Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Design

B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

by

B&R has integrated its “industrialPhysics” simulation tool into its Automation Studio engineering environment.

The company says the 3D simulation software greatly simplifies model-based machine development, enabling easier digital twin development.

B&R says developers can import CAD data from machine components or entire machines directly into the simulation tool, and then they can quickly and easily generate a digital twin for developing and testing the machine software. [Read more…] about B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

BMW shows off sporty version of electric and autonomous concept car

by

BMW has been showing off the sporty version of its electric and autonomous concept car, which it calls Vision M NEXT (main picture).

The BMW Vision M NEXT was one of the highlights at the #NEXTGen Event held at BMW Welt in Munich.

Visitors to the IAA Cars 2019 show were also treated to a glimpse into the electrified future of the BMW M brand (pictured below). [Read more…] about BMW shows off sporty version of electric and autonomous concept car

NASA takes delivery of first all-electric experimental aircraft

by

The first all-electric configuration of NASA’s X-57 Maxwell now is at the space agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.

The X-57, NASA’s first all-electric experimental aircraft, or X-plane – and the first crewed X-plane in two decades – was delivered by Empirical Systems Aerospace (ESAero) of San Luis Obispo, California on Wednesday, October 2, in the first of three configurations as an all-electric aircraft, known as Modification II, or Mod II.

The X-57’s Mod II vehicle features the replacement of traditional combustion engines on a baseline Tecnam P2006T aircraft, with electric cruise motors. [Read more…] about NASA takes delivery of first all-electric experimental aircraft

Denso partners with BlackBerry to launch integrated automobile HMI platform

by

Denso and BlackBerry are working together to develop the first integrated Human Machine Interface digital cockpit system with BlackBerry QNX technology has shipped in the first vehicles by leading Japanese automotive manufacturer, Subaru.

The technology, named Denso “Harmony Core” will be available first in the United States from Autumn 2019 in the all-new 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback (US model).

Co-developed by BlackBerry and Denso, in collaboration with Subaru, this leading-edge digital cockpit solution uses BlackBerry QNX Hypervisor (virtualization) technology to enable integrated control of in-vehicle HMI systems. [Read more…] about Denso partners with BlackBerry to launch integrated automobile HMI platform

BMW unveils ‘the world’s blackest’ car using nanotech coating

by

BMW has unveiled what the automaker describes as “the world’s blackest of black” cars, using a coating called “Vantablack”.

The company says Vantablack “highlights the expressive design language and confident, dominant and muscular appearance of the new BMW X6 to perfection”.

Vantablack is the registered trademark for the VBx2 nanostructure paint finish BMW used on the new X6 vehicle. [Read more…] about BMW unveils ‘the world’s blackest’ car using nanotech coating

Nissan invents golf ball that always finds its own way into the hole

by

Nissan has taken the dreaded “putting nerves” out of golf with its latest innovative concept, the ProPilot golf ball. (See video below)

The concept is inspired by Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0 driver assistance technology, set to debut on the new Nissan Skyline next month in Japan.

Designed for on-ramp to off-ramp (ramp-to-ramp) highway driving, ProPilot 2.0 engages with the vehicle’s navigation system to help maneuver the car according to a predefined route on designated roadways. [Read more…] about Nissan invents golf ball that always finds its own way into the hole

Volume Graphics partners with industry consortium to improve rapid-prototyping of plastic mold inserts

by

Volume Graphics, a provider of industrial computed tomography software, is partnering in a second joint project on “rapid tooling” with companies from a wide range of industries.

The company’s partnership is with the Kunststoff-Institut, in Germany.

As a project partner, Volume Graphics brings expertise in quality assurance and process optimization to the team via its advanced industrial computed tomography (CT) data-analysis software.

Christof Reinhart, CEO of Volume Graphics, says: “Working on this project with Kunststoff-Institut and partners is very important to us because we are convinced that industrial computed tomography can advance the future of rapid tooling. [Read more…] about Volume Graphics partners with industry consortium to improve rapid-prototyping of plastic mold inserts

Lilium jet awarded prestigious ‘Best of the Best‘ Red Dot design award

by

Lilium, the Munich-based startup developing an on-demand air taxi service, has been awarded one of the world’s most prestigious design accolades for its work on the Lilium Jet.

The Lilium Jet, a five-seater all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, was selected for a “Best of the Best” award by the Red Dot Design Award organization in its 2019 “Design Concept” competition.

From more than 4,200 entries the international judging panel selected fewer than 1 per cent to receive this award which celebrates the design of novel concepts and products that are not yet in the market. [Read more…] about Lilium jet awarded prestigious ‘Best of the Best‘ Red Dot design award

Renault opens new design center in Shanghai

by

Global automotive brand Renault has opened a new design center in the Chinese city of Shanghai.

The new design center in Shanghai will support Groupe Renault’s expansion strategy in China, which has been the world’s number-one car market since 2009.

China was Groupe Renault’s fourth-largest market in 2018, and the country is one of the key pillars of the automaker’s “Drive the Future” strategic plan. [Read more…] about Renault opens new design center in Shanghai

Nasa installs 7-foot-long robotic arm on Mars 2020 Rover

by

Nasa has integrated a 7-foot-long robotic arm on the Mars 2020 Rover.

In the image shown above, taken about a week ago, engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, install the main robotic arm on the Mars 2020 rover.

A smaller arm to handle Mars samples will be installed inside the rover as well. [Read more…] about Nasa installs 7-foot-long robotic arm on Mars 2020 Rover