Automate is one of the top manufacturing shows in America and is specialized in robotics and automation. This year Automate is held in Chicago, IL from March 23rd to 26th. But the real question everybody is asking is: What are the new innovations and ideas that are likely to be presented at this show? Well, here you go, take a look at the short list of the things you should definitely check out at Automate 2015.
As announced this week, Universal Robots will be selling a smaller version of its popular collaborative robots, the UR5 and UR10. The UR3 has been designed to be fixed on a table and is for smaller applications than its bigger brothers. With basically the same features as the previous versions, the UR3 is a scaled down UR5. With a payload of 3kg (get it UR3), this collaborative robot is supposed to excel in applications such as; adhesive dispensing, tool manipulations like screwing and different assembly tasks. The Automate show will be the first opportunity for most of the people to be able to see this robot working for the first time and eventually to buy one! To read more about the UR3, refer to this blog post.
Announced a few days after the UR3, Rethink Robotics is launching a single-armed, more compact and more accurate version of their collaborative robot Baxter. Its name: Sawyer. The new robot has many things in common with Baxter, but there are also major differences. Basically the actuator design and general shape are the biggest improvement in the redesign of the platform. The robot have a bigger payload and have a enhanced repeatability. Let's see the impact of this robot on the collaborative robot market. Rethink Robotics has a huge booth at this years Automate, you won't miss them.
The Automate “Expert Huddles” give you an opportunity to engage in a discussion group with industry experts on a wide variety of automation subjects. There are fours different Huddles at both locations at Automate, each discussion runs hourly and are free (Yay!). Make sure to look closely at the schedule to find the most interesting topics and come prepared to participate and contribute to the collective expertise. Look at the schedule here!
The baseline is: Automate 2015 is huge! You really want to go, because there is lots to see. In fact, they have been named one of the top 10 manufacturing shows in America. Compared to 2013, Automate is offering 175% more exhibition floor space. Which means that a lot of robot manufacturers and people from the robotic market will be there to expose their products and innovations. We are particularly looking forward to seeing the launches from different companies, as well as seeing where it looks like the robotic world is heading over the next few years and with Automate touting "Explosive growth in the robotics industry on display at Automate 2015" it is bound to be interesting.
Two for the price of one! The ProMat 2015 show will be held right across the hall from Automate. So with your Automate pass you can access this material handling and logistic solutions show. If you need enhanced supply chain work, this is where you want to go.
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), producers of Automate, is hosting the Automate Launch Pad Startup Competition on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 4:30 pm. The competition showcases startups to help generate awareness about their technology and to help them find new funding. Eight startup companies will participate in the competition that features a grand prize of $ 10,000.
Robotiq has recently launched a new version of our popular 2-Finger 85 Adaptive Gripper. The new Gripper is basically a souped up version of our past model. It is two times stronger and 50% faster. With a more compact design, enhanced specifications and easy integration, it has been designed to fit all major robot models. However, the integration of the 2-Finger 85 has been made particularly easy for all 3 models of the Universal Robots (UR3, UR5 and UR10). With a specific bundle for these robots, the mechanical, electrical and software integration is now easier than ever. Come and see us at booth 936 to see our new Gripper along with our other products.
What else to say... Honestly we have heard rumors about developments in the robotic world and we are really excited to see if it is going to happen. Make sure to stay tuned to our blog and different social networks (Twitter, Facebook, Google+) to see what is going on at Automate 2015. We will do our best to release the news as it comes to us. Have a good show!