MUNICH— Universal Robots has introduced a new collaborative robot with a 20-kilogram payload capacity.  The UR20 cobot has an entirely new joint design that will allow for faster cycle times as well as the ability to handle heavier loads. Its 1,750-millimeter reach has been designed to work to the full height of the standard Euro-pallet, while its small footprint will allow companies to achieve more within their existing production space.

BEIJING—China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology agency said last week that the country's automobile sector is back to normal, with both output and sales in May increasing more than 50 percent from April. Major suppliers SAIC Motor and SKF concur.

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI—On Monday, Stellantis began indefinite layoffs of workers at its Sterling Stamping Plant here. A spokeswoman did not disclose how many workers will be affected.

DEERFIELD, IL—Caterpillar Inc. recently announced it will move its global headquarters to the company’s existing office in Irving, TX, from its current location here.

LEETSDALE, PA—Pittsburgh-based steel fabricator BCI Steel CO. and solar-tracker manufacturer Nextracker will hold a dedication ceremony next week to reopen the historic Bethlehem steel factory, which is being repurposed to make tracker equipment for large solar power plants.

CAMBRIDGE, MA and STANFORD, CA—A team of MIT and Stanford University researchers have developed a machine-learning-based system that increases the feasibility of manufacturing perovskite solar cells, which have an energy conversion efficiency of 18.5 percent.

WATERLOO, IA—Deere & Co. recently announced that it is transferring tractor cab production from its plant here to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, in 2024.

BIG LAKE, MN—Pontoon company Premier Marine is moving its headquarters to an 85-acre campus here later this year from a facility in Wyoming, MN, to increase production.

GERMANTOWN, WI—Ellsworth Corp. has acquired TapeCase Ltd. TapeCase’s converting services and tape offerings will complement the Ellsworth’s portfolio of products and services, which includes B2B distribution of adhesives and specialty chemicals, dispensing equipment, custom formulation and repackaging.

KITCHENER, ON—Christie Digital Systems USA Inc. is using robots to automate assembly of its MicroTile LEDs at its new factory here. The robots have tripled output of the line.