Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

A look at ABB’s Skill Creator inside its Wizard Easy Programming software. | Source: ABB ABB Robotics has expanded its free Wizard Easy Programming software to include its six-axis industrial robots that use an OmniCore controller, which already works with its collaborative robots. The Zurich, Switzerland-based company claimed that its system lowers barriers to automation for new users and offers ecosystem partners and integrators a tool to support their customers.  Wizard Easy Programming intended to speed setup Released in 2020, ABB’s Wizard Easy Programming uses a graphical, no-code, drag-and-drop programming approach. The company said it designed the software to help both first-time and expert robot users to develop applications in just minutes. Without Wizard Easy Programming, this task can take a week of training and another week of development, noted ABB.  Since its release, Wizard Easy Programming has been adopted in various applications using ABB’s cobot...

  Businesses looking to automate in 2024 should start preparations early to avoid delays and to realize the full potential of their investments, says HowToRobot. Source: Adobe Stock Although the economy has slowed, investments in robotics and automation are growing. Global robot installations are expected to increase by 7% yearly between 2024 and 2026, according to the International Federation of Robotics . This is supported by surveys from both Make UK  and  McKinsey . Businesses expect to spend more on automation in the coming years, allowing automated systems to account for a growing share of overall capital spending. As the year’s end approaches, businesses should already begin preparations for next year’s investments in robotics and automation. Failing to start on time could delay investment decisions at critical moments, postponing projects. Or, if the vendor selection is rushed, the business could risk investing in a solution that does not deliver the ex...

Real-Time Innovations (RTI) launched its RTI Connext Drive 3.0 communication framework for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This latest edition supports the transition from prototype to production in vehicle development, ensuring compliance with the ISO 26262 ASIL D functional safety standard. RTI said Connext Drive 3.0 bridges the platform gap between DDS, AUTOSAR Classic, AUTOSAR Adaptive, and ROS 2 . Connext Drive 3.0 assists original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in bringing their next-generation vehicles to market by aiming to reduce the need for custom communication and integration coding. “There’s a growing need for auto manufacturers to reduce risk and accelerate production-readiness through safety-certified software,” said Andrew Longhurst, managing director, WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems. “We see how the release of Connext Drive 3.0 can meet these requirements at the highest level, as it now includes a platform-independent footprint with ASIL-D compliance that fac...

Symbotic uses AMRs and robotic arms to build mixed-case pallets. | Source: Symbotic Symbotic, a developer of robotics for supply chain applications, announced the results of its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2023. The Wilmington, Mass.-based company brought in $392 million in revenue in Q4 and $1.18 billion in 2023. Symbotic’s revenue increased by 60% from Q4 of 2022, when it brought in $244 million. It saw a net loss of $45 million in Q4, down from $53 million it lost in the same quarter last year. The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $13 million, up from an adjusted EBITDA loss of $20 million in the same quarter last year. “We are pleased to report another quarter of strong revenue growth and margins, as we initiated four new system deployments and completed commissioning of two systems,” said Tom Ernst, chief financial officer of Symbotic. “We also accelerated the pace of system deployments.” “We are excited to be reporting our first quarter of positiv...

Robots promise to help manufacturers increase productivity, but they need to be connected to other systems. Flexxbotics announced that its FlexxCORE machine-tending software is now compatible with the full line of Hardinge Inc.’s automation equipment. Boston-based Flexxbotics claimed that Hardinge customers can use its systems for digitalized workcells to increase throughput, yields, and profit per part. The company said its FlexxCORE flagship product enables robots to securely connect with all types of automation in a smart factory. Flexxbotics recently released the latest version of FlexxCORE, which is compatible with more than 1,000 models of CNC machines, inspection equipment, and other factory machinery.  “When robots are unable to communicate with the CNC machines they are tending, the efficiency gains are minimal, and quality issues occur,” Tyler Modelski, co-founder and chief technology officer of Flexxbotics, said in a release . “We understand the complexities of robot...

 The Robot Report Podcast · Tangram launches new HiFi 3D sensor; Next Generation Robotics on the cutting edge of optimization   This week’s podcast episode features another double header of interviews and a recap of news from the week. Tangram Vision talks about 3D sensing In this episode, we learn about the new HiFi 3D Depth Sensor with Adam Rodnitzky, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Brandon Minor, CEO of Tangram Vision . The San Mateo, Calif.-based company recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new sensor. Rodnitzky and Minor said the product promises to disrupt the depth-sensor market for price and performance. Listen to the interview to learn more about this new sensor, as well as the challenges facing developers and users of 3D sensors for robotics and other autonomous systems. Learn more at the Tangram Vision website , or check out the specs for the HiFi 3D Depth Sensor and consider supporting the crowdfunding campaign on its project page . N...

Universal Robots explained why cobot use is still growing in the automotive industry. Source: Universal Robots Universal Robots A/S is one of the most successful collaborative robot developers on the planet. To date, the Odense, Denmark-based company said it has installed more than 75,000 cobots in various industries. It has also released over 440 UR+ products, has 1,100 partners, and has more than 20 offices globally. With the release of the UR20 , Universal Robots is on its fifth generation of cobots. The global market for collaborative robots could reach $1.6 billion this year, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.12% to 2026, predicted Research and Markets. It cited the rise of smart factories and growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region. David Capellani , a regional key account manager at Universal Robots, recently shared insights in a company webcast into how the automotive industry can use collaborative robot arms, and in particular UR cobots.  A complex ...