Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

GreyOrange launches new AI for logistics robots and warehouse automation

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Automation and robotics company GreyOrange has released its next-generation software platform, GreyMatter, which features artificial intelligence.

The company made the announcement at the launch of the latest warehouse of the Nitori, said to be Japan’s largest furniture and home furnishing chain with over 400 stores.

The Butler robotics system from GreyOrange is being used at the Osaka centre of Home Logistics, a logistics subsidiary of Nitori which operates 34 distribution bases and a logistics network for product delivery to stores and e-commerce customers across Japan.  [Read more…] about GreyOrange launches new AI for logistics robots and warehouse automation

Groove X raises $70 million in funding to develop ‘new generation’ of household robot, named ‘Lovot’

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A Japanese company called Groove X has raised an astonishing $70 million to develop and release what it calls the “next generation” of household, or companion, robots. 

The company has named its new creation “Lovot”, which is a combination of the word “love” and “robot”, but has yet to release pictures of the machine. It does, however, provide a glimpse in a video (below).

The founder of Groove X is Kaname Hayashi, a former Toyota engineer and lead developer of Softbank Robotics’ interactive humanoid robot, Pepper.  [Read more…] about Groove X raises $70 million in funding to develop ‘new generation’ of household robot, named ‘Lovot’

HMS Industrial Networks launches mobile version of remote access solution

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HMS Industrial Networks has launched a mobile version of its remote access solution, eWon eCatcher.

eWon eCatcher is the software that eWon users utilize to establish a remote connection via an eWon router to their machine.

HMS Industrial Networks’ mobile version of this award-winning remote access solution is called eWon eCatcher Mobile.  [Read more…] about HMS Industrial Networks launches mobile version of remote access solution

STMicroelectronics launches advanced image-stabilizing gyroscope

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STMicroelectronics has launched a miniature two-axis MEMS gyroscope which the company says offers more stability. 

Smaller, thinner smartphone camera modules can provide pin-sharp image stabilization and make extra space for new devices.

The device type STMicroelectronics has in mind are smartphones. The company says the new L20G20IS miniature 2-axis MEMS gyroscope can enable handsets to have features such as increased performance and advanced vibration immunity.

As the newest member of ST’s highly integrated optical image stabilization device family, the L20G20IS measures just 2.0mm x 2.0mm x 0.7mm, liberating an extra 1.29mm2 of board space (compared to the previous 2.3mm x 2.3mm L2G2IS) to help shrink camera-module size and simplify circuit design.  [Read more…] about STMicroelectronics launches advanced image-stabilizing gyroscope

Fetch Robotics raises $25 million in investment round led by Sway Ventures

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Fetch Robotics, a provider of a range of warehouse automation and logistics robot solutions, has raised $25 million in Series B funding.

The round was led by Sway Ventures with participation from existing investors O’Reilly AlphaTech Ventures, Shasta Ventures and SoftBank Group US.

The Series B round brings Fetch Robotics’ total funding to date to $48 million.  [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics raises $25 million in investment round led by Sway Ventures

Stanley Black & Decker to open advanced manufacturing training centre in Connecticut

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Stanley Black & Decker is planning to open an advanced manufacturing training centre in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, near the north-eastern coast of the US.

The company says the “centre of excellence” to accelerate its global Industry 4.0 “smart factory” initiative.

Called “Manufactory 4.0” – after the original Stanley Bolt Manufactory founded in 1843 – the 23,000-square-foot center will be located at One Constitution Plaza and will employ approximately 50 Industry 4.0 professionals.  [Read more…] about Stanley Black & Decker to open advanced manufacturing training centre in Connecticut

Lantronix launches tiny but ‘advanced’ wireless embedded IoT gateways

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Lantronix, a provider of secure data access and management solutions for the industrial internet of things, has launched its xPico 200 embedded IoT gateways.

Measuring “less than the size of a postage stamp”, Lantronix says the compact xPico 200 embedded IoT gateways deliver “robust Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enterprise-grade security, and integrated manageability features that are ideal for industrial IoT applications”.

Shahram Mehraban, Lantronix vice president of marketing, says: “Today’s advanced IoT applications require more than just simple connectivity.  [Read more…] about Lantronix launches tiny but ‘advanced’ wireless embedded IoT gateways

Book preview: New academic study on the subject of robots with legs

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Bioinspired Legged Locomotion: Models, Concepts, Control and Applications
By Maziar Sharbafi and André Seyfarth

Elsevier has released a book which may be of interest to roboticists. Here’s a preview.

The book explores the universe of legged robots, bringing in perspectives from engineering, biology, motion science, and medicine to provide a comprehensive overview of the field.

With comprehensive coverage, each chapter brings outlines, and an abstract, introduction, new developments, and a summary.  [Read more…] about Book preview: New academic study on the subject of robots with legs

Logic Supply launches fanless industrial computer with latest Intel Dawson Canyon motherboard

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Logic Supply has launched a new industrial computer which the company says “brings seventh generation Kaby Lake processing to pocket-sized computing”. 

The new ML100G-31 is Logic Supply’s fanless “Next Unit of Computing” motherboard. NUC is a small-form-factor computer designed by Intel. 

Logic Supply has been developing computer hardware for a variety of markets for 14 years, and claims to have pioneered the use of Intel’s NUC motherboard within industrial PCs.  [Read more…] about Logic Supply launches fanless industrial computer with latest Intel Dawson Canyon motherboard

Nidec says it’s on target to become ‘number one’ in industrial motors and drive systems

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Nidec Industrial Solutions claims it is on course to become number one in its market segment of industrial motors and drive systems, ahead of companies such as Siemens and General Electric.

In a statement, Nidec says: “As competitors like GE and Siemens announce major cuts and reorganizations of their industrial assets Nidec continues to invest in growth.”

The company further underlines its confidence with the comment: “The road to the top is never easy and if you are a relative newcomer to the industrial sector you have to contend with the force and reputation of some very strong, well-consolidated brands.  [Read more…] about Nidec says it’s on target to become ‘number one’ in industrial motors and drive systems