Archives for January 19, 2017

Tiny chip capable of running deep neural networks could accelerate robotics development

January 19, 2017 by Mark Allinson

One of the challenges in robotics development is the fact that the computer processing required is just massive, often too much for a complex machine to handle onboard without packing very large pieces of hardware.

One way around it has been to connect the robots up to cloud computing systems which run such things as neural networks and can remotely process data – but this is inefficient and slow.

Even if takes a few seconds to process massive quantities of data, those seconds are just too much time wasted for a machine such, for example, an autonomous car on the move – these things need to be instantaneous. [Read more…] about Tiny chip capable of running deep neural networks could accelerate robotics development

ADL launches what it claims is ‘industry’s smallest Intel-based embedded device ever’

January 19, 2017 by Mark Allinson

ADL Embedded Solutions has launched its ultra-compact ADLEPC-1500 Embedded PC, which the company claims is “the industry’s smallest Intel-based embedded device ever released”.

At 3.4” x 3.2”, the ADLEPC-1500 is a “full-feature embedded PC” targeted at unmanned, industrial controls, robotics, traffic management and surveillance market, says the company.

ADL adds that the device’s wide voltage and temperature range make it “ideal” for a variety of applications and environments. [Read more…] about ADL launches what it claims is ‘industry’s smallest Intel-based embedded device ever’

Smart trash bin automatically separates and sorts out rubbish

January 19, 2017 by Mark Allinson

It probably looks more stylish than your average bin, and it’s definitely a whole lot smarter.

What’s being described at the world’s first smart trash can is being developed in Poland.

Its makers, at a company called Bin-e, say the “intelligent bin” will not only facilitate work in an ecologically friendly environment but also allow us to save time devoted to garbage segregation at work. [Read more…] about Smart trash bin automatically separates and sorts out rubbish

Hannover Messe: Smart materials paving the way to 3D printing and to the ‘microfactory’

January 19, 2017 by Sam Francis

Get your complimentary ticket to Hannover Messe 2017

There may or may not be slight differences between what’s called “3D printing” and “additive manufacturing”, but essentially both are advanced techniques that could spell the end of assembly lines as we know them.

It’s a widely known historic fact that giant car companies pioneered what we now known as the assembly line, where a product – such as a car or any other complex item – would move along production line, where different workers and teams of workers would do their jobs and eventually a finished product would be the result.

This process, however, is now being reconsidered in an age where customers are asking for increaing amounts of customisation and new technologies such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing are making this customisation possible. [Read more…] about Hannover Messe: Smart materials paving the way to 3D printing and to the ‘microfactory’

Igus launches ‘extremely compact rotation module’ for tight spaces

January 19, 2017 by Sam Francis

System guides energy, data and media safely, without interruption for rotational movements up to 360 degrees, says company

Motion plastics specialist igus has developed an extremely compact rotation module, which revolves around its own axis, even in confined spaces.

As with all rotary energy chain systems from igus, the module can be used to guide different types of media – power, signals, data, fibre-optic, pneumatic or fluids – in parallel without interruption.

Inside the module, cables and hoses are routed together without interruption, thus eliminating the need for expensive and complex rotary unions. [Read more…] about Igus launches ‘extremely compact rotation module’ for tight spaces

Energy expert Idec joins Copa-Data partner community

January 19, 2017 by Sam Francis

Idec Technical Services, a specialist in the design and installation of high voltage protection and control systems integration, has joined the Copa-Data Partner Community, a worldwide network of certified specialists in Copa-Data’s software, zenon.

As a new member of the Copa-Data Partner Community, Idec will have access to a range of knowledge exchange initiatives provided by Copa-Data with the aim of improving the ergonomics and productivity of partners’ automation projects. [Read more…] about Energy expert Idec joins Copa-Data partner community

SAP logistics boss says ‘robotics and automation are the future’

January 19, 2017 by Sam Francis

The head of logistics at software giant SAP says the future of the digital supply chain is robotics and automation.

SAP is one of the world’s largest software companies in any sector, with more than 300,000 clients in around 190 countries, and its logistics division has customers such as luxury automaker Porsche, and large transport operations such as Trenitalia.

In an interview with em360tech.com, Hans Thalbauer, SVP of extended supply chain and IoT at SAP, says industries are becoming smarter because of these technologies.

However, Thalbauer adds that robotics and automation needs to be effectively integrated into the overall business processes, otherwise they won’t work. [Read more…] about SAP logistics boss says ‘robotics and automation are the future’