The world of microtechnology includes all miniaturized devices using various technologies: micromechanics, microelectronics, optics, and electrotechnics. Microtechnology enables applications in all cutting-edge sectors that require the smallest, most precise, and most intelligent solutions, from aerospace to medical to automotive. Today, where there is a need for efficiency, optimization, and productivity, how can microtechnology be made smarter? Several solutions already exist, and not all of them require you to renew your entire set of machines. We attended the press conference for the pres ..read more

At Hannover Messe, DirectIndustry met with Denis Mugrauer, from Festo’s Bionic Learning Network. The new project they are showcasing is a Bionic Bee. Festo is renowned for presenting products inspired by nature. In previous editions of Hannover Messe, they showcased robots modeled after ants, kangaroos, and octopus. Festo's Bionic Learning Network, a specialized lab, is where engineers study nature to find innovative ideas for energy efficiency, alternative propulsion, and ultra-lightweight design. They then translate these natural concepts into industrial applications. This year, Festo is sh ..read more

Universal Robots was founded in 2005. Originally, the first startup specialized in cobots, collaborative robots, didn't know it, but it would pave the way for a new market. Today, all the biggest industrial robot brands also have their range of cobots. In the meantime, UR has become a company with 1,000 employees and remains focused on its core business, the 6-axis cobots. They have installed 75,000 of them worldwide. We met with Jocelyn Peynet, Country Manager of Universal Robots France, to look back on these 15 years of cobotics and what makes the strength of these gray and blue cobots made ..read more

Founded in June 2023, the French company Rob’Occ is emerging as an innovative force in the field of logistics with Roc-E, its AMR. This company, located in Occitania in the Tarn region, stands out for the design and development of its robots entirely Made in France, with 84% of components sourced in Europe. The Roc-E, a Multifunctional AMR Rob’Occ has developed an AMR to transport various loads in crates, whether it's products for commerce or tools and raw materials in industry. Initially, the AMR consists of a mobile base that can be sold to integrators so they can develop customized solutio ..read more

Robotic company Comau and aerospace company Leonardo are currently testing a self-adaptive robotic solution to enable autonomous inspection of helicopter blades. This could enhance quality inspections and offer greater flexibility without sacrificing precision or repeatability. At a time when the aerospace industry demands faster processes, better control, and higher quality, it requires a new generation of advanced automation. We contacted Simone Panicucci, Head of Cognitive Robotics at Comau to know more about this solution and how it could benefit the aerospace industry. The increasin ..read more

At first glance, fashion and industry may not seem connected. Yet, Dutch artist and designer Iris Van Herpen has successfully bridged the two worlds. By borrowing production techniques from industry such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and robotics, the artist aims to be a pioneer in applying new technologies to haute couture. Her work is currently showcased at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (until April 28th). We visited the exhibition and found elements that resonate with the industrial professionals in our readership. At DirectIndustry, we are more accustomed to discussing technolog ..read more

With its modular cobots, French company MS-Innov is making its entry into the manufacturing sector. While at Global Industrie, we met Jules Lamboeuf, project manager at MS-Innov to learn more about this newcomer. It's not every day that new French robots and cobot brands appear on the market. So, at Global Industrie, the industrial trade fair held in Paris last week, the company MS-INNOV stood out with its dark gray cobot. The two key distinguishing factors of MS-Innov's cobots lie in their modularity capability and infinite rotation across all axes. For this, MS-Innov has filed two patents ..read more

DirectIndustry attended the Global Industrie exhibition in Paris this week and found 6 new autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Hicham Dhouibi contributed to this report. Autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, are transforming the industry by offering flexible and intelligent solutions tailored to various industries' specific needs, particularly in logistics. Used in warehouses, in various sectors including energy, electricity, and the automotive industry, AMRs can move freely in a work environment while avoiding obstacles. They can understand their operational environment, enabling them to navigate ..read more

As collaborative robots reach manufacturing lines, extended-reality technologies will help to ensure these systems work well with humans. The European Union Horizon project, MASTER, will provide the tools and training to make this happen. As industrial robots become entrenched in manufacturing, a new wave of collaborative robots, designed to work closely with humans, is emerging. In the not-too-distant future, Extended Reality (XR) technologies will enhance these cobots. They will be able to effectively work with human operators. And this makes the teaching and training of robotics in manufac ..read more

Industrial exoskeletons are stepping off the silver screen and into the workplace. But unlike in the movies, most real-world exoskeletons focus on making workers safer rather than simply stronger. We have selected 5 exoskeletons currently used in the workplace. Exoskeletons have starred in science fiction for decades, from Ripley's forklift-style power loader in Alien to Tony Stark's high-tech suit of armour in Iron Man. In reality, exoskeletons are less glamorous but are finding a much wider range of real-world applications, from warehouse safety and battlefield endurance to patient care and ..read more