Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Cambridge Medical Robotics raises another $26 million in funding

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Cambridge Medical Robotics, a company which is developing a robotic system for minimal access surgery, has closed its Series A funding round, raising a further $26m.

The investment came from existing investors Cambridge Innovation Capital, LGT Global Invest, Escala Capital and ABB Technology Ventures, and new investor Watrium.

Together with the first tranche in July 2016, the Series A round has raised $46m in total.  [Read more…] about Cambridge Medical Robotics raises another $26 million in funding

Ericsson and Zenuity to create network for self-driving cars

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Networking company Ericsson is partnering with Zenuity, an automotive software development joint venture between Autoliv and Volvo, to develop a connectivity platform for cars.

Ericsson says the “end-to-end” platform will be for connected safety, advanced driver assistance systems, and autonomous driving software and functions.

In the first phase of the collaboration, Ericsson and Zenuity will work closely together to develop the Zenuity Connected Cloud – powered by Ericsson internet of things accelerator.  [Read more…] about Ericsson and Zenuity to create network for self-driving cars

Acer showcases its MixBot intelligent drinks robot solution

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Acer has been showcasing its service-oriented and intelligent mixology robot solution, the MixBot, at the 2017 Taipei International Industrial Automation Exhibition.

The Acer MixBot solution, which integrates a robotic arm and an autonomous guided vehicle, will demonstrate a complete bartending solution from order-taking, drink preparation, and table service to customers, along with a business intelligence system at the backend.

The MixBot shows how Acer can fully customize its robotic solutions for a variety of usage scenarios.  [Read more…] about Acer showcases its MixBot intelligent drinks robot solution

Delta showcases smart production line at Taipei event

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Delta Electronics has been demonstrating its high-flexibility multi-tasking smart production line at the Taipei International Industrial Automation Exhibition 2017.

Delta, a provider of industrial automation solutions, has been promoting its theme of “Digitalization and Flexibility for Smart, Green Manufacturing” at the Taipei event.

The company featured its brand new smart production Line with a customer-centric, IIoT-based, fully-automated demo which integrates Delta’s manufacturing execution system, equipment management system, IIoT technology, industrial robots, and automation control solutions.  [Read more…] about Delta showcases smart production line at Taipei event

Globetouch and CloudMinds to provide connectivity for robots

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Globetouch and CloudMinds Technology have formed a partnership to provide connectivity for robots and other artificial intelligence initiatives.

Both companies are making the announcement during Mobile World Congress Americas 2017, a conference and expo bringing together industry leaders to meet and explore new business models in mobile technology.

Globetouch provides connectivity services and IoT platforms for the connected vehicle and the Internet of Things market.  [Read more…] about Globetouch and CloudMinds to provide connectivity for robots

Riftek launches automated software for robotic weld seam tracking and measurement

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Riftek, the optoelectronic measurement and systems manufacturer, has released a new multifunctional software application that utilises its RF625 series 2D laser scanners for automated seam tracking and measurement with welding robots.

Available with full support in the in the UK and Ireland from Ixthus Instrumentation, Riftek’s exclusive distributor, the Riftek Lamia software is intended for recognizing, tracking and measuring geometric parameters of objects such as weld seams in accordance with a selected maths algorithm which is derived from a template.

The PC based software interfaces to the client robot controller to transmit results and includes data visualisation and the setting and control of the RF625 laser scanner’s parameters.  [Read more…] about Riftek launches automated software for robotic weld seam tracking and measurement

Amazon to open logistics facility in New York

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Amazon, the online retail giant with a growing range of business units, one of which is Amazon Robotics, is opening a new logistics facility in New York.

The Staten Island warehouse will create 2,250 new jobs for humans but it’s not clear how many robots Amazon will integrate into the facility.

So far, Amazon is said to have manufactured 100,000 logistics robots, which are small autonomous vehicles used to move boxes and shelf units around.  [Read more…] about Amazon to open logistics facility in New York

Siasun becomes first Chinese company to join leading US robotics association

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Siasun Robot & Automation has become the first Chinese company to join the US Robotic Industries Association. 

Siasun is said to be China’s largest robot supplier and integrator. By joining RIA, the company will gain greater access to the association’s members, partners and personnel.

It may also learn about new technologies and more support for any plans expansion in America.  [Read more…] about Siasun becomes first Chinese company to join leading US robotics association

‘World’s first’ fully automated port terminal opens in Melbourne

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The Port of Melbourne is the site of what is said to be the world’s first fully automated container handling terminal.

The system was developed and delivered by Kalmar, part of Cargotec, and Navis, part of Kalmar Business Area within Cargotec.

The automation solution is called OneTerminal, and was supplied to International Container Terminal Services Incorporated at the Port of Melbourne, Australia.  [Read more…] about ‘World’s first’ fully automated port terminal opens in Melbourne

New Apple iPhone could face manufacturing delays

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The new iPhone which Apple is planning to launch tomorrow is likely to face manufacturing delays, according to a report in Wall Street Journal. 

Any new iPhone usually sells out quite quickly so there’s almost always shortages, but this time shortfalls could be due to a lack of new screens.

Apple has chosen organic light emitting diode – OLED – technology for its screens. Previous iPhones used LCD – liquid crystal display.  [Read more…] about New Apple iPhone could face manufacturing delays