Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for April 4, 2019

IP EXPO Manchester 2019 ends with a stark reminder: Anyone can be a victim of a scam or cyber-attack

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IP EXPO Manchester, co-located at Digital Transformation EXPO, opened for the second day with scam expert Alexis Conran, best known for his appearance in the TV programme Real Hustle.

In his captivating keynote speech, Alexis took to the stage to engage the audience by using real-life examples showcasing just how easy it is to be a victim of a scam – no matter how secure you believe you are.

We live in a world where we are increasingly reliant on technology, in both work and our everyday lives. With this in mind, Conran discussed how the human element is just as important as the technology itself when it comes to digital security, commenting “Tech doesn’t fail, humans do.”  [Read more…] about IP EXPO Manchester 2019 ends with a stark reminder: Anyone can be a victim of a scam or cyber-attack

Robotic end of arm tools sales set to increase by 5 percent to $2 billion in 2019, says report

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Global sales of robotic end of arm tools are set to surpass $2 billion in 2019, up from $1.9 billion in 2018, according to a report by Fact.mr. 

This growth in sales can be attributed to the ever-evolving demand of industrial ecosystems for high productivity via industrial robotics.

With industrial ecosystems facing the constant pressure to enhance productivity and reduce operating costs, the demand for collaborative robots is higher than ever.  [Read more…] about Robotic end of arm tools sales set to increase by 5 percent to $2 billion in 2019, says report

New battery promises to increase range of electric vehicles by five times

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A company called Innolith says it is developing “the world’s first 1,000 Wh/kg rechargeable battery”. 

Under development in the company’s German laboratory, the new “Innolith Energy Battery” would be capable of powering an electric vehicle for “over 1,000 kilometers on a single charge”.

Electric cars currently on the market can be driven for about 100 to 300 km, depending on the model.  [Read more…] about New battery promises to increase range of electric vehicles by five times

Renewable energy now accounts for a third of global power capacity, says Irena

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Clean energy from sources such as solar, wind, and others now accounts for a third of global power capacity, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

The decade-long trend of strong growth in renewable energy capacity continued in 2018 with global additions of 171 gigawatts, according to new data released by Irena.

The annual increase of 7.9 percent was bolstered by new additions from solar and wind energy, which accounted for 84 percent of the growth. “A third of global power capacity is now based on renewable energy,” says Irena.  [Read more…] about Renewable energy now accounts for a third of global power capacity, says Irena

Bosch achieves sales in the billions with Industry 4.0

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Over the past four years, Bosch has made more than 1.5 billion euros with Industry 4.0 applications. As early as 2022, Bosch wants to generate annual sales of over a billion euros with Industry 4.0.

The company is presenting the factory of the future at Hannover Messe: autonomous transport vehicles deliver components to digital workspaces, robotics solutions support workers in manufacturing, and quality inspection is performed with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

Bosch recognised the potential of Industry 4.0 early on: the company began connecting manufacturing and logistics in 2012.

[Read more…] about Bosch achieves sales in the billions with Industry 4.0

Boston Dynamics buys Kinema Systems for its brains

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Boston Dynamics, maker of the world’s most terrifying robots (see video below for proof), has agreed to acquire Kinema Systems, a company that enables industrial robotic arms with deep learning technology to locate and move boxes on complex pallets.

Using a combination of vision sensors and deep learning software, Kinema Systems’ Pick technology works with leading commercial robotic arms to move boxes off pallets to conveyors or build stacks of boxes on pallets.

Pick enables logistics, retail, and manufacturing companies to achieve high rates of box moving with minimal setup or training for both multi-SKU and single-SKU pallets.  [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics buys Kinema Systems for its brains

ITT Enidine to showcase shock and vibration solutions at ProMat

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ITT Enidine will showcase a comprehensive portfolio of highly engineered, custom energy absorption solutions for the warehousing industry at ProMat 2019 in Chicago, April 8–11.

The company will present its technologies at McCormick Place, South Building, Booth #5255.

Designed for the most demanding material handling requirements, including storage and retrieval applications, ITT Enidine’s innovative, high-performing products help customers achieve better throughput, maximize safety and achieve longer equipment uptime.  [Read more…] about ITT Enidine to showcase shock and vibration solutions at ProMat

Siemens leads industry to the next level of digital transformation

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At Hannover Messe, Siemens is presenting numerous additions to its Digital Enterprise portfolio for the next level of digital transformation in the discrete and process industries.

At the centre of its booth, Siemens is using a model for the automotive industry to show how the unique portfolio of industrial software and automation technology seamlessly connects the virtual and real worlds.

Using cloud and Edge-based data analyses together with other future-oriented technologies, such as additive manufacturing and autonomous manufacturing systems, creates new possibilities in the areas of efficiency and flexibility.

[Read more…] about Siemens leads industry to the next level of digital transformation

5 Reasons Why Prototypes Are Important for Robotics

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No matter whether you’re a university student hoping to gain funding for your project or a robotics project manager, you need to use a prototype.

You’ve already outlined your concept, your drawings, and all of your requirements. You know exactly how to pitch your ideas, but how do you seal the deal? You guessed it: prototypes.

The reality is that it’s impossible to fully visualize a product without seeing it physically. Drawings and 3D models help fill these gaps in the imagination, but it’s still not yet existing in the physical space.  [Read more…] about 5 Reasons Why Prototypes Are Important for Robotics

Cambridge Analytica whistleblower kicks off IP Expo Manchester 2019

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IP EXPO Manchester, co-located at Digital Transformation EXPO, opened yesterday with Christopher Wylie, ex-Cambridge Analytica employee turned whistleblower.

Wylie gave visitors the inside track on one of the most notorious data scandals to date and shared his insights on what governments, technology vendors and regulatory bodies should be doing to better protect personal data in the future.

Drawing parallels with other sectors such as aviation and utilities, he questioned why technology was the only industry where the burden was placed on the consumer: “As consumers, we’re not told if you don’t want to get electrocuted, don’t use electricity. There are regulations in place and accountability lies with the provider, not the user. Why isn’t that the same with technology?”  [Read more…] about Cambridge Analytica whistleblower kicks off IP Expo Manchester 2019