Vancouver-based Sanctuary AI is strategically partnering with auto parts maker Magna International to support the development, deployment and scaling of general-purpose robots. This collaboration includes Sanctuary AI’s development of general-purpose AI robots for deployment in Magna’s manufacturing operations; a multi-disciplinary assessment of improving cost and scalability of robots using Magna’s automotive product portfolio, engineering and manufacturing capabilities; and a strategic equity investment by Magna. “Magna is excited to partner with Sanctuary AI in our shared mission to advance ..read more

Omron Robotics and Safety Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with Neura Robotics, a cognitive robotics specialist. This partnership reportedly aims to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by introducing cognitive robots into factory automation, leveraging advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency, flexibility and safety. Omron shares in a press statement that unlike traditional industrial robots, cognitive robots have the ability to learn from their environment, make decisions autonomously, and adapt to dynamic production scenarios. This opens new application possibil ..read more

Novarc Technologies has deployed its Spool Welding Robot (SWR) at Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards. This collaboration between Seaspan, one of Canada’s leading shipbuilders, and Novarc aims to transform pipe welding processes with automation technology. This will reportedly enhance productivity, elevate welder safety and ensure consistent high-quality welds, revolutionizing manufacturing processes and driving innovation in shipbuilding. “We are very grateful for our growing partnership with Seaspan,” said Soroush Karimzadeh, CEO of Novarc. “Seaspan’s successful adoption of our pipe welding automat ..read more

Accenture has made a strategic investment in Vancouver-based Sanctuary AI, a developer of humanoid general-purpose robots that are powered by AI and can reportedly perform a variety of tasks quickly, safely and effectively. “AI-powered humanoid robots are essential to reinventing work and supporting human workers as labour shortage is becoming an issue in many countries and industries,” said Joe Lui, Accenture’s global advanced automation and robotics lead. “Sanctuary AI’s advanced AI platform trains robots to react to their environment and perform new tasks with precision in a very short t ..read more

FANUC Canada has unveiled its new, state-of-the-art headquarters with a 46 percent increase in size compared to its predecessor. The company shares that this expansive facility solidifies its commitment to Canadian manufacturers. “FANUC’s new Canadian headquarters is our third facility opened since 2019, highlighting our strong leadership and growing influence in the North American market,” said Mike Cicco, president and CEO, FANUC America. “Our expanding presence demonstrates FANUC’s commitment to providing localized support and services, further solidifying our position as the leading provid ..read more

In a recent statement released by ABB, Marc Segura, president of the company’s Robotics Division identified three drivers for robotics-driven AI solutions in 2024. “The coming year will see a growing focus on the critical role of AI,” said Segura. “From mobile robots and cobots to enabling new robotic applications in new sectors and creating new opportunities for people to learn and develop, these new frontiers for AI are redefining the future of industrial robotics.” 1. AI will drive new levels of autonomy in robotic applications Accelerating progress in AI is redefining what is possible with ..read more

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has shared a press statement outlining the top global robotics trends for 2024. The stock of operational robots around the globe hit a new record of about 3.9 million units, shares the organization. This demand is driven by several technological innovations. 1 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning The trend of using AI in robotics and automation keeps growing, says IFR. The emergence of generative AI opens up new solutions. This subset of AI is specialized to create something new from things it’s learned via training and has been pop ..read more

Vention and Flexxbotics have come together to offer robotic workcell digitalization in next-generation machining environments. Customers can reportedly benefit from the combination of Flexxbotics’ robot machine tending solution with Vention’s Manufacturing Automation Platform offering. Customers will use Vention’s cloud-robotic tools and modular automation hardware to design tailored machine tending robot cells, and then, take advantage of Flexxbotics‘ machine tending SaaS/hybrid solution and professional services for deployment and continuous operation to achieve “lights out” manufacturing ..read more

Festo’s recently completed production line DHPL is a new family of long-stroke grippers that are designed to offer many advantages for high load and torque applications. According to Festo, the DHPL grippers are interchangeable with long-stroke grippers. They reportedly come with the added benefits of lighter weight, higher precision and no maintenance. The new long-stroke gripper is ideal for stacking boxes, gripping plates and shaped parts and keeping bags open. DHPL reportedly features ≤ 0.03 mm repetition accuracy due to three rugged guide rods and a rack-and-pinion design. It is desi ..read more

A recent Association for Advancing Automation (A3) report finds that robot sales in North American declined by 30 percent in 2023 after record orders in the two previous years. Companies purchased 31,159 robots in 2023, compared to 44,196 ordered in 2022 and 39,708 in 2021. These 2023 orders were divided almost equally among automotive (15,723 robots sold) and non-automotive companies (15,436 robots sold). There was a 34 percent drop in sales to automotive OEMs and automotive suppliers over 2022 and a 25 percent total decrease in all other industries. “While robot sales naturally ebb and flow ..read more