Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for April 10, 2018

Robotic Vision Technologies upgrades eVisionFactory machine vision solution

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Robotic Vision Technologies, a provider of machine vision software, has upgraded its eVisionFactory solution.

The company says the new system is “transforming the way car manufacturers operate with the latest version upgrade to the award-winning eVisionFactory technology”.

RVT’s technology has been operating on mission critical equipment at car manufacturing plants for years, in some cases for more than a decade.  [Read more…] about Robotic Vision Technologies upgrades eVisionFactory machine vision solution

Markets and politics contributing to the rise of Chinese robotics companies

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Commercial opportunities and government directives are coalescing to create a vibrant robotics and automation industry in China, according to a new report by ABI Research

Historically, the industrial robotics space has traditionally been dominated by Japanese and European vendors, while the commercial robotics has been the stronghold of robot startups from the United States and Europe.

However, recent developments suggest that Chinese vendors are staking a claim in the robotics territory, says ABI Research, a market research and advisory company.

Lian Jye Su, principal analyst at ABI Research, says: “The top four Chinese industrial robotics vendors reported a topline growth of 20 per cent year-on-year in 2016 and a similar figure is expected for next few years.  [Read more…] about Markets and politics contributing to the rise of Chinese robotics companies

Nasa puts Puerto Rico on the road to helping search for aliens

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Nasa has apparently put Puerto Rico on the path to possibly providing assistance to the space agency in its never-ending search for alien life in the universe. 

Puerto Rico’s scientists and residents may be able to help Nasa make contact with aliens, and the space agency’s decision to choose the Caribbean island to host the Technology Infusion Road Tour in 2019 is highly likely to help in that ultimate goal.

Puerto Rican scientists claim Nasa’s only purpose with the decision to hold the conference on the picturesque island is to “contribute to the strengthening of the country’s aeronautical and aerospace industry”.  [Read more…] about Nasa puts Puerto Rico on the road to helping search for aliens

Husqvarna acquires minority stake in Franklin Robotics

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Husqvarna Group has acquired 25 percent of Franklin Robotics, a Boston, US-based start-up that has developed “Tertill”, a solar-powered weeding robot for vegetable and flower gardens.

The investment forms an important partnership for the Group to further explore and accelerate customer-driven innovation within robotic applications in the lawn and garden market.

“From our position as the global market leader in robotic lawn mowers we see opportunities to broaden our focus into other robotic applications within lawn and garden care,” says Karin Löfgren, Senior Manager, Husqvarna Group Business Development.

[Read more…] about Husqvarna acquires minority stake in Franklin Robotics

Cree acquires Infineon RF Power Business

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Cree, Inc. has acquired assets of Infineon Technologies AG Radio Frequency (RF) Power Business for approximately €345 million. The transaction expands the Cree Wolfspeed business unit’s wireless market opportunity.

“The acquisition strengthens Wolfspeed’s leadership position in RF GaN-on-SiC technologies and provides access to additional markets, customers and packaging expertise,” said Cree CEO Gregg Lowe.

“This is a key element of Cree’s growth strategy and positions Wolfspeed to enable faster 4G networks and the revolutionary transition to 5G.”

[Read more…] about Cree acquires Infineon RF Power Business

Bosch expands its research and technology centre in California

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Bosch has moved to a larger location in Silicon Valley, opening a new 36m-euro Research and Technology Center (RTC) in Sunnyvale. The RTC was previously located in Palo Alto, roughly 15 kilometres to the west.

“We have had a presence here for nearly 20 years. The new offices will help us keep our finger on the pulse of Silicon Valley, thanks also to our excellent connections to the local research community and local businesses,” said Mike Mansuetti, president of Bosch in North America.

The facilities bring together 200 associates under one roof for the first time. Covering almost 10,000 square meters, the new location offers 40 percent more space in total and room for up to 300 associates.

[Read more…] about Bosch expands its research and technology centre in California

US stroke association teams with Ekso to promote exoskeleton technology

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A new partnership has been launched to educate stroke survivors and the medical profession about the benefits of exoskeleton technology in stroke rehabilitation.

The National Stroke Association, a US non-profit organisation that provides stroke education and programs to stroke survivors, caregivers, and the healthcare community, and Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc., a leader in exoskeleton technology for medical and industry use, have announced an educational partnership to increase awareness of and access to advance stroke rehabilitation exoskeleton technology, which enables earlier mobility and restored independence for survivors of stroke.

The partnership will coincide with National Stroke Awareness Month, in May, and Stroke and Technology Month, in November, when the national spotlight will be on developments in technologies that provide post-stroke independence and improved health outcomes.

[Read more…] about US stroke association teams with Ekso to promote exoskeleton technology