IFR RSS Feed http://www.ifr.org IFR International Federation of Robotics Thu, 2 May 2013 13:48:54 +0000 http://typo3.org en <![CDATA[Universal Robots, Denmark - IFR-Partner]]> Thu, 2 May 2013 13:48:54 +0000 The automated application According to Roman Berný, the owner and director of Replac-BM, the main motivation for the acquisition of a micro-dispenser and a spectrophotometer as well as a UR robot to operate both, was the aim to increase production quality.  Replac-BM wanted to increase the accuracy and reliability of the result and achieve a paint hue corresponding to the exact area of the colour spectrum.  "Our goal was not to replace our technicians with a Universal Robot, but to bring the whole process of developing mixing formulas to a much higher level", says Berný. "We are able to reach this level thanks to significantly reducing the potential for human errors and increasing the accuracy of our results. This is what is crucially unique about our company and highly valued by our customers." The journey to a perfectly matching colour shade begins in the micro-dispenser - a custom-made machine with a carousel for 32 basic pigments. The UR5 robot from Danish company Universal Robots equipped with a special gripping device places an empty cup on a high-precision weighing machine under the micro-dispenser. The machine then mixes a combination of pigments into the cup according to a formula - with a precision to 0,001 gram. A soon as the micro-dispenser finishes dosing the pigments, the robot grabs the cup again, removes it from the machine, puts a lid on it and passes the cup into a feeder loading cups into the mixing machine. Here, their contents is mixed with a filler (white base colour), resulting in the final hue of the finished coloured paint. The next step in the process of making new paints has to be taken care of by a human operator, as the sensitivity of the human hand is not replaceable for some functions. A laboratory technician applies the already mixed paint to a contrast card in the exact same layer that will be used in the final coating. Once the paint on the card dries, the next step is again carried out by the UR5 robot. Previously, a laboratory technician had to take every card, insert the colour code into a computer and measure the hue with the spectrophotometer. Today, all the work is taken care of by the robot: The UR5 works alongside the laboratory technician and automatically removes finished cards, puts them into a bar code reader (where the specific hue code is scanned) and then measures the hue with the spectrometer. The complete data about all mixed hues is then saved in the computer. The UR5 robot manages this process completely on its own and approximately ten times faster than a human technician. After evaluating the scanned shades, a colourist specialist just checks the measured results and takes care of any eventual deviations that exceed the limits designed for the colour spectrum values. 

Robot designed to work with people

When selecting the robot, a particular emphasis was placed on safety and requirements for space to operate and control the robot. Therefore, it was not necessary to move the entire operation to another, larger facility. Because it meets the required parameters, Universal Robot's UR5 has a crucial advantage over its competitors. If the robot comes into contact with an employee, it automatically stops operating. The force delivered in a collision does not cause bodily harm, adhering to the current safety requirements on force and torque limitations. Another advantage of the UR5 robot is the standard interface that supports a wide range of interchangeable gripping devices and special handling devices, used for very fine and precise handling of objects. Since the robot used in Replac-BM was to perform several different activities, it was necessary to equip it with several gripping devices. For example, the company had a special gripping device manufactured according to its own design equipped with suction cups that is used for handling and closing the cups with colour pigments. Even when programming its UR5 robots, the operator does not depend solely on the manufacturer or authorised seller. As mentioned by Ladislav Mysak, a sales representative of EXACTEC , the Universal Robots distributor in the Czech market, programming of the UR5 robot for processes carried out in Replac-BM took approximately one day.  Training Universal Robots operators is very fast, also thanks to the fact that the graphical environment of the control console is available in the Czech language.  In light of the energy prices rising, the robot operational consumption is, of course, worth attention. UR5, which is able to manipulate objects weighing up to 5 kg, boasts a full-load consumption of no more than 200 watts. Certified service of the Universal Robot is provided by EXACTEC following the rated cycle, i.e. every 10,000 work hours. 

Next up: A UR10 robot

Replac-BM does not quantify the robot's benefits in financial savings or turnover increase. The owners focus on maximizing the quality of the process of developing colour shades and the ability to realise even the most demanding and extensive projects for major customers. Further development of automation is planned. Roman Berný reveals his plans: "We would like to use the larger UR10 robot for loading containers with pigments to a new mixing machine which we would like to offer to colouring laboratories around the world." Universal Robots are suitable for automation of significant parts of the production process in many industries. "We are still in the early stages of robotics development in the segment of small and medium-sized companies, where new models of machines will work hand in hand with people," says Ladislav Mysak.

]]> <![CDATA[ABB, Sweden - IFR-Partner]]> Thu, 2 May 2013 13:45:08 +0000 What is the lifetime of an ABB robot? That's a question one Swedish manufacturer can't answer yet - four robots it installed nearly 40 years ago are still polishing bends today. When ABB robots were first installed at Magnussons anonymous looking building in the midst of rural southern Sweden, ABBA topped the charts worldwide, oil cost $13 USD a barrel and the world's population numbered 4 billion. Almost four decades and 7.7 million cycles later, the robots are still at it, picking up and polishing tube bends with a touch that seems almost human. In 1973 Leif Jönsson, CEO of the family run engineering firm Magnussons, came across an ASEA stand at an exhibition in Stockholm. ASEA, today known as ABB, was displaying the world's first electrically driven, microprocessor-controlled robot, the IRB 6. Jönsson immediately saw the robot's productivity potential for his business and purchased one; today the workshop is still running, with three additional IRB 6s that Jönsson bought soon afterward.

The reasons for investing in robots, such as safer working conditions and higher productivity, are the same today. "This is dirty, monotonous, repetitive work," says Mats Jönsson, who has worked at Magnussons since joining in 1980 at age 18. "It's tough on the shoulders when done manually, and the women who did the polishing before the robots arrived would get injured over time." Mats estimates that a robot is about 25 to 30 percent more productive than a human. "An experienced worker could probably work as fast as the robot," he says, "but robots don't need breaks."

