Archives for January 26, 2017

Startup launches desktop robot selling for less than $300

January 26, 2017 by Mark Allinson

These days, it seems barely a week goes by without someone somewhere building a robotic arm of some description.

Using components which can be bought from almost anywhere online, and chipsets such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, the “makers” of the world are launching more and more sophisticated pieces of equipment.

While there are internationally agreed codes about what defines a true “collaborative” robot and other industrial-standard machines, startups are bypassing those specifications and releasing products which may eventually require some sort of regulation of their own. [Read more…] about Startup launches desktop robot selling for less than $300

Big feature: Historic opportunities presented by smart cities

January 26, 2017 by Abdul Montaqim

Experts from the Arthur D Little consultancy provide a detailed overview of the historic, “trillion-dollar” opportunity presented by the move to smart cities, in this article by Ralf Baron, Morsi Berguiga, Jaap Kalkman, Adnan Merhaba, Ansgar Schlautmann, Karim Taga

The 100 largest cities in the world produce 25 per cent of the planet’s wealth. To succeed, more and more cities are going “smart” in order to meet their biggest challenges and enrich the quality of their citizens’ lives.

This unstoppable trend is driving double-digit growth in a trillion-dollar global market.

What are the opportunities for telecom companies, utilities, financial institutions, transportation companies, software developers, equipment manufacturers and others in the smart-city market? [Read more…] about Big feature: Historic opportunities presented by smart cities

Adding value to product lifecycle management for the small and medium enterprise

January 26, 2017 by Sam Francis

Bob Hillier, managing director of product lifecycle management expert at Design Rule, explains why working with PLM value added resellers allows small and medium sized companies to get the most from their software

In 1963, children’s author Leo Lionni published his bestselling book, Swimmy. In this classic book, a school of smaller fish team up and swim as one, to avoid being eaten by the larger creatures.

The story sums up the challenges faced by small and medium sized enterprises, especially when it comes to product development.

There are numerous advantages of working with small businesses, due to their agility and flexibility. [Read more…] about Adding value to product lifecycle management for the small and medium enterprise

Soft robot can help a heart to pump

January 26, 2017 by Sophiya

An innovative soft robotic sleeve which can help a heart to beat has been developed by researchers including Dr Ellen Roche of National University of Ireland Galway.

The soft robotic sleeve wraps around the organ, twisting and compressing in synch with the beating heart, potentially opening new treatment options for people suffering from heart failure.

Dr Roche is the paper’s first author and former PhD student at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and The Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. The research took place at Harvard and at Boston Children’s Hospital. [Read more…] about Soft robot can help a heart to pump

US President Donald Trump pressures automakers to increase production in the US

January 26, 2017 by Sam Francis

By David Shepardson and Roberta Rampton, Reuters

US President Donald Trump pushed the chief executives of General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler to increase production in the United States and boost American employment.

Trump opened a meeting with GM CEO Mary Barra, Ford CEO Mark Fields and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne at the White House by saying he wants to see new auto plants built in the United States.

The new Republican president vowed to cut regulations and taxes to make it more attractive for businesses to operate in the United States. He promised frequently during his election campaign to be a job-creating president and stressed that message in his inaugural speech last Friday. [Read more…] about US President Donald Trump pressures automakers to increase production in the US