Waypoint Robotics Partners with Productive Robotics to Make Mobile Manipulation Accessible

Introducing the easiest to use and most capable collaborative mobile manipulator for companies of all sizes.

NASHUA, NH, April 12, 2021 – Waypoint Robotics has teamed with Productive Robotics to make mobile manipulation accessible for small to mid-sized companies. Combine the easiest to use, most capable omnidirectional autonomous mobile robot with the simplest and most flexible 7 axis collaborative robot arm, and it has never been easier or more cost effective to deploy a mobile manipulator for manufacturing and logistics applications. Workers can use this mobile platform to perform repetitive tasks such as machine tending, quality assurance sampling, material replenishment, packaging, and many others, so they can focus on the high skilled jobs for which they are uniquely qualified.


“The fast and intuitive set up process of the Productive Robotics OB7 perfectly aligns with our Vector AMR that is built for factory and warehouse workers to deploy in minutes rather than hours or days,” said Waypoint Robotics CEO & Co-Founder Jason Walker. “And the extraordinary dexterity of Productive’s 7 axis cobot arm coupled with Waypoint’s omnidirectional mobility opens up endless possibilities for workers to automate repetitive tasks and maximize robot utilization throughout their facility, ”


What makes it so easy? Waypoint Robotics’ Vector AMR and Product Robotics’ OB7 have been elegantly integrated so set up and operation is fast, simple, and intuitive with both machines seamlessly working together as they perform tasks. The mobile manipulator has a flexible design and interconnected safety systems that allows for either robot to be the primary controller of a particular operation. The Vector’s omnidirectional mobility enables fast, precise docking in any direction or orientation so the OB7 can perform accurate and precise grasping or picking tasks, taking full advantage of the cobots’ 7 degrees of freedom (7 DOF) and superior dexterity. Power management is also a breeze because the Waypoint EnZone provides on demand energy and opportunity charging for longer run times.


“We have made cobots simple and more accessible for businesses, large and small, across all industries,” said Zac Bogart, President of Productive Robotics. “Working with Waypoint Robotics in developing this mobile manipulator platform will open the door for factories and warehouses to innovate, optimize productivity, and gain a competitive advantage with cobots.”


The ease of use, seamless integration, and cost-effective design of Waypoint Robotics’ Vector AMR and Productive Robotics’ 7 axis cobot, make this powerful autonomous mobile manipulator a real automation option for workers in businesses of all sizes. A mobile manipulator this accessible is an industry first.


About Waypoint Robotics


Waypoint Robotics, located in Nashua, NH, develops and manufactures fully autonomous, omnidirectional, mobile robots that are easy to use, industrial strength, and designed to be set up and used by the workforce that is on the job today. VectorTM , MAV3KTM and supporting products can be put to work immediately, adding to workers’ capabilities, increasing their efficiency, and strengthening their companies.

Autonomous snowploughs tested at Oslo airport

Norwegian airport operator Avinor is now taking the next step towards autonomous snow removal through a new framework agreement regarding the purchase of self-driving runway sweepers. The self-driving technology is developed by the technology company Yeti Move AS, where Semcon is one of the co-owners.

Since the winter of 2018/2019, a number of self-driving runway sweepers are being tested at Oslo Airport. With Avinor’s new framework agreement with snowplough manufacturer Øveraasen, which runs for eight years, more autonomous vehicles will be put into operation during the winter of 2021/2022. Behind the self-driving vehicles is the technology company Yeti Move AS, which delivers the control system that runs the autonomous operations. The majority owners of Yeti Move AS are Øveraasen, Husqvarna and Semcon.

Today, efficiency and automation are high on the agenda of airlines and airport operators worldwide and the benefits of autonomous snowploughs at airports are many. In addition to cost efficiency, the new technology entails a higher capacity and greater clearing width, which makes it possible to reduce the number of vehicles and thereby achieve major environmental benefits. The system is also developed with so-called „condition monitoring“ which provides a complete overview of the equipment’s condition and possible service needs.

”The contract with Avinor is an important step in the development of Yeti Move and gives the company a world-leading position in autonomous snow removal at airports. This is a result of years of collaboration with Øveraasen as a machine supplier and Semcon as a competence partner”, says Peter Due, CEO of Yeti Move.

