ABB Robotics President Marc Segura discusses current and future of robotics

The Robot Report Podcast · 7 Jul 2023 · 1h 06m

What this episode covers

Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics, discusses the company's strategic shift toward modular industrial robots with interchangeable link sizes, allowing 22 variants from four base models to address market unpredictability. He details the integration of the acquired Asti mobile robot division, highlighting the adoption of visual SLAM technology to enable flexible, infrastructure-free navigation for AMRs. Segura also outlines the evolution of cobots, the blurring line between cobots and industrial robots, and the future potential of mobile manipulators in cleanrooms and small-batch production.

Mentioned

Companies
ABB, Asti, Gather AI, Ware Robotics, DJI, Skydio, Seriact, Agility Robotics, Intuitive Surgical, John Deere, Nvidia, UC Berkeley, Formant, IC, B Garage
Products
GoFa, Yumi
Tools
Robot Studio, OptiFact

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Robot Talk · 19m

    Episode 72: Smart mobile robots for industry - Rafael Lopez

    Rafael Lopez, Managing Director of Robotnik Automation, discusses the evolution of his company from a garage startup in 2002 to its 2023 acquisition by United Robotics Group. He highlights the Summit XL, a general-purpose mobile platform capable of carrying 65kg and operating for 8 hours, which serves as the foundation for specialized robots like the Arby Watcher for electrical substation inspections. Lopez explains how Robotnik’s strategy of offering customizable platforms with mountable sensors allows them to address diverse applications ranging from logistics to security, supported by extensive EU-funded R&D projects.

  • Over the Air · 28m

    Modularity in Robotics: A Vision for the Future

    Afshin Doust, CEO of Advanced Intelligent Systems (AIS), explains how the company uses a proprietary library of hardware and software modules to reduce development time and cost, aiming to empower a broader robotics ecosystem. He details the pivot from an agricultural tech focus to developing a COVID-19 disinfectant robot in just 11 weeks, which validated their modular approach and led to a non-GPS localization system for greenhouse use. Doust also discusses AIS's 'Robotics-as-a-Service' business model, which eliminates large capital expenditures for customers by charging for work performed, and shares insights on building a resilient, win-win corporate culture.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 1h 09m

    BONUS: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics, Pt. 1 of 2 (brought to you by A3)

    Chris Luecke and Jake Hall interview six leaders at the A3 AMR and Logistics Conference, including Ed Mullen of Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), Erik Nieves of Plus One Robotics, Joe Gemma of Calvary Robotics, Ryan Finelli of Humatics, Carol Franklin of A3, and Roger Christian of Yaskawa Motoman. The discussion covers the evolution of AMRs, the critical role of certified systems integrators, and the importance of workforce development programs like eCammy. Key technologies such as 3D vision, ultra-wideband microlocation, and safety standards are highlighted as essential for integrating robots into dynamic, human-centric environments.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 50m

    BONUS: Leaders in Machine Vision and Robotics: Live from Boston, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)

    Host Chris Luecke interviews Laura Hoffman, Patty Ketseris of Locust Robotics, Matt Charles of Robex, Melanie Weiss of Zebra Technologies, and Alex Ciccaney of A3 at the 2022 Vision Show in Boston. The group discusses the convergence of machine vision and mobile robotics, the shift toward cloud-based automation, and how manufacturing can learn from the repeatability of warehousing. They also cover Robex's acquisition by private equity, Zebra's acquisition of Fetch Robotics, and the growing adoption of AI and vision in non-traditional verticals like medical devices.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 1h 21m

    BONUS: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)

    Host Chris Luecke and co-host Jake Hall interview leaders from Vecna Robotics, Waypoint Robotics, WiBotic, Fetch Robotics, Dexterity, and FedEx at the 2021 AMRs and Logistics Conference. Daniel Theobald of Vecna Robotics discusses the critical need for AMR interoperability and the role of Mass Robotics in setting standards. Jason Walker of Waypoint Robotics explains the company's acquisition by Locust Robotics and the importance of flexibility in AMR deployment. Ben Waters of WiBotic details wireless charging solutions for diverse fleets, including space applications, while Melonee Wise of Fetch Robotics reflects on her company's acquisition by Zebra Technologies and the evolving safety standards for AMRs. Michael Patrick Perry of Dexterity outlines the stages of autonomous transformation in warehousing, and Aaron Prather of FedEx emphasizes the industry's return to in-person collaboration and the necessity of solving specific customer pain points.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Robot Report Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.