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Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

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Mitsubishi Electric has released the company’s smallest and most powerful compact programmable logic controller to date – the FX5UC series Premium Micro PLC.

The company says the new PLC’s diminutive size is set to help machine builders and manufacturers pack “ever more functionality into a smaller space”, while also providing the web access and network connectivity demanded by the latest smart factory applications.

Mitsubishi Electric launched its first range of micro controllers, the FX family of PLCs, over 35 years ago as part of the MELSEC-F series. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

DMG MORI and Tulip partner to offer agile manufacturing solutions

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DMG MORI and Tulip have agreed a partnership through which the two companies plan to offer “agile manufacturing solutions”.

US software provider Tulip is to help DMG MORI simplify its customers’ entry into digital production.

Using a drag-and-drop interface, manufacturing workers can easily create and integrate APPs into existing systems. [Read more…] about DMG MORI and Tulip partner to offer agile manufacturing solutions

Advanced Navigation raises $13 million to ‘transform’ robotics and self-driving cars

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Robotics and artificial intelligence sensor developer Advanced Navigation has raised $13 million in a Series A funding.

The investment round was led by Main Sequence Ventures’ CSIRO Innovation Fund, alongside US venture firms Brick & Mortar Ventures and In-Q-Tel.

The round will fund a significant global expansion for Advanced Navigation and accelerate research and development programs for what the company describes as “transformative new robotics, navigation and sensor technologies”. [Read more…] about Advanced Navigation raises $13 million to ‘transform’ robotics and self-driving cars

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

Scania teams up with Combient network to tap into ‘huge potential’ of automation and AI

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Scania says its partnership with the Combient Foundry is intended to tap into the “huge potential” of automation and artificial intelligence in the transportation industry.

The Combient network, which Scania is part of, is a cross-Nordic industry collaboration that aims to accelerate transformation in areas like automation, artificial intelligence, analytics and open innovation.

A part of Combient is the Foundry which connects startups with Nordic industry leaders, enabling the co-creation of new services and solutions. [Read more…] about Scania teams up with Combient network to tap into ‘huge potential’ of automation and AI

GM launches new version of OnStar for fleets

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General Motors says its new fleet telematics solution, OnStar Vehicle Insights, provides fleet managers and drivers the tools and data they need to make the most of their daily operations.

Launched recently, OnStar Vehicle Insights relays real-time vehicle data like vehicle location, driver performance information and more to fleet employees.

Ed Peper, US vice president, General Motors Fleet, says: “We listened to our fleet customers’ feedback and have created a turnkey telematics solution. [Read more…] about GM launches new version of OnStar for fleets

Parker Hannifin unveils tablet for mobile machines

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Parker Hannifin, a provider motion and control technologies, is widening its display portfolio with Pro Display 12, a high-level 12 inch human-machine interface display module – or “tablet” – featuring optimum camera connectivity.

Aimed at mobile machine original equipment manufacturers in sectors such as agriculture and construction, this rugged and high-performance module has a sunlight readable display and quad-core CPU.

Like the previously launched Pro Display 10, the latest Parker HMI comes with an apps-based platform and provides tools for fast and advanced application development. [Read more…] about Parker Hannifin unveils tablet for mobile machines

Arch Systems partners with Flex for manufacturing data transformation

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Arch Systems has formed a partnership with Flex to develop systems to enable data transformation in its manufacturing operation.

The companies says that innovative data extraction from legacy and new machines will help drive production efficiencies, process automation and predictive analytics across Flex sites.

Arch Systems is a provider of a leading machine-data-sensing platform compatible with both legacy and new industrial machines. [Read more…] about Arch Systems partners with Flex for manufacturing data transformation

Rockwell Automation partners with Accenture to create digital solutions for industrial clients

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Rockwell Automation and Accenture’s Industry X.0 are teaming up to develop a digital offering to help industrial clients “move beyond existing manufacturing solutions to transform their entire connected enterprise”.

The engagement is designed to capitalize on the expertise of both companies to deliver new capabilities for greater industrial supply chain optimization.

By providing customers with a single, trusted provider of digital solutions, the collaboration will enable clients to more effectively leverage the industrial internet of things and ultimately drive measurable growth outcomes. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation partners with Accenture to create digital solutions for industrial clients

Continental vehicle server connects VW ID electric vehicles

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Continental says its new server concept is a “central element” for the conversion to a service-oriented electronics architecture in highly connected ID electric cars.

Volkswagen uses the server as an in-car application server (ICAS1) for ID vehicle models based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB).

High computing power and a consistent separation of hardware and software are paving the way for new functions and convenient over-the-air updates. [Read more…] about Continental vehicle server connects VW ID electric vehicles