Systems integrator RobotLAB today announced has signed its first franchise partners in North Carolina. Business partners and cousins Chetan and Neel Patel have acquired exclusive RobotLAB franchising rights to the entire Charlotte territory, which encompasses more than 31,000 businesses and nearly 900,000 residents. “We’ve watched Charlotte grow rapidly over the last decade, and as local business professionals ourselves, we recognize how robots can be used to modernize businesses, solve staffing problems, and correct operational inefficiencies,” said Chetan Patel in a release. “We are excited to begin our franchise journey with RobotLAB and pave the way for expanded access to robotics…
Boston Dynamics' AI Institute today announced that it has hired Dr. Kate Darling to lead its study of ethics and societal impact in relation to robotics and artificial intelligence. In this role, she will lead a team of researchers to explore key societal questions related to the development of intelligent machines. “All new technologies offer opportunities and risks,” said Marc Raibert, executive director of The AI Institute, in a release. “Our goal in establishing the ethics team at the Institute is to maximize the opportunities that robotics and AI can offer, while minimizing the risks.” “We are excited to have…
Despite lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic constraints, and geopolitical conflict, global adoption of robotics is continuing to grow. The new World Robotics 2023 Industrial Robots and Service Robots report said that 553,052 industrial robots were installed in factories around the world in 2022 – a year-over-year growth rate of 5%. By region, 73% of all newly deployed robots were installed in Asia, 15% in Europe, and 10% in the Americas, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). “The world record of 500,000 units was exceeded for the second year in succession,” stated Marina Bill, president of the…
Robots offer the possibility of more efficient and profitable recycling, keeping more waste out of landfills. The Can Manufacturers Institute today said it is using an innovative financing model to deploy a robot at a Caglia Environmental material recovery facility, or MRF, in California. Ardagh Metal Packaging and Crown Holdings, two members of the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), will fund a two-year equipment lease for a robot from EverestLabs. The companies said they expect the robot to capture more than 1 million used beverage cans (UBCs) a year at the Caglia MRF, which sorts single-stream recyclables. Caglia will share with…
The energy sector plays a key role in Norway's robotics and automation industry. Investments in renewable sources could boost demand for automation, according to a recent market report from HowToRobot.com and the Norwegian Society of Electric and Automatic Control, or NFEA. “The Norway findings underscore a global shift: Robots and automation aren't limited to manufacturing anymore,” stated Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot. “Often, they align with sectors that hold significant economic weight in their respective markets, like energy in Norway.” Founded in 2020, HowToRobot.com is a global marketplace to connect buyers with automation suppliers. The Copenhagen, Denmark-based company, which has…
Dobot Robotics last week opened its U.S. office in Dallas, following its global expansion strategy. The Shenzhen, China-based company also launched its CRA series of collaborative robots and the associated VX500 Smart Camera in the U.S. market. Dobot said the new products expand its range of high-performance, easy-to-use cobots for companies in industries such as electronics, automotive, and metal processing. “The Dallas office functions as the headquarters for Dobot’s North American operations, encompassing a showroom, training center, logistics hub, and service centers,” said Alla Huang, general manager of Dobot USA, in a release. “Leveraging our U.S. subsidiary, we are committed…
Oceaneering International Inc. last week said the pricing of its previously announced $200 million offering of additional 6.0% senior notes due 2028 is available in a private placement to eligible purchasers at a price of 91.5% of par, plus accrued interest from Aug. 1. In 1964, Mike Hughes and Johnny Johnson formed a Gulf of Mexico diving company called World Wide Divers. The company grew in response to increasing demand for their services, and in 1969, it merged with two other diving companies to form Oceaneering International. The Houston-based company supplies underwater robots for inspection, maintenance, repair, and decommissioning operations…
WORCESTER, Mass.—If all politics is local, so too are opportunities to develop workforces and boost regional economies with robotics. The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative last week held its third annual Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up at Polar Park, showcasing collaboration among business, academia, and government to innovate, educate, and grow. About 1,500 people attended the event, 25% growth over 2022, according to the event organizers. This year's Mash-Up included the 8th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony, the announcement of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program (MMAP) grant winner, and exhibits by technology companies, as well as student networking and challenges. “Our organization is proud to…
IAM Robotics this week announced that it has changed its name to Onward Robotics, with a new logo, visual identity, and website. The Pittsburgh-based company said it has evolved from a developer of mobile manipulation systems to a provider of software and hardware for person-to-goods automation. “This transition has been an exciting and transformational process for us,” said CEO Lance VandenBrook in a press release. “Onward Robotics better reflects the organization’s strong forward trajectory, our bold and purposeful team, and most importantly, our commitment to moving our clients and the global supply chain forward.” Founded in 2012, IAM Robotics had…
Diligent Robotics yesterday announced $25 million in new financing that it plans to use to expand its network of Moxi robots in hospitals across the U.S., further develop the product, and triple its market reach. “The incredible demand we've seen for Moxi is [not only] a testament to the clear value of using robotic automation to augment and support frontline hospital care teams, but also our highly customer-centric approach to bringing new technology and operational change into healthcare,” said Andrea Thomaz, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Diligent Robotics, in a release. “We approach our work with deep empathy for the…
RiACT and Phoenix Mecano AB this week announced that they have partnered to create XtendR, a system to give collaborative robots greater flexibility and efficiency. XtendR integrates a high-grade industrial lifting column from Phoenix Mecano’s X2 Technology brand with any cobot and any gripper, allowing the cobot to extend its reach and access different working heights. RiACT said its RiFLEX software enables users to easily program and control the lifting column and the robot. ”XtendR is a game-changer for cobot applications,” stated Bjarne Grossmann, CEO of RiACT. “It gives the user the freedom to choose the best cobot and gripper…
