Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

The Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Apple Devices

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From the iPhone to the Mac, iPad, iPod and the Apple Watch, Apple excels, and continues to do so, in hardware innovation and software development.

However, not much is known about Apple’s plan with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it’s used in Apple products, or apps in general.

In its recent WWDC performance, Apple seems to have taken a quieter, yet smarter approach by adding several features and updates with machine learning at their core. [Read more…] about The Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Apple Devices

Understanding the Impact of Driving Style on Tyre Longevity

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Every motorist is aware that tyres will gradually wear down after use, but do you know how long the average tyre lasts and when you should be looking to replace for improved safety and performance?

Under normal driving conditions, front tyres should last around 20,000 miles while rear tyres can last around 40,000. [Read more…] about Understanding the Impact of Driving Style on Tyre Longevity

Genesis Robotics releases long-awaited LiveDrive direct drive actuators

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Genesis Robotics has finally released its long-awaited and “revolutionary” LiveDrive direct drive actuators. (See video below.)

The relatively new startup company – now renamed as Genesis Robotics & Motion Technologies – says the new LiveDrive LDD 1800 Series Direct Drive Actuators are available in an extensive range of configurations and performance options.

Genesis says the LiveDrive direct-drive actuators “eliminate the need for gearing and are redefining the next generation of parallel robots and precision machinery”, unlocking capabilities beyond the reach of conventional drivetrains, across many applications. [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics releases long-awaited LiveDrive direct drive actuators

Automation and the Fashion Industry: A Quiet Revolution

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Many believe that we have recently entered the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is characterized by new modes of design, production and marketing. Being one of the world’s largest and most innovative industries, fashion is at the center stage of this shake-up.

This is not surprising, since fashion is big business. In the UK, for example, the fashion industry is valued at £26 billion, making it the country’s biggest creative industry.

From algorithms that detect what we will be wearing next season to targeted pricing, here are just a few ways automation technology is transforming the fashion industry. [Read more…] about Automation and the Fashion Industry: A Quiet Revolution

How Realistic is AI in Films?

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Hollywood loves Sci-Fi and artificial intelligence is one of the genre’s most popular themes. Robots, in particular, have played center stage in many Sci-Fi flicks. And they have not always been positioned in a positive light. On the contrary, many such films have depicted dystopias where robots take over the world.

Having virtually no knowledge of AI from any other sources, many have taken these inaccurate depictions of robotics as reality. In fact, according to research by a leading AI authority, Fountech, a quarter of adults in the UK believe that AI might lead to the end of humanity.

So what are the most and least plausible robots in fiction? Here are four depictions of robotics in films that sit at both ends of the scale. [Read more…] about How Realistic is AI in Films?

Camera-based cap control with artificial intelligence

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Strong price pressure combined with high quality requirements – the beverage and bottle industry faces the classic dilemma of many industries.

This is also the case in the quality control department of a French manufacturer of plastic caps. Reliably detecting cracks and micro-cracks on plastic caps in 40 different colours and shades running at high speed on a production line is a real challenge.

APREX Solutions from Nancy, France has successfully achieved this goal with the help of image processing technology and artificial intelligence. The basic images are provided by a USB 3 industrial camera from IDS Imaging Development Systems. [Read more…] about Camera-based cap control with artificial intelligence

Why Use Automated Warehousing for Your Small Business

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Whether it’s about a new mechanical invention or new methods and means of finishing a task, innovations have indeed propelled the industrial sector. Technology has improved functionality on various aspects, particularly in the management of warehouses.

When it comes to stock management, warehouse owners have several alternatives to choose from. Some people select fulfillment services such as Printful, in which third-party warehouses assist in making shipment preparation and delivery easier and more straightforward.

However, as distribution channels couldn’t satisfy their needs entirely with human workforces and as mechanical advancements dominated the industrial sector, warehouse automation has come to life. [Read more…] about Why Use Automated Warehousing for Your Small Business

Why Loading Dock Leveler Maintenance is Important for Your Business

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Out of all things you must do during the working day to keep your business running like a well-oiled machine, dock leveler maintenance is likely at the bottom of your list.

Vehicles load and unload their goods without issue, so you may not believe there’s any reason to mess with something that’s working just fine.

However, there may come a time when things aren’t running smoothly, and by that point, you may end up with hefty bills to fix any issues. Before that happens, you can learn about the importance of maintenance for your loading docks below. [Read more…] about Why Loading Dock Leveler Maintenance is Important for Your Business

Realtime Robotics raises $31.4 million in Series A funding round

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Realtime Robotics, a developer of motion planning software for industrial robots, has completed its $31.4 million Series A round.

New strategic investors including HAHN Automation and SAIC Capital Management, as well as new institutional investors Soundproof Ventures and Heroic Ventures, join existing investors SPARX Asset Management, Omron Ventures, Toyota AI Ventures, Scrum Ventures and Duke Angels in concluding this round.

Realtime Robotics says it was founded to transform automation with flexible robot control capabilities, built on its innovative, real-time collision-free motion planning technology. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics raises $31.4 million in Series A funding round

SICK launches new miniature photoelectric sensor

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SICK drives innovation with the new W4F miniature photoelectric sensor for intelligent object detection in tight installation spaces for proximity applications

SICK is launching the latest generation of its miniature photoelectric sensors, the W4F. A new ASIC platform delivers numerous performance advantages to this product family.

For example, these sensors can detect jet black, highly reflective, flat, or transparent objects with the utmost reliability. The W4F can also provide distance information, such as the height of objects and, as a result, identify process errors.

Initial users have confirmed that the photoelectric sensors have the best ambient light and sunlight suppression on the market as well as maximum immunity to all known sources of optical interference.  [Read more…] about SICK launches new miniature photoelectric sensor