Startup Gets Ready For Factory Robots Working Alongside Humans (bloomberg.com) 26
A startup called Veo Robotics is preparing to roll out sensor technology that lets industrial robots work safely side-by-side with humans. "Veo's proprietary technology uses lidar sensors to create real-time maps of factory work spaces, so that robots can slow or stop completely when human workers get too close," Bloomberg reports. From the report: There are more than 2 million industrial robots in operation worldwide, mostly toiling inside metal safety cages. The seclusion is fine for repetitive tasks that can be done entirely by machines, such as arc welding, but the majority of work even in the most automated factories requires involvement of people. Embedding force sensors into industrial limbs is one way to prevent them from plowing through obstacles, but the same technology that makes the arms safe also makes them weak. Most so-called cobots cannot handle weights heavier than 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Computer vision offers a way to get robots into more complex environments, without compromising their strength. Another obstacle is that manufacturers increasingly have to make multiple products on the same assembly line and are constantly retooling their production to accommodate shifting consumer tastes. There are also not enough workers to do the job.
Veo, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, is working closely with the world's biggest robot makers Fanuc Corp., Yaskawa Electric Corp. and Kuka AG. But Veo's first customers are likely to be car companies, manufacturers of durable goods such as household appliances and oil and gas equipment makers, where the shale revolution created demand for more customization. The technology could be used to get machines to present parts to human workers, for loading and unloading fixtures and in palletizing.
Veo, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, is working closely with the world's biggest robot makers Fanuc Corp., Yaskawa Electric Corp. and Kuka AG. But Veo's first customers are likely to be car companies, manufacturers of durable goods such as household appliances and oil and gas equipment makers, where the shale revolution created demand for more customization. The technology could be used to get machines to present parts to human workers, for loading and unloading fixtures and in palletizing.
Re: (Score:2)
Technically they may work beside humans in that there's no cage to protect the workers, but I wouldn't call that meaningfully calling it "alongside' when you have taped off "death zones". Somewhat, though, it does feel like quibbling. It'll probably fell less so the first time someone accidentally falls down into the taped area and is crushed.
The one I worked around 25 years ago had a bumper that doubled as a kill switch. About 2lbs of pressure is all it took to stop it.
Re: Sigh (Score:2)
Well, sure (Score:2)
Startup? (Score:3)
Kuka and Fanuc have been working on this for years. The current tech uses capacitive plates to detect when a robot hits something that isn't supposed to be there. It can come to a complete halt in a ridiculous time frame, something like 1/1000 of a second. Fast enough that, if it's traveling full speed and hits your shirt, it will stop before hitting your skin. Lidar will be a nice addition, but I wouldn't rely on it alone.
What will a (Score:2)
Now design and production can stay in the USA.
No time zones, languages, shipping, tax, use of industrial zones, security, power and water costs, rent, cost of workers, gov changes to investment.
Design your advanced product in the USA. Great design that's next to the production line and better real time quality. Competitive US pricing.
Set up a production lin
We'll all lose (Score:2)
What's gonna happen when Hulkamania^XAutomation comes for you!
Jokes aside, these kind of hybrid approaches are going to massively increase productivity in the near term, but companies are always looking to cut costs for short term stock gains. That's gonna mean worldwide firings (I refuse to call them "layoffs" s
Re: (Score:2)
because the rich and powerful won't need us to buy their stuff anymore when they've got robots to make anything they want.
Why do you think that only "the rich" will have robots? The robots that exist so far are not particularly expensive.
It was once predicted that only "the rich" would own cars, computers, washing machines, etc. Cell phones were once seen as something only the rich and drug dealers could afford.
Historically, technology has been a social leveler.
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Not when a factory has the option to replace human workers in some low cost nation with robots and can move to another nation
Nations that design tech can have a production line in their own nation again. No having to have a factory in a China, Indonesia, Malaysia with all the politics, costs and rent.
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Why do you think that only "the rich" will have robots?
The rest of us will get apes.
And it won't end well.
Re: We'll all lose (Score:2)
Why do you think that only "the rich" will have robots?
I guess history's not your strong suit.
Re: (Score:2)
Go with much better robot tech on the new production line.
The human and tax savings in a China, Indonesia, Malaysia don't add up as the cost of the all the new robots is the same.
Robots line a new factory back in the USA. The design team can watch their new and advanced products getting made in the same US factory.
Kill all humans (Score:4, Funny)
Re: (Score:2)
Not going to be popular in many industries (Score:3)
Many industries literally work on or adjust their machines while the robots are in full-tilt operation. It is certainly done like that at my plant. Slowing down the robot with a technician nearby would defeat the purpose of being right there to see how your adjustment works before it sends out a fucked up waste of money.