Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for June 8, 2016

June is National Safety Month: Why investing in safety is a sound business decision

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Three in 10 American workers acquire disability prior to retirement. Thomas R. Cutler looks more closely at the issue of safety in the workplace 

June is National Safety Month which focuses on reducing the leading causes of injury and death at work. Safety is a deliberate act and investing in safety is a sound business decision.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 1 million workers suffer back injuries each year, and account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. A quarter of all compensation indemnity claims involve back injuries, costing industry billions of dollars on top of the pain and suffering borne by employees.

Injuries are avoidable and innovation and automation are part of the safety paradigm this month, during National Safety Month, and for many years to come.  [Read more…] about June is National Safety Month: Why investing in safety is a sound business decision

Some people say they won’t buy a car unless it’s compatible with their smartphones – and Nissan is taking them seriously

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Nissan has taken to heart research suggesting that people can love everything about a car, but won’t buy it if it doesn’t pair with their smartphone

Just how much our smartphones rule our lives has been revealed, if a report by McKinsey is anything to go by.

The management consulting company did a survey which found that car buyers admit they can like everything about a new model – the styling, price, fuel economy and how it drives – yet will still walk out of the showroom because it won’t connect properly with their beloved mobile phone.

Now, Nissan is using the study to understand the importance of developing infotainment systems in crossovers such as the Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail.  [Read more…] about Some people say they won’t buy a car unless it’s compatible with their smartphones – and Nissan is taking them seriously

General Motors claims highest number of connected vehicles

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gm connectivity

General Motors says it has the largest number of connected vehicles in the world, with almost 3 million currently on the road – far more than any other automaker. 

General Motors claims it “started the connected car revolution 20 years ago” with the launch of OnStar and continues to deliver innovative solutions at a scale unmatched by anyone in the industry.

OnStar is the enabler for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Opel and Vauxhall to introduce new technology features across a broad range of drivers. Today, the blue button brand delivers services in four continents, 18 countries, 10 languages and 13 time zones, with more than a billion customer interactions.

While emergency and security services remain a staple of OnStar, the company has expanded to offer customer-driven mobility solutions that create a personalized experience for GM and Maven customers.  [Read more…] about General Motors claims highest number of connected vehicles

Toyota partners with KDDI to develop global connectivity platform for autonomous vehicles

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toyota kddi connectivity platform

Toyota and KDDI jointly promote establishment of global communications platform to support car connectivity 

Toyota has set out on a mission to prepare the world for connected and autonomous vehicles by partnering with telecommunications provider KDDI to establish a global connectivity network.

Toyota says the platform will bring “greater connectivity” to its vehicles throughout the world.

The company says the network will need to be “a broad-reaching, robust communications platform and the use of a uniform data communications module (DCM) will be essential”.  [Read more…] about Toyota partners with KDDI to develop global connectivity platform for autonomous vehicles

Yaskawa launches free online video training course

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Yaskawa-Remote-Demo-Connection-YouTube-Screenshot

Yaskawa, one of the world’s largest robot manufacturers with around 400,000 industrial robots installed worldwide, has introduced a free video training course. 

The company says on its website: “These self-guided video training tutorial series are available at no charge and can be taken at any time without enrollment.”

Yaskawa adds that the training course includes opportunities for students to connect to a real Yaskawa automation product demonstration unit. The demonstration unit is based in the US, and connection is through the internet.

Universal Robots signs up 10 new distributors in India

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bajaj auto motorcycle

Universal Robots, which manufacturers light industrial robotic arms often called collaborative robots, has expanded its presence in the Indian market by partnering with 10 distributors across India.

Universal Robots India recently hosted a distributor meet in Singapore on May 27, 2016 to enable their training and development. One of their key customers Bajaj Auto, the world’s third largest motorcycle manufacturer, was also present at the event.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots signs up 10 new distributors in India