Robotics

Batteries are to have a central role in the future of sustainable energy and mobility. Affordable, high-quality lithium battery packs are needed in diverse kWh (kilowatt-hour) ratings to power vehicles ranging from ebikes, drones, and small city cars, to large electric vehicles (EVs), trucks, and buses. This article focuses on Yamaha's approaches to automating the production of batteries with the use of robotics and other technologies.

Back in 2019, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) debuted its four-legged robot which was the first of its kind to do a backflip. Lightweight and high-power, its motion is reported to rival that of a champion gymnast.

Visevi Robotics offers novel vision-based encoders ViseJoint now for generic angular measurement applications without sensors on the joint. Measurement of one or multiple joints is performed remotely, using a computer vision software and a camera that looks onto the joints from a distance.

The development of a 'world-first' underwater robot which can repair a damaged ship’s hull using pioneering friction stir welding technology is at an advanced stage after a concept design for the system was finalised.

To design an autonomous robot, one of the most important features to consider is how it can find its way around. An ‘intelligent walk’ approach is often chosen, which means that the robot combines information from multiple sensors (excluding visual sensors) to help it plan a path and navigate. As Charles Pao, Senior Marketing Specialist at CEVA explains, an essential part of the intelligent walk technique is ‘dead reckoning&rsqu...

A highly sensitive, 3D-printed fingertip could help robots become more dexterous and improve the performance of prosthetic hands by giving them an in-built sense of touch.

igus's cost-effective robotics and automation solutions automate packaging, sort products, and help with dangerous tasks in everyday operations. In 2022, igus will present the ROIBOT (Return on Investment in Robotics) Award once again for the most creative applications.

Palletising or depalletising is always based on the fact that objects (e. g. boxes, bags, etc.) are recognised quickly and reliably and the determined gripping data is then passed on to the robot.

Mouser Electronics is continuing its sponsorship of FIRSTRobotics Competition, which inspires innovation and fosters well-rounded life capabilities in tens of thousands of young people every year.

As the rise of human-robot collaboration expands the possibilities of automation, industry will integrate increasing numbers of robots factory-wide. Stewart Robinson MIET MInstMC, Principal Engineer and Functional Safety Expert at TÜV SÜD discusses here.