Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 5.82
…modular architecture and “intensive topological optimization,” taking advantage of additive manufacturing and materials science. It weighs between 1.4 to 2.1 kg (3 to 4.6 lb.), depending on the configuration, and it can carry up to 5 kg (11 lb.). Thanks to a telescopic linear air-operated actuator, the EOAT can grasp parts the size of a golf ball or small blister pack, depending on the suction cup arrangement. It can hold a wide range of shapes and surfaces, even loose or nonrigid objects, said the company. The MAXXgrip's actuation is designed so it can be executed in parallel with the approach/depart…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 5.05
…include parameters such as performance or spatial requirements, materials, manufacturing methods and cost constraints. Through an iterative process, the software explores all possible permutations and quickly generates several design alternatives, learning what works and what doesn’t from each iteration (Fig. 2). Current use cases have shown that generative design can reduce part weight by as much as 30% using traditional manufacturing and 70% using additive manufacturing. This approach also promises to enable innovation beyond that which can be achieved with the human mind, providing solutions to complex problems that would be resource-exhaustive with conventional means. Fig. 2: Generative design taps…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 4.78
…more than $920 million this month. In July alone, additive manufacturing provider VulcanForms raised $355 million, service robot developer XPENG Robotics obtained $100 million, autonomous mobility firm May Mobility closed on $111 million, and autonomous aircraft developer Merlin Labs raised $105 million. Preliminary annual installations of industrial robots worldwide 2021. Source: IFR Robotics experts weigh in Robotics 24/7 spoke with several leading industry observers to determine whether robotics users, suppliers, or developers should worry about recent setbacks or talk of inflation and recession. A 'reality check' for robotics “I’m starting to wonder if the #Robotics Industry is going to make…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 4.75
…recently announced plans to acquire Digital Metal, showed how additive manufacturing of metals and other materials has moved from prototyping to production. The company said it expects to move from Watertown, Mass., to Waltham, Mass., later this year. Siemens also explained the value of simulation and 3D printing for industrial use. Educational institutions share robot research The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell showed Digit, a bipedal robot from Agility Robotics Inc. While Tesla Inc. had revealed the latest version of its Optimus humanoid last week, Digit is already available for research and warehouse use. Agility Robotics' Digit humanoid, displayed in…
Found in Robotics News & Content, with a score of 4.36
…3D-printed mold or directly printed into 3D shapes using additive manufacturing,” says Carmel Majidi, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. “When combined with conductive fluids or elastomers, they can also be used to make soft, flexible and stretchable circuits, sensors and radio antennae.” Morphing Materials One approach to building soft robots is to use “shape-memory” materials, which change shape and stiffness in response to heat or electrical stimulation. Two popular types of shape-memory material include nickel-titanium alloy and liquid crystal elastomers. Liquid-crystal elastomers are soft polymers that can remember their shape after they have deformed, springing back…