Archives for May 13, 2016

CeMAT: Warehouses turning to autonomous vehicles to keep up with ecommerce growth

May 13, 2016 by Sam Francis

CeMAT Update: Logistics companies are increasingly acquiring robotics and automation technology to make their operations more efficient and keep up with the growth of the online economy

“Due to booming e-commerce, customers have new needs,” said Dr Henry Puhl, chairman of Still management in Hamburg.

“The shipment sizes, for example, and the variety of products. Things are getting smaller and, therefore, there is more short-term seasonality, which is accompanied by strong volume fluctuations.”

This leads to the development of logistics solutions which offer more customized products in smaller quantities.

“In addition, it is essential to take into account regional requirements, that are brought about by globalization to us,” says Puhl. “Customers must be able to make their processes more flexible in order to remain competitive.” [Read more…] about CeMAT: Warehouses turning to autonomous vehicles to keep up with ecommerce growth

BMW chairman places autonomous driving, AI and connectivity at centre of company’s targets

May 13, 2016 by Sam Francis

BMW chairman Harald Krüger has listed three new technologies as the main priorities for the company going forward.

Describing the race towards a new, technologically advanced motoring future, includes technologies such as:

enhanced connectivity;
the use of artificial intelligence; and
the development of autonomous driving.

Krüger was speaking at the automaker’s annual general meeting, where he told the audience the company was growing in high-margin segments, particularly its BMW i range in electric vehicles, where it plans to expand.

“We are further expanding the BMW i line-up. In just a few weeks, we will offer an i3 with 50 per cent more battery capacity,” said Krüger. [Read more…] about BMW chairman places autonomous driving, AI and connectivity at centre of company’s targets

Toyota boss says autonomous technology is a paradigm shift – like going from building looms to constructing cars

May 13, 2016 by Sam Francis

Toyota president Akio Toyoda has drawn a parallel between the changes happening in the company now to what happened when Toyota first came into existence.

Toyoda was speaking at a press conference to present the automaker’s financial results. He acknowledged the “many lessons that we learned” through the company’s partnerships with Subaru, BMW and Mazda.

The partnerships were part of the reason for Toyota adopting a new organisational structure. It was also a factor in the company’s decision to establish the Toyota Research Laboratory. [Read more…] about Toyota boss says autonomous technology is a paradigm shift – like going from building looms to constructing cars