
Robotics - safe and cost-effective
Robotics doesn't have to be expensive, complicated and dangerous for workers - this was the message sent by numerous exhibitors at Hannover Messe 2019 to visitors to 'Robot Hall 17'.
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Robotics doesn't have to be expensive, complicated and dangerous for workers - this was the message sent by numerous exhibitors at Hannover Messe 2019 to visitors to 'Robot Hall 17'.

After around two years of construction, the Japanese technology group Yaskawa officially opened its new robot production facility and a new European robotics development center at its site in Kočevje, Slovenia, on 8 April in front of around 300 invited guests.

Yamaha Factory Automation, a subdivision of the Yamaha Motor Robotics Business Unit, has opened a European office to strengthen support for distributors and customers of Yamaha's robotic systems and products.

The Augsburg-based Kuka Group has published its figures for the 2018 financial year - with declines in turnover, order intake and profit. The company, which has been in Chinese hands for two years, expects a slight recovery in 2019.

On March 1, 2019, Manfred Stern, previously President & CEO of Yaskawa Europe, handed over operational management to Bruno Schnekenburger. Stern had been a member of the management team for over eleven years.

At the end of January 2019, Matthias Fritz stepped down from his position as Managing Director Technology at Fanuc Germany. He is leaving the manufacturer of CNC control systems, robots and production machines at his own request.

German robotics and automation reached the €15 billion mark in industry sales for the first time in 2018 - an increase of 4%. Despite uncertainties, the VDMA expects further growth in 2019.

Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), a provider of autonomous mobile robots, increased its turnover from EUR 10 million to EUR 26 million in 2018. A new leasing model, among other things, is set to generate further growth.
In connection with the preparation of the annual financial statements, the Kuka Board of Management decided to revise the forecast communicated in October 2018 for the end of 2018 (sales of around EUR 3.3 billion / EBIT margin of around 4.5%). An immediate action package was also adopted.

The exploration of Mars and the moon is a great dream for mankind. The EU also wants to play its part in space exploration. An exciting project has now been successfully tested in the Moroccan desert.