Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Siemens, IBM and Red Hat launch cloud initiative to ‘increase real-time value of industrial data’

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Siemens, IBM and Red Hat have launched a new collaboration that will use a hybrid cloud designed to deliver an open, flexible and more secure solution for manufacturers and plant operators to “drive real-time value from operational data”.

In one month, a single manufacturing site can generate more than 2,200 terabytes of data according to a report by IBM – yet most data goes unanalyzed.

Through the joint initiative, Siemens Digital Industries Software will apply IBM’s open hybrid cloud approach, built on Red Hat OpenShift, to extend the deployment flexibility of MindSphere, the industrial internet of things as a service solution from Siemens. [Read more…] about Siemens, IBM and Red Hat launch cloud initiative to ‘increase real-time value of industrial data’

SafeLog launches warehouse robots that can operate individually or in a ‘swarm’

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SafeLog has launched warehouse robots that can operate individually or in a “swarm”, and says it offers customised automated guided vehicle solutions that have no need for a control station connection.

The company adds that the latest model of the SafeLog AGV L1 lifts loads of up to 1500 kg.

At present, many processes and systems for internal transport tasks in both, production and intralogistics are in a state of upheaval. [Read more…] about SafeLog launches warehouse robots that can operate individually or in a ‘swarm’

ABB launches new range of ‘next generation’ collaborative robots

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ABB is expanding its collaborative robot portfolio with the new GoFa and SWIFTI cobot families, offering higher payloads and speeds, to complement YuMi and Single Arm YuMi in ABB’s cobot line-up.

These stronger, faster and more capable cobots will accelerate the company’s expansion in high-growth segments including electronics, healthcare, consumer goods, logistics and food and beverage, amongst others, meeting the growing demand for automation across multiple industries.

GoFa and SWIFTI are intuitively designed so customers need not rely on in-house programming specialists. This will unlock industries that have low levels of automation, with customers able to operate their cobot within minutes of installation, straight out of the box, with no specialized training. [Read more…] about ABB launches new range of ‘next generation’ collaborative robots

Cost reduction in aerospace through additive manufacturing

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Spacecraft are developed on Earth, tested, fully assembled and transported in one piece by a launch vehicle to their respective places of operation. Each component must be designed to withstand the high loads of the launch phase.

In most cases, in addition to complex test procedures, this leads to an oversized structure of the spacecraft components, because in orbit they experience only a fraction of the stresses they must endure during rocket launch.

The maximum take-off mass required for transport with the launch vehicle and the volume of satellites, for example, thus cause high space transport costs. [Read more…] about Cost reduction in aerospace through additive manufacturing

Bosch partners with Microsoft to develop cloud platform for vehicles

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Bosch is teaming up with Microsoft to develop a software-defined vehicle platform to enable the “seamless integration” of cars and the cloud.

The companies say the goal of this collaboration is to simplify and accelerate the development and implementation of vehicle software throughout a car’s lifetime in accordance with automotive quality standards.

The new platform, which will be based on Microsoft Azure and incorporate software modules from Bosch, will enable software to be developed and downloaded to the control units and vehicle computers. [Read more…] about Bosch partners with Microsoft to develop cloud platform for vehicles

People trust robots more than themselves with money, according to global study

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Research shows growing confidence among consumers and business leaders that robots handle finance tasks better than people

2020 has changed our relationship with money and people now trust robots more than themselves to manage their finances, according to a new study by Oracle and personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi.

The study of more than 9,000 consumers and business leaders in 14 countries found that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased financial anxiety, sadness, and fear among people around the world and has changed who and what we trust to manage our finances.

In addition, people are rethinking the role and focus of corporate finance teams and personal financial advisors, according to the research. [Read more…] about People trust robots more than themselves with money, according to global study

Einride and Electrolux enter innovation partnership to electrify transport

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Autonomous and electric truck developer Einride and home appliance giant Electrolux have agreed a partnership to “electrify transport”.

Operations are planned to start in the second half of this year.

The companies say their partnership will save hundreds of tonnes of CO2 within the first three years, compared to diesel freight. It also signifies a crucial first step for two companies deeply invested in technological innovation and sustainability. [Read more…] about Einride and Electrolux enter innovation partnership to electrify transport

Seegrid launches its first autonomous lift truck

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Seegrid, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has premiered a new autonomous lift truck, Palion Lift AMR, further expanding the capabilities of the company’s fleet of mobile robotics solutions.

The latest addition follows the unveiling of the company’s feature enhanced pallet truck, the Palion Pallet Truck Series 8, announced just last week.

Jim Rock, Seegrid’s CEO, says: “We’re proud to continue to both expand and strengthen our AMR portfolio and help our customers take their fleet to the next level with our new Palion Lift AMR. [Read more…] about Seegrid launches its first autonomous lift truck

VW partners with Microsoft to build computing platform for autonomous vehicles

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Volkswagen says it is further strengthening its capabilities in the development of autonomous or highly automated driving (AD) solutions with a new partnership with Microsoft.

The Group’s software company Car.Software Organisation will collaborate with Microsoft to build a cloud-based Automated Driving Platform (ADP) on Microsoft Azure and leverage its compute and data capabilities to deliver automated driving experiences even faster at global scale.

With ADP running on Azure, Car.Software Organisation will increase the efficiency of the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and AD functions for passenger cars across Volkswagen Group brands. [Read more…] about VW partners with Microsoft to build computing platform for autonomous vehicles

ZF builds on technology portfolio with acquisition of WABCO

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ZF is building on its technology portfolio with the recent acquisition of US truck maker WABCO.

ZF says it is poised to be “the leading technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry” with the addition of WABCO’s capabilities. The company is playing a pivotal role in the industry’s drive towards a more sustainable, connected, automated safer future.

The company says WABCO’s Autonomous Driving Open Technology (ADOPT) software platform increases safety, efficiency and operational productivity. ADOPT provides automated vehicle operations with “advanced vehicle motion control”. [Read more…] about ZF builds on technology portfolio with acquisition of WABCO