Category Archives: Robotics

Swiss robotic navigation company BlueBotics has released a new version of its ANT server fleet management software, which can now control not only the 100+ ANT driven customer vehicles on the market, but also VDA 5050-compliant AGVs and AMRs.

BlueBotics whose ANT navigation technology drives over 5,000 AGVs and AMRs around the world says its new initiative expandS the scope of its ANT server mission and fleet management software by adding compatibility with the German AGV interoperability standard VDA 5050.

As a result, ANT server can now manage not only the 100+ ANT driven customer AGVs and AMRs currently on the market, but also VDA 5050-compliant AGVs and AMRs from non-ANT driven brands.

Dr Nicola Tomatis, BlueBotics CEO, says: With this evolution, the widest choice of interoperable AGVs and AMRs on the market just got even wider.

This product update further enhances the options of organizations that are looking to deploy or expand fleets of mobile robots.

By migrating to ANT server, organizations that already operate fleets of VDA 5050-compliant vehicles can now choose from an even wider choice of automated vehicles when growing their fleets.

Organizations that already operate fleets of ANT driven vehicles gain the option of adding VDA 5050 vehicles in future.

The interoperability of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is expected to play a crucial role in the long-term adoption of these technologies.

BlueBotics and its vehicle maker partners are ideally positioned to facilitate this growth, since over 100 ANT driven models are already natively interoperable today when managed by ANT server.

Several vehicle interoperability standards are under development today. The German VDA 5050 AGV communication interface is currently the most advanced, ahead of equivalents such as MASS in the US and another in China.

Tomatis says: We are happy to bring this compatibility to ANT server.

Even if the functionality that VDA 5050 offers today remains below that of ANT server and its ecosystem of natively interoperable ANT driven vehicles, this evolution represents a valuable and necessary step in the direction of industry-wide multi-brand AGV operations.

BlueBotics says its Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT) is the markets leading natural navigation technology for automated vehicles. To date, there are over 5,000 ANT driven AGVs in operation globally, with over 130 different models already on the market and more being launched every month.

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BlueBotics releases new version of its server fleet management software - Robotics and Automation News

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U.S. manufacturers have increasingly adopted automation, says the IFR.

Total installations of industrial robots rose by 12% and reached 44,303 units in 2023, as U.S. manufacturers invested heavily in more automation, reported the International Federation of Robotics, or IFR, today. The automotive industry is still the No. 1 adopter, followed by the electrical and electronics sector, according to the IFRs preliminary results.

The United States has one of the most advanced manufacturing industries worldwide, stated Marina Bill, president of the IFR. The first IFR outlook on preliminary results shows again strong robotics demand across all major segments of U.S. manufacturing in 2023.

Sales in the automotive segment rose by 1%, with a record 14,678 robots installed in 2023, said the IFR. This comes after installations in 2022 skyrocketed by 47%, reaching 14,472 units, noted the Frankfurt, Germany-based organization.

The market share of car and component makers reached 33% of all industrial robot installations in the U.S. in 2023. The U.S. has the second-largest production volume of cars and light vehicles worldwide after China.

Automotive manufacturers currently invest in robotics mainly to drive the electric vehicle transition and respond to labor shortages, Bill said.

Installations in the electrical and electronics industry rose by 37% to 5,120 units in 2023, said the IFR. This number almost reached the record pre-pandemic level of 5,284 units, seen in 2018.

The latest result represents a market share of 12% of all industrial robots installed in the U.S. manufacturing industry. Global installations reached record numbers in 2022, the IFR noted.

It attributed recent demand for industrial robots among U.S. electronics makers by efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains and projects toward clean-energy transitions.

Learn from Agility Robotics, Amazon, Disney, Teradyne and many more.

Installation counts in other U.S. industries exceeding the 3,000-unit mark included metal and machinery (4,123 units, +6%) and plastic and chemical products (3,213 units, +5%).

They represent a market share of 9% and 7% of U.S. manufacturer robot installations in 2023, respectively, said the IFR.

Robot installation in Canada reached 4,616 units up 43%. The automotive industry accounts for 55% of the countrys robot installations. Sales to the automotive sector rose by 99% with 2,549 units installed in 2023. This is an all-time high.

