Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

GreyOrange and Vicarious launch autonomous vertical pick-and-pack solution for apparel

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GreyOrange, a provider of AI-enabled software and robotics for fulfillment automation, is partnering with Vicarious, an AI robotic integrator that automates tasks too versatile and complex to be handled by traditional, hard-coded automation systems.

Together Vicarious and GreyOrange have launched what they say is “the industry’s first and only autonomous vertical picking solution for automated pick-n-pack operations in omnichannel fulfillment”.

Autonomous Vertical Picking from Vicarious interfaces smoothly into a global workflow orchestrated by GreyOrange’s GreyMatter Fulfillment Operating System (FOS), which uses advanced science to continuously evaluate order fulfillment performance and prioritize decisions and workflows. [Read more…] about GreyOrange and Vicarious launch autonomous vertical pick-and-pack solution for apparel

Denso and KDDI begin testing 5G networks for autonomous vehicles

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Denso and KDDI have begun researching 5G’s use in automated driving to achieve “safe and secure mobility, free from traffic accidents and congestion”, say the companies.

In the verification project, Denso and KDDI will build a 5G environment in a test course at Global R&D Tokyo, Haneda, a research and development center for automated driving operated by Denso.

The two companies will verify driver assistance technologies in automated driving vehicles using high-definition in-vehicle cameras and roadside sensors. [Read more…] about Denso and KDDI begin testing 5G networks for autonomous vehicles

Epson unveils next generation of Moverio augmented reality smart glasses

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Epson has unveiled the Moverio BT-40 and BT-40S, a new generation of its Moverio augmented reality (AR) smart glasses designed to deliver “a high-quality AR viewing experience with maximum comfort”, says the company.

Powered by Epson Si-OLED technology, the new Moverio solutions offer users a number of advances including a wider field of view (FOV), Full HD 1080p display resolution, high contrast, improved connectivity, and a more comfortable, adjustable and easy-to-wear design.

Remi Del Mar, senior product manager, digital experiences, augmented reality and commercial display solutions, Epson America, says: “With over 10 years in the AR market and its long history in the projector segment – having delivered high performance optical engines and impeccable color production – Epson is bringing that same legacy to this next generation of Moverio smart glasses. [Read more…] about Epson unveils next generation of Moverio augmented reality smart glasses

Omron releases new 3D vision sensor for robot arms

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Omron has released its new FH-SMD Series 3D Vision Sensor, which can be mounted on a robot to recognize randomly placed bulk automotive parts in three dimensions, enabling space-saving assembly, inspection, and pick and place, which are difficult with conventional robots, and improving productivity.

Production workers are hard to come by these days, and labor costs have risen sharply, says Omron. Manufacturers are now facing intense pressure to automate processes that rely on the senses of experienced human workers.

Moreover, production workers now need to work harmoniously with machines to raise productivity amid the Covid-19 crisis. In particular, the automotive industry requires vision sensors as the eyes of robots that are indispensable for automation because it is difficult for machines to recognize positions and postures of various complex shaped parts. [Read more…] about Omron releases new 3D vision sensor for robot arms

New Mitsubishi website offers advice on digital manufacturing investments

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Mitsubishi Electric has unveiled a new-look website which offers advice on digital manufacturing investments.

The industrial giant, which is also one of the world’s largest robot makers, says Industry 4.0 and digital processes are “indispensable for future manufacturing growth”.

It says that, while many companies understand the importance of automation, they sometimes struggle to make it a reality. They need a strong partner with the know-how to guide them. [Read more…] about New Mitsubishi website offers advice on digital manufacturing investments

German online grocer opts for Geek+ warehouse robots

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Geek+, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses, has been selected by myEnso, a German-based online grocery supplier, to upgrade the company’s distribution center for fast moving consumer goods with a goods-to-person robotics solution.

Having received governmental support and financing, the robotics-driven e-commerce platform will enable regional producers, startups, as well as well-known brands to connect and serve online shoppers all over Germany.

Jackson Zhang, vice president of Geek+ Europe, says: “We are excited to see myEnso join our growing European customer base and view the project as the beginning of an extensive cooperation that will enable them to streamline logistics operations and better serve their online customers. [Read more…] about German online grocer opts for Geek+ warehouse robots

Mitsubishi Electric to establish factory automation products service center in Malaysia

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Mitsubishi Electric says it will establish the Malaysia Factory Automation Center on the premises of its subsidiary Mitsubishi Electric Sales Malaysia, which is located in Selangor state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The new facility, which is scheduled to start operating on March 1, will strengthen servicing and support for Mitsubishi Electric factory automation products in Malaysia and thereby facilitate expansion of the company’s local business in factory automation systems.

The Malaysian factory automation market largely comprises an expanding base of local and Japanese enterprises. These firms span numerous industries, including electrical, electronic, automotive, food and beverage, and more, each of which requires various services for the factory automation products they use. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric to establish factory automation products service center in Malaysia

Fujitsu to use ‘world’s fastest supercomputer’ for tsunami prediction

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Fujitsu, in partnership with other companies and academic institutions, has developed a computing system that will enable the prediction of tsunamis – massive, sudden floods caused by turbulence at sea. 

The International Research Institute of Disaster Science at Tohoku University, the Earthquake Research Institute at the University of Tokyo, and Fujitsu Laboratories have developed an artificial intelligence model that will empower disaster management teams with the ability to predict tsunami flooding in coastal areas in near real-time.

The system harnessed the computational power of what is claimed to be “the world’s fastest supercomputer”, Fugaku, jointly developed by Riken and Fujitsu. [Read more…] about Fujitsu to use ‘world’s fastest supercomputer’ for tsunami prediction

Visteon partners with ECARX and Qualcomm to develop ‘intelligent cockpits’ for automotive industry

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Visteon, ECARX and Qualcomm Technologies have launched a joint initiative to develop intelligent cockpit solutions across conventional and electric vehicle applications. 

Visteon and ECARX, using Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms, are working together to develop these intelligent technologies and sharing research to commercialize an integrated cockpit project for a variety of vehicle platforms starting in 2021.

Sachin Lawande, president and CEO of Visteon, described digital content as “the battleground” for OEMs as human interfaces becomes more complex and connected technologies are increasingly important to improve the cockpit. [Read more…] about Visteon partners with ECARX and Qualcomm to develop ‘intelligent cockpits’ for automotive industry

OLA to install ABB robotics and automation solutions at its mega-factory for electric scooters

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Ola, India’s largest mobility platform and one of the world’s largest ride-hailing companies, has selected ABB as one of its key partners for robotics and automation solutions for its mega-factory in India that will roll out the Ola electric scooter.

Ola’s scooter mega-factory, billed to be the world’s largest scooter manufacturing plant, is expected to be ready and operational in the coming months.

The facility is also expected to be the country’s most automated, with about 5,000 robots and automated guided vehicles in use once the factory is fully operational to its full capacity. [Read more…] about OLA to install ABB robotics and automation solutions at its mega-factory for electric scooters