Technology gap gives foreign firms the edge in China robot wars
BY GERRY SHIH for Reuters: In a cavernous showroom on the outskirts of this port city in northeastern China, softly whirring lathes and svelte robot arms represent Dalian Machine Tools Group's (DMTG) vision of an automated future for Chinese manufacturing.
On closer inspection, however, most of the machines' control panels bear the logos of Japan's FANUC Corp or the German conglomerate Siemens.
The imported control systems in DMTG's products – used in the assembly of everything from smartphones to cement trucks – are symbolic of the technology gap between Chinese and foreign industrial automation firms, just one of several challenges facing China's ambition to nurture a national robotics industry.
Chinese robotics firms are also grappling with a weakening economy and slumping automotive sector, and industry insiders already predict a market bubble just three years after the central government issued policies to spur robotics development.
"Last year everybody thought they could produce a robot," said Alan Lee, director of Asia sales and business development at Boston-based Rethink Robotics. "When you have market saturation you'll have filtering and M&A. These guys will be the first layer to suffer."
It is a storyline familiar from other new industries such as solar panels: Beijing's policies and subsides trigger a wave of low-margin, low-cost contenders to rush into the market, where, with no meaningful technology of their own, they struggle to compete on price alone. Cont'd...
OMRON to Acquire U.S. Based Adept Technology
OMRON plans to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Adept common stock through an all cash tender offer followed by a second-step merger. OMRON will offer Adept investors $13.00 per share of Adept common stock, which represents a 63% premium over the closing price for Adept's common stock on September 15, 2015. This values Adept at approximately $200 million. OMRON will fund the tender offer through cash on hand.
Commenting on the acquisition, Yutaka Miyanaga, OMRON Industrial Automation Business Company President, said, "We are delighted Adept Technology, a world leader in robotics, has agreed to join OMRON. This acquisition is part of our strategy to enhance our automation technology and position us for long term growth. Robotics will elevate our offering of advanced automation."
Rob Cain, President and Chief Executive Officer of Adept, added, "We are excited about the opportunity to join OMRON, a global leader in automation. Together, our products will offer new innovative solutions to customers all around the globe."
Full Press Release:
VPX Ejector Handles and Panels From Pixus Offer Quality European Designs for up to 30% Less
Pixus Technologies, a supplier of backplane, chassis, and embedded component solutions, now offers ejector handles and panels for 3U and 6U VPX boards.
Lenze Brings Robot Programming Module to Gantry Pick-and-Place Applications
Software engineering made easy with FAST application software module for robot kinematics
and multi-axis coordination
Saft makes breakthrough into China's fast growing industrial robotics sector with lithium battery order for STEP Electric Corporation
· STEP Electric Corporation in China is installing Saft primary lithium batteries to provide memory backup for its industrial robots
· Key order provides Saft with strategic entry into Chinas booming industrial robotics market
Pack Expo - Universal Robots Raises the Bar on Collaborative Robotics at Pack Expo
The Danish robot manufacturer, that pioneered the safety systems of collaborative robots, showcases product features that help lower the automation barrier, making a robot truly collaborative. The features on display at Pack Expo 2015 in Las Vegas are portability, ease of use, and integration.
Spatial Announces Next Generation 3D Software Development Toolkits - A Unified Portfolio Delivering Increased Capabilities and Robustness
Solving Industry Challenges in More Effective and Efficient Ways
maxon motor - Miniature Spindle for Linear Positioning Tasks
The GP 6 S spindle gear is suitable for a wide variety of linear drive solutions.
DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc. Names New President
DENSO Corp. has named Haruhiko "Hal" Kato president of DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc.
Pitotech bringing OCTOPUZ software to Taiwan
In-House Solutions is pleased to announce that Pitotech Co., Ltd. has signed on as an official reseller of OCTOPUZ Offline Robotic Programming and Simulation Software in Taiwan.
APEM's TS Series Now Available With Soft Touch Elastomer Handles
APEM, Inc. launches three new soft touch elastomer handle options for the TS series Thumbstick. Similar in size and operation to "gamepad" controls, the TS series Thumbstick is ideally suited for military robotics, material handling and UGV operator control units.
3 Key Ways Automation Reduces Safety and Ergonomic Concerns
As companies continue to rely on automation to remain competitive, employees will have the benefit of working in safer environments. In the years to come, the question wont be "Is your company automating?" but instead "How is your company automating?"
Patti Engineering Prepared to Optimize Performance of FANUC Robotics Technology for Manufacturers
Patti Engineering, leader in control system integration of Siemens and Mitsubishi industrial automation, partners with FANUC Robotics
Universal Robots exhibits at The International Dairy Show
Universal Robots exhibits at The International Dairy Show - First exhibitor ever to introduce collaborative robots at the Chicago show September 15-18.
The Danish pioneer of collaborative robots is now reaching out to the dairy markets with lightweight, easy-to-use robotic arms.
Microscan Introduces MicroHAWK Barcode Readers
Microscan announces an innovation of user-focused engineering: MicroHAWK - the world's smallest, most intuitive industrial barcode reading platform ever to reach the market.
Records 5731 to 5745 of 5841
First | Previous | Next | Last
Supply Chain - Featured Product
Strain Wave Gearheads by maxon - Highly precise, compact, and efficient.
Strain wave gearheads are ideal for use in applications requiring precision motion control and high torque transmission in a compact design. maxon strain wave gearheads are a specialized type of gearhead where precision and compact design are crucial. This type of gearhead is often used in applications in a confined space. With their advanced gear tooth design, maxon's strain wave gearheads provide high efficiency and good back drivability. Typical applications include:
Robotics, Aerospace, Medical technology and Optical systems
.