Robot installations in Mexicos manufacturing industry remained almost unchanged, with 5,868 units in 2023. The countrys main adopter was the automotive industry, which accounted for 69% of the robot installations in 2023

The IFR said sales in Mexico reached 4,068 units (-0%) in 2023 the third best result since the peak level of 4,805 units, in 2017.

The IFR plans to post the presentation on preliminary figures held by Bill during the IFR Executive Roundtableon May 8. The federation said it will release final results of the latest World Robotics data on Sept. 24.

The organization will also be present at Booth 2790 at Automate in Chicago next week.

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U.S. manufacturers invested heavily in robotics in 2023, finds IFR - Robot Report

Robot installations by manufacturing companies up 12%

Chicago Manufacturing companies in the United States have invested heavily in more automation: total installations of industrial robots rose by 12% and reached 44,303 units in 2023. Number one adopter is the car industry followed by the electrical and electronics sector. These are preliminary results, presented by IFR.

Preliminary results of robot shipments in 2023 in the US

The United States has one of the most advanced manufacturing industries worldwide, says Marina Bill, President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The first IFR outlook on preliminary results shows again strong robotics demand across all major segments of U.S. manufacturing in 2023.

Sales in the automotive segment rose by 1% with a record number of 14,678 robots installed in 2023. This comes after installations in 2022 skyrocketed by 47% reaching 14,472 units. The market share of car and component makers hit 33% of all industrial robot installations in the U.S. in 2023. The United States has the second largest production volume of cars and light vehicles worldwide, following China.

Automotive manufacturers currently invest in robotics mainly to drive the electric vehicle transition and respond to labor shortages, says Marina Bill.

Installations in the electrical and electronics industry rose by 37% to 5,120 units in 2023. This number almost reached the record pre-pandemic level of 5,284 units, seen in 2018. The latest result represents a market share of 12% of all industrial robots installed in the U.S. manufacturing industry.

Demand for industrial robots in this segment is influenced by a trend to strengthen domestic supply chains and projects that drive the clean-energy transition.

Installation counts in other industries exceeding the 3,000-unit mark in the U.S. are: metal and machinery (4,123 units, +6%) and plastic and chemical products (3,213 units, +5%). They represent a market share of 9% and 7% of industrial robot installations in 2023, respectively.

Robot installation in Canada reached 4,616 units up 43%. The automotive industry accounts for 55% of the countrys robot installations. Sales to the automotive sector rose by 99% with 2,549 units installed in 2023. This is an all-time high.

Robot installations in Mexicos manufacturing industry remain almost unchanged with 5,868 units in 2023. The countrys main adopter is the automotive industry which accounted for 69% of the robot installations in 2023: sales reached 4,068 units (-0%) in 2023 the third best result since the peak level of 4,805 units, in 2017.

Final results of the new World Robotics data will be released by IFR on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Meet the IFR staff and members at North Americas largest robotics and automation event:The Automate Show. This is the place for anyone looking for automation solutions. With over 800 exhibitors, the show floor hosts leading automation solutions from around the world. IFR booth #2790 at McCormick Place.

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U.S. Companies Invest Heavily in Robots - IFR Preliminary Results EMSNow - EMSNow

Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) has launched its MiR1200 Pallet Jack autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

With advanced artificial intelligence (AI) pallet detection, powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin, the MiR1200 Pallet Jack uses 3D vision to identify pallets and do pick up and pallet delivery with unprecedented precision, says the company.

Mads Paulin, vice president of R&D at MiR, says: The MiR1200 Pallet Jack is our latest effort to push the boundaries in autonomous material handling.

We believe that the built-in AI detection system is a significant improvement over older detection technologies.

Our approach will reduce pick-and-place cycle times, deliver best-in-class pick accuracy and allow us to continuously deliver advanced, AI-based functionality and value to our customers.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing MiR AMR fleets and interoperate with MiRs deck load AMRs, the MiR1200 Pallet Jack is a perfect match for large-scale enterprise customers who typically operate more complex workflows with larger fleets and multiple sites.

These customers can now turn to MiR as a one-stop shop for material handling.

Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of MiR, says: As the latest addition to MiRs wide range of AMRs, the MiR1200 Pallet Jack adds a new application area to our existing solutions for transportation scenarios from small to heavy loads, pallet transportation, and more.

All robots can be seamlessly managed and integrated via our industry leading fleet management tool, MiR Fleet, and monitored and optimized using MiR Insights.

Thanks to its 3D vision capabilities, the MiR1200 Pallet Jack addresses the challenges many enterprises face with resource-intensive material handling, especially in complex environments that make automation difficult and where automation is needed due to increasing labor shortage.

The MiR1200 Pallet Jack can dynamically modify its route to avoid obstacles such as loose objects on the floor or overhead obstacles.

It processes a large number of cameras and LiDAR data in real time by accelerating the full stack on the GPU and several other processors built into the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin module.

The MiR1200 Pallet Jacks ability to navigate effortlessly in tight spaces with minimal changes to the existing infrastructure makes it the perfect fit for optimizing logistics efficiency and ensuring timely delivery of pallets.

Hathout says: With MiR1200 Pallet Jack, we have developed a rugged AMR pallet jack that will work in existing customer sites that present unique environmental challenges for automation.

In the design of this robot, we have leveraged the accumulated expertise in software from MiR, and high-payload AMRs that are the result of MiRs 2022 merger with AutoGuide, another Teradyne-owned company.

In addition, the MiR1200 Pallet Jacks robust tricycle drive system is developed through a partnership with Logitrans, which has 80+ years of experience with material handling.

The MiR1200 Pallet Jack is not only about speed and efficiency. Safety remains a top priority.

Hathout says: Safety is in the DNA of every MiR product.

The MiR1200 Pallet Jack complies with the latest product safety standards, including ISO3691-4. The fusion of multiple sensor platforms and top-tier safety features provides a much safer alternative to traditional forklifts, pallet trucks and manual pallet jacks.

Key features of the MiR1200 Pallet Jack include:

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MiR launches new autonomous mobile forklift-type robot - Robotics and Automation News

AI software company Micropsi Industries has launched MIRAI 2, the latest generation of its AI-vision software for robotic automation.

Building on the success of its predecessor, MIRAI 2 comes with five new features that enhance manufacturers ability to reliably solve automation tasks with variance in position, shape, color, lighting or background.

Available immediately, the latest release offers users even greater reliability, easier and faster deployment, and robot-fleet scalability.

Gary Jackson, CEO of Micropsi Industries, highlights the companys dedication to innovation through close collaboration with partners and customers across various sectors such as automotive, electronics and home appliances.

Jackson says: By integrating new features and capabilities into our offerings, we can address the unique challenges faced by these industries even more effectively.

In addition to new features, the company has introduced dedicated service teams to further strengthen its commitment to customer success.

Jackson adds: Recognizing the complexities of implementing advanced AI in robotic systems, weve assembled expert teams that combine our in-house talent with select system integration partners to ensure that our customers projects are supported successfully, no matter how complex the requirements.

MIRAI is an advanced AI-vision software system that enables robots to dynamically respond to varying conditions within their factory environment, including variance in position, shape, color, lighting and background.

What sets MIRAI apart from traditional vision solutions is the ability to operate with real factory data without the need for CAD data, controlled light, visual-feature predefinition or extensive knowledge of computer vision.

MIRAI 2 offers customers improved reliability thanks to the ability to detect unexpected workspace situations; a new, automated way to collect training data, and the option to run the software on the highest industry-standard PCs, resulting in higher dependability in rough factory conditions.

The new feature, which assists in recording the required data for training the robot, also means that training and deploying MIRAI 2 is easier and faster. In addition, with MIRAI 2 a force-torque sensor is no longer required for most applications, which means lower cost and more robust performance.

Moreover, MIRAI skillstrained guidelines that tell robots how to behave when performing a desired actioncan now be easily and quickly shared with an entire fleet of robots.

Five new functions available with MIRAI 2

The five new features that will be available to MIRAI 2 users are:

Robot skill-sharing: This new feature allows users to share skills between multiple robots, at the same site or elsewhere. If conditions are identical (lighting, background, and so on), very little or no additional training is required in additional installations.

