Widespread backing for UK robotics network

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced the launch of a new robotics network that aims to foster academic and industry collaboration.

The UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Network (UK-RAS Network) will have a strong academic foundation, with a number of universities acting as founding members. According to the EPSRC, the network has already received strong support from major industrial partners, as well as from professional bodies such as Royal Academy of Engineering, IET, and The Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

Globally, the market for service and industrial robots is estimated to reach $59.5 billion by 2020. A primary aim of the network will be to bring the UK’s academic capabilities under national coordination, fuelling innovation in the robotics sector and taking advantage of the growth in the industry. Cont'd...

PickerPal has two independent, spring-loaded arms that are self closing, which is preferred by OSHA. 3 arms are used when a kick plate is required. OSHA states that when an employee is within 4' of the edge, the area changes from a pallet position to a, "walking/working surface," which requires a kick plate or a third arm. The spring-loaded arms open on contact with the loaded skid and close on their own as products are off-loaded. This design provides multiple benefits: • Top arms close as product is removed, creating a safety gate, and the third arm closes when the empty pallet is removed. • Empty pallet positions are no longer a safety hazard. • Each are is easily replaced without removing the entire assembly.

Widespread backing for UK robotics network

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