”Semcon has extensive experience in developing autonomous solutions, from first idea to finished solution. We have been part of Yeti Moves‘ journey from the start and are proud to have, as a development and competence partner, contributed to developing the software platform that makes autonomous operation possible”, says Hans Peter Havdal, responsible for Semcon in Norway.

Umbratek UTRA series on Kickstarter

SHENZHEN, March 29th, 2021 – Umbratek, a cutting-edge new robotic tech startup, has just released its first robotic arm series called the UTRA series on Kickstarter.
With 5 different robot arm models to choose from, the UTRA series is the world’s most powerful and most affordable modular robot on the market today.

Ranging from a 4 to 6 axis build, the arms can be easily configured with modular design for improved efficiency. Each robot is built with modular structures and can be constructed to meet your business needs. Being 90% produced in-house, the UTRA series is approximately 70% more affordable than leading worldwide competitors.

Specifications:
Payload: Up to 20kg
Repeatability: Up to ±0.01mm
Weight to Payload Ratio: Up to 0.75
Reach: Up to 1500mm
Quick-Release Module: 2s tool change speed

Driving the revolutionary UTRA series is Umbratek’s ADRA Actuator series. Each ADRA Actuator is built to last and comes with a high-precision harmonic reducer made of high-strength aviation aluminum and high-carbon chromium steel.

A high-torque density, and compact structure, enable the motor to be integrated into the actuator and lessens the actuator weight. Each actuator is fitted with high-performance servo drivers, which use field-oriented control, to protect against overvoltage, overcurrent, over-temperature, reverse connection, undervoltage ESD, short-circuiting, and rotor lock. The ADRA series also uses dual GMR+TMR hybrid detection technology and comes with a 16-bit off-axis multi-turn absolute encoder.

Evan Deng, founder, and CEO of Umbratek, stated, „Umbratek focuses on high-performance dynamic robots and control systems. We’ve spent the last few years developing simplified, customized, affordable robotic solutions for any potential needs. Our robots provide fresh energy to industrial automation, logistics, medical, agricultural, and many more settings.“

Umbratek was built with growth in mind. With meticulous design and implementation, Umbratek is always thinking forward. They want to become a world-leading enterprise in the field of dynamic robotics and control systems and continue to explore the limits of the world, working on cutting-edge technologies, and delivering knowledge and technology to those that need it.

Umbratek was founded in 2019 by the founder and CEO of UFactory. After being responsible for the revolutionization of desktop robotics, Umbratek was formed with the idea of developing quality assured robotics and robotic control systems at industry-breaking prices.
The first range of solutions that Umbratek is offering is the UTRA Robot series, the ADRA Actuator series, and their corresponding software – Umbratek Studio & Assistant.
To help Umbratek bring its UTRA series to the market, they are launching a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in March 2021.

Delta robot based mask dispenser

Necessity is the mother of invention. Currently, we have to protect ourselves and our fellow human beings. Masks help with this. But how can we make dispensing safer and easier? Creative minds and tinkerers from igus have designed a contactless mask dispenser. A Delta robot from igus is used together with the igus Robot Control. In addition, a D1 motor controller is used to drive a linear axis.

The Low Cost Automation mask dispenser now receives visitors at igus and distributes respiratory masks at the push of a button.

Delta Robot – Pre-Assembled, with Control Unit

Based on a modular system, users can choose between a compact self-assembly modular kit or pre-assembled in a transport frame. Now new with calibrating pin for easy positioning at the zero point. It is directly fixed to the mounting hub and simplifies the initial calibration process. The cable clip for the delta robot was developed for the secure guidance of lines, e.g. individual pneumatic hoses, along the coupling joint. Easy to fit, lightweight.

For more details, visit: https://rbtx.com/en/components/robots/delta-robot-pre-assembled-with-control-unit-working-area-diameter-660-mm-0053

Rotrics DexArm setup and first drawing

In this video you can see, only slightly accelerated, how quickly the Rotrics DexArm robot arm can be connected, set up and put into operation. For a first test, I let the robot arm draw my RobotsBlog logo.

