Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for December 19, 2019

Omron launches 237 new factory automation control devices

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Omron has launched the sixth wave of its factory automation control devices built on a common design platform for further innovation in control panel building.

The new products include 237 models in six categories low voltage switch gear: J7KC, J7TC, J7MC, J7KCA and J7KCR series low voltage switching gears (LVSG), S8V-CP series DC electronic circuit protectors, and PTF-XX-PU socket for LY relays with Push-In Plus technology.

With its Value Design products, Omron’s goal is to provide a complete solution to panel builders, while saving space and reducing the workload and total cost of ownership. [Read more…] about Omron launches 237 new factory automation control devices

SICK launches its ‘most powerful and accurate’ 2D LiDAR sensor yet

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SICK has launched what it describes as its “most powerful and accurate 2D LiDAR sensor yet”.

The LMS4000 is designed for materials handling and intralogistics applications, and is said to maintain its high degrees of accuracy and power even at high speeds, in low ambient light or when goods, packages or parcels are matt black or glossy.

SICK says its LMS4000 2D LiDAR Sensor’s “exceptionally high” laser scanning frequency helps to produce more than half a million measurement points per second to calculate the position, shape, volume or surface quality of goods, packages or components over a wide depth of field, and at ranges up to 3 metres. [Read more…] about SICK launches its ‘most powerful and accurate’ 2D LiDAR sensor yet

SICK makes its 3D camera programmable

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SICK has made its powerful Visionary T 3D snapshot camera programmable, so it can run user-specific image processing applications developed in its pioneering AppSpace software development ecosystem.

The SICK Visionary T-AP, a robust 3D imaging camera that captures high-resolution 3D data with a single shot of light, is the first SICK programmable device to be launched with ready-to-use SICK Key Apps already on board.

The Visionary T-AP can be purchased with easy-to-use plug and play applications to solve common 3D guidance and localisation tasks in materials handling, warehousing and intralogistics applications, particularly for obstacle recognition, collision avoidance, and navigation in the use of service robots, automated guided vehicles, carts and forklifts. [Read more…] about SICK makes its 3D camera programmable

BMW invests €400 million in Dingolfing plant for BMW iNEXT

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The BMW Group is investing around €400 million in its Dingolfing vehicle plant for production of the BMW iNEXT.

In doing this, it is preparing for the manufacture of pure battery-electric and highly automated BMW cars at its largest European production location.

With the launch of the BMW iNEXT in 2021, Plant Dingolfing will be capable of producing the right mix of fully-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and models with combustion engines to suit demand on a single assembly line. [Read more…] about BMW invests €400 million in Dingolfing plant for BMW iNEXT

BMW claims it has ‘half a million’ electric vehicles on the road

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BMW claims it has “half a million” electric vehicles on the road, and is looking to double that number to reach 1 million by the end of 2021.

To mark the reaching of this milestone, Sebastian Mackensen, BMW Group senior vice president market Germany, handed over the keys to a very special BMW 330e to its future owner at BMW Welt today.

Oliver Zipse, chairman of BMW, says: “Half a million vehicles is the best proof: Our broad range of electrified vehicles is meeting exact customer needs. [Read more…] about BMW claims it has ‘half a million’ electric vehicles on the road

Kia and Hyundai debut virtual reality system for design evaluation

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Kia Motors and Hyundai have debuted a new virtual reality design evaluation system at the brands’ global design headquarters.

The new system, introduced to the Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea, demonstrates a heightened focus on enhancing vehicle development processes through the implementation of VR technology.

Kia and Hyundai displayed how new VR technology will be utilised by both brands in future. [Read more…] about Kia and Hyundai debut virtual reality system for design evaluation

ZF establishes third research and development center in China

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Automotive technology supplier ZF Friedrichshafen is establishing a third Chinese research and development center in Guangzhou southern China.

Representatives of ZF and the local authorities have signed an agreement and ZF plans to invest approximately €90 million in the new development center.

ZF already has two development centers in China, both located in Shanghai. With their respective focus on the development of active and passive safety technology as well as driveline and chassis technology, the two centers support ZF customers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. [Read more…] about ZF establishes third research and development center in China