Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for December 14, 2017

Harrison Manufacturing increases throughput with Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer

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Harrison Manufacturing, a custom plastics injection molding manufacturer specializing in molded plastics and light assembly, recently installed Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer robot at its Jackson, Mississippi facility and says it saw “immediate tangible benefits”.

Harrison bosses say they were able to integrate Sawyer into their process “within hours”.

The company says it is reducing labor costs and increasing throughput by using Sawyer in ergonomically challenging tasks. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Harrison Manufacturing increases throughput with Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer

Progress in sensors present a ‘huge opportunity’ to advance automotive market, says Osram Opto Semiconductors

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More reliable sensor technology will increase the speed to market for semi-autonomous vehicles, and provide a more comfortable and safe journey for drivers, says Osram Opto Semiconductors

Today’s automotive market is a showcase of some of the most important next-generation technologies, as vehicle manufacturers are among the first to adopt the latest technology developments, including the use of visible and invisible light for state of the art sensor technology, to create the ultimate driving and passenger experience.

Therefore, the work from leading companies like Osram Opto Semiconductors plays an important role to realise real-life applications for sensors in safety, security and comfort.  [Read more…] about Progress in sensors present a ‘huge opportunity’ to advance automotive market, says Osram Opto Semiconductors

Zenplace employs telepresence robots to show customers round real estate properties

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Zenplace, the service that enables landlords and property owners to quickly rent and manage their rental property online, now shows properties to tenants through robots with smart guided property showings.

Zenplace bosses say the robot has helped accelerate the rate at which they have been able to accommodate customers. (See video below.)

Rahul Mewawalla, CEO of Zenplace and former head of US’ technology program in Silicon Valley with the White House, says: “We set out to change the property management and rental experience by providing property owners and tenants a faster and easier way to rent and lease.  [Read more…] about Zenplace employs telepresence robots to show customers round real estate properties

Kepware launches new version of its industrial connectivity platform

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Kepware has launched the new version of its industrial connectivity platform.

KepServerEX version 6.4 includes new data collection capabilities, improved data access, and seamless integration with both traditional and industrial internet of things systems, enabling users to easily manage and monitor their plant floor.

Kepware says the new MQTT client driver is a key component of the KepServerEX version 6.4 release.  [Read more…] about Kepware launches new version of its industrial connectivity platform

Maxim introduces isolated controller area network transceivers with ‘robust communications for industrial systems’

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Maxim Integrated has launched new isolated controller area network transceivers which the company claims ensures “robust communications for industrial systems”. 

The MAX14878/79/80 increases uptime with ±54V fault protection and industry-leading ±15kV ESD, claims Maxim.

Maxim says designers can ensure robust communication and improve uptime for industrial systems with the MAX14878, MAX14879, and MAX14880 2.75kV and 5kV family of isolated CAN transceivers.  [Read more…] about Maxim introduces isolated controller area network transceivers with ‘robust communications for industrial systems’

Kollmorgen equips S700 servo controllers with single-cable connection technology

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Kollmorgen has equipped its S700 servo controllers with single-cable connection technology.

The company says the combination is “designed for sophisticated tasks” and now also includes slender single-cable connection technology.

Kollmorgen says the S700 combines multi-functionality with “maximum levels of freedom”, from programming to wiring. (See main picture.) [Read more…] about Kollmorgen equips S700 servo controllers with single-cable connection technology

Chinese solar cell company Longi considers establishing facility in India

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Chinese solar power generation equipment company Longi is reportedly planning to establish a manufacturing facility in India. 

If it does go ahead with the plan, Longi will become the first Chinese solar cell manufacturer to set up a factory in India.

According to a report in LiveMint.com, which quotes people close to the company, “Longi is planning to set up a manufacturing facility here. It will be a first for them here”.  [Read more…] about Chinese solar cell company Longi considers establishing facility in India

HP opens first advanced manufacturing centre in Singapore

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HP has opened its first smart manufacturing centre in the tiny city-state of Singapore. 

The Smart Manufacturing Applications and Research Centre, or Smarc, is the first such facility HP has opened anywhere in the world, according to the Business Times of Singapore.

The 6,000 square foot facility – dubbed the “Asia-Pacific Japan campus” – is said to accommodate a team of engineers who oversee more than 50 manufacturing supply lines globally.  [Read more…] about HP opens first advanced manufacturing centre in Singapore

Shaw Industries to invest $184 million in its Alabama manufacturing plant

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Shaw Industries says it will invest $184 million in its Andalusia, Alabama facility, which creates fiber used in the manufacturing of carpet.

Shaw says the project will include construction of new and expanded building assets, and installation of substantial amounts of new manufacturing equipment.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey welcome the decision, saying: “Shaw’s significant new investment in its Andalusia manufacturing facility is a welcome development that positions the plant for the future and demonstrates the company’s confidence in its large Alabama workforce.  [Read more…] about Shaw Industries to invest $184 million in its Alabama manufacturing plant

Alchemy IoT launches with $4 million funding to integrate AI into IIoT without need for coding

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A new company called Alchemy IoT says it has $4 million seed funding to “simplify the industrial internet of thing using artificial intelligence”.

The company says it addresses the high costs and complexities of AI-based IoT for small- to mid-sized industrial customers with “no-code” cloud-based application, which enables its customers to be up “and running in 48 hours”.

Alchemy IoT describes itself as “a provider of IoT asset intelligence for industrial applications”.  [Read more…] about Alchemy IoT launches with $4 million funding to integrate AI into IIoT without need for coding