Robotics Assembly

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BOSTON—Researchers at MIT have programmed assembly robots to not only realize when they’ve failed at a task, but to also determine if they actually have any chance of succeeding. If the answer is no, they can ask a human for help, specifying what needs to get done, and what robot needs assistance.

PLEASANTON, CA—Adept Technology Inc. will host a series of educational webinars this fall on topics such as vision-guided robotics, automated packaging, and control software.

SPARTANBURG, SC—BMW has taken a step toward revolutionizing the role of robots in automotive manufacturing by having a handful of robots work side by side with human workers at its assembly plant here.

AUBURN HILLS, MI—Esys Automation has received an order for a turnkey automated dispensing system froma major European automotive manufacturer. The multiple robot system will dispense sealants and sound-deadening materials.

PLEASANTON, CA—Robotics supplier Adept Technology Inc. is hosting an automation conference Oct. 15-17 at its headquarters here.

BRUSSELS—Seven European countries are involved in a project to test a robotic exoskeleton suit that can be worn by factory workers.

Standardization is a key concept behind lean manufacturing. It allows assemblers to reduce variation, increase consistency, cut costs and improve productivity by following a prescribed set of work instructions.

SALZGITTER, Germany—Volkswagen uses a lightweight six-axis robot to install glow plugs at its engine assembly plant here. The robot works directly with people on the line, without any guards.

Semiconductor processing equipment is a notoriously demanding application for motion control engineers. Extreme precision, reliability and smoothness are absolute requirements. At the same time, space is at a premium.

PLEASANTON, CA—Robotics supplier Adept Technology Inc. has opened an application and demo center in Amherst, NH.