Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for July 2, 2018

Briefing – Products and Markets: Humanoid robots struggle to find a place in today’s society

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Humanoids are probably the type of robots that the general public finds most fascinating. 

Yes, industrial robotic arms have their own attractions – the way they move so precisely and can work endlessly – but humanoids, for obvious reasons, possess the ultimate allure.

And if they take the form of your favourite person in the world – perhaps that film star you’ve had a crush on all your life – well, you’re practically in heaven.  [Read more…] about Briefing – Products and Markets: Humanoid robots struggle to find a place in today’s society

Honda ends development of iconic Asimo robot

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Honda is reportedly ending its development work on the iconic Asimo robot, which has become one of the most recognisable humanoids in the world. 

According to various reports in the media, starting with the original article on the Nikkei website, Honda has stopped development of Asimo.

Nikkei does not quote anyone from Honda but reports that the team behind Asimo are being redirected towards the development of technologies in sectors such as healthcare and self-driving vehicles.  [Read more…] about Honda ends development of iconic Asimo robot

DB Schenker offers 3D printing solutions via online portal

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DB Schenker is the world’s first logistics service provider offering its customers an extensive 3-D printing service. Customers can now upload the 3-D template via the online portal eSchenker, select materials and colour, consult prices, place orders and have the printing delivered.

DB Schenker organises the printing and delivery via its data platform. DB Schenker does not have its own printers, but uses a digital business model within a partner network of start-ups as well as established companies.

Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics, the DB Schenker Enterprise Lab in Dortmund has been analyzing the opportunities and results of 3-D printing since 2015.

[Read more…] about DB Schenker offers 3D printing solutions via online portal

New DHL ‘PostBOT’ helps the postie carry the mail

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Deutsche Post, part of DHL, is testing a robot to accompany mail deliverers on their routes and carry the post in the German town of Bad Hersfeld.

Residents of two delivery districts in Bad Hersfeld can immediately expect to start seeing the self-propelled electric “PostBOT” accompanying the mail carrier.

The robot can carry up to six post trays, relieving carriers of their heavy loads. It also frees up the deliverers’ hands, making it easier for them to distribute the mail.

[Read more…] about New DHL ‘PostBOT’ helps the postie carry the mail

World Economic Forum recognises Fetch Robotics as a ‘Technology Pioneer’

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Fetch Robotics, a developer of warehouse robots, was selected from hundreds of candidates as a World Economic Forum “Technology Pioneer”.

Fetch Robotics is said to have made it to the selection for its contributions in the field of robotics, and for its ability to address the rapidly increasing demands for flexible warehouse automation.

Fetch Robotics develops and manufactures collaborative autonomous mobile robot solutions for the warehousing and intralogistics markets.  [Read more…] about World Economic Forum recognises Fetch Robotics as a ‘Technology Pioneer’

Sony develops new processors for IoT

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Sony Corporation has developed two new products, the SPRESENCE main and extension boards for IoT applications, equipped with a smart-sensing processor, which go on sale July 31.

The main board uses a multi-CPU structure equipped with Sony’s GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and high-res audio codec.

A variety of systems for diverse applications, including drones, smart speakers, sensing cameras and other IoT devices, can be built by combining these boards and developing the relevant applications.

[Read more…] about Sony develops new processors for IoT

ZF and e.Go to start series production of autonomous and electric ‘people mover’ vehicle

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Automotive components manufacturer ZF and a startup called e.Go Mobile have agreed to start series production of an autonomous and electric “people mover” vehicle.

ZF says it is demonstrating its “multiple systems expertise” as a partner in the newly founded e.GO Moove joint venture.

In addition to other innovations which ZF will show at IAA commercial vehicles event in Hanover this September, the e.GO Mover is part of an entire digital logistics offering including hardware, software and services, highlighting the company’s strategic orientation.  [Read more…] about ZF and e.Go to start series production of autonomous and electric ‘people mover’ vehicle

Savioke raises $13.4 million in new funding for its small-item-carrying robot Relay

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Service robotics company Savioke has raised $13.4 million in its latest funding round.

New investors in this Series B round included Brain Corp, Swisslog Healthcare, NESIC, and Recruit.

The round brings Savioke’s total funding to $31 million.  [Read more…] about Savioke raises $13.4 million in new funding for its small-item-carrying robot Relay

Ascent expands portfolio with ‘faster, more accurate’ aerospace robotics

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Ascent Aerospace, a provider of aircraft assembly line integration services, has added Exechon Enterprises’ parallel kinematic robots to its portfolio of manufacturing automation solutions.

Exechon’s Parallel Kinematic Machine technology offers the stiffness of a machine tool with the dynamic 5-axis capability of an articulated-arm robot, for faster, more accurate assembly and higher overall equipment effectiveness.

Exechon’s latest innovation, the XMini, is accurate to 30μ, a step-change improvement over existing aerospace robotic solutions, which are limited in stiffness and speed.  [Read more…] about Ascent expands portfolio with ‘faster, more accurate’ aerospace robotics