Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Essentium research shows industrial-scale 3D printing moving into mainstream manufacturing

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Essentium, a leading innovator in industrial additive manufacturing, has released the first in a series of findings from independent global research on the current and future use of industrial 3D printing.

The study reveals a significant increase in the use of large-scale additive manufacturing (AM).

The number of manufacturers using 3D printing for full-scale production has doubled compared to last year (40 per cent in 2019; 21 per cent in 2018). [Read more…] about Essentium research shows industrial-scale 3D printing moving into mainstream manufacturing

Rockwell Automation and Ansys agree strategic partnership

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Rockwell Automation and Ansys have agreed a strategic partnership aimed at driving quicker time to market and operational efficiency for customers.

The two companies – market leaders in industrial automation and design simulation – help customers realize better business outcomes through simulation-based digital twins.

Rockwell and Ansys say that their initiative means that industrial companies now have “access to a streamlined, holistic, end-to-end solution for design, automation, production and lifecycle management”. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation and Ansys agree strategic partnership

Parrot launches new SDK for its thermal drones

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Parrot has launched a new SDK Partner program to help both enterprise and start-ups create new applications, software and hardware to seamlessly integrate with Parrot ANAFI and ANAFI Thermal drones.

Parrot’s SDK program currently allows developers to create their own iOS and Android applications and service programs for ANAFI and ANAFI Thermal drones.

Now, industry partners will gain access to both hardware and software support, along with go-to-market strategy support to business partners across the globe. [Read more…] about Parrot launches new SDK for its thermal drones

ABB collaborative robot to provide faster lab analysis for Semcon

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Product development company Semcon says it is providing faster analysis of samples for an international laboratory company thanks to a collaborative robot from ABB.

The company says it set out with the objective of creating a faster, safer process and of freeing up time for laboratory personnel so that they can focus on more advanced tasks.

Laboratory work often involves a number of monotonous and repetitive elements that can be streamlined by means of automation. [Read more…] about ABB collaborative robot to provide faster lab analysis for Semcon

ABB and B&R launch ‘first fully integrated machine-centric robotics’ solution

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B&R, a unit of ABB’s robotics and discrete automation business unit, has unveiled an initiative which involves the integration of ABB robots into its automation portfolio.

B&R says the move will enable it to offer “unprecedented levels of machine flexibility and precision”, merging robotics with machine control into one unified architecture will enable manufacturers to “embrace the trend of mass customization and optimize their lot size one processes”.

Fully integrating ABB’s robots into its automation systems means that B&R will now be able to supply machine builders with machine automation and robotics from a single source. [Read more…] about ABB and B&R launch ‘first fully integrated machine-centric robotics’ solution

Volkswagen strengthens new software business unit

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Volkswagen strengthens its Car.Software business unit with its group responsibility for in-car software.

Starting January 1, 2020, the Car.Software organization will operate as an in-dependent business unit.

As a VW company, the Car.Software organization will centralize the associates and subsidiaries within the Group that develop car software and software for the digital ecosystems. [Read more…] about Volkswagen strengthens new software business unit

Seine Alliance takes ‘first’ fully-electric passenger boat to Paris

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Seine Alliance, a partnersip between Groupe Renault and Green Vision, has launched what it is the “first 100 per cent electric passenger boat with second life batteries” to Paris, France.

The “Black Swan”, as the boat is called, is specifically designed for private or business cruises on the Seine, the main river is Paris.

The aim of Seine Alliance and its partners is to be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of a model based on the principle of the circular economy, in order to reproduce it and create synergies between the various mobility players. [Read more…] about Seine Alliance takes ‘first’ fully-electric passenger boat to Paris

Volvo launches sales of electric trucks for urban transport

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Volvo Trucks has started the sales of its Volvo FL and Volvo FE electric trucks in selected markets within Europe, meeting what the company says is “the increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions in city environments”.

In the absence of exhaust emissions and with reduced noise levels from electric trucks offer huge potential in urban areas.

First, the reduced noise levels make it possible to carry out deliveries and refuse collection in early mornings, late evenings or even at night, helping to improve transport logistics and reduce congestion during peak hours. [Read more…] about Volvo launches sales of electric trucks for urban transport

ZF develops fully electric propulsion system for sailing yachts

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ZF has developed what it describes as a “fully electric” propulsion system for sailing yachts.

ZF says the development shows it is continuing to expand its portfolio of environment-friendly marine propulsion solutions.

The new fully electric propulsion system can be combined with ZF’s Steerable Pod Propulsion system and is “steering skippers into a cleaner, more sustainable future”. [Read more…] about ZF develops fully electric propulsion system for sailing yachts

Magna to develop ‘affordable’ electric motor

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Magna has been awarded a grant by the US Department of Energy to develop and “auto-qualify” advanced electric motor technologies for next-generation vehicle propulsion systems.

In partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin-Madison, Magna is applying its powertrain, electronics and full-vehicle expertise to deliver an automotive-grade, high-performance electric motor that aims to achieve increased power density and reduced cost compared to current e-motors.

The project objective is to develop an electric motor that is half the cost and eight times the power density, while delivering 125 kW of peak power – similar to packing a gallon of milk into a pint-size container. [Read more…] about Magna to develop ‘affordable’ electric motor