Yellowing newspaper clippings from the 1970s kept by Magnussons carry headlines such as, "An employer?s dream-worker: no sleep, no holiday, never sick." Another proclaims: "You have no chance: here is the robot that will put you out of a job." Mats says, "Robots were new and revolutionary then, and some of the workers thought, 'The robots are coming - we're going to lose our jobs!'" But despite employees' initial fears, no jobs were lost at Magnussons; the workers who had done the polishing by hand were put to work on other tasks. Huge international demand for Magnussons' bends in the 70s and 80s meant that four robots worked every day, all day. "My father would finish work at four, then come back here at 10 in the evening to fill up the magazines," says Mats. "And the robots would carry on for another six hours. The only limitations on running them unassisted are that the magazines require filling up with new bends, and the sandpaper wears out and needs replacing." "Touch wood, we haven't had to do many repairs," says Mats. During the last six years the robots have only caused three stops. After almost two million cycles each, the robots are still fairly low-maintenance. Mats just needs to check on them from time to time as he works with other tasks. He says of the robots, "They are worth their weight in gold." So how much longer can these robots keep going? Magnussons has no idea; but it plans to produce bends in the same way for years to come.

Watch the YouTube movie ABB Robotics - where it all began. Author: David Marshall, ABB ]]> <![CDATA[RIA, USA - IFR Industry Association]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:41:16 +0000
A total of 5,833 robots valued at $341.2 million were ordered from North American robotics companies through March, an increase of 14.5% in units over the same period in 2012 and 10% above the previous first quarter record set in 2005.

First quarter shipments to North American customers totaled 5,736 robots valued at $369.5, breaking the previous records for an opening quarter set in 2012 by 24.6%  in units and 23.3% in dollars.

The activity was especially strong in automotive components, food & consumer goods, semiconductor & electronics, life sciences & pharmaceuticals, and plastics & rubber, all of which posted double digit growth year over year.

"It is great to see the record demand for robots continuing into 2013, following our record-breaking year in 2012," said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. "While activity continues to be strong with automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, the real story is the resurgence of other industries.  Non-automotive orders grew 15% over 2012."

The biggest unit growth in applications came from arc welding (46.2%) and material handling (25.1%), both of which have historically been two of the strongest applications for robotics.

RIA estimates that some 228,000 robots are now at use in United States factories, placing the US second only to Japan in robot use.  "Many observers believe that only about 10% of the US companies that could benefit from robots have installed any so far," Burnstein said, "and among those that have the most to gain from robots are small and medium sized companies."

RIA members can login to the Member Control Panel to access the complete RIA Deluxe Statistics Report along with previous reports. For more information about the RIA statistics and the robotics industry, or about membership to access the full report, visit: www.robotics.org or contact RIA Headquarters at +1-734-994-6088. ]]> <![CDATA[Finalists nominated for the 9th IERA Award]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:20:56 +0000 April 2013

Three finalists have been nominated by the Invention and Entrepreneurship in Robotics and Automation (IERA) Award Committee to present their story of the genesis of a successful innovative product in robotics and automation in a special session on 8 May 2013 at the ICRA Conference in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Award Ceremony will take place the same day at 18:30 hrs at the Industry Forum. The session is open to all registered attendees of ICRA.

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (IEEE/RAS) are proud to nominate the following finalists:

Nominees

Robert W. Horst, Tibion Corporation, USA
"The Tibion Bionic Leg"

The Tibion Bionic Leg (TBL) is a wearable, battery-powered, robotic mobility assistance device, and is the only wearable, robotic trainer that is activated by the patient?s intent to move. The TBL is used by physical therapists for patients with impaired mobility and is designed to strengthen stance, improve gait, and enhance active motor learning while protecting its users.

Stéphane Magnenat, ETH Zürich and Fanny Riedo, EPFL, Switzerland
"The Thymio II Educational Robot"

Thymio II, is a miniature differential-wheeled robot. The robot was designed along four main axes: a low price to be accessible to a large public; a combination of sensors, actuators and programming features that facilitates learning; a feature set that suits both genders and multiple ages from young children to adults; and a mechanical design that allows creative extensions.

Professor Dikai Liu, University of Technology, Australia
"Intelligent Grit-blasting Robots for The Surface Preparation Industry"

An autonomous robotic system for grit-blasting complex geometric surfaces in steel bridge structures, which is the first of its kind in the world, has been developed to safeguard the health and wellbeing of maintenance crews and deliver operational efficiencies for complex civil infrastructure maintenance operations. This system has been extensively tested in the field and two fully operational robots are currently deployed on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge which is the world's largest steel arch bridge.

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (IEEE/RAS) are the sponsors of the Invention and Entrepreneurship in Robotics and Automation Award. The purpose of the IERA Award is to highlight and honor the achievements of the inventors with value creating ideas and entrepreneurs who propel those ideas into world-class products. At the same time the joint disposition of the award underlines the determination of both organizations to promote stronger collaboration between robotics science and robotics industry. The selected finalists must verify their products in terms of innovative and entrepreneurial aspects.

The ultimate winner will be chosen by the Awards Committee, consisting of respected individuals from industry and academia. A prestigious plaque and a US$ 2,000 prize will be awarded to the winner.

More information on the venue on www.icra2013.org. ]]> <![CDATA[President´s Report]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:56:19 +0000 March 2013 Dear Reader, Robots improve manufacturing success and create jobs! This was the result of the update of the IFR research study titled "Positive Impact of Industrial Robots on employment" conducted by METRA MARTECH Limited, London, UK. Two robot users from the United States, Drew Greenblatt, Marlin Steel and Matt Tyler, Vickers Engineering confirmed this during the IFR CEO Round Table discussion at the Automate in Chicago back in January 2013. Both companies integrated industrial robots in their manufacturing processes and increased productivity, competiveness and jobs. Robots have helped create opportunities for safer and more interesting jobs. As a result of their success the companies are paying employees higher wages and providing them with better benefits. The CEO Round Table and the results of the study created a strong media interest and initiated lots of discussions on robotics. Despite the weak global economic development in 2012 the demand for global robot sales almost reached the all-time-high level of 2011. Investments in robotics and automation are ongoing worldwide! China is becoming the most important robot market. We are looking forward to the China International Robot Show CIROS from 2 to 5 July 2013 in Shanghai, where the Chinese and international robot suppliers will show their innovations and solutions. The IFR will have a booth there.  An IFR CEO Round Table on "The Future of Robotics on China" is scheduled as well. We expect a great media interest.

By the way, IFR is tweeting now: Follow us!

More information on the robotics industry, events, new products, cases studies and press releases are provided in this Newsletter.

Best regards Dr. Shinsuke Sakakibara
IFR President]]> <![CDATA[RIA, USA - IFR Industry Association Member]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:22:33 +0000 March 2013

Engelberger Medal2013 Joseph F. Engelberger Awards: Nomination Deadline is May 15

The Engelberger Robotics Award is the world's most prestigious robotics honor, presented to outstanding individuals to honor excellent achievements in leadership and application. RIA is accepting nominations through the deadline of May 15 for the 2013 awards, which will be presented in Seoul, South Korea, during the 44th International Symposium on Robotics in October, 2013.  Nomination form, details.

