Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

NXP and Hella Aglaia expand advanced driver assistance platform

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Hella Aglaia and NXP are expanding their current advanced driver assistance system platform with artificial intelligence capability in 2018.

Hella Aglaia’s ADAS platforms include NXP’s S32 and i.MX auto-grade processors, enabling a safe, scalable and complete range of front vision NCAP safety functionality, allowing manufacturers to utilise in the volume car segment.

The next step in the cooperation is to add artificial intelligence for automated driving to this innovative modular setup, say the companies.  [Read more…] about NXP and Hella Aglaia expand advanced driver assistance platform

Paris city hall gives jobs to Pepper and Nao robots

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Pepper and Nao now busy working at the city hall of the fifteenth district of Paris

Paris has become the first city in France, and one of the few cities in the world, to have employed humanoid robots in its city hall. 

The city hall of the fifteenth district of Paris has just received two robots created by SoftBank Robotics, namely the Pepper and Nao robots.

The two small robots also integrate applications powered by the Hoomano company.  [Read more…] about Paris city hall gives jobs to Pepper and Nao robots

Cyberdyne reports 30 per cent more sales for its cyber-physical HAL exoskeleton

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The company which claims to have developed “the world’s first cyborg-type robot” when it built the HAL exoskeleton says it sold 30 per cent more units in its most recent year compared with the previous year. 

In its annual report, Cyberdyne says it sold $15 million worth of HAL exoskeletons in the year to March 2017.

In the previous year to March 2016, the company sold just under $12 million worth of the HAL exoskeletons.  [Read more…] about Cyberdyne reports 30 per cent more sales for its cyber-physical HAL exoskeleton

B&R adds optimized engineering to 3D SuperTrak simulation

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B&R has added a new visualization tool which it says accelerates the development of automation solutions featuring the company’s SuperTrak industrial transport system.

The tool displays a 3D simulation of all SuperTrak shuttle movements, as well as synchronized subsystems such as robotics and CNC.

Machine builders and operators can accelerate the commissioning process by validating their designs and sequential programming in advance.  [Read more…] about B&R adds optimized engineering to 3D SuperTrak simulation

Panasonic develops 3D lidar sensor for autonomous mobile robots

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Panasonic has developed a 3D lidar – light detection and radar – sensor that it says accurately measures the direction of and distance to objects with a wide angle of view, which is critical for autonomous operation of mobile robots.

Employing Panasonic’s propriety laser-scanning technology, the 3D lidar is capable of scanning the laser as wide as up to 60 degrees vertically and 270 degrees horizontally to achieve stable operation of autonomous robots.

Sample shipments will start in January 2018, and Panasonic will exhibit the 3D lidar at Ceatec Japan event, from October 3 to 6, 2017.  [Read more…] about Panasonic develops 3D lidar sensor for autonomous mobile robots

Liquid Robotics launches new version of its Wave Glider unmanned marine vessel

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Company says the “enhanced platform” extends operations in high sea states and high latitudes

Liquid Robotics, a producer of unmanned surface marine vessels, has launched the next generation of its Wave Glider.

The new version adds advancements to the platform’s operational range, and performance for missions in high sea states and high latitudes, says the company.

Changes also include advancements for expanded sensor payloads and increased energy and storage capacity required for long duration maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring and observation missions.  [Read more…] about Liquid Robotics launches new version of its Wave Glider unmanned marine vessel

ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot to conduct classical music orchestra

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ABB’s YuMi robot is to conduct a classical music orchestra in a performance in Italy tonight. 

The dual-armed collaborative robot will conduct a famous aria called La Donna è Mobile, from Verdi’s opera Rigoletto.

The singer at the concert will be the famous tenor Andrea Bocelli.  [Read more…] about ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot to conduct classical music orchestra

Mercedes to showcase EQ electric and autonomous concept car at Frankfurt motor show

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Mercedes will be showing off the latest version of its electric and autonomous concept car, the EQ, at the Frankfurt motor show, IAA 2017. 

Mercedes says the smart vision EQ fortwo provides a new vision of urban mobility and individualised, highly flexible, totally efficient local public transport.

The company claims the autonomous concept vehicle picks up its passengers directly from their chosen location.  [Read more…] about Mercedes to showcase EQ electric and autonomous concept car at Frankfurt motor show

Nissan integrates ProPilot autonomous tech in Leaf electric vehicle

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Nissan has launched the new version of Leaf, which the company claims is “world’s most advanced mass-market electric vehicle”. 

The new Nissan Leaf is the company’s first car in Europe that will embrace the early steps of advanced driver assistance, and is packed with cutting-edge innovations such as e-Pedal, allowing humans to drive and brake in “a totally new and seamless way”.

Nissan says the new vehicle can also go further, with a range of 378 km on a single charge, and has been redesigned for a new generation, with a sleeker look inside and out.  [Read more…] about Nissan integrates ProPilot autonomous tech in Leaf electric vehicle

Audi to showcase autonomous driving technology at Frankfurt motor show

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Audi is to showcase its autonomous driving technology at the Frankfurt motor show, IAA 2017, staring later this week.

The auto giant says it has been making progress on many levels and is concentrating on providing level 3 automation as standard on its luxury A8 model.

Level 3 is what is called “conditional automation” on the SAE’s five levels of automation. It means the car can manage itself but can notify the human driver when they are required to intervene.  [Read more…] about Audi to showcase autonomous driving technology at Frankfurt motor show