Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

by

Sick has launched a new compact image-based code reader, Lector621, for reliable detection of 1D, 2D, stacked codes, and plain text.

The high-performance DPM – direct part marking – decoder can read laser or dot-peened codes perfectly, even in the case of low contrast levels, contamination, or poor code quality.

This fills a gap in Sick’s existing portfolio of code readers, by providing a compact solution with increased reading distance, resolution, field of vision, and scanning frequency. [Read more…] about Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

$700 billion spent on mergers and acquisitions in industrial sector

by

Almost $700 billion was spent on mergers and acquisitions in industrial sector last year, according to a study.

Research from global management consultancy A.T. Kearney has found that the total value of deals in the industrials market has risen to $680 billion in 2018, an increase from $662 billion the year before.

A.T. Kearney’s Industrials M&A Report 2019 analysed over 76,000 global transactions between 2009 and 2018 and found that the trend towards so-called ‘megadeals’ is set to continue.

2018 alone saw more than 100 individual deals worth over $1 billion, and seven of those transactions topping the $10 billion mark – including significant deals such as United Technologies’ $30+ billion takeover of avionics supplier Rockwell Collins and the intra-UK $12.1bn deal between Melrose Industries and GKN. [Read more…] about $700 billion spent on mergers and acquisitions in industrial sector

Infographic: How AI is streamlining the supply chain

by

Noodle AI has produced an infographic to show how artificial intelligence is changing commerce

Artificial intelligence is everywhere. In fact, you may have interacted with it today and you didn’t even know it.

AI can streamline a lot of our daily business operations, freeing us up to tackle more difficult tasks.

Within the world of e-commerce, AI may be the key to streamlining the supply chain. [Read more…] about Infographic: How AI is streamlining the supply chain

Canonical releases new version of Ubuntu operating system

by

Canonical has launched a new version of the Ubuntu computer operating system, which is increasingly popular in industrial devices and networks.

The company says the updated version, Ubuntu 19.04, provides the necessary tools for open infrastructure applications, includes a developer desktop, internet of things functionality, and cloud to edge software distribution.

Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Canonical, says: “The open-source-first on Ubuntu movement in telco, finance, and media has spread to other sectors.

“From the public cloud to the private data center to the edge appliance or cluster, open source has become the reference for efficiency and innovation.

“Ubuntu 19.04 includes the leading projects to underpin that transition, and the developer tooling to accelerate the applications for those domains.”

Esmera launches new robotics competition – each winner to receive more than €200,000

by

An EU-backed project called the European SMEs Robotic Applications, or Esmera, has launched a competition to find solutions to industrial end-user challenges.

Esmera says it is looking for real-life problems in which providers would like to introduce a robotics solution.

Eight of these challenges will be included in an open call in September 2019, to which SMEs all over Europe will apply to solve them. [Read more…] about Esmera launches new robotics competition – each winner to receive more than €200,000

North American Electric establishes new subsidiary NAE Automation

by

North American Electric has established a new, wholly-owned subsidiary – NAE Automation.

The company says the new business will provide “complete automation solutions and engineering services”.

NAE Automation’s primary focus will be material handling equipment such as conveyors, automatic palletizers and strapping machines. [Read more…] about North American Electric establishes new subsidiary NAE Automation

ANCA Motion launches new tubular linear motor

by

ANCA Motion has launched its new tubular linear motor LinX M Series, which the company says offers 10um of resolution at a peak force range of up to 1,200N.

Available in Q2 2019, the latest addition to the LinX range continues to support demanding automation applications whilst increasing efficiency in a compact footprint.

The LinX M-series linear motor features an integrated position sensor with 10um of resolution, eliminating the need of an external encoder, simplifying the system design and reducing the overall cost. [Read more…] about ANCA Motion launches new tubular linear motor

DoCoMo and Itochu to trial IoT solution for delivery fleet management in the US

by

NTT DoCoMo and Itochu Logistics are planning to trial an internet-of-things solution for delivery fleet management in the US.

The system uses devices compatible with low-power, wide-area LTE-M technology to enable delivery businesses to visualize the status of outsourced trucks in their fleets.

The trial will begin in the United States on May 1, 2019. [Read more…] about DoCoMo and Itochu to trial IoT solution for delivery fleet management in the US

Hahn showcases ‘broad spectrum’ of automation solutions at Automate

by

Hahn says it is showcasing a “broad spectrum” of automation solutions which can help manufacturers around the world to automate more than ever before.

At the ongoing Automate Show, in Chicago April 8-11, 2019, experts of the Hahn Group are giving insights about industrial automation and robot solutions at booth #7372.

Hahn Automation, Rethink Robotics, and Walther Systemtechnik will be present at the show.  [Read more…] about Hahn showcases ‘broad spectrum’ of automation solutions at Automate

Ericsson and ABB expand partnership to accelerate wireless automation for flexible factories

by

Telecommunications technology company Ericsson and industrial giant ABB have strengthened their collaboration to accelerate the industrial ecosystem for flexible wireless automation.

The partnership will enable enhanced connected services, industrial internet of things, and artificial intelligence technologies in the future.

The partners established their joint vision for future flexible production with automation and wireless communication by signing a Memorandum of Understanding at Hannover Messe 2019.  [Read more…] about Ericsson and ABB expand partnership to accelerate wireless automation for flexible factories