Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Atos launches quantum computer emulator and associated programming language

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By Abdul Montaqim

A company called Atos has built and released what it claims is the world’s first commercially available quantum computer emulator.

In terms of hardware, it uses Intel chips and what might be considered classical computing technology.

But it’s programmed to simulate a quantum computer. Atos has named it the Quantum Learning Machine, and has even invented a new language for programming it.  [Read more…] about Atos launches quantum computer emulator and associated programming language

5G telecommunications networks being constructed in many places around the world

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5G_plans

Fifth generation mobile telecommunication networks – or 5G – are being created in many places around the world, including the US, China and Europe. 

Currently, the majority of mobile device users access either 3G or 4G networks, which both have significantly lower data rates than 5G.

The table below has some basic numbers for how fast each network is – in megabits per second – and dates of when they were operational, or in the case of 5G when it will be.  [Read more…] about 5G telecommunications networks being constructed in many places around the world

Genesis Robotics accelerates development of prototypes based on its ‘revolutionary’ LiveDrive actuator

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genesis robotics actuator

Well-funded startup Genesis Robotics has accelerated the development of a range of products based on its “ground-breaking” technology, which the company claims will transform the entire industry. 

All of the new products Genesis has developed are based on something it calls LiveDrive, an actuator system which uses a gear with no teeth, invented by the company itself.

Making a gear work without teeth sounds impossible – how does it move connected parts without teeth? Imagine a gear on a bicycle without teeth and you’ll get the picture.  [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics accelerates development of prototypes based on its ‘revolutionary’ LiveDrive actuator

NSK launches low-friction ball bearings which ‘increase energy efficiency’

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nsk ball bearings

NSK has launched low-friction ball bearings which it says increase energy efficiency and reduce operational noise in drive systems. 

Bearings of this type will also reduce heat generation, which in turn helps to extend service life, according to the company.

Based on concepts such as optimised raceway geometry and special sealing concepts, NSK has developed several series of ball bearings that offer significantly lower friction characteristics.  [Read more…] about NSK launches low-friction ball bearings which ‘increase energy efficiency’

Leuze launches new capacitive sensors for ‘reliable detection’ of objects and fill levels

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leuze electronic capacitive sensors
The new capacitive sensors from Leuze

Leuze Electronic is expanding its portfolio of optoelectronic and inductive sensors with capacitive proximity switches, making it possible for users to obtain complete solutions for all detection requirements from a single source.

With its new range of capacitive products, Leuze electronic is introducing contactless, wear-free switches which are resistant to electromagnetic influences, interference and contaminants in the air such as dust.

The capacitive switches are available in cylindrical or cubic designs with flush and non-flush mounting options to suit the widest range of applications.  [Read more…] about Leuze launches new capacitive sensors for ‘reliable detection’ of objects and fill levels

Growing market for advanced driver assistance systems brings big bucks for Bosch

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dirk hoheisel
Dirk Hoheisel, Bosch board member responsible for mobility solutions, making his presentation

The demand for advanced driver assistance systems is surging, according to Bosch, which says it pocketed almost $4 billion last year from supplying the technology. 

The company is developing a range of hardware and software solutions for what it calls automated driving, and one of them is an onboard artificial intelligence-driven computer, which will go into production within the next few years.

ADAS is often seen as autonomous – or driverless – car technology, except it’s integrated into cars already being purchased in large numbers today.  [Read more…] about Growing market for advanced driver assistance systems brings big bucks for Bosch

Big industrial robot manufacturers looking to move into China

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yaskawa china
Picture courtesy of Dr Miha Pipan

The huge and growing demand for industrial robots in China is prompting the world’s largest industrial robot makers to look into setting up operations in the country. 

In particular, Japanese companies are said to be profiting from China’s huge increase in demand for industrial robots.

Statistics collated by the Japan Robot Association show that the country exported around $4.4 billion worth of industrial robots to China in 2016.  [Read more…] about Big industrial robot manufacturers looking to move into China

BMW and General Electric invest in Xometry manufacturing marketplace

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An online marketplace which offers custom-manufactured parts using 3D printing and machine learning to generate instant price quotes has raised $15 million in its latest funding round. 

Relatively new startup company Xometry – which rhymes with geometry and is pronounced zometry – has raised a total of $38 million since it was established in 2013.

The company already generates approximately $20 million in annual revenue and has hundreds of providers and more than 5,000 customers.  [Read more…] about BMW and General Electric invest in Xometry manufacturing marketplace

Ten must-read books on robotics and technology

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books

Books are the perfect way to explore all sorts of topics. Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, the book world offers plenty of exciting options when it comes to robotics and technology.

So, if you are looking for something to read over the summer holidays, here are ten must-read books on these current topics.

The list below is a good mixture of fiction and non-fiction to give a unique look in robotics and technology.  [Read more…] about Ten must-read books on robotics and technology

Volkswagen buys D-Wave quantum computers which sell for $15 million each

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Volkswagen has become a customer of D-Wave Systems, which builds quantum computers that cost $15 million each. 

Martin Hofmann, VW’s chief information officer, told New York Times that the investment in quantum computing technology is a sign of things to come. “For us, it’s a new era of technology,” he said.

VW is claimed to have used a D-Wave computer to steer the movements of 10,000 taxis in Beijing simultaneously, optimising their routes and reducing congestion, according to the report in NYT.  [Read more…] about Volkswagen buys D-Wave quantum computers which sell for $15 million each