Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for October 26, 2017

Chinese manufacturer claims ‘first’ fully automated production line for a type of solar cell

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A Chinese manufacturer called Tongwei has opened a factory which features what is claimed to be the “world’s first” unmanned, fully automated monocrystalline solar cell production line. 

This is according to a report on PV-Tech.org, which says Tongwei is testing the fully automated production system with a view to rolling it out across all its operations.

The company currently has the capacity to produce monocrystalline cell capacity of around 3.4 gigawatts, with an additional 2 GW multicrystalline solar cell capacity.  [Read more…] about Chinese manufacturer claims ‘first’ fully automated production line for a type of solar cell

GE Digital expands industrial internet partnership with Microsoft

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GE Digital has expanded its industrial internet partnership with Microsoft, according to Reuters. 

The two companies had already been working together on further developing GE Digital’s Predix platform.

Manufacturers tend to connect sensors to their machines and then connect the sensors to Predix.  [Read more…] about GE Digital expands industrial internet partnership with Microsoft

As good as a lifelong guarantee: Interview with Fanuc America boss

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Exclusive interview with Neil Dueweke, general manager, automotive new domestic and automotive components group, Fanuc America

Industrial robotics and automation is a complex area for a someone with no background in engineering or any related disciplines. 

Which is why it’s always interesting to ask for the observations of experts who work within the sector.

Fanuc has a greater number of industrial robots installed worldwide than any other company – some 400,000 at last count. By that measure, it’s the biggest industrial robot company in the world.

And as Neil Dueweke (main picture), general manager, automotive new domestic and automotive components group, Fanuc America, explains in this exclusive interview with Robotics and Automation News, installation is by no means the end of the relationship with a customer.  [Read more…] about As good as a lifelong guarantee: Interview with Fanuc America boss

Fanuc reports more than 40 per cent increase in profits on strength of China sales

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The world’s largest industrial robot manufacturer, Fanuc, says its profits have increased by more than 40 per cent as a result of strong demand from China, according to a report on Nikkei. 

The company is currently reporting its financial performance for the six-month period up to September.

It says its profits for the period were $750 million, which is more than a 42 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.  [Read more…] about Fanuc reports more than 40 per cent increase in profits on strength of China sales

Volvo testing driverless refuse collection trucks

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Volvo Trucks is currently testing and researching how automated vehicles can contribute to safer, more efficient refuse handling and create a better working environment for drivers. 

The company is partnering with Swedish waste management company Renova on the project. 

The automated systems being tested are in principle the same as those fitted to the autonomous Volvo truck operating in the Kristineberg Mine in northern Sweden since autumn last year.  [Read more…] about Volvo testing driverless refuse collection trucks

Mercedes demonstrates driverless snow-clearing trucks at Frankfurt Airport

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Mercedes has demonstrated a driverless snow-clearing truck, called Arocs, at Frankfurt Airport. The world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer says the vehicle is the result of specific customer requirements.

Daimler, parent company of Mercedes, says it the demonstration, which involved four trucks, is an “unprecedented test” which shows another potential solution for the future use of automated commercial vehicles.

Following the successful demonstration of the innovative Highway Pilot and Highway Pilot Connect systems, the latter making truck platooning possible, the company says the self-driving, snow-clearing truck presentation is “another development step forward” on the road to the fully connected and autonomous commercial vehicle.  [Read more…] about Mercedes demonstrates driverless snow-clearing trucks at Frankfurt Airport