MIRAI can also handle small differences in conditions by recording data from multiple installations into a single, robust skill.

Semi-automatic data recording: Semi-automatic training allows users to record episodes (of data) for skills without having to hand-guide the robot, reducing the workload on users and increasing the quality of the recorded data.

MIRAI can now automatically record all the relevant datausers only need to prepare the training situations and corresponding robot target poses.

No F/T sensor: Training and running skills is now possible without ever connecting a Force/Torque sensor. This reduces cost, simplifies tool geometry and cabling setup, and overall makes skill applications more robust and easier to train.

Abnormal condition detection: MIRAI can now be configured to stop skills when unexpected conditions are encountered, allowing users to handle these exceptions in their robot program or alert a human operator.

Industrial PC: The MIRAI software can now be run on a selection of industrial-grade hardware for higher dependability in rough factory conditions.

Ronnie Vuine, founder of Micropsi Industries and responsible for product development, says: MIRAI 2 is all about scale: Its MIRAI for more powerful robots, larger fleets of robots, and tougher physical environments, and it brings more tools to prepare for changes in the environment.

Weve let our most demanding automotive OEM customers drive the requirements for this version without sacrificing the simplicity of the product.

It still wraps immensely powerful machine learning in a package that delivers quick and predictable success and is at home in the engineering environment its being deployed in.

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Micropsi Industries introduces new AI-vision software Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News

It has been a year of firsts for Rutland Area Robotics.

Earlier this month, RARs high school level robotics team, the IBOTS, competed in the FIRST World Championships Einstein finale tournament after successfully winning their individual division. Both achievements are a first for the team.

The IBOTS and their alliance of three other teams ultimately placed fourth in a field of more than 600 teams.

We are very proud of the skills and passion that our team brought to the playing field. Our goal is to create excitement for science, technology, engineering, and math. Robotics team members are our future engineers, the people that will meet the challenges of an ever-changing demand for a highly skilled workforce, one that will drive the success of families, communities, and the economy, stated Rutland Area Robotics President and lead mentor Dan Roswell in a press release.

This year is the third in a row the IBOTS qualified for the international competition, which took place from April 17-20 in Houston, Texas.

FIRST, also known as For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a nonprofit organization that hosts a series of robotics competitions across the globe each year, all of which require competing teams to build a robot that can accomplish several tasks in a game setting.

Margo Thompson, a Rutland High School senior and IBOTS team member, shared that her team is the first in Vermont to reach the Einstein finale tournament playing field.

Last year, her team placed 15th in their world championship division, which did not qualify them for the finals.

If you dont get selected, your journey ends there, she said. Its a different environment when youre in that playoff bracket. Everything gets taken up a notch. The competition is now at its max stress level. Everythings really amped up. The crowds are going crazy. Every single match feels like the final match.

But it wasnt an easy road getting to the World Championships, according to Thompson. She noted that the team had to overcome setbacks and challenges throughout their FIRST journey.

Thompson said there was a moment of shock and awe when her team found out theyd be playing Einstein field, adding that even the announcer reading the names of states moving on to the finals seemed surprised when saying Vermont for the first time.

Its still unbelievable. If you think about it, a little small Vermont team (was able to) make global strides and rock the waves of the world. Its truly crazy, she said.

Despite the challenges, this year also marked the first that a Vermont team received the prestigious Impact Award while competing at the district and regional level.

The award recognizes the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of FIRST, which involves positively impacting ones community and promoting STEM education.

In addition to the hard work of her own team, Thompson credited the alliances success and enjoyment to their collaboration with other teams.

We were one big family, Thompson said. Not only did we have so much fun playing with teams from all over the world, but we were a part of something that felt truly special. Thats a huge part of robotics, especially with wanting to learn and progress. If youre not having fun while doing it, thats going to pose a challenge.

Both Thompson and RAR mentor Matt Riley highlighted the dedication and effort of Roswell, noting that though he doesnt often take the spotlight, he more than deserves it.

(This program) would not exist without him, Riley said. Its Herculean. And hes got a very special type of personality that is detail-oriented and keeps him pushing forward. Without him, the robot doesnt get built (and) the accommodations dont get booked. Hes got his finger in all of it.