Automation Industry Association Criticizes 60 Minutes Segment 'March of the Machines'

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the global advocate for the automation industry, is disappointed in how 60 Minutes portrayed the industry in Sunday night's "March of the Machines" segment.

"While the 60 Minutes depiction of how technological advances in automation and robotics are revolutionizing the workplace was spot on, their focus on how implementation of these automation technologies eliminates jobs could not be more wrong," said Jeff Burnstein, President of A3, a trade group representing some 650 companies from 32 countries involved in robotics, vision, and motion control technologies. "We provided 60 Minutes producers several examples of innovative American companies who have used automation to become stronger global competitors, saving and creating more jobs while producing higher quality and lower cost products, rather than closing up shop or sending jobs overseas. They unfortunately chose not to include these companies in their segment. With respect to MIT Professors Brynjolfsson and McAfee who gave their viewpoint in the piece, they are missing the bigger picture." please read the whole story on RIA webpage

Association for Advancing Automation Launches New Website

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has launched a new website, www.A3automate.org. A3 is the umbrella trade association for the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA - Advancing Vision + Imaging, and the Motion Control Association (MCA).

"The launch of our website is the next step in our strategy to engage stakeholders from around the world and demonstrate to them why automation transforms the way business is done," said Jeff Burnstein, President of A3. "The website will be used for informational and educational purposes as we continue to advocate for the industry. It will also track major industry news stories, such as the recent 60 Minutes segment on the robots vs. jobs debate and our response." please read the whole story on RIA webpage
]]> <![CDATA[Panasonic, Germany - IFR-Partner]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:22:27 +0000

So far the programming of new work pieces was complicated and very time-consuming. For the company MÜNCH GmbH, based in Karlstadt in lower Franconia, Germany, this was the main reason to invest in a new welding robot system from Panasonic.

Bernd Wittmann, technical manager at company MÜNCH GmbH, knows very well how he can respond flexibly with innovative technique to his customers' requirements. The company MÜNCH GmbH has grown exactly with this flexibility. Started in 1947 as a locksmith's shop it became in the year 1994 to a reliably supplier in the field of machine construction after the takeover of Mr. Gunther Petershofen. The range of services covers among other things laser cutting on own systems, folding and pressing as well as mechanical processing. These are the best possible conditions for the fully-automatic welding as all relevant preliminary work are progressed in-house. The Panasonic welding equipment is an ET-2PD-XL system.

Welding cell ET-2PD-XL of the company MÜNCH represented with the Panasonic simulation software DTPS

Welding cell ET-2PD-XL of the company MÜNCH  

Due to lot sizes of 50 till 400 pieces the flexible use and the fast production changeover times were important points at the installation layout. The types of customers range from machine construction to medical technology, which shows the high quality requirements. In combination with the MÜNCH own fixture construction it can also react quickly to changes of work pieces and new orders. 

To keep the costs for part modifications and prototyping as low as possible the company MÜNCH decided to choose the TAWERS welding robot system from -Panasonic with G3 controller. By the use of the integrated "Weld Navigation" function it?s possible to solve welding tasks within a very short time. "Weld Navigation" provides the perfect welding parameter including the torch position. Therefore it's only necessary to additional input the material thicknesses, joint type and design of throat thickness and the robot controller calculates automatically the recommended parameter. With that the time-consuming search for voltage and wire feeder speed belongs to the past.

The responsible programmer, Mr. Patrick Schneider, appreciates this unique function since it makes programming much easier and faster for him. Furthermore the unnecessary loss of sample parts will be avoided by which additional costs can be saved.

Mr. Patrick Schneider during programming with TAWERS "Weld Navigation"

This unique functionality of TAWERS welding robot is possible by its optimised construction for welding tasks. Instead - as normal - combining a robot with a power source, in case of TAWERS the power source is part of the robot controller. Thereby it allows to control ideally the motion functions as well as the welding parameter by one CPU unit (= central processing unit). With that an accelerated welding start as the control uses the robot movement as a part of the wire feeder / retraction movement. This works completely automatic and the user can be pleased about the cycle time optimisation. As an operating unit a less than 1kg light and ergonomic teach pendant is used. The "Weld Navigation" function will also be graphically displayed to avoid misunderstandings.

