Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for November 2, 2017

Dr Robot: Robotics and automation in the medical sector

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Robotics in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector has a relatively long history, having started with a robot called the Puma 560 in 1985, according to All About Robotic Surgery.

Now, however, a number of robotic and automation systems have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for operation in healthcare environments, and the market is probably set to grow exponentially in the next few years as they become fully commercialised.

While robotic surgery systems such as Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci may be the most photogenic of the systems, gaining a lot of publicity in recent years, there are numerous other systems being developed, with some already being used in healthcare.  [Read more…] about Dr Robot: Robotics and automation in the medical sector

Dorna Robotics launches ‘industrial grade’ robotic arm on Kickstarter

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A startup called Dorna Robotics has launched what it says is an “industrial grade” robotic arm. 

The company says the 5-axis robot is capable of automating many tasks, although it looks to be mainly aimed at artisans and the consumer market rather than factory managers or the industrial sector.

Dorna says the robot provides “a perfect solution” for business owners, makers, researchers, artists and anyone who wants to get serious in robotics.  [Read more…] about Dorna Robotics launches ‘industrial grade’ robotic arm on Kickstarter

70 per cent of Fortune 100 companies use the industrial internet, says report

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Seven out of 10 Fortune 100 companies now offer industrial internet products, services, or initiatives, according to new research published by InField Clipboard.

Although the Internet of Things is popular in consumer applications, most IoT developments are being made for major companies like General Electric, Rolls Royce, AT&T and Google.

The world of IoT is constantly growing. In 2006, there were only 2 billion objects connected to the Internet of Things.  [Read more…] about 70 per cent of Fortune 100 companies use the industrial internet, says report

China’s abundance of big data is helping the development of artificial intelligence

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By Edward Tse, CEO of Gao Feng 

Tekes Future Watch China – Artificial Intelligence is the latest in a series of reports prepared by Gao Feng for Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation.

The report is aimed at helping Tekes to study China’s digital landscape and at highlighting strategic implications for both Finnish companies and policymakers.

After decades of development, artificial intelligence has become one of the most disruptive technology enablers in today’s exponential age.   [Read more…] about China’s abundance of big data is helping the development of artificial intelligence

Midea’s new robots could replace 400,000 pharmacists in China

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Midea, the Chinese giant manufacturing giant which makes household appliances such as washing machines and refridgerators, is launching robot pharmacists which would put 400,000 humans out of work. 

That may sound unlikely in the short term, but market analysts quoted by Bloomberg estimate that robots will account for 20 per cent of all pharmaceuticals sales by 2020.

Moreover, Midea chairman and CEO Paul Fang acknowledges the potential revolution the company’s robots could start.  [Read more…] about Midea’s new robots could replace 400,000 pharmacists in China

Sony’s Aibo robot dog is back from wherever it’s been for the past 12 years – but is it the same dog?

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Sony’s Aibo robotic pet dog made a lot of headlines when it was first launch more than a decade ago, but for some reason, the company stopped making the toy. 

Now, some 12 years later, Aibo is back. But it looks so different that the question is, is this the same pet from all those years ago or is it an imposter just angling for some pet food and a cosy home?

Sony says Aibo – which it now writes as aibo, with a lower-case a – “can form an emotional bond with members of the household while providing them with love, affection, and the joy of nurturing and raising a companion”.  [Read more…] about Sony’s Aibo robot dog is back from wherever it’s been for the past 12 years – but is it the same dog?

South-east Asian nations partner to create robotics ecosystem

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Several south-eastern Asian nations have entered into a partnership to create what’s being described as a “robotics ecosystem” for the region. 

The basic idea is to increase the use of robotics, automation, and related technologies to improve their industrial sector.

Industry associations from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have agreed to sign a deal which was outlined by trade minister Dr Koh Poh, at the ongoing Singapore International Robo Expo.  [Read more…] about South-east Asian nations partner to create robotics ecosystem

Foundational insights: Exclusive interview with Deloitte’s manufacturing leader

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Some sectors of technology change so fast it can be bewildering for people whose jobs and livelihoods depend on keeping up with new innovations and developments which can mean the difference between profit and loss, success and failure. 

Traditionally, larger companies have been wary of the threat of smaller, more nimble and more flexible competitors launching more innovative products and services faster and at a lower price point and taking away their market share.

It doesn’t always happen, but it does sometimes. Corporate history is littered with many stories of successful companies which went from being the dominant market leader to being an also-ran, or worse.  [Read more…] about Foundational insights: Exclusive interview with Deloitte’s manufacturing leader