DIVERSE IMPROVEMENT
As companies embrace automation, the advancement of robotic solutions in packaging has become a top priority.
By Bobby Douglas
The embrace of robotics in packaging makes sense, as the industry continues to strive for error-free and efficient production. Proper use of this emerging technology can streamline all phases of the packaging process, while also assuaging companies’ concerns regarding workforce turnover. Improvements in the robotics field have shown up in a variety of ways.
As an example, ABB recently launched AppStudio, a no-code software tool that allows users of all experience levels to create customized robotic interfaces. The new software is said to reduce setup times by 80 percent.
Additionally, Mantis Robotics secured $5 million in new investments for its work with Physical AI, through which the company created adaptive, human-centered robots. The investments will allow Mantis to expand its operations and presence in the market.
Finally, Rethink Robotics unveiled its new line of Rethink Reacher collaborative robots at IMTS last September. The line is highly adaptable, as it can be integrated into diverse workplaces, and it comes with useful accessories like grippers and vision systems.
Learn more about these solutions below.
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ABB Launches No-Code Software Tool for Customized Robot Programming
ABB has launched AppStudio, an intuitive no-code software tool designed to empower users of all experience levels to quickly and easily create customized robotic user interfaces. With intuitive functionality and features including a collaborative cloud-based library enabling users to share application templates, AppStudio will reduce setup times by up to 80 percent.
“A growing shortage of skilled labor requires the further simplification of automation and programming, especially among small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) where complexity is seen as a major barrier to implementing robotic automation,” said Marc Segura, President ABB Robotics Division. “Designed for novices and experts alike, AppStudio is an exciting addition to ABB’s current software offering. By making it easier to create robot interfaces, it will save users significant time on setup and allow for fast and seamless robot integration across diverse applications.”
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Compatible with all ABB robots on the OmniCore controller platform, AppStudio offers unprecedented flexibility and ease for creating customized robotic user interfaces. After installing the software, users can repurpose a previously used setup or select from a cloud-based library of templates, models, modules and examples enabling them to select options in twenty languages. Alternatively, customized interfaces can be created to fit any device and application, including the OmniCore Flex-Pendant, tablets and mobile phones.
AppStudio also supports customers migrating from the IRC5 controller to the OmniCore platform, significantly reducing the time needed to rebuild interfaces from days to minutes. This feature ensures a smooth transition to the latest technology, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
With intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, AppStudio offers simplified configuration where users can add icons, dropdown menus, buttons, and other functions to tailor the interface to their specific needs. It also supports more advanced users, who can build custom interface elements using a JavaScript-based component kit, enabling a high degree of customization. Once developed, these elements can be shared with other users for streamlined project collaboration.
Once an interface has been created, it can be deployed to the ABB robot or a digital twin in ABB’s RobotStudio programming tool. Through this connection, the robot can be programmed to carry out specific commands, such as performing an action or opening a gripper.
Together with ABB’s Wizard Easy Programming tool and RobotStudio, AppStudio makes the ABB robot portfolio one of the easiest to program, marking the start of a new chapter that will see robots being opened to a new audience of potential users.
AppStudio is available as a free download from ABB’s website.
The new software will help companies deal with a shortage of skilled labor.
Courtesy of ABB
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Mantis Robotics Secures $5 Million to Redefine Robotics through Physical AI
Mantis Robotics, a pioneer in Physical AI for robotic automation, recently announced that it has secured $5 million in new investments led by Emerald Technology Ventures with participation from the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. This cash infusion will enable Mantis Robotics to scale its operations, enhance its product portfolio and expand its presence in the rapidly growing industrial robotics market.
Mantis has entered the next frontier in robotics by creating the first adaptive, human-centered robots. The company makes industrial robotic arms that are inherently safe for human interaction, eliminating the need for costly and complex external safeguards such as fences or laser barriers. Mantis’ technology learns and understands its environment based on sensor data from a proprietary built-in sensor-suite. This enables Mantis Robots to detect obstacles and humans in its direct environment and adjust the robot’s behavior accordingly in real-time, making robot arms safe and autonomous.
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The robot’s intuitive deployment software with a 3D real-time Digital Twin, requires no technical or coding knowledge to use, making them accessible for diverse industries and users, including for ecommerce fulfillment. By reducing operational complexity, Mantis’ robot systems can result in savings of as much as 75% in a typical robotic deployment. The company’s transformative technology has the potential to advance industries far beyond manufacturing and warehousing, paving the way for a new era of human-machine collaboration.
“We built our company on the premise that robots should be an extension of the human capability,” said Gerry Vannuffelen, Founder & CEO of Mantis Robotics. “Our industry has benefited greatly from many new developments in AI-powered application software. Unfortunately, these systems do not allow for safe human-robot interaction. We provide the link between AI and the physical world, by enabling robots to interact safely and capably with humans.”
“The investment into Mantis Robotics is another bet of Emerald on the huge potential of Physical AI. We believe Mantis Robotics’ unique technology will revolutionize robotics and will enable never-seen before levels of human-machine collaboration. Mantis Robotics unlocks entirely new automation use cases initially in manufacturing and in warehousing, and in soon virtually every other domain,” said Michal Natora, Senior Investment Director at Emerald.
“At Amazon, collaborative technology is key to running safe and efficient operations. Technology can serve its best purpose when it’s human-centric and able to work seamlessly to support employees as they deliver for our customers,” said Franziska Bossart, Head of the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. “We are excited about Mantis Robotics’ science-driven approach to advancing human-machine collaboration, fostering safer and more ergonomic workplaces.”
The robots are ideal for use in ecommerce fulfillment, in addition to other areas.
Courtesy of Mantis Robotics
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Rethink Robotics Unveils New Line of Collaborative Robots at IMTS
Rethink Robotics recently returned to the market at IMTS, where it unveiled its Rethink Reacher (RE) line of collaborative robots (cobots). With a long history as a pioneer in advanced technologies and a partner for the industry when it comes to productivity and safety enhancement, Rethink Robotics celebrates its comeback with a renewed company vision, aiming to serve the North American market with better, faster, and stronger products and solutions.
The Reacher cobot line includes seven new cobot models (RE 07, 09, 13, 16, 21, 30, and 30L), handling payloads ranging from 7 to 30 kg (15–66 pounds). In addition to the cobots’ improved design, their reliable and robust hardware delivers increased precision, speed and durability, enhancing their capabilities for industrial use, supported by an IP65 rating for use in wet and dusty environments.
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RE cobots offer highest precision with ± 0.03 mm pose repeatability — suitable for even the most demanding tasks. Depending on the model, maximum speed ranges from 120 to 200 degrees per second. Reacher cobots feature collision detection to ensure workplace safety and a user-friendly, intuitive interface that feels natural and is easy to use.
Rethink Robotics’ mission is to revolutionize collaborative robotics with flexible and dependable technology that seamlessly integrates into diverse workplaces. With competitive pricing and customizable options that make robotic automation accessible for every need, RE cobots are designed to provide trusted support and reliability.
Industry insiders may remember Rethink’s former flagship Sawyer because of its unique seventh-axis architecture, hand-wrist camera, and smiling eyes. The company has grown and learned in the last years; today’s portfolio is much more mature and straightforward in the ability to handle industry needs and user expectations.
Rethink Robotics’ Reacher line comes with connectivity to a wide range of accessories, such as grippers, vision systems, rails, and other end-of-arm and peripheral tools
To learn more about Rethink Robotics, please visit the website.
