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Energy

BTRY raises $5.7 million to industrialize ultra-thin solid-state cells

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Swiss battery start-up BTRY has raised $5.7 million in an oversubscribed seed round.

The funds will accelerate the industrialization of its ultra-thin solid-state batteries – a new category of energy storage combining fast charging, extreme temperature stability, and intrinsic safety in one of the world’s thinnest formats.

They power next-generation devices such as connected labels, wireless sensors, and wearables – applications where conventional batteries could not fit or endure. [Read more…] about BTRY raises $5.7 million to industrialize ultra-thin solid-state cells

Middle East sets the pace for autonomous operations in energy sector

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Schneider Electric, an energy technology company, has unveiled new research revealing that nearly 80 percent of Middle East energy sector leaders report advanced operational readiness, highlighting the region’s strong ambition toward autonomous operations.

The Middle East findings of Schneider Electric’s Autonomous Maturity research indicates a shift in autonomous readiness within the region’s energy sector, with many organizations claiming to operate at Level 4 of the ARC Autonomous Operations Maturity Model.

This level reflects selective autonomy, systems functioning independently in specific scenarios with limited human intervention. [Read more…] about Middle East sets the pace for autonomous operations in energy sector

Opinion: Next-generation AGV powertrains – unlocking efficiency and sustainability in automated material handling

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By Luca Bandiera, business development AGV manager, ZAPI GROUP

Labor optimization is increasingly relying on automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated mobile robots (AMRs). Offloading material handling tasks allows leaders to reallocate workers toward higher-value, more complex processes.

However, for OEMs and machine engineers, challenges remain, particularly in powertrain design. As AGVs and AMRs advance in capability and complexity, so must the powertrains that propel them.

Achieving sustainable next-generation drivetrains requires OEMs to choose between fully integrated powertrain systems and modular, component-based ones. This choice impacts every link in the handling chain, from supplier logistics to final installation. [Read more…] about Opinion: Next-generation AGV powertrains – unlocking efficiency and sustainability in automated material handling

Mitsubishi develops underwater robot for inspecting Japanese nuclear plants

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has developed a specialised underwater navigation robot to perform non-destructive inspections of nuclear reactor vessels in high-radiation environments, according to information released by the Japan Society of Maintenology. (See videos below.)

The unit, known as the A-UT Machine, is designed to navigate reactor vessels underwater and carry out weld-line inspections using a manipulator arm.

“The unit navigates underwater and uses a manipulator to perform non-destructive inspections of the weld lines of a nuclear reactor vessel,” Mitsubishi developers said. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi develops underwater robot for inspecting Japanese nuclear plants

Energy Robotics secures $13.5 million Series A to scale critical infrastructure inspections with AI and robotics

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Energy Robotics, a provider of an AI software platform for autonomous inspection with robots and drones, has announced the successful close of $13.5m of Series A funding. 

Energy Robotics has completed over 1 million inspections across five continents, saving 32,000+ hours of hazardous human labor for customers across oil and gas, industrial, chemical, and utility sectors, including Shell, BP, Repsol, BASF, Merck and E.ON.

This funding cements the company’s position as a market leader of full-stack, hardware-agnostic, fleet-management AI software autonomy platform for critical infrastructure. [Read more…] about Energy Robotics secures $13.5 million Series A to scale critical infrastructure inspections with AI and robotics

Symbotic integrates Nyobolt’s new ‘performance-improving’ power technology into its autonomous mobile robots

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Symbotic, a provider of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, says it will roll out new battery technology from Nyobolt – a pioneer of high-power, ultra-fast charging power solutions – for its SymBot autonomous mobile robots.

The technology will enable improved performance and durability for Symbotic’s “industry-leading warehouse automation system”.

The new solution has six times more energy capacity and is 40 percent lighter, compared to the ultracapacitors used in SymBot mobile robots today. [Read more…] about Symbotic integrates Nyobolt’s new ‘performance-improving’ power technology into its autonomous mobile robots

Robotics companies target growth in battery production

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The global battery market is forecast to grow by around 40 percent annually through 2030, with US cell production alone expected to increase 28-fold by 2032.

For automation suppliers, the surge represents both a challenge and an opportunity: robots are emerging as critical tools in building the next generation of energy infrastructure.

Kuka, the Augsburg-based industrial robot maker, says automation is becoming essential for meeting demand at scale while maintaining quality and controlling costs. [Read more…] about Robotics companies target growth in battery production

Honeywell introduces all-in-one battery energy storage automation platform

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Honeywell has introduced Honeywell Ionic Modular All-in-One, a compact, end-to-end battery energy storage system (BESS) designed for the commercial and industrial segments.

By combining flexible battery storage with Honeywell’s advanced control system, Honeywell Ionic helps to optimize energy costs, absorb fluctuations in energy demand to ensure grid stability, and provide back-up power when needed.

Honeywell’s Ionic Control and Energy Management system is fully integrated into the all-in-one modular BESS, providing the latest analytic tools to deliver advanced control and customization onsite. [Read more…] about Honeywell introduces all-in-one battery energy storage automation platform

Borouge to test AI-powered autonomous petrochemicals operations in UAE

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Borouge, a petrochemicals company that provides polyolefins solutions, is collaborating with Honeywell to conduct a proof of concept for AI-powered autonomous operations, which has the potential to “revolutionise” Borouge’s UAE plant operations.

The collaboration between Borouge and Honeywell is set to deliver the petrochemical industry’s first AI-driven control room designed for full-scale, real-time operation, establishing a new standard for the future of AI in petrochemicals.

Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of Borouge, says: “Borouge’s AI, Digitalisation, and Technology (AIDT) transformation programme is setting new standards in operations, innovation and business performance. [Read more…] about Borouge to test AI-powered autonomous petrochemicals operations in UAE

The Panasonic BR-2/3AGCT4A Battery: A Key Component for Reliable Industrial Automation

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In the world of industrial automation, even the smallest components can have a big impact. The Panasonic BR-2/3AGCT4A battery is one such example.

Compact and often overlooked, this 6V battery plays a crucial role in supporting uninterrupted operations across CNC machines, PLCs, and various automation systems.

It is especially valued by maintenance engineers and automation professionals looking to prevent downtime in critical environments. [Read more…] about The Panasonic BR-2/3AGCT4A Battery: A Key Component for Reliable Industrial Automation