Robotics and Automation - Articles, Stories & Interviews
Robots in Hazardous Areas: What the Certificate Register Shows, and What to Settle Before You Specify One
This article looks at where those areas tend to be, what the international register of certified robots actually contains, and the five questions a plant should settle before a robot goes in.
Beyond the Demo: How to Evaluate Humanoid Robots on Evidence That Matters
Humanoid robotics has reached an awkward but important stage. The machines are capable enough to produce remarkable demonstrations, yet the market is still young enough that a polished video can easily be mistaken for proof of commercial readiness.
Elmo Motion Control Talks About Their Newest Servos
At the core of the Titanium platform is a unique combination of multi-axis control, high computing power, and integrated functional safety, all within an exceptionally small footprint.
Why Robot Cabling Fails: Selecting M8 and M12 Connectors for Moving Applications
Datasheet-correct does not always mean application-correct. The more useful question is not simply, “Which connector fits?” It is, “How will this connection behave throughout the robot’s actual motion envelope?”
Why Mobile Manipulators are Taking over Warehouses
The question is no longer whether mobile manipulation can work. It is where it should be deployed first. Traditional goods-to-person systems will not disappear overnight. They will continue to make sense for certain facilities and workflows.
Design Challenges and Solutions for Underwater Robot Power Systems
This article first examines the basic requirements of underwater robot power systems, then analyzes the key challenges encountered in practical design and the corresponding solutions, before introducing underwater thruster solutions for different applications.
Simplifying High-Density Warehouse Automation
The HaiPick Climb system was designed around a practical question: How can warehouses gain the storage density and throughput associated with AS/RS while making the solution easier to implement, operate, maintain and expand?
Robotics and Automation - Featured Stories
Before the First Cobot Arrives: Seven IT Questions for the Small Shop Buying One
The seven questions below take about an hour with your integrator before the cell ships. They are much harder to answer after it is bolted to the floor and making parts.
Sizing AMR Charging Fleets: Why Availability Is Decided at the Charging Point, Not in the Battery
This article walks through how AMR charging actually works and offers a practical way to size the charging side of a fleet before you commit to a layout.
With precision and clear vision: robots work autonomously in wire harness manufacturing
Thanks to its intuitive user guidance, MERLIC enables users to get started quickly with developing a machine vision application without requiring in-depth knowledge of programming or image processing. “For innovative companies such as Cellios, time to market is crucial.
Robotics and Automation - News Headlines
OnRobot Launches 2FGP20 Fork, a Ready-to-Deploy Electric Gripper for Challenging Palletizing Applications
The first globally available, out-of-the-box tool for this type of packaging handles box payloads up to 16 kg (35.2 lbs) across major industrial and collaborative robot brands, delivering immediate customer value by replacing costly custom engineering with plug-and-play simplicity.
ABB Robotics introduces two new high-performance robots for precision manufacturing
-New, compact IRB 1700 and IRB 1700ID deliver up to 20% shorter cycle times with higher motion accuracy, higher payloads
-Meeting growing demand for high-speed and precision manufacturing, from electronics to automotive
-Lower total cost of ownership by reducing power consumption and increasing service intervals
ABB Robotics enables anyone to train, deploy and optimize AI-powered robotics applications
-ABB Robotics expands OmniCore EyeMotion with AI Robot Trainer to simplify the deployment and scaling of AI-powered vision applications
-Connects image acquisition, AI model training, deployment and continuous improvement in a single industrial workflow, converting perception into intelligent robot motion.
-The addition accelerates commissioning by up to 90%, cuts cycle times by up to 50% and makes Industrial AI accessible to non-experts.a
Electromate Highlights Tolomatic RSX128 Electric Actuator with Force up to 100,000 lbf
Roller screw actuator supports hydraulic cylinder replacement in demanding industrial applications
XTEND to Showcase Physical AI Ecosystem and XOS-Powered Robotic Platforms at AUSA 2026
Booth 7207 to feature hands-on mission simulator, connected platforms across five mission sets, the XTEND Marketplace, and Gauntlet II Top Performer STRIKER; XTEND NEST integration with AM General UGV on display at AM General booth
Robotics and Automation - Featured Product
US Digital's New L2 Low Profile Motor Encoder
The L2 incremental encoder uses US Digital's proven EM1 optical encoder module and disk, which has billions of device-hours of dependable service in customer applications. This product continues US Digital's strong reputation for reliable, field-tested encoders. The L2 is US Digital's lowest height encoder that uses the EM1 module. It has a 0.75 in. bolt-spacing mount. The maximum resolution is 1250 CPR (5000 PPR with quadrature). The L2 comes with a single-ended output. Another benefit of the L2 incremental encoder is its fast installation. The cover snaps onto the base to secure the module. It is designed for use with a high-retention connector or cable (sold separately). Like all US Digital products, the L2 is designed and manufactured in Vancouver, Washington, USA. It is backed by prompt access to our technical and customer service teams with same-day shipping on most orders.
Robotics and Automation - Featured Company
Harmonic Drive LLC
Harmonic Drive LLC (HDLLC) designs and manufactures precision servo actuators, gearheads and gear components. Harmonic Drive® gears play critical roles in robotics, medical diagnostics and surgical robotics. We work with industry-leading customers and companies of all sizes to provide both standard product and custom-engineered solutions. The majority of the products sold by HDLLC are proudly made at our US headquarters and manufacturing facility in Massachusetts.
