Archives for March 7, 2018

Midea launches deep learning artificial intelligence initiative

March 7, 2018 by Mai Tao

Midea, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of household appliances, has launched an ambitious artificial intelligence project through which the company is looking to transform its business.

The company says the “Midea Brain” project will accelerate Midea’s speed of innovation and product and application development in the AI field.

In the last two years, artificial intelligence especially deep learning, has emerged as a major technology trend. [Read more…] about Midea launches deep learning artificial intelligence initiative

Kuka expects to double its business to more than $1 billion through Midea’s China connections

March 7, 2018 by Mai Tao

Industrial robot maker Kuka is forecasting sales of more than $1.24 billion in China by 2020, which would be more than double the volume of business it currently does in the country.

This is according to a report on the South China Morning Post website, which adds that Kuka is looking to make the most of parent company Midea’s China connections.

Kuka reported global sales of $4.3 billion worldwide for 2017, and currently does approximately $558 million worth of business in mainland China now. [Read more…] about Kuka expects to double its business to more than $1 billion through Midea’s China connections

Laid-back Californians totally lose it and go on the rampage, attacking driverless vehicles everywhere, apparently

March 7, 2018 by David Edwards

Californians are famous for being laid back, going surfing, and… attacking robots?

In what is probably one of the weirdest stories to emerge so far this year, residents of California have reportedly been attacking driverless cars and other autonomous wheeled vehicles.

And no one really knows why.

They’ve been shouting out them, too, apparently. [Read more…] about Laid-back Californians totally lose it and go on the rampage, attacking driverless vehicles everywhere, apparently

New port technology conference debuts at CeMAT

March 7, 2018 by Anna

Digital processes for ports will be the main theme at the new CeMAT Port Technology Conference making its debut on 25 April as part of CeMAT 2018 in Germany.

Experts from industrial and transport enterprises estimate that 40 to 50% of total transport costs originate in ports.

This share of the overall cost of transport chains translates into enormous savings potential for inland and sea transport carriers – provided they are capable of implementing consistent digitization strategies when moving goods.

New study: 42 per cent of US managers think automation will kill jobs

March 7, 2018 by Anna

Nearly half (42 percent) of U.S. managers say that automation and robotics will lead to a net loss of jobs in their respective industries, compared with just 18 percent who say that automation will help to create jobs, according to a new study from MindEdge Learning.

Managers at companies that have already adopted robotics and automation, a clear majority (52 percent) expect that automation will lead to job losses.

Of managers at firms that have not yet adopted robots and automation, only 15 percent say their employees are concerned about their job prospects over the next five years.

Atlas Copco to acquire joining technology firm for automotive industry

March 7, 2018 by Anna

Atlas Copco is to acquire the assets of Klingel Joining Technologies, which specializes in flow drill technology, a joining method used in the automotive industry.

Klingel Joining Technologies is based near Munich in Germany and is one of three business units of Klingel GmbH. The business had revenues of approximately 8.5m euro in 2017 and 23 employees will join Atlas Copco.

Flow drill technology is a mechanical joining method used for aluminum and mixed material applications.