Beforehand, I installed the latest firmware and software, as well as got to grips with the TouchPanel and tested its function. If you factor out this time, it takes no more than five minutes from unpacking to the first use of the robot arm.

If one forgoes the connection to the computer or the use of one’s own logo for testing purposes, the robot arm can be set up completely via the touch panel and tried out directly. This way, one could start even faster with the Rotrics DexArm and does not even need a computer.

Rotrics DexArm Installation und erste Zeichnung

In diesem Video seht ihr, nur leicht beschleunigt, wie schnell sich der Rotrics DexArm Roboterarm anschließen, einrichten und in Betrieb nehmen lässt. Für einen ersten Test, lasse ich den Roboterarm mein RobotsBlog Logo zeichnen.

Zuvor habe ich die neueste Firmware und Software installiert, sowie mich mit dem TouchPanel auseinandergesetzt und dessen Funktion getestet. Rechnet man diese Zeit heraus, so dauert es vom Auspacken bis zur erstens Verwendung des Roboterarms höchstens fünf Minuten.

Verzichtet man auf die Anbindung an den Computer oder das Verwenden eines eigenen Logos zu Testzwecken, kann der Roboterarm komplett über das Touchpanel eingerichtet und direkt ausprobiert werden. So könnte man sogar noch schneller mit dem Rotrics DexArm starten und benötigt noch nicht einmal einen Computer.

Insgesamt ist die Bedienung sehr einfach und die Software führt einen am Computer durch alle notwendigen Schritte. Hier sind keinerlei Vorkenntnisse erforderlich. Das Schreiben von Text oder Zeichnen von Grafiken mit dem Roboterarm könnte wirklich nicht einfacher sein.

Boston Dynamics Unveils New Robot for Warehouse Automation

Stretch is designed to make warehouse operations safer and more efficient

Waltham, MA – March 29, 2021 – Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, has revealed Stretch, its new box-moving robot designed to support the growing demand for flexible automation solutions in the logistics industry. This debut marks the company’s official entrance into warehouse automation, a fast-growing market fueled by increased demand in e-commerce.



Stretch is Boston Dynamics’ first commercial robot specifically designed for warehouse facilities and distribution centers, of which there are more than 150,000 globally, according to analysts. The multi-purpose mobile robot is designed to tackle a number of tasks where rapid box moving is required, first starting with truck unloading and later expanding into order building. Stretch’s technology builds upon Boston Dynamics’ decades of advancements in robotics to create a flexible, easily-integrated solution that can work in any warehouse to increase their flow of goods, improve employee safety in physically difficult tasks and lower expensive fixed automation costs.



The robot’s small, omni-directional mobile base allows Stretch to navigate loading docks, maneuver in tight spaces and adapt to changing facility layouts, eliminating the need for costly fixed automation infrastructure. It is equipped with a custom-designed lightweight arm and a smart-gripper with advanced sensing and controls that can handle a large variety of boxed and shrink wrapped cases. Stretch also includes Boston Dynamics’ computer vision technology that enables it to identify boxes easily and without extensive training for each customer. Its vision system works in tandem with pick & place activity, enabling high pick rates.



Traditional warehouse automation approaches require either installation of fixed infrastructure or mobile robots that convey goods but struggle to meet productivity requirements to be an attractive investment for warehouse operators. Stretch offers logistics providers an easier path to automation by working within existing warehouse spaces and operations, without requiring costly reconfiguration or investments in new fixed infrastructure.



“Warehouses are struggling to meet rapidly increasing demand as the world relies more on just-in-time delivery of goods,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “Mobile robots enable the flexible movement of materials and improve working conditions for employees. Stretch combines Boston Dynamics’ advancements in mobility, perception and manipulation to tackle the most challenging, injury-prone case-handling tasks, and we’re excited to see it put to work.”



