Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Qualcomm robotics platform: Connectivity key to transforming robotics industry

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By Lian Jye Su, principal analyst at tech advisory firm, ABI Research

Qualcomm has just announced the launch of Qualcomm Robotics RB3 Platform. The platform is the company’s first comprehensive end-to-end robotics development platform that features heterogeneous computing architecture with support for artificial intelligence processing, additional camera, sensors, and video modules.

Aside from Qualcomm’s in-house software development kits, the platform also supports Linux, Robot Operating System, and Amazon AWS Robomaker, making it very accessible to robotics creators and developers.

Most importantly, the platform features integrated support for LTE cellular connectivity and future upgradability to 5G.  [Read more…] about Qualcomm robotics platform: Connectivity key to transforming robotics industry

Qualcomm launches new platform to ‘transform the robotics industry’

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Qualcomm Technologies has launched its Qualcomm Robotics RB3 Platform – the chipmaker’s first integrated, comprehensive offering designed specifically for robotics.

Building on Qualcomm Technologies’ success in robotics and drone products available today, this purpose-built platform features a “highly optimized” set of hardware, software and tools designed to help manufacturers and developers create the next generation of advanced consumer, enterprise and industrial robotics products.  [Read more…] about Qualcomm launches new platform to ‘transform the robotics industry’

Father Christmas caught testing drone to replace Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

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Startup company AirBoard appears to be working with Father Christmas to test a drone to replace Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and their famous flying sleigh with which they deliver presents all round to world to billions of people every year on the night of December 24th. (See video below.)

But that’s just one of AirBoard’s markets, and a very small one, given that there’s only one Father Christmas, or “Santa Claus”, another one of the many names under which the kindly old man travels, often dressed in a red pajama suit.

The main commercial market the northern European startup is aiming for with its drone is the agricultural sector.  [Read more…] about Father Christmas caught testing drone to replace Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

European Space Agency now offers satellite-driven car parking services

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The European Space Agency is now offering satellite-driven car parking services as a result of a partnership with a startup company called Parkbob.

Parkbob teamed up with ESA Business Applications to develop an architecture for satellite-driven availability parking services in smart cities.

Their collaboration through an ESA Kickstart activity as part of the Integrated Applications program, will demonstrate the added value that satellite brings in the context of advanced digital last-mile solutions.  [Read more…] about European Space Agency now offers satellite-driven car parking services

Andretti Autosport applies Stratasys 3D printing to components development

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Andretti Autosport is partnering with Stratasys to apply 3D printing systems into its development of new components for its racing cars. 

The multi-year collaboration agreement between Andretti and Stratasys builds on decades of experience in additive manufacturing technology.

Stratasys says its 3D printing machines enable leaders across professional racing to gain a competitive edge.  [Read more…] about Andretti Autosport applies Stratasys 3D printing to components development

Yanu raises $1 million for its robotic bartender

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Startup company Yanu has raised $1 million in funding for its artificial intelligence-powered robotic bartender. 

This is the company’s second seed investment round.

Yanu says the robot bartender will appeal to anyone who has ever waited at the bar more than a few minutes for a drink.  [Read more…] about Yanu raises $1 million for its robotic bartender

Harting accelerates electric mobility offerings

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German industrial giant Harting is accelerating the research and development of its electric mobility product range. 

The company will begin to showcase its offerings at high-profile trade shows.

The Harting stand at Hannover Messe will be also be presenting the “MicroSnap”, the latest vehicle concept from Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht.  [Read more…] about Harting accelerates electric mobility offerings

Epson signs FPE Automation as distributor in US

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Epson Robots has signed FPE Automation as an official distributor for the full line of Epson Robots automation products.

This includes Epson SCARA, 6-axis and linear module robots as well as integrated solutions such as Vision and Force Guide, fieldbus I/O and many other industrial automation products offered by Epson Robots.

The distribution territory will cover the state of Illinois, eastern Missouri and eastern Iowa.  [Read more…] about Epson signs FPE Automation as distributor in US

Kivnon launches new autonomous guided vehicle for supply chain and logistics operations

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Kivnon has launched a new autonomous guided vehicle for logistics and supply chain operations. The company plans to showcase it at the LogiMAT event, in Germany, next week.

Unlike an “automated” guided vehicle, which often requires tracks or markings on the ground to guide it through an environment, an “autonomous” collects data about its environment and uses artificial intelligence in order to navigate without requiring tracks or markings on the ground.

The company describes the vehicles as “an omnidirectional AGV superfine” that is designed for all types of surroundings and which can lift and carry up to 1.000 kg with “free navigation”.  [Read more…] about Kivnon launches new autonomous guided vehicle for supply chain and logistics operations

Parts Town expands to include more than 120 distribution partners

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Parts Town, a restaurant and foodservice equipment parts distributor which claims to have “the most in-stock original equipment manufacturer parts on the planet”, says it has added a total of 24 brands to its roster of master distribution programs this year alone along with 35 percent organic growth for 2018.

Parts Town, which recently installed a highly automated storage and retrieval system in its facility (main picture), supplied by warehouse automation company AutoStore, says “innovation and company culture are at the core” of its year-over-year performance.

The company says its year-end milestones include:

  • the creation of the Serial Number Lookup technology;
  • hiring of its 500th employee; and
  • the addition of PartsXpress and 3Wire to the PT Holdings family.

[Read more…] about Parts Town expands to include more than 120 distribution partners