Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for July 23, 2018

Siemens extends HMI range for industrial applications

by

Siemens has extended its system family of all-round protected HMI (Human Machine Interface) devices for machine-related, cabinet-free visualisation and automation.

High-performance Simatic Thin Client PRO operator terminals with 15, 19 and 22 inch screen sizes and all-round IP65 degree of protection are new to the range.

Like all devices in the PRO series, the new Thin Clients can be extended by mountable components (extension units) – such as mounting adapter, keyboard tray and keyboard.

[Read more…] about Siemens extends HMI range for industrial applications

Rio Tinto makes first delivery of iron ore with ‘world’s largest robot’

by

Mining giant Rio Tinto has achieved the first delivery of iron ore with what it describes as “the world’s largest robot”.

The company’s $940 million AutoHaul programme is focused on automating trains transporting iron ore to Rio Tinto’s port facilities in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Once commissioned, the network will be the world’s first heavy haul, long distance autonomous rail operation.  [Read more…] about Rio Tinto makes first delivery of iron ore with ‘world’s largest robot’

Autonomous truck startup raises $30 million

by

Autonomous truck startup Embark has raised $30 million in new funding, bring the total to $47 million, according to a report on the Forbes website. 

The company recently completed a US coast-to-coast test run of its driverless truck. Towards the end of last year, the company also partnered with Frigidaire, and Ryder, on a pilot test.

The market for autonomous trucks is believed to be potentially huge, and many companies are developing the technology (see our feature). [Read more…] about Autonomous truck startup raises $30 million

Yanmar launches new autonomous tractors

by

A Japanese company called Yanmar has launched a couple of new autonomous tractors which it says will help farmers save time and money.

The vehicles are set to be on sale from October and cost around $97,000 to $127,000 each.

Autonomous farm machines were once the subject of science fiction, but Yanmar has made them a reality with the introduction of its new “2-Series” tractors.  [Read more…] about Yanmar launches new autonomous tractors

Daifuku North America tops materials handling systems supplier list

by

Daifuku North America Holding Company – the leading provider of material handling solutions – has, together with its parent company and affiliated entities, been recognised as the Number One Worldwide Systems Supplier in Modern Materials Handling’s annual “Top 20 Systems Suppliers” list.

“We are honored and gratefully acknowledge our dedicated employees who continually strive to provide the innovative products and level of service that keep us at the top of the material handling industry year after year,” said Aki Nishimura, President of Daifuku North America Holding Company.

According to Stuart Oliphant in Daifuku’s corporate communications department in Japan, business was good across the globe. He says growth in revenue is partially linked to an increase in orders for materials handling systems from the flat panel display and semiconductor sectors in East Asia.

[Read more…] about Daifuku North America tops materials handling systems supplier list