Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Zenplace employs telepresence robots to show customers round real estate properties

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Zenplace, the service that enables landlords and property owners to quickly rent and manage their rental property online, now shows properties to tenants through robots with smart guided property showings.

Zenplace bosses say the robot has helped accelerate the rate at which they have been able to accommodate customers. (See video below.)

Rahul Mewawalla, CEO of Zenplace and former head of US’ technology program in Silicon Valley with the White House, says: “We set out to change the property management and rental experience by providing property owners and tenants a faster and easier way to rent and lease.  [Read more…] about Zenplace employs telepresence robots to show customers round real estate properties

Kepware launches new version of its industrial connectivity platform

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Kepware has launched the new version of its industrial connectivity platform.

KepServerEX version 6.4 includes new data collection capabilities, improved data access, and seamless integration with both traditional and industrial internet of things systems, enabling users to easily manage and monitor their plant floor.

Kepware says the new MQTT client driver is a key component of the KepServerEX version 6.4 release.  [Read more…] about Kepware launches new version of its industrial connectivity platform

Maxim introduces isolated controller area network transceivers with ‘robust communications for industrial systems’

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Maxim Integrated has launched new isolated controller area network transceivers which the company claims ensures “robust communications for industrial systems”. 

The MAX14878/79/80 increases uptime with ±54V fault protection and industry-leading ±15kV ESD, claims Maxim.

Maxim says designers can ensure robust communication and improve uptime for industrial systems with the MAX14878, MAX14879, and MAX14880 2.75kV and 5kV family of isolated CAN transceivers.  [Read more…] about Maxim introduces isolated controller area network transceivers with ‘robust communications for industrial systems’

Hillcrest Labs launches new sensor node for augmented and virtual reality

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Hillcrest Labs, a subsidiary of InterDigital, has launched the latest expansion of its sensor node product line.

The BNO085, a 9-Axis System in Package (SiP), features an enhanced sensor fusion algorithm tuned specifically for use in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and 3D audio applications.

VR systems that use BNO085 benefit from more accurate alignment between the controllers and headset even when the controllers are outside the field of view of the systems’ cameras.  [Read more…] about Hillcrest Labs launches new sensor node for augmented and virtual reality

Aromyx and Rewired partner to give robots a sense of smell

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Aromyx is partnering with Rewired to develop technologies that will enable robots to smell things around them just like the average human can. 

Aromyx makes something called the EssenceChip, which it describes as “the digital platform for measuring taste and scent”.

The company has agreed a strategic partnership with Rewired, the robotics-focused venture studio and fund based in London and Lausanne, Switzerland.

Aromyx and Rewired say they will work together to explore novel applications of taste and smell for smart robots.  [Read more…] about Aromyx and Rewired partner to give robots a sense of smell

Mipi opens access to sensor interface specification

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Broader access enables more design innovations for smartphones, wearables, IoT devices, augmented reality / virtual reality and automotive systems, says Mipi

The Mipi Alliance, an international organization that develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries, today announced it is opening access to its sensor interface specification, Mipi I3C.

Starting today, all companies, including those not currently members of Mipi Alliance, may access the Mipi I3C v1.0 specification so they may evaluate the incorporation of the specification into their sensor integration plans and design applications.

Joel Huloux, chairman of Mipi Alliance, says: “MIPI I3C provides a welcome update to the I2C technology that has been widely adopted over the past 35 years.  [Read more…] about Mipi opens access to sensor interface specification

Kuka opens arc welding technology centre in Michigan

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Industrial robotics company Kuka has opened a new metal fabrication technology centre in Shelby Township, Michigan, in the US. 

The Kuka Metal & Arc TechCenter is designed to provide the company’s customers an opportunity to see the robots close up and see them work on customised welding solutions.

The facility currently features one Kuka’s KRY Cybertech arc welding robot, as well as the company’s mobile platforms, called Kuka Carts.  [Read more…] about Kuka opens arc welding technology centre in Michigan

ABB opens first-ever robotics training centre in Romania

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Industrial robotics giant ABB has opened what is said to be the “first-ever” robotics centre in Romania, according to local media.

BusinessReview.eu, an English-language Romanian website, says the new robotics facility is a public-private partnership between ABB and the Polytechnic University in Bucharest.

The centre will offer advanced training in robotics and industrial automation to future engineers and provide support to ABB customers in the future.  [Read more…] about ABB opens first-ever robotics training centre in Romania

Hillcrest Labs launches high-precision sensor hub for robots with advanced navigation systems

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Hillcrest Labs is launching a new high-precision sensor hub to advance navigation systems in what it describes as “cost-critical consumer robots”.

The company says the new FSP200 sensor hub delivers “superior heading accuracy and choice in sensor selection”.

Hillcrest Labs says the new component joins its portfolio of “high performance, high quality, low cost solutions for robot navigation applications”.  [Read more…] about Hillcrest Labs launches high-precision sensor hub for robots with advanced navigation systems

Audio Analytic and Bragi to launch ‘world’s first audio context-aware earphones’ at CES

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Audio Analytic and Bragi are partnering to develop cloudless artificial intelligence sound recognition technology for a category of products called “hearables”, which can include wireless earphones. 

The companies say the product is the “world’s first audio context-aware earphones”, and will be demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES.

Systems which can pick up sound more clearly and distinguish between different sounds are likely to become increasingly important in many markets, including robotics, especially as more and more humanoids are being sold.  [Read more…] about Audio Analytic and Bragi to launch ‘world’s first audio context-aware earphones’ at CES