Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

MTS AI Center launches $100 million artificial intelligence fund and global accelerator

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MTS AI Center, an international AI subsidiary of Russia’s largest telecom operator MTS, which is dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Moscow Exchange, has launched a $100 million AI fund and accelerator to “spearhead the development and commercialization of AI solutions and promising AI start-ups across Asia, Europe and North America”.

The VC fund and accelerator platform, Intelligent Machines (Intema), will focus on supporting artificial intelligence start-ups with smart money: financial support, deep technical and business expertise, access to computing power and networking, leveraging its world-class AI experts and the established position of its parent company MTS, a leading multinational with expertise in telecoms, fintech, cloud technology, Big Data, and AI.

Over the next three years, the MTS AI Center will invest more than $100 million in AI start-ups via a venture fund that will invest up to $20 million in individual projects and companies, and a start-up accelerator that will invest up to $100,000 per project. [Read more…] about MTS AI Center launches $100 million artificial intelligence fund and global accelerator

Digital manufacturing needs Time-Sensitive Networking

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Thomas Burke, Global Strategic Advisor at the CC-Link Partner Association, looks at why TSN is the future of industrial communications

Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is a game-changing technology that can substantially reshape industrial communications and factory operations.

By enhancing the capabilities of conventional industrial Ethernet and providing new functionalities, TSN can truly support futureproof digital manufacturing. Because of this disruptive potential, businesses should implement TSN now.

TSN is an innovative technology defined by IEEE 802.1 standards that resides at the Layer 2 (Data Link) of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model for communications. It ultimately makes Ethernet deterministic by design, thus improving data transfer accuracy and reliability. [Read more…] about Digital manufacturing needs Time-Sensitive Networking

Software AG helps automate OEE calculation with new app for Cumulocity IoT

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Software AG has launched an app to automate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) calculation for its Cumulocity IoT platform.

The new app will enable manufacturers of any size to collect and process key data as it’s created and quickly understand production effectiveness.

By monitoring production line availability, performance and quality, organizations can be more responsive to inefficiencies in their operations, enabling them to avert problems and capitalize on opportunities to be more effective. [Read more…] about Software AG helps automate OEE calculation with new app for Cumulocity IoT

Automated COVID Testing Thanks to a Tireless Robot developed by item America

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The sheer scale of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous innovative developments in industry to provide efficient solutions to meet the multitude of new challenges.

item America has played a part in several automation projects in the age of COVID – the manufacture of face masks and a workstation for analyzing coronavirus tests.

Now, item has played a role in the world’s first automated coronavirus testing station. Developed by Munich-based Franka Emika GmbH, a test station housing the “SR-NOCS” (“Swab Robot for Naso- and Oropharyngeal COVID-19 Screening”) swab robot. [Read more…] about Automated COVID Testing Thanks to a Tireless Robot developed by item America

Michigan Governor Whitmer awards substantial grants to accelerate mobility and electric vehicle investments in the state

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was joined by state, local and university officials at Kettering University’s GM Mobility Research Center in Flint to announce the first round of Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants.

Five mobility companies – MUVE, Airspace Link, Kuhmute, GreenRoute and Michigan Flyer – received more than $444,000 in funding to deploy mobility pilots in Michigan that alleviate mobility barriers and help accelerate electric vehicle adoption.

Governor Whitmer said: “These grants are securing a foundation for mobility companies across the state that builds on our reputation as a global leader in testing and deployment of future mobility solutions, but also create a runway to future growth and jobs right here in Michigan. [Read more…] about Michigan Governor Whitmer awards substantial grants to accelerate mobility and electric vehicle investments in the state

Bright Machines introduces Brightware Studio to ‘liberate factory automation’

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Bright Machines, a provider of software for intelligent, software-defined manufacturing, has launched its Brightware Studio, a new software offering that the company says “liberates manufacturers from the constraints of traditional factory automation and introduces a new self-service capability that enables flexible automation at greater speed and lower cost”.

Brightware Studio provides additional functionality to the Bright Machines Microfactory – the company’s flagship solution which combines intelligent software and modular building blocks to automate repetitive assembly and inspection tasks.

Based on a modern, low/no code workflow, Brightware Studio is operated using an intuitive user interface, giving production line operators and technicians the ability to easily program, run, analyze and debug the assembly process on the factory floor. [Read more…] about Bright Machines introduces Brightware Studio to ‘liberate factory automation’

Seeq names Petter Mörée as managing director of EMEA and introduces industry principals group

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Seeq Corporation, a provider of advanced analytics software for manufacturing and industrial internet of things, has appointed Petter Mörée as managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Seeq also announced a new group of industry principals.

Lisa Graham, chief operating officer at Seeq, says: 

“Petter brings a deep understanding of the process industries to our team, along with an impressive career scaling global customer bases across the pharmaceutical and bioprocess verticals.

“We’re thrilled to have him join the Seeq team and we’re confident he will help us expand our strong position in Europe and beyond.”

 [Read more…] about Seeq names Petter Mörée as managing director of EMEA and introduces industry principals group

IDS unveils the smallest housed camera with C-mount over 10GigE to AI

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From precise monitoring to picking and automation, there are countless applications that benefit from reliable image information. However, what can be done when there is only a tight budget for the realisation of such an application?

With the introduction of uEye XCP, uEye XLE and Ensenso S, camera specialist IDS proves that industrial-grade image processing technology does not have to be expensive.

For users who need a camera for particularly fast data transfer and also require high-resolution sensors, there will be the uEye Warp10 in future. The company also has big plans for IDS NXT. [Read more…] about IDS unveils the smallest housed camera with C-mount over 10GigE to AI

Boston Dynamics releases new software for its canine robot Spot

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Boston Dynamics has released new software for its canine robot, Spot, which has sold in relatively large numbers considering its hefty price tag.

The company says the new software – Spot Release 3.0 – adds functionality to make Spot “the data collection solution you need for safer and more efficient inspection rounds”.

Spot’s famous realistic walking ability – the Autowalk system – has logged thousands of miles in industrial facilities and on construction sites around the world. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics releases new software for its canine robot Spot

Locus Robotics acquires Waypoint Robotics

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment warehouses, has acquired Waypoint Robotics, a builder of omnidirectional mobile robots. Financial details were not disclosed.

Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, says: “Locus is the proven leader in the development of highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimization.

“As order fulfillment and labor shortages continue to grow around the world, the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics will accelerate our ability to meet these global needs in just months rather than years, helping us drive the digital transformation of the warehouse.” [Read more…] about Locus Robotics acquires Waypoint Robotics