Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Opinion: How the ‘digital cockpit’ will improve user experience, both now and in autonomous vehicles

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By Arvin Baalu, vice president of the integrated digital cockpit platform group at Harman International

As the automotive industry continues on the road to autonomous vehicles, user experience will be a decisive purchase factor.

Harman believes that key to achieving positive user experiences will be an integrated digital cockpit that ensures the “driver” does not feel redundant as the car begins to take control. ‎ [Read more…] about Opinion: How the ‘digital cockpit’ will improve user experience, both now and in autonomous vehicles

Amazon has 100,000 robots working at its warehouses worldwide

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Amazon is estimated to have a total of 100,000 robots working at its numerous locations worldwide, according to a report on the Seattle Times website. 

And so far this year, the company has produced 55,000 of the little machines.

The world’s largest online retailer bought logistics robot-maker Kiva Systems in 2012 and has since built a separate business unit – Amazon Robotics – based on the technology it acquired.

The main robot is a small mobile platform for use in warehouses, and it’s manufactured in Amazon Robotics research and production facility in North Reading, Massachusetts, in the US (video below).

Kuka wins multi-million-dollar order to supply robotic work cell to make batteries for electric vehicles

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Industrial robotics and automation company Kuka Industries has received an order from what it says is “a leading European manufacturer in the automotive industry” to supply a battery production system. 

Kuka Industries, which is part of Kuka, would not say which company it was which placed the order, but it has supplied the same company before with a similar system, and now the customer seems to be selling or expecting to sell more electric cars, or maybe battery systems for electric vehicles.

Kuka says the order value lies in the “mid-double-digit million euro range” and was booked in the second quarter of 2017. Start of production is planned for mid-2019.  [Read more…] about Kuka wins multi-million-dollar order to supply robotic work cell to make batteries for electric vehicles

General Electric resumes talks to sell its industrial solutions business to ABB

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General Electric has resumed negotiations to sell its industrial solutions business to ABB, according to a report on Reuters.com. 

The US conglomerate’s industrial solutions business includes products such as circuit breakers, relays, panel boards and other technologies for sectors including power generation, telecommunications and mining.

Swiss company ABB had previously talked to GE about possibly purchasing the business, and the price it offered was said to be $2 billion.  [Read more…] about General Electric resumes talks to sell its industrial solutions business to ABB

Midea planning robot bartenders and factories with no human workers in them

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Midea, the Chinese company which acquired industrial robotics and automation systems supplier Kuka, is planning to launch robot bartenders and design factories where no humans are needed. 

Neither one of the ideas is new, since most visitors to robotics industry events may have seen at least one robotic arm pouring and serving up a drink, and fully automated factories have been much discussed for some time.

However, Midea is thought to be the world’s largest appliance maker, producing a wide range of washing machines, fridge-freezers and other gadgets for the home.  [Read more…] about Midea planning robot bartenders and factories with no human workers in them

Opinion: How assistive robots will transform the workplace and elderly care

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By Dr Antonio Espingardeiro, member of the IEEE

Robots can bring significant benefits to the workplace, positively impacting productivity, efficiency and quality.

There are challenges to realising these benefits – not least the complex subject of the degree and quality of human interaction that we want or need robots to deliver.

However, robotics offers tremendous scope for helping humanity, so the field will continue to develop the advanced technologies that make it possible.  [Read more…] about Opinion: How assistive robots will transform the workplace and elderly care

Omron releases two new barometric sensors for mobile devices

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Two new MEMS-based barometric pressure sensors from Omron Electronic Components Europe are specifically designed to support height and pressure measurement in drones, smartphones, pedometers and other battery powered mobile systems.

The new Omron 2SMPB-02B and 2SMPB-02E sensors provide stable and reliable height and pressure measurements, says the company, allowing changes in elevation of as little as 2 metres to be reliably recorded.

Developed as an evolution of the successful blood pressure gauge, the new sensors have been specifically remodelled for mobile applications and are smaller at just 2.0 x 2.5 x 0.85mm in size.  [Read more…] about Omron releases two new barometric sensors for mobile devices

Ingersoll Rand launches powerful new cordless torque multiplier

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Ingersoll Rand has launched the QX Series Cordless Torque Multiplier – a high-torque fastening tool for industrial applications that achieves up to 2000 Nm of torque.

Built upon the QX Series platform, the Ingersoll Rand Cordless Torque Multiplier employs advanced technology, communication and control features to ensure accurate, repeatable bolting for torque-critical joints.

Dan Fleming, product manager at Ingersoll Rand, says: “In heavy-duty, high-risk environments like oil and gas, infrastructure construction, and power generation, the accuracy of applied torque is critical.  [Read more…] about Ingersoll Rand launches powerful new cordless torque multiplier

Mclennan launches Phytron ZSH series harsh environment stepper motors

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Mclennan has now made available specialist ZSH-series stepper motors from its new distribution partner Phytron.

The motors are built for use in especially harsh industrial environments, says the company.

As part of a wide range that spans proven use in environments from deep space and ultra-high vacuum to standard industrial, the ZSH is designed as a cost effective solution for truly harsh industrial use where standard build stepper motors would have severe limitations.  [Read more…] about Mclennan launches Phytron ZSH series harsh environment stepper motors