Though the IBOTS have wrapped up the FIRST season for now, it wont be long until RAR is back on the field.

RARs FIRST Lego League team, the Robo-Rattlers, will compete at an invitation in Rutherford, New Jersey, on May 18 and 19. The IBOTS will also participate in an off-season FIRST event at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in June.

Were showing everyone that Vermont is very capable. Were playing at the same caliber as everyone else. Were truly impacting everyone, even though theres only six (Vermont teams). We may be small, but we are mighty, she said.

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Rutland Area Robotics' IBOTS compete in FIRST World Championships finals for first time - Rutland Herald

The mechanization of agriculture during the industrial revolution and later in the mid-20th century Green Revolution dramatically shifted the capabilities of an individual farmer and how much land they could manage, according toAgritecture. From the cotton gin to tractors and combines, mechanization plays a major role in the abundant food systems we benefit from today. In outdoor agriculture nearly every process in growing is done using highly mechanized systems and increasingly are upgrading to more intelligent robotic systems.

Robotics, broadly defined, involves the use of machines capable of performing a wide variety of tasks and actions automatically. This includes machines that navigate spaces and manipulate objects often using sensors, actuators and computational systems that process the information and act on it.

These machines are classified based on their operational roles, including but not limited to:

The global agricultural robotics market is projected to grow significantly, from $13.4 billion in 2023 to an estimated $86.5 billion by 2033, indicating a compound annual growth rate of 20.5% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for automation in agriculture, rising labor costs, and the need to meet escalating food production demands. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics in agricultural robots has led to the development of more sophisticated and intelligent farming solutions.

For more, continue reading at Agritecture.com.

Consider a Synergistic Approach To Disease Control in Peaches

Agritecture strives to provide expert advisory and technology solutions focused on enhancing food system resilience through climate-smart agriculture. See all author stories here.

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Robots on a Roll: The Future of Farming Is Here Now - Growing Produce

Further enhancing the ease of designing, programming, and deploying robot cells while also equipping advanced users with more powerful programming tools.

MONTREAL , May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Vention, the cloud robotics company, released today a suite of AI-powered capabilities to its Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP). These new capabilities, available immediately to the more than 4,000 manufacturers already using Vention, strengthen the company's position as the only end-to-end platform to design, automate, order, deploy and operate automated equipment and robot cells in the cloud.

MachineBuilder capabilities enhanced for robot cell design

The latest version of MachineBuilder, Vention's cloud-based 3D design software, brings forward the most comprehensive suite of enhancements over the past 36 months with more intuitive and smarter design tools.

Specific product capabilities include:

Robotic programming capabilities pave the way for complex cloud applications

The release of Vention's MachineLogic new code-free programming instructions further simplifies how users program robot arms and all adjacent devices in a robotic cell. Combined with the new scene asset functionality, developers can leverage their digital twin to accelerate the deployment process. Users can now program their robot in the cloud and deploy it directly to the factory floor.

Specific product capabilities include:

Instantly and securely deploy robot cells from the cloud to the factory floor

The inclusion of a new instant deployment functionality empowers robotic developers to transfer programs and machine configurations from a digital twin to a physical machine directly in the web browser. This new feature integrates with Vention's ISO 27001 and NIST-800-171 certified MachineCloud infrastructure, expediting deployment processes and facilitating a seamless redeployment from the digital twin to the real world without disrupting production.

Enhanced user interface authoring added to the cloud robotics platform

Vention adds web development tools and workflows to its cloud-based robot programming platform, enabling advanced users to create and simulate robot applications that contain feature-rich operator interfaces. This new release confirms Vention's commitment to providing an extensible platform that strives to meet the robotics industry's and its practitioners' evolving needs.

In addition, as a continuation of its commitment to the needs of its industry, Vention will publish the second edition of its State of DIY Industrial Automation Report on May 6 . Following its success in 2023, the company has decided to survey their clients again to understand better the trends unveiled last year, such as the emergence of Advanced Manufacturing Teams, the importance of platforming industrial automation and the preference for self-service and self-design.

