Archives for April 23, 2019

Daimler Trucks set to acquire majority stake in Torc Robotics

April 23, 2019 by Anna

Daimler Trucks, a division in the Daimler Group, and Torc Robotics, a pioneer in autonomous driving solutions, are joining forces in a one-of-a-kind combination to commercialise highly automated trucks (SAE Level 4) on U.S. roads.

The companies have signed an agreement whereby Daimler Trucks and Buses Holding Inc. will acquire a majority stake in Torc Robotics for an undisclosed sum. Closing of the acquisition is subject to approval from U.S. authorities.

“Bringing Torc Robotics within the Daimler Trucks family creates a unique and powerful team of innovators to put highly automated trucks on the road,” said Martin Daum, Member of the Board of Management Daimler AG, responsible for Trucks and Buses.

[Read more…]

Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

April 23, 2019 by David Edwards

Sick has launched a new compact image-based code reader, Lector621, for reliable detection of 1D, 2D, stacked codes, and plain text.

The high-performance DPM – direct part marking – decoder can read laser or dot-peened codes perfectly, even in the case of low contrast levels, contamination, or poor code quality.

This fills a gap in Sick’s existing portfolio of code readers, by providing a compact solution with increased reading distance, resolution, field of vision, and scanning frequency. [Read more…] about Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

Infineon ‘outgrowing all other leading suppliers of automotive semiconductors’ in Japan

April 23, 2019 by Sam Francis

Infineon is outgrowing all other leading suppliers of automotive semiconductors in Japan, according to new research by Strategy Analytics.

Infineon says this shows “strong growth in a strategically important market”.

The latest research from Strategy Analytics finds that Infineon Technologies increased its automotive business in Japan by almost 25 percent in 2018. [Read more…] about Infineon ‘outgrowing all other leading suppliers of automotive semiconductors’ in Japan

Toyota premieres own-brand battery electric vehicles

April 23, 2019 by Anna

Toyota unveiled its C-HR and IZOA battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the opening day of Auto Shanghai 2019.

The C-HR and IZOA will be the first BEVs to launch in China under the Toyota brand. Sales of the new models are expected to start from 2020.

Toyota also displayed other electrified vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) variants for the RAV4 and the Alphard/Vellfire in China, as well as the Corolla and Levin plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) series, launched in March 2019.

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Anca launches new robot arm

April 23, 2019 by Sam Francis

Anca has launched its first industrial robot – a selective compliance assembly robot arm, or SCARA.

Anca is better known for its computer numerical control machines, and supplies the automotive, electronic, medical, aerospace and many other manufacturing verticals.

The company says it spends 10 percent of its annual turnover on research and development projects and often collaborates with universities to develop its latest technology. [Read more…] about Anca launches new robot arm

Locus Robotics raises $26 million in new investment

April 23, 2019 by Sam Francis

Supply chain automation startup Locus Robotics has raised $26 million in Series C funding.

The company says it will use the proceeds to scale production of its revolutionary multi-bot solution for warehouse fulfillment, as well as for expansion of its sales and marketing efforts, both in North America, and internationally.

Participants in the round include Zebra Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Zebra Technologies, and Scale Venture Partners, which led the Company’s Series B round in 2017. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics raises $26 million in new investment

Swisslog wins two large orders in Scandinavia and Southeast Asia

April 23, 2019 by Anna

Swisslog has been commissioned to carry out the comprehensive automation of the Coop warehouse in Langhus.

The delivery includes a high-bay pallet warehouse with six Vectura stacker cranes and a conveyor system, which are controlled by the intelligent Swisslog software SynQ.

The new distribution centre will be in full operation at the beginning of 2021.

[Read more…]