Articles tagged with "industrial-robotics"
Touring The Ford F-150 Lightning Factory - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a recent tour of the Ford F-150 Lightning factory, highlighting Ford’s commitment to incorporating customer feedback into the production and ongoing development of the electric truck. The tour guide emphasized that Ford sincerely considers and applies customer input to improve the Lightning, a practice praised by reviewers as a key factor in the vehicle’s success. This approach contrasts with companies that ignore feedback, which can lead to customer frustration and missed opportunities for product enhancement. Additionally, the factory assembly process is tailored ergonomically to support workers’ safety and efficiency, with employee feedback also playing a role in refining production. The author reflects on the significance of this feedback-driven approach, drawing parallels to broader lessons about learning and adaptation from Annie Duke’s book *Thinking in Bets*. Ford’s willingness to listen and adjust based on real-world input is portrayed as a human and strategic strength. The article also notes that conventional electric pickups like the Lightning may have broader market appeal compared to more unconventional models like Tesla’s Cybertruck, especially given recent political
robotelectric-vehiclesmanufacturing-automationcustomer-feedbackfactory-ergonomicsFord-F-150-Lightningindustrial-roboticsSiemens launches enhanced motion control portfolio for basic automation applications - The Robot Report
Siemens has introduced an enhanced motion control portfolio aimed at basic automation applications such as handling, moving, positioning, and processing. The portfolio integrates SINAMICS servo drive systems with the new SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 controller, offering improved performance, flexibility, and simplified system configuration. Key features include enhanced processing power, support for up to 31 PROFINET devices with synchronized execution, advanced safety certifications up to SIL3/PLe Category 4, near-field communication (NFC) for wireless diagnostics, and a range of power options up to 7 kW. The system is designed for cost-effective modernization of automation with comprehensive safety and wireless diagnostic capabilities, all integrated within Siemens’ TIA Portal environment. The motion control system comprises three main components: the SINAMICS S200 and S210 servo drive systems, the SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 compact PLC with integrated IOs and expandable modules, and a broad range of compatible SIMOTIC servomotors tailored for motion control and machine tool applications. The SINAMICS S210 supports power ratings up to 7 kW and includes integrated safety functions, while the S200 system covers lower power ranges with additional brake control features. Siemens emphasizes that this portfolio supports industries including manufacturing, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare, aligning with its broader mission to enable resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, smarter buildings, and advanced healthcare solutions. In fiscal 2022, Siemens Group USA reported revenues of $18.6 billion.
robotautomationmotion-controlservo-drivesSiemensindustrial-roboticsPLC-controllersOxipital AI and Schmalz extend partnership for automated picking - The Robot Report
Oxipital AI and J. Schmalz GmbH have extended their partnership to integrate Oxipital AI’s advanced machine vision technology with Schmalz’s mGrip robotic fingers and vacuum end-of-arm tooling (EOAT). This collaboration aims to deliver next-generation robotic grasping solutions that improve operational efficiency, reduce labor dependence, and ensure consistent, safe, and profitable production, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Oxipital AI, originally founded as Soft Robotics, has shifted its focus from soft robotic grippers to AI-enabled machine vision systems, exemplified by its recent release of the VX2 Vision System designed for food-grade inspection and picking. Schmalz, a global leader in vacuum industrial automation and ergonomic material handling since 1910, benefits from this partnership by expanding the applicability of its tooling solutions to more complex manufacturing processes. The integration of Oxipital AI’s vision technology enhances Schmalz’s robotic grasping capabilities, enabling more capable and higher-performing picking solutions. Both companies emphasize their shared focus on robotic automation and digitalization, with Schmalz leveraging acquisitions and new technologies to strengthen its offerings in packaging, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The partnership was highlighted at the recent Automate event, signaling ongoing collaboration and innovation in automated picking systems.
roboticsartificial-intelligencemachine-visionrobotic-pickingautomationend-of-arm-toolingindustrial-roboticsKepler Robotics showcases K2 'Bumblebee' humanoid at ICRA 2025 - The Robot Report
robothumanoidautomationindustrial-roboticsenergy-efficiencysensor-technologyK2-BumblebeeFastest-ever robot 3D scanner sees transparent objects in 1.5 seconds
robot3D-scanningthermal-imagingautomationindustrial-roboticsadvanced-manufacturingAI-analysisUniversal Robots releases the UR15, its fastest cobot yet
robotcobotautomationcollaborative-roboticsindustrial-roboticsproductivitymotion-controlABB upgrades Flexley Mover AMR with visual SLAM capabilities
robotAMRautomationvSLAMAI-visionlogisticsindustrial-robotics