Quote

"Th ose release s are all about the intersection of robotics and AI-driven design capabilities. Unlike traditional 3D design and offline programming software, Vention's Manufacturing Automation Platform is poised to leverage AI to simplify the design-to-deployment experience. With a dataset comprising over 365,000 automated equipment and robotic cell designs, each labeled with rich geometric data and metadata, and continuous investment in Vention's Geometric Reasoning Engine and Graph Neural Networks, the task of designing, automating, ordering, deploying, and operating robotic cells in the cloud has never been more seamless. And this is just the beginning." Etienne Lacroix , founder and chief executive officer, Vention.

More information at Automate 2024

From May 6 to 9 , visit Vention's booth No.2813 to see six machines in action and attend software demos and educational animations.

Company Founder and CEO Etienne Lacroix will speak twice on May 6 :

About Vention

Vention helps some of the most innovative manufacturers automate their production floors in just a few days through a democratized user experience. Vention's manufacturing automation platform allows clients to design, automate, deploy and operate automated equipment directly from their web browsers. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada , with one office in Berlin , Vention's 300 employees serve 4,000+ customers in five continents and across 25 manufacturing industries.

For more information, visit vention.com or follow us on LinkedIn .

*MachineBuilder, MachineLogic, MachineCloud, and Vention are trademarks of Vention Inc.

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Vention Launches New Cloud-Robotic and AI Capabilities to Accelerate the Design and Deployment of Robot Cells - InvestorsObserver

Visitors will have the chance to see the entire THE robot range, including the THE400, THE600, THE800 and THE1000. The line-up includes robots of different sizes and strengths, providing visitors with an opportunity to find the perfect model for their application.

Q&A with | TM Robotics

Shibaura Machine, formerly known as Toshiba Machine is a pioneering Japanese industrial robotics manufacturer. TM Robotics is the global premier distributor of the brand, and we represent sales and supply of Shibaura Machine for the North American market. We have over 40 years of experience in providing and integrating robots for a range of industries, this includes working with end users, as well as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and systems integrators by providing them with cutting-edge robots for their machines.

Automate is a crucial event for TM Robotics and Shibaura Machine, as it provides us a platform to showcase our latest industrial robots from Japan. With over 800 exhibitors and numerous networking events, Automate offers an unparalleled opportunity for us to demonstrate Shibaura Machines robot technologies to the North American market and to connect with potential customers and partners.

Shibaura Machine's booth at Automate, managed by TM Robotics, will be a must-visit for attendees due to its comprehensive display of THE SCARA robots. Visitors will have the chance to see the entire THE robot range on display, including the THE400, THE600, THE800 and THE1000. The line-up includes robots of different sizes and strengths, providing visitors with an opportunity to find the perfect model for their application. Whats more, the THE range is available with a variety of different additional options including ceiling mounting, IP65 and clean room models.

Shibaura Machine will also be displaying a THE400 SCARA and its TVL700 six-axis robot working collaboratively with a SICK vision system for handling and inspection applications. This demo will show how harnessing the synergy between robots and advanced systems can help to optimise industrial operations.

Absolutely. Automate is an excellent opportunity for us to see other exhibitors' offerings and new innovations in automation, robotics and related technologies. The show also provides a space for the team to meet with systems integrators and introduce them to the Shibaura Machine robot line up. We recommend that any OEMs searching for a robot integration visit us at booth 661.

TM Robotics, in partnership with Shibaura Machine, formerly known as Toshiba Machine until 1st April 2020, offers a comprehensive range of industrial robots ideally suited for high-precision assembly, machine loading/unloading and material-handling applications that can be dust proof, clean room, or IP65/67. The company's extensive product line starts with a Cartesian solution available in thousands of combinations from single actuators to four-axis solutions; six-axis solutions that can include precise vision-control; and a complete range of SCARAs from low cost to the industry-leading SCARA with 1200-mm reach that can carry up to 20 kgs. TM Robotics sells and services robots throughout Europe, the Middle East, India, Russia, and Africa, as well as North, Central, and South America, from headquarters in Hertfordshire, England and Elk Grove Village, IL, USA. For more information, visit http://www.tmrobotics.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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The advantages of all-electric injection moulding machines demonstrate how automation and robots can help manufacturers bring their operations back home to the UK. Reshoring can be achieved with cost- and energy-efficiency as well as productivity benefits.

