According to updated research by market intelligence firm Interact Analysis, the collaborative robot (cobot) market will enjoy modest growth out to 2032, with annual growth rates sitting at around 20 percent. ‘Collaboration’ between humans and robots is now widely accepted so robot manufacturers suggest that the key to future success will be their ability to scale up production and develop new application scenarios. The logistics industry will also play an important role in this growth trajectory. 

Automate 2023 features educational tracks on everything from AI, smart automation, and innovations to AMRs and collaborative robots. The following article examines some of the key topics and presentations during the show.

Bosch Rexroth offers manufacturers of off-highway machines free access to the entire standard portfolio of BODAS software for controlling mobile machines. Via the digital myBODAS platform, OEMs can download validated software packages for a range of applications free-of-charge to test them and adapt them to suit their own requirements. 

The leading automation showcase in North America, Automate, is back in Detroit May 22-25, 2023, with the latest in cutting-edge robotics, vision, artificial intelligence, motion control and more. Produced by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate delivers the latest innovations in manufacturing automation technology from more than 600 leading exhibitors. Each day also offers inspirational keynote sessions and theater presentations to help attendees find the best solutions for their unique business needs.

Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) and the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) announce the introduction of two new product categories, belt drives and bearing accessories and tools, to the PIE Technology Platform (PIE). PIE is a cloud-based platform giving manufacturers and distributors of industrial products access to the most comprehensive catalog for the exchange of rich content product information.

Kollmorgen has announced the launch of its AKMA servomotor built specifically for durability, cleanability, and versatility. The motor employs a hardened anodized aluminum surface to offer machine designers a cost-effective hygienic option to stainless steel in medium- to heavy-washdown applications. 

Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument (SDP/SI) expands their selection of flexible couplings to include the single disk type couplings (short type), series S50XHSM… and the double disk type couplings (standard length type), series S50XHWM…. The disk type flexible couplings are an economical option while providing greater torque capability and improved performance in a reduced size.

Heidenhain Corporation will be exhibiting at the annual Robotics Summit & Expo, May 10th and 11th. The event will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Ametek, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. (Bison), a leading manufacturer of highly engineered motion control solutions serving diverse markets and applications.

AD Bearings & Power Transmission hosted its 2023 North American Meeting from March 21 to 24 in San Diego, where divisional members and suppliers connected for best practice sharing and meeting sessions dedicated to growing their business.