Boston Dynamics is currently seeking customers to pilot test deployment of Stretch with truck unloading tasks ahead of its commercial deployment in 2022. Interested parties can apply to join the Stretch Early Adopter Program by visiting: https://www.bostondynamics.com/stretch



About Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest robotics challenges. Our core mission is to lead the creation and delivery of robots with advanced mobility, dexterity, and intelligence that add value in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces and positively impact society. We create high-performance robots equipped with perception, navigation and intelligence by combining the principles of dynamic control with sophisticated mechanical designs, cutting-edge electronics, and next-generation software. We have three mobile robots in our portfolio – Spot®, Stretch™ and Atlas® – as well as Pick™, a machine learning vision solution for warehouse automation. Founded in 1992, Boston Dynamics spun out of the MIT Leg Lab and is one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces of 2020. For more information on our company and its technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.

Orange Tart – Meet a LEGO-compatible Soccer Player Robot

Orange Tart is your family’s newest friend, as it equally attracts girls and boys, kids, and adults. In fact, Orange Tart is a Lego-compatible robot kit that enables you to build amazing striker, chipper, header, and goalkeeper robots. You can’t stop playing with them. Just choose your nation or any color combination for team wear. Using a customized joystick app, Tart Arena, and the robots, you can bring all the soccer fun in your hands and enjoy every feature of realistic robotic soccer. 


What you can Build

Orange Tart has a special board called Orange Core with a Lego-compatible case. It consists of a built-in gyro sensor, RGB LEDs, and a wireless communication device. Rechargeable battery and powerful motors that can be easily connected to Orange Core. Very convenient for kids. Unleash your creativity by building amazing soccer robots or any creature you can imagine, from insect-like robots to industrial cranes. The only limit is your imagination and physics.



What you can Learn

On the learning side, you don’t need to design your own activities. The orange Tart set comes with many STEAM activities that help your kids learn the 21st century’s essential skills. The set has story-driven challenge cards, a block-based coding language, a STEAM activity mat, and a learn-to-code curriculum book. The challenge cards are step-by-step coding missions that lead your kids on the path to becoming a coder. The block-based coding language works by dragging and dropping the function blocks that use intuitive graphics and are divided into motions, loops, light, and sound. The learn-to-code curriculum book contains hints and suggested solutions for every challenge card. Kids can do trial and error to find solutions for each challenge, which improves their creativity and problem-solving skills. In addition to coding concepts such as algorithms, kids can learn the real-world applications of math, geometry, and AI.


Let your kid’s imagination go limitless, turn the LEDs on, move your robots, and do fascinating light painting photography for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your pictures with your friends!

Kickstarter campaign

For more information on the upcoming Kickstarter campaign please check out Orange Tart page.



Der beste Partner für den Frühjahrsputz: Neato D8 ist jetzt verfügbar  

Berlin, 25. März 2021 — Neato Robotics, führender Anbieter von intelligenten Roboterstaubsaugern für den Haushalt, kündigt die deutschlandweite Verfügbarkeit des ersten Modells aus seinem neuen Premium-Sortiment an – den Neato D8.   

Pünktlich zum Frühjahrsputz erhältlich, zeichnet sich der Neato D8 durch sein Premium-Design, erstklassige Qualität, Technologie und Benutzerfreundlichkeit aus. Der Neato D8 verfügt über eine Laufzeit von bis zu 100 Minuten und einen Hochleistungsfilter, der bis zu 99% der Allergene und Feinstaubpartikel auffängt. Er besitzt einen energiesparenden Eco-Modus für den allgemeinen Gebrauch und einen leistungsstarken Turbo-Modus für Bereiche, die eine stärkere Reinigung benötigen.  

Dank des ersten D-förmigen Designs der Branche, erreicht der D8 Ecken und Kanten besser als runde Roboter und ist mit einer marktführenden breiten Reinigungsbürste und einem großen Schmutzbehälter ausgestattet. So sorgt er für eine besonders gründliche Reinigung. Die intelligenten Roboterstaubsauger von Neato nutzen die LIDAR-basierte LaserSmart™-Technologie, um Ihr Zuhause mit absoluter Präzision abzubilden und zu navigieren, ob im Dunkeln oder unter Möbeln. Infrarot-Sensoren schützen den Neato D8 vor dem Herunterfallen von Treppen oder Vorsprüngen. Ab der ersten Reinigung lernen die intelligenten Roboterstaubsauger von Neato stetig weiter und passen sich ihrer Umgebung an.   