Panasonic teach pendant with graphic representation of TAWERS "Weld Navigation"
]]> <![CDATA[RIA, USA - IFR Industry Association]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:08:39 +0000
"It's clear that our message that automation is the best way to become a stronger global competitor is resonating with companies in virtually every industry," added Burnstein. "Robot sales set a record in 2012, the Automate 2013 show was better than ever, and we expect these trends to continue as the manufacturing resurgence in the United States gains an even stronger foothold. We believe this will lead to an expanded Automate event when it is next held in 2015." "We couldn't be more pleased with Automate 2013," stated Joseph Cyrek, Vice President at Recognition Robotics, Inc. "The attendee traffic was fantastic. We generated many solid leads with potential users, some of whom were already asking for quotes to move forward with our technology. This has been a great show; everyone seemed really fired up about the industry. We will definitely come back for Automate 2015 with an even bigger presence." Automate 2013 also generated a large amount of press coverage, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Barron's, the Chicago Tribune, Univision, Chicago area TV news outlets NBC 5 and WGN, and many different trade publications. Much of the coverage centered on how using automation technologies displayed at the show can help save and create jobs, the opposite from what is often reported in the media. The Association for Advancing Automation is a strong advocate for this message, which was highlighted during a special CEO Roundtable at Automate 2013. To view a video summary of the CEO Roundtable, please click. More than 75 industry experts from around the world gave presentations at the conference, including keynote speakers Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media and Henrik Christensen, Director of Robotics at Georgia Institute of Technology. Forbes' talk was so popular that people were turned away once 1,000 people were in the room. "Many of the sessions were geared to small and medium sized companies who are new users or considering using robotics, vision, motion control, and other automation technologies," Burnstein asserts. "One of the featured sessions highlighted small company executives who have successfully automated in order to become stronger global competitors. These executives provided real-world examples of companies who would have had to either go out of business or send manufacturing offshore but instead succeeded by automating." Automate 2013 was collocated with ProMat 2013, sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America. The next Automate Show and Conference will be held March 23-25, 2015 in Chicago. ]]> <![CDATA[OTC Daihen, Japan - IFR-Partner]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:07:27 +0000 Main features of the new product 1. This is a welding robot that realizes highly efficient welding in thick-plate welding which requiring a high operating current and a high duty cycle.
  • "FD-B15", the new built-in cable type robot which equips a welding torch and a welding power cable that is designed for an operating current of 500 A and a duty cycle of 100%, has been pushed into market.
    This robot can realize high efficient welding easily combined with  a welding power supply on a high operating current and a high duty cycle (operating current: 500 A, duty cycle: 100%), so it can contribute to automation in the thick-plate welding.
  • With "FD-B15", the cables around the hands of the robot do not interfere against the workpieces and jigs, so it can always make a smooth approach and optimal torch posture even when it works around the inner sides of a structure with many limited spaces (It is very common in thick-plate welding systems).
2. Standard Components
  • FD-B15: 15 kg transportable robot with built-in cables
  • FD11: Robot controller
  • RTWH5000H: Water-cooling type torch with a operating current of 500 A and a duty cycle of 100%
3. FD-B15, a new robot arm for greater welding efficiency
  • The welding power cable is built in the robot arm.
    The welding power cable and the water-cooling hose for torch cooling are built inside of the robot arm.
    Compared with standard robots, cables has less interference with other workpieces and jigs, so it can keep the optimal welding torch posture with minimized cable interference.
  • Max. payload capacity: 15 kg
    The robot has max. payload capacity 15 kg (largest payload in  built-in cables models in a market) and is as four times large as that of the conventional type (compared to our standard type).
    The scope of application will grow to a tandem torch, tool changers and so on that used to be difficult for conventional robots with built-in cables.
  • Best for hanging
    The robot arm gets slim, so when it is hung, its working range can be wider than that of the standard robots with built-in cables.
    The robot is best fit for hanging mount that is popular in the large thick plate structure welding system where robot is approaching from the upper side.
4. Functions of FD11 useful in thick-plate welding "multi-pass welding function" In the multi-pass welding, it is necessary to set many parameters, so it takes a lot of time to teach and adjust parameters. The "multi-pass welding function" is a function to reduce teaching and adjusting time and welding failures drastically.
  • Automatic creation of multi-path
    The only thing you need to do is to set the welding conditions for the first layer. Then, the welding conditions for the subsequent layers will be automatically generated. This drastically reduces the time needed for setting welding conditions.
  • "Easy-to-see" List of welding conditions
    Various setting parameters for multi-pass welding, such as welding conditions and weaving conditions, are displayed in a list in an easy-to-see way. You do not need to use a PC for setting, so you can set all parameters from the teaching pendant screen of FD11.
  • Shift position of welding start & end
    You can specify the welding length for each layer. Also, it is very easy to pad bead ends in a staircase pattern. This function will be useful for preventing bead sagging from the ends.
  • Welding start from a different position
    You can set a different welding start position for each layer to start arcing. This function will improve the welding start success rate by avoiding sections with slag.
                     Multi-pass welding function
        - "Easy-to-see" List of welding conditions -
5. RTWH5000H: Welding torch with a high operating current and a high duty cycle
  • Current: 500 A, Rated duty cycle : 100%
    This torch adopts a direct water cooling system which can directly cool the nozzle of the torch.
    This torch has a higher duty cycle than standard water cooling torches do, thus enabling continuous welding with a large current required for thick-plate welding.

]]> <![CDATA[RIA, USA - IFR Industry Association]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:02:11 +0000
  • Henrik Christensen, Director of Robotics, Georgia Institute of Technology;
  • Chuck Keibler, Vice President, Genesis Systems Group, LLC; and
  • Pete Squires, Vice President, Schneider Packaging Equipment Company.
    • "RIA is now over 300 members strong," said Catherine Morris, Chair of the RIA Board and Director of Automotive Sales, ATI Industrial Automation. "I'm eager to continue growing our organization with this great group of dedicated board members. I welcome our new board members who I'm sure will provide an enthusiastic voice to the future of our association and industry. The board will continue building on the successes that we have experienced as an organization." Morris is joined on the RIA Executive Committee by Past Chair Dean Elkins, Yaskawa Motoman; First Vice Chair Stu Shepherd, KUKA Robotics; Second Vice Chair John Dulchinos, Adept Technology; Secretary Curtis Richardson, Spirit Aerosystems; and RIA President Jeff Burnstein. Re-elected to new two-year terms for 2013-14 are Tim DeRosett, Motoman Robotics; Joe Gemma, Staubli Robotics; Joyce Guthrie, USPS; Dana Komin, General Motors; Mark Lewandowski, Procter & Gamble; and Steve Rock, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Kirk Goins, Comau Robotics, was appointed by the board to the remaining one year left of an open term. Scot Lindemann, JR Automation, was re-appointed by the board to a two-year term as an at-large Director. The remaining Board members for 2013 include John Bubnikovich, ABB Inc.; Mick Estes, FANUC Robotics America; and Michael Jacobs, Applied Manufacturing Technologies. John Burg of Ellison Technologies Automation is retiring from the Board after eight years of dedicated service. ]]>         <![CDATA[ISR 2013 - 44th International Symposium on Robotics]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:03:52 +0000 October 24 to 26, 2013, at the KINTEX in Seoul, Korea. The theme of ISR2013, Human-Robot Coexistence, intends to have a harmonious integration of robot and human beings.]]> Welcome to ISR 2013! It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 44th International Symposium on Robotics (ISR2013), which will be held from October 24 to 26, 2013, at the KINTEX in Seoul, Korea. The theme of ISR2013, Human-Robot Coexistence, intends to have a harmonious integration of robot and human beings. The significant progress in all aspects of research, development, and application will cover this theme with other relevant events.

    Important Dates:

    • Deadline for Organized Session: May 13, 2013
    • Deadline for Regular Paper: May 31, 2013
    • Notification of Acceptance: July 15, 2013
    • Deadline for Camera-Ready Form: August 15, 2013
    • Deadline for Advance Registration/ Hotel Reservation: August 15, 2013

    Paper Submission:

    All prospective authors are invited to submit papers through the online paper submission page. Accepted papers will be published in the proceedings of the ISR 2013.

    Robot World 2013:

    The world best robot festival, "Robot World 2013", will be held concurrently in KINTEX. This event will provide exciting opportunities by bringing together professionals from robot industry, and robot enthusiasts.

