Robotics & Automation News

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Archives for September 12, 2018

Volkswagen takes first step on road to 3D car production

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Volkswagen will use a new 3D printing process to print design elements such as individualised gear knobs in small production series and is pressing ahead with the development of the technology for mass production.

Volkswagen is using the “HP Metal Jet” process, which it claimed to simplify and speed up metallic 3D printing. The biggest advantage claimed: productivity improves fifty times compared with other 3D printing methods and depending on the component.

Together with printer manufacturer HP and component manufacturer GKN Powder Metallurgy, Volkswagen  presented the new process for the first time at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

[Read more…] about Volkswagen takes first step on road to 3D car production

Autodesk showcasing its generative design technology at IMTS

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Autodesk is showcasing a number of products and recent updates that it says are “powering the convergence of design and manufacturing”.

The company has a huge range of software which are used in architecture and construction, and increasingly in the manufacturing industry.

Among the new Autodesk developments on show at IMTS are listed below.  [Read more…] about Autodesk showcasing its generative design technology at IMTS

Denso leads $65 million funding round in autonomous car developer ThinCI

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Denso says it led the $65 million Series C funding round in ThinCI in order to “make autonomous cars a reality”.

Denso, the main supplier to Toyota, says the investment speeds development of semiconductor devices with deep learning capabilities required for next-generation autonomous and electric vehicles.

Denso, which is a $50 billion company and one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers of technology and components, says it is continuing to search for new ways to support the development of future mobility solutions that will “revolutionize how society moves”. [Read more…] about Denso leads $65 million funding round in autonomous car developer ThinCI

Sisu and Sixense launch ‘high-speed’ robot programming solution using virtual reality

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Sixense, a provider of immersive computing solutions for enterprises, and Sisu, a creator of industrial robot systems, are partnering to offer Sisu’s Vudu system for industrial robot programming.

Sixense’s advanced motion-tracking has enabled Sisu to launch their most intuitive system yet, reducing programming time from days or hours to just minutes, according to the company.

Sixense’s motion tracking solution pairs perfectly with Sisu’s Vudu system by providing highly accurate tracking data to enable extremely precise control for programming industrial robots and machinery.  [Read more…] about Sisu and Sixense launch ‘high-speed’ robot programming solution using virtual reality

Australia’s ‘first’ on-demand, driverless car arrives in Perth, built with Navya

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The Western Australian city of Perth is now home to one of the world’s first driverless, on-demand vehicles, after the official unveiling of the RAC Intellicar yesterday.

RAC is an insurance and breakdown recovery service in Australia. It previously showcased ideas for a driverless minibus called an Intellibus, citing David Hasselhoff and Batman as influences.

Designed as a shared mobility service, the RAC Intellicar will become the newest addition to RAC’s automated vehicle program, supported by the Western Australian Government and vehicle manufacturer, Navya.

RAC Group CEO Terry Agnew says the arrival of the prototype vehicle was a significant transportation milestone for both Western Australia and Australia.  [Read more…] about Australia’s ‘first’ on-demand, driverless car arrives in Perth, built with Navya

Seegrid introduces new self-driving vehicle and data analytics platform

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Seegrid has released a new vision-guided vehicle, a new data analytics and reporting offering, and enhanced functionality of its Seegrid Supervisor fleet management software.

The launch is the company’s largest release this year, as Seegrid expands its suite of automated solutions aimed at optimising materials handling.

The Seegrid Smart Platform helps manufacturing, distribution, and e-commerce companies streamline their supply chains with automated material movement, says the company.

[Read more…] about Seegrid introduces new self-driving vehicle and data analytics platform

Unmanned supermarket opens in China

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GreenMart, an unmanned supermarket established by the strategic partnership between Panasonic and the Greentown Group, has opened at Hangzhou Panasonic Industrial Park.

‘GreenMart plus’  is the first unmanned general shop to have opened in Hangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone.

The shop sells about 500 kinds of foods and includes a Light Kitchen experience zone, complete with a line of Panasonic products, such as steam ovens, induction heaters, and dishwashers.

[Read more…] about Unmanned supermarket opens in China