Mit der problemlosen, Bluetooth-fähigen Einrichtung von Neato ist der Neato D8 in wenigen Minuten bereit für den Frühjahrsputz. Mit der neuen MyNeato-App werden mühelos No-Go-Zonen erstellt, um festzulegen, wo der Neato reinigt und wo nicht. Damit ist Neato die beste Wahl für ein sauberes Zuhause. 

Der Neato D8 ist ab sofort im Handel und online bei Media Markt, Saturn, Otto, Amazon und Expert sowie in Deutschland auf NeatoRobotics.com erhältlich. Halten Sie auch Ausschau nach den großen Brüdern des D8, dem D9 und dem D10, die bald verfügbar sind.   

Über Neato  

Neato Robotics entwickelt intelligente Roboter für den Haushalt, die das Leben verbessern und alltägliche Herausforderungen lösen. Neato hat es sich zum Ziel gesetzt, Anwendern ein personalisiertes Reinigungserlebnis zu bieten - um dies zu gewährleisten, entwickeln sich die Roboter stetig weiter und passen sich an die Anforderungen der Nutzer an. Zu den aktuellen Neato-Innovationen zählen neben erstklassigen Reinigungstechnologien unter anderem die intelligente LIDAR-basierte Navigationstechnologie LaserSmartTMsowie Features zum Mapping und zur Smart Home-Konnektivität. Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter: NeatoRobotics.com. Besuchen Sie Neato auch auf Facebook, Instagram, Twitter und Youtube.

LaserPecker Launches 2nd Generation Laser Engraver

Laser Engraving experts LaserPecker just announced the launch of a new version of their affordable and user-friendly laser engraver. LaserPecker 2 is a compact, powerful device that engraves words, images, patterns or designs on virtually any type of materials and has a boosted engraving speed of 600mm/s, which is ten times faster than the previous generation. LaserPecker 2 is available now: [LINK

Building on the success of its previous design, LaserPecker 2 adds powerful features along with an easy to use interface to make laser engraving affordable and simple for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike. The sleek, compact, plug-and-play device sets up in seconds and works with a smartphone to transfer images and begin engraving with just a few clicks. LaserPecker 2 is incredibly versatile, cutting many materials up to 5mm thick and engraving on almost anything including metal, dark glass, colored ceramics, wood, bamboo, leather, paper, fruit, food, plastic, acrylic, stone, cement, bone and more. Best of all, the device has been designed with ease of use in mind, allowing anyone to get started fast. 

 “Laser engraving is a powerful new technology that has endless applications for art, design, industry and business. But in the past, the technique was difficult to master and cost prohibitive. Our first series of engravers were celebrated for their compact size and ease of use, making them perfect for home and business. Now, we have added more powerful features, improved the user interface, and increased engraving speed. Our compact new design can be used on virtually any materials giving users the ultimate in versatility and speed. LaserPecker 2 makes it easy for anyone to get started laser engraving in minutes.” PeckerLaser 2 CEO

The powerful LaserPecker 2 system improves system performance with a maximum engraving size of 100*2000mm and incredibly fast engraving speed of 600mm/s. The improved engraving speed is ten times faster than the company’s first product and lets users get more done quickly. It’s also easy to use: focus distance is easily adjustable at the touch of a button, images can be previewed before engraving and 3 types of resolution options (1k 2k 3k) are available for different materials and applications. It also has parameters that adjust the color of the engraving effect. Together, these professional-grade features make LaserPecker 2 the best choice for multi-material laser engraving. 

LaserPecker 2 is compact, handheld and portable making it easy to use anywhere – even on 360 degree multi-angle engraving that is required on cylindrical objects. The engraver is extremely safe with multiple safety protections built-in. It monitors the engraving process and pauses work when temperatures get too high or the device vibrates or tilts over. It also includes a filter and protective cover for harmful blue light and the engraver can be turned off at any time using an emergency stop button. For ease of use, the length of the built-in protective cover is the optimal distance for laser carving so that users don’t have to measure distance manually. 

With a full feature set, improved speed and upgraded safety protections, LaserPecker 2 is the ultimate portable laser engraving solution and is available now with special deals and discounts for early adopters. Learn more here: https://igg.me/at/6FC78jR6J-g/x/4781251#/