Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for February 27, 2019

TDK sensors enhance Qualcomm Robotics RB3 platform

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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.

[Read more…] about TDK sensors enhance Qualcomm Robotics RB3 platform

Netherlands establishes ‘first Smart Park in Europe’

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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

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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

What do drones, quidditch, and augmented reality all have in common?

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Today, drones dominate the news, from making speedy burrito deliveries, transporting orders to your doorstep, or aiding in natural disasters.

Now, Virginia Tech researchers are exploring applications for unmanned aircraft systems to assist in safer and more effective inspection of civil infrastructure.

The use of drones for this type of assessment has the potential to make the inspection process quicker and more efficient, thus enhancing public safety in the US and around the world.  [Read more…] about What do drones, quidditch, and augmented reality all have in common?

Agility Robotics unveils new robot with two arms and two legs

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Agility Robotics has unveiled a new bipedal robot named Digit, which adds an upper torso, arms, sensors, and additional computing power to the successful Cassie robot design.

Agility says Digit’s four degree-of-freedom arms greatly extend both the mobility and utility of Digit, as compared to Cassie. The machine could find useful applications in logistics.

Dr Jonathan Hurst, CTO and co-founder of Agility, says: “For us, arms are simultaneously a tool for moving through the world – think getting up after a fall, waving your arms for balance, or pushing open a door – while also being useful for manipulating or carrying objects.”  [Read more…] about Agility Robotics unveils new robot with two arms and two legs

Lexus reaches new record with 10 million vehicle sales

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Lexus has sold its 10 millionth vehicle, a landmark achievement that came shortly after a strong 2018 year-end sales performance with Lexus achieving multiple best-ever sales goals around the globe.

In addition, the brand that pioneered the world’s first luxury hybrid-electric vehicle in 2005, and offers 11 electrified models globally, surpassed the 1.45 million unit mark in self-charging hybrid vehicles sold worldwide.

Lexus hybrid vehicle sales jumped nearly 20% in 2018 from the prior year, a result that underscores the brand’s heritage with, and commitment to, electrification.

[Read more…] about Lexus reaches new record with 10 million vehicle sales

ZF unveils concepts for emission-free, efficient and safe future urban landscapes

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ZF, better known for automotive technologies, has unveiled a range of concepts for emission-free, efficient and safe future urban construction sites and smart cities.

They include:

  • Zero emissions e-concepts for compact construction machinery
  • Artificial intelligence to make it easier to transport goods and people
  • Open IoT platforms offer wide-ranging options for new digital services

A lot of work lies ahead for the construction industry, says ZF. According to estimates, by 2050 two thirds of the world’s population will live in large cities.  [Read more…] about ZF unveils concepts for emission-free, efficient and safe future urban landscapes

Industrial emissions measuring company Aeromon moves into production phase

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Aeromon, the company behind the compact and customisable emissions measurement devices that can be used in drone-mounted, hand-held and fixed configurations to reveal hidden industrial emissions, has launched its first commercially available product.

The company aims to help industrial operators in maritime, oil and gas, waste and recycling, and pulp and paper mitigate environmental harm and meet emissions regulations in a low-cost, effective, and safe way.

Aeromon CEO Teppo Virkkula says: “Aeromon has created the first FSC (Fuel Sulphur Content) measurement solution in the world that can be deployed on both fixed and rotary wing drones.  [Read more…] about Industrial emissions measuring company Aeromon moves into production phase

BP partners with mobility technology accelerator Startup Autobahn

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BP has become the latest corporate partner to join Startup Autobahn, the global mobility technology accelerator founded by Daimler, Plug And Play, the University of Stuttgart and Arena2036.

Startup Autobahn identifies startup ventures from around the world that have innovative technologies and business models, with a particular focus on developments in mobility.

It connects them with its corporate partners to facilitate collaboration and accelerate the development of products, services and ways of working that could advance mobility.

[Read more…] about BP partners with mobility technology accelerator Startup Autobahn