    ISR2013 Secretariat

    Tel : +82-42-472-7460
    Fax : +82-42-472-7459
    E-mail : isr2013@isr2013.org
    Web : www.isr2013.org ]]>         <![CDATA[Universal Robots, Denmark - IFR-Partner]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:56:56 +0000 "The robot gives a boost to a young company like mine. It helps pay a fair amount of our monthly operation costs, which has already resulted in a bottom line profit during the first financial year," explains managing director Morten Nymann, who co-founded Nymann Teknik with three investors in 2010. "Small robots are the future here in Denmark. They are not looking to steal our jobs. On the contrary, they create more work for the Danes," Morten Nymann adds. Today, the machine shop consists of a handful of employees. Employees at Nymann Teknik are in charge of the quality control of finished products. This is why the robot's daily operation is during the 10-12 hours employees are present at the factory.

    Local industrial customers

    Nymann Teknik is situated in Hobro in Western Denmark. The company manufactures various stainless steel work pieces.  Industries such as the pump and wind turbine sectors are included in the customer portfolio. Most customers are based in this region. "A large number of customers in the industry prefer a local production, as this helps to ensure high quality and high security of supply. The robot from Universal Robots enables us to manufacture products at a cost matching the total costs of outsourcing the work to Asia," says Morten Nymann. Nymann's investor and co-founder, Jan Rømsgaard, has 40 years of experience working with robots and automation within the tile industry. He was the one to suggest Nymann Teknik invest in a robot from Universal Robots. "The price is really quite reasonable. The purchasing price is between a third and a fourth of an average annual salary in this country. In this way, the robots provide an additional contribution margin," Rømsgaard explains. "Actually, I do not understand how Universal Robots' distributors are able to deliver the robot at such a low price. The robot, however, provides excellent opportunities for maintaining expertise and production in Europe," he adds.

    Low installation costs - Very easy to work with

    Nymann Teknik paid a visit to one of Universal Robots' distributors, KSN Industri A/S, to watch a demonstration of the UR robot in a test setup. The demonstration convinced Morten Nymann this was indeed the right investment. The distributor visited Nymann Teknik only once - to deliver the robot. Since then, the robot has run impeccably and is described by the company as both thrifty and reliable. It is equipped with two pneumatic catch arms including adapters. "We simply took the robot out of the box and plugged it in. In an hour and a half, we had created the first program. After seven hours, the robot was working in production. My employees taught themselves how to program it," explains Morten Nymann adding that the robot paid itself off in a mere three months. The fact that the robot can work alongside personnel with no safety shielding is of great importance to Nymann Teknik. "This meant lower costs for installation. The robot only requires a simple fixture which saves space, and the operation of the robot is made easier by the fact that tools are effortlessly exchanged. At the same time, possible errors are easily detected," Morten Nymann explains.

    Robot creates a new market


    Electric project manager Thomas Andersen from KSN Industri advised Nymann Teknik about the choice of automation. He is very pleased to include the robots from Universal Robots in the company's product line. "The UR robots have created an entirely new market for automation where completely different tasks can now be automated. Previously, we were not able to offer a profitable robot solution to feed lathes with various materials," says Andersen.

    "To solve tasks like the ones at Nymann Teknik there are no alternatives to the robots from Universal Robots. Solutions with other robot types will be at least twice as expensive to purchase and such an investment would not be profitable for them." KSN Industri is experiencing a significant increase in the number of requests for the Danish robots from Universal Robots. At the same time, the distributor is happy with the fact that the robots are so reliable that so far no complaints have been registered.

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Reis, Germany - IFR-Partner]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:29:01 +0000 Blue Competence - experienced reality for Reis Robotics On Automatica 2012 the special introduction of VDMA 'Blue Competence' has met excellent feedback and praise from the specialist audience. Among the participating companies, Reis Robotics belongs to those which not only engage in permanent innovation projects, but have also already demonstrated sustainable success in practical use. Reis has established that it is possible to save plenty of energy even in the very energy-intensive die casting industry without any negative impact on the products - rather the contrary. The following article - with the specific example of Pierburg - demonstrates what is presently possible. Increase of efficiency is possible in very many areas of automation technology. This begins with the robot and its power consumption through to the control systems in the robot which may contribute as energy managers, controlling the various systems involved in the process so they will not consume more energy than really necessary for the process. High process know-how on the part of the automation specialists is a precondition for this, because Blue Competence also is a question of consulting. Reis Robotics, as a turnkey supplier of total systems, is able to offer solutions optimizing the complete process and integrating all connected systems - not only robots - in a central control arrangement. Experience shows that it is not the robots which are the biggest energy consumers, but the entire peripheral equipment.

    Melting, casting and yet saving energy

    Potential savings in the foundry are not evident at first sight; in fact metal is molten and then in the die casting procedure is injected into a die with high pressure. How can you save anything here? Reis Robotics has made measurements and examinations about that for many years and the results are often very surprising: In many foundries which are not yet optimized, more than 40 percent of the energy consumption takes place in standby operation without the production process itself! And the robot is one of the lowest consumers in this. Many systems - in many cases inadvertently - are not switched off in standby operation between the production cycles but keep on consuming current. Analyzing a conventional 800 ton standard casting cell, the trim press alone in standby operation consumed about five times as much current as all other peripheral units! This way annual energy costs in the five-figure range may soon arise without having anything produced at all. If you consider that the effective production time makes merely 60 percent of the total duty cycle, the saving potential becomes evident. Dr. Michael Wenzel, general manager of Reis Group Holding: "We, too, were surprised how much energy is unnecessarily consumed in some systems. And this is just where the competence of Reis becomes effective, because the final question is how to optimize the energy consumption for an entire process or system. But this step also is only efficient and economic if optimization itself does not cause new high costs."

