Where Innovation Meets Imagination
The World Economic Forum has warned of widespread disruption caused by robots, in its latest report about global competitiveness.
In its Global Competitiveness Index 2017, WEF says the most competitive countries are:
The organisation says sustained economic recovery remains at risk due to lack of increases in productivity. [Read more…] about World Economic Forum warns of widespread disruption caused by robots
Toyota Research Institute has been demonstrating its progress in the development of automated driving technology and other project work to the investor community this week.
Dr Gill Pratt, CEO of TRI, says: “In the last few months, we have rapidly accelerated our pace in advancing Toyota’s automated driving capabilities with a vision of saving lives, expanding access to mobility, and making driving more fun and convenient.
“Our research teams have also been evolving machine intelligence that can support further development of robots for in-home support of people.” [Read more…] about Toyota shows off its progress in robotics, autonomous cars and artificial intelligence
Hyundai Heavy Industries has established a robotics division and has a stated goal of becoming one of the top five industrial robot manufacturers in the world.
Hyundai Robotics was established in 1984, and has been a division of Hyundai until now.
It is already said to be the largest manufacturer of industrial robots in South Korea, but now, as a standalone business, it wants to double its capacity and earn $440 million in revenue by 2021. [Read more…] about Hyundai creates separate industrial robotics division, aims for top 5 status
Alibaba is planning to invest $15 billion into developing a robotic logistics infrastructure, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Alibaba is said to be the world’s largest e-commerce company, mainly concentrating on the business-to-business sector rather than retail, but until now, it has relied on outside companies to provide its logistics.
Now, the company has invested an additional $801 million to buy a controlling stake in Cainiao Smart Logistics. [Read more…] about Alibaba to invest $15 billion into robotic logistics infrastructure
Denso Robotics has launched its latest HSR four-axis scara – selective compliant assembly robot arm – robot.
The company says the new robot uses advanced vibration control, a newly designed, highly rigid lightweight arm and improved heat dissipation in the base unit to achieve new levels of continuous high-speed performance and repeatability.
Peter Cavallo, robotics sales manager, Denso products and services Americas, says: “Our new HSR robot represents the culmination of 50 years of experience in developing industrial robot arms to meet our own manufacturing needs in the highly competitive automotive sector. [Read more…] about Denso Robotics launches new scara robot
Tend has launched a cloud-based monitoring and analysis application for both industrial and collaborative robots.
The company calls the software in.view, and launched it at the RoboBusiness show in Santa Clara, CA, this week.
Tend in.view – short for intelligent view – software allows users to remotely monitor and analyze the performance of their production robots in real time from any location, through a secure, cloud-based application on their mobile device, says the company. [Read more…] about Tend launches robot performance management software
Huawei is partnering with Infosys and Wapwag to launch a range of internet of things solutions for robotics and automation systems.
Huawei is mainly a communications company which builds networks and some phones; Infosys is a software developer; and Wapwag is a water management specialist.
The companies say their new “important innovative practices” include smart robots and machine tools, as well smart water systems, based on open edge computing IoT, which will “accelerate the implementation of industry applications”. [Read more…] about Huawei partners with Infosys and Wapwag to launch IoT systems for robots
ABB has finalised a deal to buy General Electric’s industrial solutions business unit for $2.6 billion.
The deal would result in ABB taking over the part of GE’s business which supplies circuit breakers and other electrical equipment to industry.
GE Industrial Solutions is said to have deep customer relationships in more than 100 countries and an established installed base with strong roots in North America, ABB’s biggest market. [Read more…] about ABB agrees to buy General Electric’s industrial business unit for $2.6 billion
By Blake Kozak, principal analyst, security technology at IHS Markit
Nest Labs has expanded into the home security market with a range of products which includes the Nest Secure alarm system, Nest Hello video doorbell, Nest Cam IQ outdoor security camera, and corresponding software and services.
The video doorbell uses Google’s facial recognition technology.
Nest Labs is one of the first big movers in the home automation market, and the company is thought to be one of the leaders.
Nest currently offers a range of products including thermostats, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and video doorbells. [Read more…] about Analysis: New Nest Labs security products face stiff competition, says IHS Markit
Chowbotics is gearing up for a major marketing push to find space for its salad-making robot in every home in the world – and maybe quite a few catering businesses too.
The company – which manufactures a salad-making robot called Sally (main picture) – is expanding its operation and hiring new people. A key recent appointment is Dorothy Cudia as vice president of engineering.
Cudia’s previous experience includes time at food giants such as Nabisco, McDonald’s and Darden Restaurants. [Read more…] about Chowbotics prepares to unleash salad-making robot on the world, while RotiMatic rolls its way to making 6 million rotis