Here, Nigel Smith, CEO at TM Robotics, explains how the use of robots in injection moulding processes, including its recently-expanded 6-axis robot range, can help manufacturers embrace a bioplastic future.

Here, Ryan Guthrie, vice president at TM Robotics, distribution partner of Shibaura Machine, explains how advanced robot controllers can provide enhanced troubleshooting in smart factory settings while prioritizing data security.

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OnLogic Karbon 430 Fanless Rugged Computer The K430 packs the power and advanced IoT capabilities of modern Intel processing into a low profile, highly customizable, rugged fanless system built for the challenges of the IoT Edge. Internal components are protected from dust, debris, chemicals, and moisture thanks to fanless and ventless cooling. The Karbon 430 features an operating temperature range of -40 to 70C, 9~48 V power input, and zero moving parts, all of which help to ensure a long system lifespan.

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Talking AUTOMATE 2024 with TM Robotics | RoboticsTomorrow - Robotics Tomorrow

A Wilsonville High School team is teaching kids how to build a robot from the ground up with its members learning coding, confidence and comradery.

WILSONVILLE, Ore. Oregon is working on keeping its reputation as the "Silicon Forest," withIntel having just invested billions into its Hillsboro plants. Elected leaders are working on getting federal money for a research and development center, and efforts are underway in local schools to get kids interested in STEM careers.

One of those pathways is in robotics, and a Wilsonville High School team is teaching kids how to build a robot from the ground up.

This spring, Wilsonville High School's gym was packed with spectators, but it wasn't for a basketball game though there was some shooting involved, the contestants are robots built by high schoolers, and this is a three-on-three match, where human drivers control the robot.

In a match, you have 15 seconds where the robot runs entirely on code like, no humans are allowed to operate it, said mechanical lead Aasha Patel.

You have to think on the spot; you don't have a minute to think, added Lily Vu.

They want it to shoot hoops and score points, and the 125-pound robot, which took the team months to build, even has to climb a chain and hang there.

It's intense because everybody's robots are breaking; people are running around," Patel said.

Junior Suhaani Garg joined the team as a freshman, and she's come a long way since then.

I'm the overall lead, or the CEO of the team," Garg told KGW. Initially, I was hesitant 'cause when I did robotics back in middle school, I was kind of shunted aside ... I was the only girl on the team.

Now, Wilsonville High's robotics team is almost entirely led by girls, including the competition's robot driver, Vu.

Its like a second family to me, Vu said.

She added that there's something for everyone on the team, and everyone is welcome, no matter their experience.

If you're on mechanical, you learn mechanical skills, how to work with big machines. If you're with electrical, you learn wiring concepts, wiring organization, electrical and physics concepts. And then, with software, you learn JAVA," she said.

Patel agreed with Garg, that the work can be intimidating at first: On my first day, I walked in, and I was terrified.

But even as a freshman, Patel got to join in the robot build, and it's a big undertaking.

We work on designing the robot in CAD software; we fabricate parts on our CNC routers and our mills," she explained. "Students work on assembling the robot on making modifications and upgrades; it's really cool to see what they come up with."

One of the team's mentors, Zoe Espinosa, works as a mechanical engineer now, but she started on a robotics team at her high school.

It was one of the biggest motivations I had for pursuing STEM as a career, she said.

Espinosa said she loves watching the kids start from scratch and come up with a robot that can perform some pretty incredible stunts.

They don't know that they can do it. Often, when the game is released, they know that they just have to build a robot, Espinosa said.

For some of the kids on the team, it's about getting more diversity in STEM.

It really helps advocate for women in STEM because usually in engineering fields, science fields, it's male-dominated but here, this is a place where I feel like I can grow as an engineer, as a scientist, Vu said.

But it's much, much more than that.

I got to meet people from all different, like, corners of the earth, and I think that was so special to me," Garg said.

"That often goes way past the 2-hour and 30-minute meeting on a weekday, so we'll spend like up to like, 12 hours on a Saturday in the shop, working on the robot," Patel shared.

"I would not ever get tired of this place, Vu concluded.

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Inside Wilsonville High School's robotics team - KGW.com