    Example from practical use - Pierburg relies on innovative control of the casting cells

    Pierburg in Nettetal, Germany used numerous die casting processes for many years in an almost unchanged manner. In view of rising energy costs and against the background of a planned move (2014) the plan arose to optimize the automated processes regarding cycle time and use of energy. Without keeping to the normal procedure all of the operations were put to the test. For example, on the basis of several decades of experience the idea was developed to split punching and trimming into two steps so that after the rough cut the fine cut will run free from faults. Air cooling of the castings also turned out to have improved in the project since during further processing no blast agent will stick to angular, still moist contours. The goal was development of a flexible standard cell for a multitude of products saving energy wherever it is not needed - at least temporarily. In the project with Reis Robotics a sample cell was created which has been operative since mid-2012 and which distinguishes itself by considerable improvement in energy efficiency. Detailed energy consumption analyses were made by Reis before using the cell. The resulting findings were utilized in the project with regard to energy saving. Prerequisite for optimal energy saving was a superimposed control level being able to map the most diversified products and to vary the cycles for all connected system components and peripheral units accordingly. Based on impulses from Pierburg in the course of the project the idea was generated to develop a so-called head control with freely programmable production sequences together. Depending on product, paused system parts thus can enter a sleep mode operation. For instance to switch off those drives which are not needed at the moment already saves a lot of energy. The suction hood over the casting machine, the press drives, the robots, and the cooling fans are switched off at the push of a button on the central operating unit or automatically by the central controller. Besides this, there are weekend and pause buttons to centrally switch off all media, drives, and lights which were likely to be forgotten before. Due to this innovation in automation technology, Pierburg is realizing energy savings of up to 30 percent! 

    Savings also in the parts cooling area

    First, energy is used for the melting process and casting itself, then further energy is required for cooling the parts before further processing. Reis Robotics established that considerable savings potential can be leveraged by an intelligent control. In quench tanks Reis more and more often uses thermostatic cooling water controls and automatic switch-off of the cooling water circulation in order not to waste this energy unnecessarily. Furthermore, a certain casting residual heat is absolutely desirable for fast drying of the parts. For cooling of castings with air Reis Robotics recommends the use of speed-controlled fans and an automatic switch-off at all deposit places in the cooling shelf where there is no casting. In the cooling shelf from Pierburg there is space for ten castings. Sensors in the shelf recognize when a part is inserted and only then switch on the relevant fan for a defined time. Temperature sensors are also possible and have already been considered in the control.

    Process steps upon need

    At Pierburg the robot picks the parts from the shelf after cooling and feeds them to the next work step. Now follows insertion into the two Reis trim presses. Activated by the head control, their drives stand still until a work step is waiting again. A conveyor system transports the scraps into a bucket; from there the scraps are fed to melting-down. This system part, too, will be switched off centrally as soon as no transport is necessary.

    Savings potential at the automation hardware

    Robots in an automated die casting cell comparatively contribute little for energy consumption. Reis Robotics still made some optimization for saving energy. Generally, the control ROBOTstarV is in a position to switch off the drives of the robot if these are not used. As soon as the control gets the signal for the next work step from the connected peripheral equipment, same will be activated again immediately - comparable to a screen saver. Even more is possible as Reis Robotics proves again and again. Energy efficient drive motors and innovative servo controllers allow further energy savings. Modified drive motors reduce heating and at the same time lower the expenditure for control cabinet cooling. Modified servo-converters of the drive components use the brake energy of a robot axis by buffering it in an intermediate circuit for subsequent acceleration of another axis. Furthermore, the intelligent control ROBOTstar allows to accelerate drives only as fast as required - not as possible - in order to meet the required process speeds. These optimizations in total save a considerable share of energy as the following diagram explains graphically:

    Comparison of the movement speeds with/without energy optimizer and comparison of the required energy

    Trim presses from Reis have a so-called load-sensing. This function allows even faster pro-duction if the full performance is not required, and saves energy. Pumps no longer feed against overpressure valves with full capacity and thus generate less heat loss.

    Reis also included the motors of these pumps in its considerations. New highly energy effi-cient motors in Reis presses save the additional procurement costs very quickly. The break-even for a 15 kW electric motor is already reached with a service life of approx. 1000 hours - very short in industrial routine. A 22 kW motor reaches this effect after only 600 hours of operation!

    The central control of Reis Robotics can optimize the provision of compressed air because same is a very energy intensive and thus an expensive medium. Each saving here has an immediate measurable effect on the operating costs.

    Excursus: Saving with crucible furnaces

    According to experience from Reis Robotics, for some crucible furnace the temperature may be slightly reduced without impairing the safety or quality of the casting process. An example explains that more than 50 percent of energy can be saved in aluminum casting if the tem-perature is lowered by only 40°C. If the crucible is also furnished with a flap cover during the time when nothing is taken out, which is relatively cheap and can be easily retrofitted, even more cash can be saved again. Minor lowering of the molten metal temperature and a covering for the crucible furnace can help saving a lot of energy.

    Multiplication of good experience

    Pierburg is convinced of the savings possibilities and of the production flexibility Reis Robot-ics enables with the new 'head-controlled" casting cell. Therefore the responsible persons intensively use the time until moving of the foundry for vast tests and setting work. After all, it is planned to multiply the flexible casting cell at the new site. Two to three further cells will be installed at the old site even before 2014. The foundry management at Pierburg sees an enormous advantage of the controls also in the fact that today troubleshooting can be made in the program even via remote access from Reis directly from their Frankfurt area headquarters - and thus without any travel charges. Thus, the systems for the new site will be not only considerably more economical, but will already be completely installed for an on-time start in the year 2014. Author: Stephan H. Gursky ]]>         <![CDATA[Stäubli, France - IFR Partner]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:55:14 +0000 Model and tool making manager Gerhard Fürst is convinced of the merits of robot processing The POLYTEC GROUP ranks as one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality plastic parts operating at 21 sites and employing over 3,500 people worldwide. With headquarters in the Austrian town of Hörsching, the company has made a name for itself as a manufacturer of plastic and stainless steel OEM parts for top global brands in the automotive industry. While some divisions in the group have increasingly turned to supplying markets outside the automotive industry, Hörsching-based POLYTEC CAR STYLING is entirely focused on the vehicular sector. In collaboration with the automotive industry, the company designs, develops and produces exterior plastic parts both for series production and as OEM components. Services include design, CAD engineering, mold making and tooling, production and all the associated logistics. It is the pursuit of excellence and the use of cutting-edge technologies that characterize this Austrian manufacturer. No wonder, then, that POLYTEC CAR STYLING, a specialist manufacturer of car spoilers, has been on the lookout for modern processing methods for the production line, since up until now, machining of holes and cut-outs in plastic panels has been done manually, as has finishing prior to painting.
    Innovative solution: The robot systems has
    demonstrated its merits in model an mold
    making under the toughest conditions.                                                   
    The robot cell is equipped with an automatic tool-changing station.

