Find The Latest News And Updates On Robotics And Automation Today!
Introduction
Robotics and automation are two fields that are constantly evolving and innovating, bringing new opportunities and challenges for various industries and sectors. Robotics and automation can help improve productivity, efficiency, quality, safety, and sustainability, as well as create new value propositions and business models.
What are robotics?
Robotics is an interdisciplinary field of science and engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. Robots are machines that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision making.
Related: Technology Ultimate Guide
Robots can be used in many situations and for many purposes, such as exploring dangerous environments, assisting in manufacturing processes, or providing entertainment and education. Robotics is a rapidly growing and evolving field, as technological advances enable more complex and diverse robots to be created and used12345
What is computer automation?
Computer automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human input. It can be applied to various domains, such as business, industry, education, and entertainment. Some examples of computer automation are:
- Business process automation: This is the use of software to automate repeatable and complex tasks that involve multiple systems, such as invoicing, payroll, or inventory management1
- IT automation: This is the use of software to automate IT tasks that are routine, tedious, or error-prone, such as backup, security, or configuration1
- Industrial automation: This is the use of machines, robots, or sensors to control and monitor industrial processes, such as manufacturing, assembly, or packaging1
- Home automation: This is the use of devices, such as smart speakers, thermostats, or cameras, to automate and control various aspects of home environment, such as lighting, temperature, or security1
Computer automation can have many benefits, such as improving productivity, efficiency, quality, safety, and sustainability. However, it can also pose some challenges and risks, such as displacing human workers, increasing cyberattacks, or raising ethical and social issues23
There are many benefits for using robotics and automation in various domains and applications. Some of the benefits are:
- Higher productivity and efficiency: Robotics and automation can perform tasks faster, more accurately, and more consistently than humans, resulting in increased output and reduced waste1234
- Better quality and safety: Robotics and automation can improve the quality and reliability of products and services by eliminating human errors and defects. They can also enhance the safety and well-being of workers by taking over dangerous, tedious, or repetitive tasks1234
- More flexibility and innovation: Robotics and automation can adapt to changing environments, requirements, and demands, enabling more customization and personalization of products and services. They can also enable new possibilities and opportunities for creativity and problem-solving1234
These are some of the benefits of robotics and automation that can help improve the performance, quality, and sustainability of various industries and sectors.
In this article, we will highlight some of the latest news and updates on robotics and automation from different sources.
Rockwell Automation Rolls out FactoryTalk Analytics DataView 4.2
Rockwell Automation, a leading provider of industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, has introduced FactoryTalk Analytics DataView 4.2, an update to its analytics portfolio that helps customers make faster, more informed decisions1. This new version includes features and enhancements that offer a more responsive and reliable experience, such as:
- A new user interface that simplifies data exploration and visualization
- A new data source connector that enables integration with Microsoft SQL Server
- A new data transformation tool that allows users to manipulate and transform data
- A new dashboard sharing feature that enables collaboration and communication
FactoryTalk Analytics DataView 4.2 is part of Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk InnovationSuite, a comprehensive suite of software that combines industrial IoT, edge computing, analytics, machine learning, augmented reality, and MES capabilities.
Factory Automation Advancements for CPGs
Bosch Rexroth, a global leader in drive and control technologies, has showcased its latest developments in control systems, conveyance, and more for packaging machinery at PACK EXPO Las Vegas2. Some of the highlights include:
- The ctrlX AUTOMATION platform, a scalable and modular system that offers high performance, flexibility, and connectivity for automation tasks
- The VarioFlow plus conveyor system, a versatile and energy-efficient system that offers low-noise operation, easy assembly, and high throughput
- The Smart Function Kit for Pressing and Joining, a ready-to-use solution that combines mechanical components, sensors, software, and IoT connectivity for precise and reliable joining applications
Bosch Rexroth also demonstrated its digital services and solutions that help customers optimize their processes, reduce downtime, and increase productivity.
Rockwell Automation Completes Acquisition of Autonomous Robotics Leader Clearpath Robotics
Rockwell Automation has completed its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics Inc., a Canadian company that specializes in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for industrial applications3. The acquisition includes Clearpath Robotics’ namesake research division, a leader in developing autonomous technology for the innovation market, and the industrial division OTTO Motors, which provides AMRs for material handling in manufacturing and warehousing.
The acquisition will enhance Rockwell Automation’s portfolio of intelligent motion solutions and enable it to offer more comprehensive and integrated automation solutions for its customers. Clearpath Robotics will operate as an independent subsidiary of Rockwell Automation.
Clevon Celebrates Delivery of Nearly 1,500 DHL Express Packages
Clevon, an autonomous delivery innovator based in Estonia, has delivered almost 1,500 packages for DHL Express Estonia using its self-driving delivery robots4. The two companies began their partnership in the summer of 2022 and are moving towards full-scale commercial deployment.
Clevon’s delivery robots are designed to operate in urban environments, navigating sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic. They can carry up to 20 kg of cargo and travel up to 10 km per hour. They can also communicate with customers and couriers using a touchscreen and speakers.
Clevon’s delivery robots aim to provide a faster, cheaper, and greener alternative to traditional delivery methods.
Worcester Polytechnic Invents Robot Lizard to Sneak into Small Spaces
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), a leading engineering and technology university in Massachusetts, has partnered with the City of Worcester to develop a lizard-like soft robot that can creep into walls, ductwork, and pipes to perform inspections and repairs5.
The robot, named LIZARD, is made of silicone rubber and has four legs that can bend and twist in any direction. It is controlled by pneumatic actuators that inflate and deflate the legs to create motion. It also has sensors and cameras that can detect and transmit information.
LIZARD is part of a larger project called Soft Robots for Infrastructure Inspection (SRII), which aims to create novel robotic solutions for urban infrastructure maintenance.
This article was co-written by Bing Chatbox and John Monyjok Maluth using information from various sources. The references used are listed below:
1 Rockwell Automation Rolls out FactoryTalk Analytics DataView 4.2. (2023).
2 Factory Automation Advancements for CPGs. (2023).
3 Rockwell Automation Completes Acquisition of Autonomous Robotics Leader Clearpath Robotics. (2023).
4 Clevon Celebrates Delivery of Nearly 1,500 DHL Express Packages. (2023).
5 Worcester Polytechnic Invents Robot Lizard to Sneak into Small Spaces. (2023).