Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Alstef tests AGVs at Rennes Bretagne Airport in baggage handling

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Alstef Group has been utilising the AirportLAB experimentation agreement with Rennes Bretagne Airport, in France, to test its automated guided vehicle.

Created by ProAvia, AirportLAB allows member companies to trial their innovations in a real airport context.

Within this framework, AlstefGroup registered one of its major innovations, BagXone, “the fastest AGV on the market”, dedicated to automated hold baggage handling in the terminal. [Read more…] about Alstef tests AGVs at Rennes Bretagne Airport in baggage handling

SICK completes microScan3 portfolio with industry-leading functionality in Pro I/O variant

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SICK’s newest safety laser scanner, the microScan3 Pro I/O, features an everything-in-one design for seamless, versatile use.

Universal I/O integration works with any safety controls, and the intelligent host/guest functionality makes it possible to connect up to three guest scanners to the microScan3 Pro I/O.

Additionally, the microScan3 Pro I/O does the work of four standard safety laser scanners with an industry-leading four pairs of OSSD outputs. [Read more…] about SICK completes microScan3 portfolio with industry-leading functionality in Pro I/O variant

UAE scientists figure out way to get swarm robots to split up tasks efficiently

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Researchers at the Technology Innovation Institute in the UAE are developing a new paradigm for teaching robot swarms how to allocate themselves to tasks efficiently. 

The ideas – published in the paper, Group-Size Regulation in Self-organized Aggregation in Robot Swarms – could spark interest in better ways of controlling lots of simple robots to do more complicated tasks independently, with little or no outside communication.

Much prior work has been done to organizing swarms of drones to perform impressive tasks, such as a coordinated light show. But these approaches often relied on centralized coordination, expensive equipment in each drone, or both. [Read more…] about UAE scientists figure out way to get swarm robots to split up tasks efficiently

BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

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Autonomous navigation systems developer BlueBotics, which was recently acquired by ZAPI, is heading to Modex 2022 to showcase a unique multi-brand fleet demo of vehicles driven by its ANT technology.

The company’s booth will feature several different brands of vehicles, spanning automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from across the ANT navigation ecosystem.

This example fleet operation will be the main draw of the company’s show stand. The vehicles will run a small pallet-moving operation, all controlled by one ANT server software project. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

RoboDK targets integrator sales demos with web version of robot simulation software

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A new web version the popular robot programming software RoboDK has just been released.

This simplified version needs no license and provides a portable, intuitive interface for sales representatives, new robot users, and educational uses.

Creating convincing sales demos of robotic solutions is not always easy. Robot integrators often use simulations to make it easier for clients to understand their solutions, but such simulations are not easily portable. [Read more…] about RoboDK targets integrator sales demos with web version of robot simulation software

Automation Isn’t About to Make Truckers Obsolete

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The rapid development of technology has changed the way businesses work. With robotics, AI, and machine learning gaining immense popularity, many think these will replace employees in completing the work tasks.

The trucking industry is one of the sectors impacted by the latest technologies. Therefore, many worry that truck driving jobs will disappear due to automation.

The innovation of self-driving vehicles might change the work process, and many speculate that advanced machines will replace truck drivers. Some predict that up to 3 million driving jobs might disappear due to automation. [Read more…] about Automation Isn’t About to Make Truckers Obsolete

RIOS raises $28 million to automate ‘old-line industries’ with AI robotic workcells

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RIOS Intelligent Machines, a startup developing artificial intelligence-powered robotic workcells for factory automation, has raised $28 million in Series A equity funding and debt financing. 

This new round of funding, together with a $5 million venture round back in 2020, raise RIOS’ total capitalization to $33 million.

The oversubscribed Series A round was led by new deep tech investor Main Sequence, along with new major investors Yamaha Motor Ventures, Orbit Venture Partners, Hypertherm Ventures, and strong participation from existing investors Valley Capital Partners, Morpheus Ventures, Grit Ventures, and others. [Read more…] about RIOS raises $28 million to automate ‘old-line industries’ with AI robotic workcells

Scientist invents cheese-tasting robot

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A scientist at the University of Copenhagen has invented what could be described as a “cheese-tasting robot”, describing it as “the world’s very first cheese robot”. 

The robotic system is currently operational and helping a multinational Danish dairy products company – Arla – with the quality control of its cheeses.

According to the University of Copenhagen researcher behind the invention, the robot can save dairy companies time and money, while contributing to more sustainable production in the long term. [Read more…] about Scientist invents cheese-tasting robot

Verdant Robotics launches multi-action agricultural robot for ‘superhuman farming’

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Verdant Robotics has launched what it says is “the first multi-action autonomous farm robot for specialty crops” which will enable “superhuman farming”.

To meet farmers’ demands for more sustainable and profitable growing practices, Verdant Robotics has expanded its robot-as-a-service (RaaS) model to ensure access for more specialty crop farmers.

Founded in late 2018 by a leading roboticist, a software engineer, and a California farmer, Verdant has raised $21.5 million to develop the industry’s first multi-action, autonomous farm-robot capable of millimeter-accurate spraying, laser weeding, and AI-based digital crop modeling. [Read more…] about Verdant Robotics launches multi-action agricultural robot for ‘superhuman farming’

How to Handle Failing Car Parts

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Nobody wants car parts to fail, but vehicle owners don’t always have control over what happens with their cars. They can keep the rides properly maintained to prevent some issues, but car parts can still break down.

Therefore, the question you should probably be asking yourself is, “How will you handle failing car parts when they creep into the picture?”

Unfortunately, these incidents typically happen at the most inopportune times. For instance, if you plan a road trip with your significant other, don’t be surprised if an engine component decides to go kaput. The point is that you need to try and be prepared for dilemmas, and that is where these tips can be of assistance. [Read more…] about How to Handle Failing Car Parts