    New method with many advantages

    Since March 2012, an innovative robot station has been doing things very differently. In the short time since commissioning, the brand new facility which produces front spoilers and other components for renowned sports car manufacturers has already proven its worth. A Stäubli six-axis TX200 robot offers many benefits - precision and reliability - and has numerous applications, as Gerhard Fürst, model and tool making manager at POLYTEC CAR STYLING, told us: "The robot is a genuine all-rounder. We currently use it for milling, drilling and sanding of front panels for various exterior parts. With the robot, we can machine plastic components quickly and economically in one pass and with a high degree of precision." In order to complete the full range of tasks, the robotic station is equipped with an automatic tool-changing station, enabling the TX200 to select the tool required. To complete machining of a front spoiler, the task is sequenced as follows: holes are first drilled, cut-outs milled and then the surface is sanded for painting. The robot performs these complex tasks with a high degree of precision in a matter of minutes.

    Robotic manufacturing and manual labor side by side

    A quick look back at the traditional way of working with patterns and molds reveals the quantum leap that has taken place with the arrival of the robot station. When Gerhard Fürst gets out the mechanical jig previously used to produce Aston Martin front spoilers, the differences as compared to robotic processing become immediately obvious. Eight power tools, ranging from router to drill are grouped around the elaborate, complicated piece of equipment. The operator had to carry out each processing step manually, selecting the equipment needed for each particular task in turn. A time-consuming quality control check then had to be carried out to make sure that all tasks had been properly performed. Modern robot machining is very different. The operator just places the front spoiler in the robot station's clamping device and starts the program by simply scanning the component code. The six-axis robot takes care of everything else, and the only task remaining is some manual finishing of the plastic parts, deburring holes and cut-outs in poorly accessible places. The policy at POLYTEC is not to pursue the goal of full automation at any price, but to have a sensible degree of automation that ensures maximum efficiency. Gerhard Fürst: "Our mix of hand finishing and automatic robot machining gives us a high degree of flexibility and excellent productivity. It is particularly worth noting that this hybrid solution ensures efficiency and quality at the highest level, which is exactly what our customers in the automotive industry value."

    The exemplary precision of the Stäubli TX200 makes it
    ideal for the manufacture of front spoilers.

    This highly complex rig for manual processing was
    replaced by the innovative robot solution.

    Efficiency and quality

    Another plus for the client: the robot station removes the dread of making alterations to components. Gerhard Fürst: "With just a few clicks of the mouse, we can now carry out modifications to tools and equipment that in the past would have been extremely labor intensive and costly." And at the same time, the quality of the robot machining is never in doubt. Every hole and cut-out is perfect, thanks to the robot's precision. Everyone at POLYTEC CAR STYLING is also extremely impressed with the 100% repeatability of the robot's high-precision machining. Process reliability is thereby ensured, guaranteeing that even the most rigorous OEM standards can be met. Neither management nor employees are in any doubt about the worth of the investment made in the robot station, since it fulfills the entire range of the factory's varied requirements perfectly. Gerhard Fürst tells us that there were several reasons behind the decision to acquire the big Stäubli six-axis TX200: "Firstly, Stäubli's team took a lot of time to fully assess the task in hand, and secondly, the TX200 fits the bill wonderfully well due to its superior drive technology. The robot is not only very precise and nimble but is totally reliable, even in dusty conditions, thanks to its fully enclosed design. Moreover, it has a large 2.2-metre working range that will safely take care of all our applications." Stäubli Logo ]]>         <![CDATA[Fanuc Robotics Europe - IFR Partner]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:22:04 +0000 FANUC has added a new 3kg payload parallel link robot to its high-speed Genkotsu Series. The FANUC M-2iA fills a gap between the existing 1kg and 6kg arms providing a large work envelope, with high throughput performance for mid-range assembly and handling tasks.

    ]]>     FANUC has added a new 3kg payload parallel link robot to its high-speed Genkotsu Series.  The FANUC M-2iA fills a gap between the existing 1kg and 6kg arms providing a large work envelope, with high throughput performance for mid-range assembly and handling tasks.Two variants of the M2-iA are introduced, a standard reach and a long reach, to address a wide range of applications in the food, electronics and general manufacturing sectors.  Both arms are 4 axes, the fourth axis being a wrist rotation providing speeds up to 3,500 degrees per second.The parallel link structure allows higher speeds and greater accuracy than conventional SCARA type assembly arms.

    Handling a test payload of 1kg the M-2iA will complete the standard pick and place trial of 25mm up, 305mm linear and 25mm down in just 0.27 seconds, 222 cycles per minute, at +/- 0.1mm repeatability. Aimed at assembly and packing operations the parallel link structure is the ideal line builder solution where space is confined; the cylindrical work envelope, up to 400mm deep and 1,130mm in diameter is concentric to the robot mounting base making it straight-forward to position and guard relative to peripheral equipment. A hollow wrist design allows for control cabling and pneumatics to be routed neatly avoiding snagging, helping to make programming faster and allowing fast wrist rotations.

    The FANUC M-2iA is controlled by the new energy saving 30iB controller, FANUC's latest generation of intelligent controller. Packed with smart features the 30iB is compact and when used in multi robot systems can be stacked to save valuable space.  Features include iRVision, real time interactive iPendant Touch, Learning Vibration Control (LVC) for path optimisation auto motor braking for power saving.  All that the robot requires to benefit from iRVision is a camera and a cable to connect it to the controller - a housing is provided in the robot body to position a camera above the wrist.
     

    Fanuc Europe logo ]]>         <![CDATA[Fanuc Robotics Europe - IFR Partner]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:09:25 +0000 FANUC has introduced the latest version of its successful LR Mate 200 robot.  Ideally suited for integration into special purpose machinery the LR Mate 200iD is now more compact, faster, has increased payload and a larger work envelope. Weighing in at an overall 25kg the new LR Mate is 2kg less than its predecessor and, combined with a reduction in arm width of 15mm, the compact unit provides a cost-effective handling or transfer solution for machine and system builders. The six axes LR Mate 200iD has an increased payload, up from 5kg to 7kg with an uprated wrist assembly making longer tool offsets possible. 

