Fabtech 2021 reported strong engagement with manufacturers. With shortages of skilled labor, it's no suprise that interest in automation continues to grow. The global market for robotic welding and peripherals could experience a experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%, growing by $2.3 billion (U.S.) between 2021 and…
Liquid handling can be a tedious and hazardous task for laboratory personnel. Copenhagen, Denmark-based Flow Robotics A/S, which makes the flowbot ONE system to automate pipetting tasks, this month announced the establishment of a North American subsidiary. Princeton, N.J.-based Flow Robotics Inc. will bring flowbot ONE to wider academic, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals markets. “We are excited to expand our operations in North America,” said Annika Isaksson, CEO of Flow Robotics. “The flowbot ONE helps labs achieve a more sustainable setup by taking over many repetitive and burdensome manual pipetting tasks. In turn, lab personnel can engage in other, more valuable…
Stord Inc. this week said it has raised $90 million in Series D funding, bringing its valuation to $1.1 billion. The Atlanta-based “cloud supply chain” company also announced the closing of its acquisition of Fulfillment Works LLC, a direct-to-consumer fulfillment provider. “The supply chain is the new competitive battleground,” said Sean Henry, co-founder and CEO of Stord. “Today's buying expectations set by Amazon and the rise of the omnichannel shopper have placed immense pressure on companies to maintain more nimble and efficient supply chains.” “This new funding and the outstanding Fulfillment Works team bring us that much closer to our…
Artificial intelligence is a warehouse game-changer, but organizations are struggling to use it optimally, according to Lucas Systems Inc., which released insights from a market study today. “These findings are consistent with what we’re hearing from our customers,” said Ken Ramoutar, chief marketing officer at Lucas Systems. “There’s a belief that AI is a heavy lift—that it’s difficult to use and risky or expensive. This thinking prevents widespread adoption in the warehouse and the ability to tap AI’s true potential.” The study was conducted by market research firm Vanson Bourne and examined AI’s use, perception, and value. Survey respondents included…
GEODIS SA yesterday said that it has partnered with Advanced Handling Systems LLC, or AHS, to implement the Skypod robotic system from Exotec Solutions SAS at its site in Nashville, Tenn. The companies said the automation will enable GEODIS to optimize its e-commerce fulfillment process for its direct-to-consumer customers. “eLogistics is an important strategic initiative for our company, and collaborating with our long-term partners at AHS in new technology with Exotec will be winning formula for our exciting new product,” said Eric Douglas, executive vice president of technology and engineering at GEODIS in Americas. “By implementing the Exotec Skypod System…
Ford Motor Co., Argo AI, and Walmart Inc. yesterday said they are working together to launch an autonomous vehicle delivery service in Miami, Austin, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Walmart said it will be its first multi-city autonomous delivery collaboration in the U.S. The last-mile service will use Ford self-driving test vehicles equipped with the Argo AI Self-Driving System. “We're excited to expand our autonomous delivery efforts in three new markets alongside Argo and Ford,” stated Tom Ward, senior vice president of last-mile delivery at Walmart U.S. “This collaboration will further our mission to get products to the homes of our…
Soft Robotics Inc. yesterday launched SoftAI, which incorporates proprietary 3D vision, artificial intelligence software, and compliant end effectors. The Bedford, Mass.-based company said the system will address the most pressing challenge for the food industry – the inability to meaningfully automate operations. “The food industry is critically dependent on labor to meet its production goals,” stated Mark Chiappetta, chief operating officer of Soft Robotics. “But challenges with workforce availability and productivity, tightening food-safety regulations, and global health crises have illuminated the need to break this dependency. SoftAI-powered robotic automation is the solution.” Soft Robotics designs and builds automated picking systems…
Engineer
Keenon Robotics Co. today announced that it has raised $200 million in Series D funding, which it claimed is the largest fundraising round in service robotics to date. The Shanghai-based company will use the funding to “drive innovation through its in-house R&D to provide new, efficient, and cost-saving applications, while scaling its current robot platform through the expansion in new markets and identifying new prospects to promote growth and boost revenue,” said Tony Li, founder of Keenon Robotics. Founded in 2010, Keenon said it has applied artificial intelligence to smart delivery systems. The company's service robots are used in industries…
Following a successful pilot run of the MassRobotics Jumpstart Fellowship Program, applications for its second cohort are now open through Nov. 1. The Jumpstart program provides opportunities for diverse Massachusetts high school girls to learn about careers in robotics, expose them to technical skills, and develop their professional networks through direct engagement with industry professionals. All female high school juniors and seniors, especially those who are Black and Latinx, with a passion for robotics and technology are encouraged to apply. MassRobotics offers registration online, and applicants can learn more by attending an upcoming virtual student information session. This cohort will…