As motorists look to enhance their driving experience, sunroofs are growing in popularity and variety. One of the newer types is the panoramic sunroof, which provides openings above both the front and rear seats.
The new, compact C4 six-axis robot from EPSON Robots can perform a standard cycle—move a part 1 inch up, 12 inches across, 1 inch down, and back again—in just 0.37 second.
Methods Machine Tools has built top-notch automation equipment in North America since the late 1950s. It has seven regional technical centers across the United States, including one in Wixom, MI, that focuses on automotive applications.
Engineers at Harvard University have developed a robot that assembles itself into a complex shape in four minutes and then crawls away without any human intervention. It was inspired by origami and a classic children’s toy.
GUANGZHOU, China—Robots are playing a greater role in Chinese industry as manufacturers there feel the pressure of a severe worker shortage and soaring labor costs.
MILWAUKEE—Automotive supplier Johnson Controls Inc. and apparel maker Adidas have launched a research project to study the viability of using robots to sew shoes, athletic wear, and the upholstery for vehicle seats.
EVERETT, WA—Kuka Aerospace plans to open a new 29,000-square-foot facility here adjacent to Boeing’s assembly plant. The facility will employ 75 people when fully operational.
ANN ARBOR, MI—Fueled by strong demand from manufacturing companies in all sectors, the North American robotics industry is off to its fastest start ever in 2014, according to the Robotic Industries Association.