Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Automotive robotics market forecast to reach $6 billion by 2024

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The automotive robotics market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $4 billion to over $5.96 billion by 2024, according to the latest study by Global Market Insights.

Growing utilization of automated machines for production and assembly of automotive parts is estimated to drive global automotive robotics market.

The automotive robotics industry is growing steadily on the back of expanding automotive industry. [Read more…] about Automotive robotics market forecast to reach $6 billion by 2024

Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

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Agriculture in the future will see increasing use of scientifically precise farming techniques, where automated “agro-bots” monitor, treat and work the land, using advanced technology designed to help maximise yields and minimise disease. 

With its extensive experience in automation and agricultural mechanisation, agritech specialist Yanmar is now showing the way in advanced field robotics research.

Time for change in our changing times?

It’s hard to think of a more important economic sector than agriculture. This is an industry that directly affects the lives of everyone the world over, despite being beset by challenges from all sides.

Changes in temperature and precipitation are influencing crop yields; farmers and agricultural workers are directly exposed to the effects of weather extremes, while millions more in food-related jobs are already feeling the impact of our changing climate. [Read more…] about Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

OnRobot launches new 2.5D vision system

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OnRobot has launched “Eyes”, its new 2.5D vision system. The company says it brings together “unrivaled ease-of-use to vision-guided robotic applications”. (See video below.)

Eyes’ advanced, affordable 2.5D vision adds depth perception and parts recognition for all leading robotic arms, offering seamless integration, one-picture calibration, intuitive programming, and none of the complexity of existing vision systems.

Eyes can be flexibly mounted both on the robot wrist or externally, making it ideal for almost any unstructured application in need of vision guidance. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches new 2.5D vision system

Kuka wins massive order from BMW for 5,000 robots

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Industrial automation specialist Kuka and Munich-based automotive company BMW have signed a framework agreement for the supply of around 5,000 robots for new production lines and factories.

The Kuka industrial robots will be used around the world at the international production sites of the BMW Group for the manufacture of the current and future generations of vehicle models.

The various robot models from Kuka will be used primarily in body-in-white production and other technologies. [Read more…] about Kuka wins massive order from BMW for 5,000 robots

Locus Robotics launches new design service for fast implementation of warehouse robots for rapidly growing e-commerce sector

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Locus Robotics, a provider of autonomous mobile robots for fulfillment centers, has unveiled a new service which is says will speed up the implementation of warehouse robots for the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

The Locus Rapid Assessment & Design Service, or “RAD” is said to enable prospects and customers to quickly evaluate the productivity benefits and return on investment of installing Locus’ collaborative robotics solution.

The company says this will help ensure that businesses are “ready to meet high demand in the post-pandemic economy”. [Read more…] about Locus Robotics launches new design service for fast implementation of warehouse robots for rapidly growing e-commerce sector

Norfolk Southern introduces autonomous railtrack inspection system

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Norfolk Southern says it has achieved a breakthrough in track inspection technology that will “enhance railroad safety and operating efficiencies”. (See video below.)

The company claims that it is the first North American freight railroad to develop and deploy an autonomous track geometry measurement system that is mounted on a locomotive and combines “ingenuity and innovation”.

In contrast, says Norfolk Southern, autonomous track-inspection systems commercially available today are installed on converted freight or passenger rail cars, which require an external power source to operate and occupy space on a train that could be used to move revenue-producing freight. [Read more…] about Norfolk Southern introduces autonomous railtrack inspection system

Septentrio launches ‘ultra-precise’ positioning system for high-volume applications

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Septentrio, a manufacturer of high-precision GNSS positioning solutions, is starting high-volume production of mosaic-X5, its next-generation multi-constellation and multi-band receiver module.

Featuring the latest GNSS technology, mosaic-X5 brings centimeter-level positioning to technologies such as robotics, automation, smart wearables and telematics among others.

Its small form factor and low-power design makes high-performance positioning accessible to volume applications. [Read more…] about Septentrio launches ‘ultra-precise’ positioning system for high-volume applications

3D printing moving into mainstream manufacturing, says GlobalData

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3D printing technology is slowly cementing its role as a key part of the manufacturing mix, continuing its journey towards industry 4.0.

It has already lowered the barriers to entry for manufacturing, allowing enterprises across many industries to respond to customer demands while offering greater customization of products and speed to market, says GlobalData, a data analytics company.

Venkata Naveen, disruptive tech analyst at GlobalData, says: “3D printing has leaped from the proof-of-concept stage to a viable manufacturing alternative, demonstrating its potential in real-world environments, notably in industries such as aerospace and defense, construction, consumer and automotive.” [Read more…] about 3D printing moving into mainstream manufacturing, says GlobalData

Automated driving developer TTTech Auto expands team

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TTTech Auto says it has grown its developer team for global customer projects.

After the acquisition of software company Silicon Gears in 2019, TTTech Auto expanded further on the Iberian Peninsula. The Madrid office opened in mid-February and will reinforce development capacities for global customer projects.

Spain is the country with the fourth-highest number of computer developers in the European Union, according to the State of European Tech 2019 report. Almost 40 per cent of the 323,000 developers are located in Madrid. [Read more…] about Automated driving developer TTTech Auto expands team

Autonomous trucks: Addressing the industry’s structural challenges

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The automotive industry is experiencing a difficult time due to the coronavirus pandemic, with severe shocks both to the supply and demand. Nonetheless, the industry will need to retain its focus on key transformation trends such as autonomy.

Making a business case out of autonomous however, is not always straightforward, as IDTechEx finds in its research into the sector.

Some original equipment manufacturers and tier-one suppliers are already suggesting that there is no business case for level 3 autonomy – referring to SAE’s levels of autonomy in automotive. [Read more…] about Autonomous trucks: Addressing the industry’s structural challenges