    Increased joint speeds on every axes of up to 25%, together with wrist moment and wrist inertia improvements, have resulted in the LR Mate 200iD being able to perform the industry standard bench test (25mm by 300mm by 25mm) with 1kg payload 35% faster at .32sec or 187.5 cycles per min.Installation and access with the new arm is improved by the slim design and increased work envelope; reach is increased both horizontally and vertically.  Its lower weight and ceiling, wall or floor mounting options allow integrators to design machines with ease of access to reduce lost production time when re-tooling or carrying out maintenance procedures. Integrated signal cable and pneumatics can be enclosed within the robot arm, from base to forearm mounted connectors, helping to prevent snagging in confined cells and speed up programming.  In addition to air, input/output connections and up to three double-acting solenoid valves, the LR Mate can now be equipped with integrated sensor (Force or Vision), Ethernet,  and auxiliary axis cables. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD is controlled by the new energy saving 30iB controller, FANUC's latest generation of intelligent controller. Packed with smart features the 30iB is compact and when used in multi robot systems can be stacked to save valuable space.  Features include real time interactive IPendant Touch, Learning Vibration Control (LVC) for path optimisation auto motor braking for power saving. Fanuc Europe logo ]]>         <![CDATA[Schunk, USA - IFR-Partner]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:40:14 +0000 The PHL from SCHUNK comes in two versions: The pneumatic PHL and the electric EGA.

    ]]>     March 2013

    The PHL from SCHUNK comes in two versions: The pneumatic PHL and the electric EGA. The standard PHL alternatively has the bearing options of a multi-tooth guidance or a profiled rail guidance, which increases the degree of efficiency of the gripper. For many applications, smaller and more cost-efficient sizes can now be selected. Thus over-sizing is avoided, the air consumption and energy is minimized, and the required space for applications is reduced. With multi-tooth jaw guidance, the PHL is particularly suitable for rough environments. The gripper can be equipped with roller bearings and profiled rail guidance, achieving a higher degree of efficiency. The carriage for the gripper fingers are equipped with ball bearings, which minimizes friction and evenly distributes forces. Since the jaw guide is sealed and permanently lubricated, the bearing capacity of the gripper increases and reduces wear. Users benefit from the reliability, precision and long service life of the gripper. The PHL is available in five sizes with piston diameters between 25-63 mm (1"-2.5"), generating gripping forces up to 3250N (740 lbf). The long stroke ranges up to 320 mm (12.5") of total stroke and the maximum admissible finger length is 500mm (20") which increases the flexibility in design. Every size is available as a special version with Vinton seals for high temperatures of up to 130 °C (266° F). Gripper positions can be monitored by inductive proximity switches or magnetic switches. The electric version of the PHL is the EGA and is the most flexible standard long-stroke gripper on the market. Due to the easy integration of the system's control unit, all the features can be transferred from the current system onto the module,
    and offers the advantage of a direct
    interpolation and control of additional robot axes.  

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Reis Robotics, Germany - IFR-Partner]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:18:18 +0000
    The integrated cable channel in the upper arm of the robot structure ensures the 3D mobility of the system. At the same time the mechanic loads on the fiber optic cable is greatly reduced. Also the solution for laser hybrid welding is unequaled. Depending on the design, the weld robot incl. sensors can be guided via the 6th robot axis without additional adjusting axes.  For the new laser robot, Reis Robotics sees applications in the rail vehicle, container, or heavy construction machinery, but also in the general industry, in building construction machinery and in the automotive industry. Economical welding of crane jibs, side walls for railway wagons, or also bumpers for vehicles is possible, for  instance. reis logo
    ]]>         <![CDATA[Adept, USA - IFR-Partner]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:06:47 +0000 January 2013 Adept Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADEP), a leading provider of intelligent robots and autonomous mobile solutions announced the introduction of the Adept FlexiBowl®, an innovative vision-based robotic parts feeding solution available as an option on all Adept robot systems. The Adept FlexiBowl® utilizes circular band tracking to simplify and speed the robotic acquisition of component parts used in assembly, handling and kitting applications. Adept FlexiBowl® is capable of quickly separating and orienting a wide variety of parts made from diverse materials including plastic, metal, rubber and silicone. "Unlike traditional vibratory bowl feeders, which have limited flexibility due to their high level of customization, the Adept FlexiBowl® utilizes Adept vision technology to create a truly flexible standard parts feeding solution that can be deployed and redeployed quickly eliminating the time, cost and complexity associated with traditional parts feeding," said Robert Cain, president and chief executive officer of Adept Technology. "The Adept FlexiBowl® dramatically increases the flexibility of a robotic system opening up new applications to automation and increasing the competitiveness of manufacturers around the world." ]]> <![CDATA[Adept, USA - IFR-Partner]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:30:18 +0000 Picture: The Adept Lynx self-navigating Autonomous Indoor Vehicle is designed for autonomously moving materials from point to point which may include confined passageways as well as dynamic and peopled locations ]]> <![CDATA[TIROS 2013]]> Thu, 2 May 2013 10:59:22 +0000 <![CDATA[AUTOMATICA 2014]]> Thu, 2 May 2013 09:53:40 +0000 <![CDATA[AUTOMATE 2015]]> Thu, 2 May 2013 09:49:19 +0000 <![CDATA[European Robotics Week 2013]]> Thu, 7 Mar 2013 10:35:30 +0000 <![CDATA[Brazil Automation ISA 2013]]> Tue, 5 Mar 2013 10:01:14 +0000 <![CDATA[EURATHLON]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:46:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ISR 2013]]> Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:12:28 +0000 <![CDATA[IERA Award Session and Presentation]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:44:56 +0000 <![CDATA[Robot Safety Standard (R15.06) & Robot Risk Assessment Training Seminar]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:39:45 +0000 <![CDATA[Robot Safety Standard (R15.06) & Robot Risk Assessment Training Seminar]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:33:42 +0000 <![CDATA[Robot Safety Standard (R15.06) & Robot Risk Assessment Training Seminar]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:26:42 +0000 <![CDATA[Robot Design, Integrated Controls & Software Architectures of Industrial Robotics Webinar]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:22:48 +0000 <![CDATA[Basics of Robot End Effectors Webinar]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:15:41 +0000 <![CDATA[iREX 2013]]> Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:06:47 +0000 <![CDATA[IATF 2013]]> Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:01:21 +0000 <![CDATA[ICRA 2013]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:40:57 +0000 committee of experts in various fields of research.]]> <![CDATA[CIROS]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:33:28 +0000 <![CDATA[ROBOTICA]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:48:40 +0000 <![CDATA[Joseph F. Engelberger Awards]]> Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:05:44 +0000 The Engelberger Awards Presentation will be held at the Gala Dinner of the International Symposium on Robotics in Seoul.]]> <![CDATA[20th Annual Robotics Industry Forum]]> Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:05:06 +0000