Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for January 22, 2019

Construction and mining ‘next frontier’ for robotics adoption, says research company

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The construction and mining industries are the “next frontier” for robotics adoption, according to a report by ABI Research.

In the past, for heavy industry-related locations like mines, robots must either be controlled by teleoperation or navigate autonomously across uneven terrain or within subterranean interiors with little to no human interaction.

This was the same for construction sites, where robots must understand changing floor plans, keep track of inventory, and navigate stairs.  [Read more…] about Construction and mining ‘next frontier’ for robotics adoption, says research company

Starship Technologies partners with Sodexo to launch ‘world’s largest fleet of delivery robots on a university campus’

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First robot delivery service integrated with student meal plans debuts at George Mason University today

Sodexo, a food services and facilities company, and Starship Technologies, a robotics company, have partnered to launch robot food delivery services at George Mason University’s Fairfax, Virginia campus. (See video below.)

Beginning today, Mason’s 40,000 students, faculty and staff can access the Starship Deliveries app (iOS and Android) to order food and drinks to be delivered anywhere on campus, within minutes.

Blaze Pizza, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ are the first retailers to participate, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. Each on-demand delivery costs just $1.99.  [Read more…] about Starship Technologies partners with Sodexo to launch ‘world’s largest fleet of delivery robots on a university campus’

Samsung partners with Pepperl+Fuchs to launch ruggedized tablet for hazardous industries

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Samsung has partnered with ecom – owned by Pepperl+Fuchs – to launch a ruggedized tablet for hazardous industries.

The companies say the tablet “increases safety, ease-of-use for mobile workers in oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceuticals and other industries operating in hazardous environments”.

ecom says the next generation of the Tab-Ex 02 DZ1 is based on the ruggedized Samsung Galaxy Tab Active2.  [Read more…] about Samsung partners with Pepperl+Fuchs to launch ruggedized tablet for hazardous industries

ZF unveils latest supercomputer

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ZF has unveiled the latest model of its automotive supercomputer ZF ProAI and says its ProAI RoboThink central control unit offers the highest performance of its kind in the industry.

Vehicle manufacturers and mobility service providers can benefit from the system’s modularity and scalability.

Today’s four models in the ZF ProAI product family can be optimally configured for any application – from a basic ADAS function right up to fully autonomous cars, commercial vehicles and industrial applications.

[Read more…] about ZF unveils latest supercomputer

Aisin and Denso to form electric vehicle driving module joint venture

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Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. and Denso Corporation have formally agreed to form a new company to develop and sell driving modules used for electric vehicles.

The new company is named BluE Nexus and will be established in April* 2019. In August 2018, Aisin and Denso first announced their basic agreement to establish a joint venture.

Electrification requires a driving module package that consists of transaxles, motor-generators, and inverters, which are key components needed for both partially and fully electric vehicles.

[Read more…] about Aisin and Denso to form electric vehicle driving module joint venture

GreyOrange to launch new warehouse automation products at LogiMAT

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GreyOrange has expanded its autonomous mobile robot solution portfolio with the launch of a new modular sortation system and upgraded versions of Butler and PickPal. 

The robotics and warehouse automation company will launch its new modular sortation system and demonstrate upgraded versions of its Butler and PickPal at LogiMAT 2019, to be held in Stuttgart, Germany on 19-21 February.

Today, retailers and logistics businesses face many new kinds of complexities and challenges due to the unprecedented growth in volumes, combined with the volatility of peak periods and increased pressure to cut operational costs.  [Read more…] about GreyOrange to launch new warehouse automation products at LogiMAT

Velodyne Lidar sensors power ThorDrive’s autonomous driving pilot

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ThorDrive, an autonomous vehicle (AV) startup, is introducing commercial vehicle services in the first of many pilots in the USA.

The initial service, in partnership with Hassett ACE Hardware, will support selected residents and fire departments in Palo Alto, California, with plans to expand to additional pilots soon.

The ThorDrive platform is using Velodyne’s lidar sensors to provide rich data content for its AV software.

[Read more…] about Velodyne Lidar sensors power ThorDrive’s autonomous driving pilot