Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

ABB and Porsche forge exclusive partnership to drive forward e-mobility

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ABB, an industrial technology leader, and the automobile manufacturer Porsche have agreed a new and exclusive partnership to jointly promote e-mobility.

As part of a multi-level agreement, ABB is becoming an official partner of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, with immediate effect.

Porsche Motorsport is in its inaugural year of racing in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, while ABB is in its third year as title partner of the first all-electric global race series. [Read more…] about ABB and Porsche forge exclusive partnership to drive forward e-mobility

Now you can make Boston Dynamics’ robot dog as scary as you like with the new SDK

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Boston Dynamics has launched a software development kit for its robot dog, Spot.

Already one of the scariest robots the world has ever seen, now the nightmare canine can be made even more terrifying by sick and twisted developers.

Boston Dynamics says the SDK enables a broad range of developers and non-traditional roboticists to communicate with the robot and develop custom applications that enable Spot to do useful tasks across a wide range of industries. [Read more…] about Now you can make Boston Dynamics’ robot dog as scary as you like with the new SDK

Swiss scientist developing robot that ‘grips without touching’

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A scientist at the Swiss university ETH Zurich is developing a robot that “grips without touching”.

The technology is based on sound waves, or “ultrasound waves”, to be more precise.

ETH pioneer fellow Marcel Schuck is responsible for the invention, and has a small version of the robot on his desk. [Read more…] about Swiss scientist developing robot that ‘grips without touching’

Automotive manufacturers need digital transformation to survive disruption

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Automotive manufacturers need to accelerate digital transformation initiatives in order to survive disruption, according to analysis by GlobalData.

From automation and seamless connectivity to personalization, digital technologies are putting the automotive industry in a state of disruptive transition.

Against this backdrop, auto manufacturers need to explore new digital solutions across the value chain to conceive new models and survive in the rapidly transforming industry, says GlobalData, a data and analytics company. [Read more…] about Automotive manufacturers need digital transformation to survive disruption

ABB adds 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation software

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ABB is introducing 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation and offline programming software, which will enable users to program ABB robots for additive manufacturing “in just 30 minutes”. (See video below.)

Part of the PowerPac portfolio of RobotStudio, the new 3D Printing feature eliminates manual programming to allow faster prototype production.

The 3D Printing PowerPac supports a variety of processes, such as welding and printing with granules or concrete and is ideal for low-volume, high-mix printing. [Read more…] about ABB adds 3D printing capabilities to its RobotStudio simulation software

Bosch increases stake in fuel-cell maker Ceres Power to €90 million

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Bosch is strengthening its strategic collaboration with fuel-cell expert Ceres Power by increasing its stake to 18 per cent.

Bosch, an industrial giant and a leading provider of automotive systems, previously had a stake in Ceres of 3.9 per cent.

The stake increase is achieved through a subscription by Bosch for new Ceres Power shares, as well as the purchase of further shares from existing shareholders. [Read more…] about Bosch increases stake in fuel-cell maker Ceres Power to €90 million

Future trends in steel development to be analysed at SCT 2020

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Future trends in steel development, processing technologies and applications are to be analysed at the industry event SCT 2020.

In close cooperation with the Steel Institute VDEh and the Research Association for Steel Application (Fosta), Düsseldorf, the international conference Steels in Cars and Trucks (SCT 2020) will be held for the sixth time.

The conference with an accompanying exhibition opens its doors from 14 to 18 June 2020 in Milan under the motto: “Bringing the automotive, supplier and steel industries together”. [Read more…] about Future trends in steel development to be analysed at SCT 2020

Brain Corp achieves ‘record sales growth’ in 2019 amid strong demand for autonomous mobile robots

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Brain Corp, a San Diego-based robotics and artificial intelligence company, says it achieved “record sales and revenue growth in 2019” as retailers increasingly turn to robotic solutions to reduce costs and enhance in-store experiences.

Brain Corp achieved more than a 300 percent increase in revenue last year, fueled by a surge in interest for BrainOS-powered floor care machines by major retailers, including Walmart.

The company also saw a 760 percent increase in global deployments. It now provides the intelligent backend for one of the largest fleets of its kind in the world – approximately 10,000 robots deployed or enabled. [Read more…] about Brain Corp achieves ‘record sales growth’ in 2019 amid strong demand for autonomous mobile robots

BMW unveils one of the strangest cars ever designed

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BMW has unveiled what could be described as one of the strangest cars ever designed.

The “BMW i Interaction EASE”, as it’s called, looks from the side to be shaped like a rectangular block with absolutely no aerodynamics integrated into it. But the front and back end do have some aerodynamic contours.

The autonomous weirdo was showcased at this year’s CES, with BMW saying that it “offers a glimpse into a future where autonomous driving has become commonplace”. [Read more…] about BMW unveils one of the strangest cars ever designed

India to send humanoid robot astronaut into space

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India is planning to send a humanoid robot astronaut into space, according to a number of media reports. (See video below.)

Called “Vyommitra”, the humanoid robot has been given a female form and does not have any legs. India Today reports that it can “recognise astronauts, converse with them and answer their questions”.

Sam Dyal, a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation, says Vyommitra is referred to as “half humanoid” because it only has an upper body and has limited movement – “it can only bend sidewards and forward”. [Read more…] about India to send humanoid robot astronaut into space