IFR Robotics and Economical Worldwide Downturn

The economical worldwide downturn is still going on, with no real signs of light at the end of the tunnel. The announcement that General Motor's CEO was asked to step down, sent another shockwave through Wall Street. The financial crisis has affected the global economy to a greater extend than expected. A recovery depends on a large extent of the banks and their willingness and ability to provide financing, which requires substantial government loans and support. This can still take a long time. In addition, the consumers' confidence is severely hurt and will take time to rebuild.

IFR Statistical Department

Only a slight increase of robot supplies worldwide in 2008

According to the results of the IFR Quarterly Shipment Statistics the total robot supplies increased by 1% in 2008 compared to 2007. Robot supplies to Asia increased by 2%. Europe saw continued growth of 8%. However, the supply to North America has already been affected by the crisis in the automotive industry. Robot supplies decreased by 15%. All other countries including South America, Africa and Australia saw a surge in supplies of 37%.

New Chairman of the Industrial Robot Suppliers Group

Dr. Andreas Bauer elected for the new Chairman of the Industrial Robot Suppliers Group

OTC Daihen, Japan - IFR-Partner

New arc welding robot models "AII-B4L" and "AII-V6L"

Daihen Corporation has remodeled its popular arc welding robot line AX Series to release new arc welding robot models "AII-B4L" and "AII-V6L" and the welding peripheral equipment to use in combination with the robots. Daihen develops a complete range of products including welding peripheral equipment as well as robots to offer total solutions to welding applications.

Fanuc Robotics, USA - IFR-Partner

New Paint Mate 200iA Compact - Painting Robot

Adept, Germany - IFR-Partner

Automating Solar Manufacturing: Taking Advantage of Lessons Learned

There's no doubt that the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is hot. According to Solarbuzz, LLC an international solar energy research and consulting company, world solar photovoltaic (PV) market installations reached a record high of 2,826 megawatts (MW) in 2007, representing a growth of 62% over the previous year.

DÜRR, Germany - IFR Partner

Progress in robotic painting systems

It is becoming increasingly clear that a process which is technically feasible may not necessarily always represent the best solution. Reducing the complexity of painting systems is an important aspect of product development.

Stäubli, USA - IFR Partner

Clearing Bottlenecks in the Mountains: A Morrill Motors Case Study

The town of Erwin is just a 2-mile hike off the Appalachian Trail where East Tennessee borders North Carolina. Native Americans once used this area, like so many communities in these mountains, as hunting ground. Even today, Erwin residents uncover arrowheads or other treasures in their gardens. Morrill Motors, located in the center of Erwin, also unearthed valuable assets recently while automating a portion of their unit-bearing motor assembly line.

Valk Welding, Netherlands - IFR-Partner

Complete welding robot cell delivered from stock within 1 week

Valk Welding was asked this summer by Hydrospex, a hydraulic heavy lifting systems producer, to deliver a welding robot with a short lead time.The company needed to weld a series of 800 tubular products for a new developed system in just a few months, a task that would involve temporarily employing 15 extra welders.

Valk Welding, Netherlands - IFR-Partner

Offline programming increases welding production by Hekamp

The practical approach of Valk Welding and the functionalities offered by the programming system DPTS G2 persuaded father and sons Kampert of Hekamp Werktuigen en Aanbouwdelen to purchase a new welding robot system from Valk Welding.

Netherlands: RAB IFR-Industry Association

Audit procedure of RAB Robotics Safety Mark almost started!

Since the formation of the Robotics Association Benelux (RAB) in September 2007, a lot of effort has been put in brand awareness, expansion of members and sponsors, the organisation of the highly successful Robot Safety Seminar 2008 and the development of the RAB Robotics Safety Mark.

Denmark: Danish Technological Institute - IFR R&D Institute

The Innovation Consortium - DeliGrip

Last week the Danish Technological Institute, the Centre for Robot Technology, submitted an application regarding funding of a new and exciting innovation consortium: DeliGrip.

North American Robot Orders

North American Robot Orders Fall 21% in 2008

Robotics industry statistics released by RIA report that North American based robotics companies saw new orders sold to North American manufacturing companies fall by 21% in units and 16% in dollars in 2008 compared to 2007.

RIA - Joseph Engelberger Robotics Award presented

2009 Engelberger Robotics Awards Honor Industry Pioneers from US and Japan in Barcelona

The 2009 Engelberger Robotics Award, the industry's highest honor, was presented to two industry pioneers at the 40^th International Symposium on Robotics in Barcelona, Spain on March 11, 2009.

Ask the Experts

Get the best answers from RIA's robotics experts

There are many questions on the Ask the Experts forum, a new networking service managed by the RIA on Robotics Online. Here are some tips for users of Ask the Experts.

Hot Spot for Video on Robotics Online

More than 20 videos about robotics may be found on RIAs website, Robotics Online. RIA members may post video footage through the dashboard environment known as the Member Control Panel via a login and password. more...

Robotics Online Publicity & Business Opportunities

Submit Feature Articles, More

Tough economic times call for resourceful marketing and a "no-stone-left-unturned" approach to generate sales. RIA members are invited to take advantage of a free benefit: Feature article, case study, technical paper, editorial and news submissions for the Robotics Online website and the enewsletter.

Robotic Machining White Paper

Exclusive RIA Member Benefit Now Available

RIA has posted a new white paper on Robotic Machining with exclusive access to RIA members. RIA's New Markets Committee, in conjunction with Halcyon Development, developed the paper as part of an initiative to promote the use of robotics in new applications and markets. Association members select the Member Login link to view the paper. Non-members can discover the benefits of membership and join to obtain the document. more...

7-9 Jun, 2010

ISR/ROBOTIK 2010

The purpose of ISR/ROBOTIK 2010 is to provide opportunities for researchers and engineers worldwide to present their pioneering works and to share ideas in the fields of Robotics.

15-29 Oct, 2009

RAB: Organisation Robot Safety Seminar 2009 started!

Following the highly successful seminars of 2007 and 2008, the Robotics Association Benelux (RAB) - the sector association of manufacturers, suppliers and system integrators of Industrial Robots - , will organize the Robot Safety Seminar 2009.