Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Kuka signs major contract with Daimler involving at least 1,000 robots, continuing ‘100-year partnership’

by

The Daimler automotive group and the Augsburg-based automation specialist Kuka have signed a new framework contract for the coming years. This marks a continuation of the companies’ long-standing partnership.

Kuka has not released details of the new deal but says the order “encompasses a four-figure number of robots and linear units as well as other Kuka technologies such as software and controllers”.

This includes the KR Fortec heavy-duty robot as well as the next generation of the KR Quantec. Kuka linear units, in turn, add a further axis to the robot, thereby considerably extending the work envelope of the robot. [Read more…] about Kuka signs major contract with Daimler involving at least 1,000 robots, continuing ‘100-year partnership’

Clearpath develops autonomous ice resurfacer that smooths skating rink with GPS navigation

by

Every year, Clearpath Robotics holds a Hack Day – an entire workday dedicated to pet robotics projects to push and challenge itself. Numerous teams come together to draft and build out their ideas from the ground up and then present them to the entire Clearpath team. (See video below.) 

This is the chance to test out fun experiments in a supportive and constructive environment. This year, however, one team decided to stick close to Clearpath’s Canadian roots.

For Hack Day 2021, a team presented an autonomous ice resurfacer using Husky UGV equipped with its GPS Waypoint Navigation package. [Read more…] about Clearpath develops autonomous ice resurfacer that smooths skating rink with GPS navigation

Waypoint Robotics partners with Productive Robotics to build mobile manipulation robot

by

Waypoint Robotics has teamed up with Productive Robotics to build a new kind of robot that aims to make mobile manipulation accessible for small to mid sized companies. 

The machine – called the Vector AMR – combines Waypoint’s omnidirectional autonomous mobile robot with Productive Robotics’ 7 axis collaborative robot arm, which the companies say makes it easier and more cost effective to implement mobile manipulators for manufacturing and logistics applications.

Workers can use this mobile platform to perform repetitive tasks such as machine tending, quality assurance sampling, material replenishment, packaging, and many others, so they can focus on the high skilled jobs for which they are uniquely qualified. [Read more…] about Waypoint Robotics partners with Productive Robotics to build mobile manipulation robot

Global EV battery production needs ‘significant boost’ to meet growing global demand

by

An ABB-sponsored report predicts that plans for 80 new electric vehicle battery gigafactories will be “insufficient” and that battery production needs a “significant boost” to meet growing global demand. 

The report highlights role of automation in meeting demand as EVs are predicted to overtake internal combustion engine-powered vehicles by 2036. [Read more…] about Global EV battery production needs ‘significant boost’ to meet growing global demand

Sustainable plastics will make up more than 15 percent of production by 2030, says report

by

Sustainable plastics will make up more than 15 percent of production by 2030, according to a new report by Lux Research. 

Future projections of a circular economy emphasize that a combination of recycled and bio-based resources will serve as a feedstock for plastic needs, says the market analyst.

However, it adds that in order for the “idealistic future” to be realized, there must be a major investment in new technologies, including advanced recycling tech and bio-based plastic capacity. [Read more…] about Sustainable plastics will make up more than 15 percent of production by 2030, says report

ZF unveils ‘world’s most powerful automotive supercomputer’

by

ZF has unveiled the next generation of its ZF ProAI Supercomputer, designed to make vehicles more intelligent.

The automotive parts giant showcased the new kit at the recent Auto Shanghai exhibition and describes as “the world’s most powerful automotive supercomputer”.

Dr Holger Klein, ZF board member for the Asia-Pacific region, says: “It is currently the most flexible, scalable, and powerful automotive-grade supercomputer in the world.” [Read more…] about ZF unveils ‘world’s most powerful automotive supercomputer’

BMW and Nvidia develop ‘next level’ virtual factory planning

by

The BMW Group and Nvidia are generating a completely new approach to planning highly complex manufacturing systems – with the Omniverse platform.

The virtual factory planning tool integrates a range of planning data and applications and allows real-time collaboration with unrestricted compatibility.

As industry leaders, the BMW Group and Nvidia say they are “setting new standards in virtual factory planning”. [Read more…] about BMW and Nvidia develop ‘next level’ virtual factory planning

GM and LG invest $2.3 billion in second battery manufacturing plant in US

by

Ultium Cells, a joint venture of LG Energy Solution and General Motors, is planning to make a “more than $2.3 billion investment” to build its second battery cell manufacturing plant in the United States. The facility will be located in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Ultium Cells will build the new plant on land leased from GM. The new battery cell plant will create 1,300 new jobs. Construction on the approximately 2.8 million-square-foot facility will begin immediately, and the plant is scheduled to open in late 2023. Once operational, the facility will supply battery cells to GM’s Spring Hill assembly plant.

Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO, says: “The addition of our second all-new Ultium battery cell plant in the US with our joint venture partner LG Energy Solution is another major step in our transition to an all-electric future. [Read more…] about GM and LG invest $2.3 billion in second battery manufacturing plant in US

Continental and Amazon Web Services create platform for automotive software

by

Automotive parts and systems manufacturer Continental and Amazon Web Services will be working together going forward within the scope of a new development cooperation.

The goal of the long-term collaboration with AWS serving as the preferred cloud provider is to develop Continental Automotive Edge (CAEdge) – a modular hardware and software platform that connects the vehicle to the cloud and features a virtual workbench offering numerous options to develop, supply and maintain software-intensive system functions.

This will allow drivers to integrate the functions they want going forward during the entire service life of their vehicle by downloading quick and convenient software updates. [Read more…] about Continental and Amazon Web Services create platform for automotive software

Volkswagen expands production of battery systems

by

The Volkswagen Group Components plant in Braunschweig is significantly expanding its production of battery systems for the latest electric vehicle generation. Following the first expansion stage with a maximum capacity of 250,000 battery systems, the second expansion stage has started up with the same capacity.

This means that once the site is fully ramped up it will now be able to fit up to 500,000 batteries a year for models based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) – in this case for the fully electric Volkswagen ID.31 and ID.42, as well as the Škoda Enyaq iV3, which should soon be quietly and powerfully cruising the streets of Europe with a battery heart from Braunschweig.

In addition to that, up to 100,000 battery systems for the beloved models e-up!4, SEAT Mii electric5, Škoda Citigoe iV6 and as well as for hybrid vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf GTE7. [Read more…] about Volkswagen expands production of battery systems