Market trends and business perspectives
by Sam Francis
Sensor manufacturer Sick has introduced a range of new motor feedback systems for direct drives in robotics.
Direct drives in robotics applications and handling systems are two of the key applications that are ideal for the new SEM70 and SEM90 motor feedback systems from Sick, featuring HiperFace interfaces. [Read more…] about Sick introduces new motor feedback systems for direct drives in robotics
by Sam Francis
Ambarella, a developer of high-resolution video processing and computer vision semiconductors, and Smart Eye, a developer of artificial intelligence-powered eye, mouth, and head tracking technology, are partnering to deliver a Driver Monitoring System platform that they say “tracks driver actions and intentions”.
The platform is based on Ambarella’s CV22AQ CVflow computer vision processor, which offers high-quality image processing and high-performance AI computing at low power consumption, typically below 2.5 watts.
Smart Eye AI software running on CV22AQ will make it possible for automotive original equipment manufacturers and tier-1s to deploy a new generation of driver and in-cabin monitoring systems with advanced AI features, increasing safety and convenience for drivers and passengers. [Read more…] about Ambarella and Smart Eye partner to deliver ‘next-generation AI-based driver monitoring’
by Sam Francis
San Francisco-based startup FarmWise has started production of its first generation of autonomous weeding robots after successful tests in 2018 and has already secured bookings for 2019.
The company says the robot can help farmers reduce their reliance on chemical weedkillers. (See video below.)
FarmWise says that farmers today are facing the need to use fewer chemical inputs to match current consumer expectations and preserve the integrity of our soil. [Read more…] about FarmWise launches autonomous weeding robot
Omron has launched what it says “the automation industry’s first VT-M121: 2D dimension and visual inspection machine”, which performs simultaneously dimension and visual inspection to detect scratches and cracks on products.
VT-M121 demonstrates the feasible full inspection to meet the required quality standard of the automotive industry in full cooperation with SIIX Corporation that is the nation’s largest provider of EMS and works to improve the production quality of electronics components and to increase their reliability.
Instead of the inspection process of the sampling inspection by operators, VT-M121 enables full inspection automatically in the production line and contributes to achieving “zero defects” in automotive electronics which are required to have high quality and high reliability. [Read more…] about Omron to launch ‘industry’s first’ 2D dimensioning and visual inspection machine
by Sam Francis
Naver Labs is planning the global debut and demonstrations of the artificial intelligence, robotics, computer-aided vision, mapping and other core technologies of its “breakthrough xDM platform” at CES and the Pepcom Digital Experience.
Naver Labs, which is part of Naver Corporation, is inviting CES attendees to see the future of location-based services and information at the Pepcom Digital Experience today at the Mirage Hotel, and at its CES Tech East Booth: LVCC, Central Plaza – CP-14, between January 8th and 11th. [Read more…] about Naver Labs to showcase robotics and artificial intelligence technologies at CES
Investments in digital engineering are expected to account for 37 percent of the engineering research and design (ER&D) market by 2023, according to a report by Zinnov.
Global corporate engineering and R&D spend is in excess of $1.2 trillion in 2018
Z1000 organizations account for $812 billion of the global R&D spend.
Digital engineering spend is estimated at $293 billion and accounts for 24 percent of overall global corporate engineering spend. [Read more…] about Investments in digital engineering expected to grow
By Lior Elazary, CEO and co-founder, inVia Robotics
E-commerce sales continue to climb at a record pace; at least 80 percent of US consumers with internet access have made a purchase online in the last 30 days.
E-commerce giants, namely Amazon, have set customer expectations for free and fast shipping incredibly high.
It’s a major factor influencing purchase decisions – 28 percent of online shoppers abandon carts because of unexpected shipping costs while 54 percent shared they don’t always request same day delivery, but still expect non-urgent items “reasonably quickly” (generally thought of as within two days). [Read more…] about Why e-commerce is shifting towards the warehouse model of ‘distributed distribution’
by Sam Francis
Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Toyota AI Ventures has made an investment in Elementary Robotics, a robotics platform startup which makes “intelligent robot assistants”, founded in 2017.
The funding marks Toyota AI Ventures’ first investment as part of the “call for innovation” it launched this summer in partnership with the Toyota Research Institute.
The call for innovation program is designed to spur innovation by using a “call-and-response” approach to attract and invest in early-stage startups that are tackling specific problems in areas like artificial intelligence, automated driving, and robotics. [Read more…] about Toyota invests in Elementary Robotics for its ‘intelligent robot assistants’
Robotics specialist Sewtec has created a six-figure bespoke packaging machine for Tata Global Beverages, bringing a new Tetley fruit tea product line to market from its flagship UK plant.
Sewtec’s new technology has been installed in Tata Global Beverages’ largest factory across its global operations, located in Eaglescliffe, England. The plant operates 24 hours a day for five days a week, producing 260 million tea bags every week.
The Tetley brand – which operates across 40 countries worldwide and celebrates its 180th anniversary this year – is now able to pack 2,000 tea bags every minute with this new automated system. [Read more…] about Robotics specialist Sewtec completes ‘six-figure packaging machine’ to launch new Tetley product line
by Sam Francis
China’s largest retailer, JD, is preparing to showcase its autonomous delivery solutions at the annual CES event, which starts tomorrow in Las Vegas, USA. (See video below.)
This will be JD’s debut at the world’s largest consumer electronics show.
JD has launched two smart delivery stations in the cities of Changsha and Hohhot, in China, strengthening the e-commerce giant’s autonomous logistics capabilities. [Read more…] about China’s largest retailer to showcase autonomous delivery solutions at CES
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