Archives for February 2019

FedEx unveils ‘SameDay Bot’ for future home deliveries

Logistics giant FedEx is developing what it describes as “cutting-edge delivery solutions” to meet the rapidly changing needs of consumers.

As part of that development, the company has unveiled the FedEx SameDay Bot – an autonomous delivery device prototype designed to help retailers make same-day and last-mile deliveries to their customers. (See video below.)

With the bot, retailers will be able to accept orders from nearby customers and deliver them by bot directly to customers’ homes or businesses the same day. [Read more…] about FedEx unveils ‘SameDay Bot’ for future home deliveries

Husqvarna launches high-performance, all-wheel robotic lawnmower

What looks at first glance like an all-terrain supercar is actually designed to mow your lawn, even on undulating terrains, and can even be operated by voice command

Husqvarna has released its Automower 435X AWD, an artificial intelligence-enabled, robotic mower with all-wheel drive and smart home connectivity.

The company describes the impressive-looking machine as an “iconic, fully autonomous robotic lawnmower”.

Automower is designed to manage rough terrain and slopes with and can climb steep slopes of up to 70 percent, and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and provides an open API for smart home integration. [Read more…] about Husqvarna launches high-performance, all-wheel robotic lawnmower

Bosch increases investment in startups with €200 million

Bosch is increasing its investment in external startups, providing Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) with 200 million euros for a fourth fund.

“As a leading IoT company, we want to drive forward select technologies in areas of future relevance, such as artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Volkmar Denner, CEO of Robert Bosch GmbH.

RBVC currently has a stake in three of the most promising artificial intelligence (AI) startups worldwide: DeepMap, Graphcore, and Syntiant.

Hillcrest Labs and LG renew licence for handheld motion control technology

Sensor supplier Hillcrest Labs and LG Electronics have renewed their licence agreement for handheld motion control technology.

LG, one of the world’s leading suppliers of smart TVs, licenses Hillcrest Labs’ point-and-click remote control technology which uses motion control features of LG Magic Remote.

InterDigital, a mobile technology research and development company, and parent company of Hillcrest Labs, says LG Electronics has extended its license to use Hillcrest Labs’ Freespace MotionEngine software in its Smart TVs for an additional three years. [Read more…] about Hillcrest Labs and LG renew licence for handheld motion control technology

Integra Biosciences launches new pipetting robot for labs

Integra Biosciences has launched a new pipetting robot – called Assist Plus – for application in laboratories.

The company says that today’s scientists “want to do more than just straightforward pipetting tasks in microplates”, so it has taken a fresh approach.

In order to innovate, the company asked laboratories about the specific challenges they face, and how these could be overcome by enhanced liquid handling products. [Read more…] about Integra Biosciences launches new pipetting robot for labs

United Technologies completes acquisition of Rockwell Collins

United Technologies Corp. has completed its acquisition of Rockwell Collins and the company’s intention is to separate its commercial businesses, Otis and Carrier (formerly CCS), into independent entities. The separation will result in three global, industry-leading companies.

Firstly, United Technologies, comprised of Collins Aerospace Systems and Pratt & Whitney, will be the preeminent systems supplier to the aerospace and defence industry; Collins Aerospace was formed through the combination of UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins.

Secondly, Otis, the world’s leading manufacturer of elevators, escalators and moving walkways and thirdly, Carrier, a global provider of HVAC, refrigeration, building automation, fire safety and security products with leadership positions across its portfolio.

SEAT and IBM develop app for urban mobility with AI

SEAT, a member of the Volkswagen Group and one of Europe’s biggest car manufacturers, along with IBM announced the development of a new solution designed to transform driving in cities.

Announced the day after SEAT presented its concept car Minimó promising to revolutionise urban mobility, ‘Mobility Advisor’ uses IBM Watson AI to help urban citizens make informed decisions about their daily transportation options including cars, scooters, bikes and public transport.

Currently under development and designed to run as a mobile app on 4G/5G networks, ‘Mobility Advisor’ uses IBM Watson Assistant to provide users with a conversational interface to plan and optimise routes and suggest the most suitable transportation options.

TDK sensors enhance Qualcomm Robotics RB3 platform

TDK Corporation is working with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. through its group company, InvenSense, to contribute a product portfolio of MEMS motion and audio sensor solutions to the new Qualcomm Robotics RB3 Platform.

Based on the Qualcomm SDA/SDM845 system-on-chip (SoC), the Qualcomm Robotics RB3 platform is a set of hardware, software and tools designed to help manufacturers and developers create advanced consumer, enterprise and industrial robotics products.

The platform will support InvenSense’s 6-axis IMUs (3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer), capacitive barometric pressure sensor, and multi-mode digital microphones.

Netherlands establishes ‘first Smart Park in Europe’

The Dutch national park Zuid-Kennemerland is claiming to be the first nature reserve in Europe that is equipped with a Smart Parks network.

By using smart sensor technology, parks administrator PWN can now gather more information about the behavior of the large grazing animals in the park.

This knowledge helps with complicated management issues and contributes to a sustainable balance between nature, grazer, and recreation. [Read more…] about Netherlands establishes ‘first Smart Park in Europe’

Weland launches warehouse automation solution

Swedish supply chain technology company Weland Solutions has launched a new automated goods-to-person warehouse system which marks the company’s shift of emphasis towards automation technology.

Even before officially launching the new product, Compact Dynamic, Weland received a first signed purchase order.

In the summer of 2019, the facility will be operational at Axelent based in Hillerstorp, with customers worldwide. [Read more…] about Weland launches warehouse automation solution