The new issue of Robotics and Automation News magazine is out now.
Download it here while it’s still free, or read it online here while it’s still available.
Features
Robotic Process Automation: How ‘software robots’ are finding their niche
A simple introduction to a complex subject
At Robotics and Automation News, we like real robots, ones that you can see and touch, that are preferably made of metal. However, we might have been remiss in not talking about another kind, the “software robot” that sits inside your computer, watches what you are doing, and learns how to do it for you.
Software developers automate tasks by analysing them in detail, and writing programmes that carry out the task step by step, and then writing something called an Application Programming Interface (API) to link the task into an organisation’s computer system.
The drawbacks here are the usual – some tasks don’t justify the cost of designing a special software system, yet nonetheless many hours of laborious manual inputting needs doing. It is here that Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and software robots are coming into their own. [Read more…] about Robotic Process Automation: How ‘software robots’ are finding their niche
Webcast: Interview with Ricardo Tellez, CEO, TheConstructSim
In this presentation and interview, Ricardo Tellez, CEO of TheConstructSim, introduces a new system for creating and sharing ROS projects, which the company has developed. (See video below.)
Called “ROSjects”, the method is said to simplify the process of sharing code for robot simulation.
TheConstructSim is believed to be the only online, browser-based robot simulation application in the world, and is currently used by robot enthusiasts and large, established robot companies alike. [Read more…] about Webcast: Interview with Ricardo Tellez, CEO, TheConstructSim
Webcast: Interview with Jacob Turner, author of ‘Robot Rules: Regulating Artificial Intelligence’
In this webcast, we interview Jacob Turner, a UK-based barrister, who has written a book called Robot Rules: Regulating Artificial Intelligence.
He makes a presentation, providing definitions and parameters of current robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence technologies.
He also offers his insights into laws governing current technologies such as autonomous cars and share-trading systems.
Webcast: Interview with inVia Robotics CEO
In this webcast interview, Lior Elazary, CEO, inVia Robotics, talks about his company, which makes robots for warehouse and supply chain operations.
US skills gap worsens in manufacturing – new report
As growth in the U.S. economy continues and manufacturers create more and more jobs in a thriving sector, the industry’s pre-existing workforce crisis could get even worse according to a new 2018 skills gap study, released by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute.
The widening manufacturing skills gap is expected to grow from about 488,000 jobs left open today to as many as 2.4 million manufacturing jobs going unfilled between this year and 2028 (compared with 2 million jobs between 2015 and 2025 per an earlier study).
In turn, $454 billion in manufacturing GDP could be at risk in 2028, or more than $2.5 trillion over the next decade.
[Read more…] about US skills gap worsens in manufacturing – new report
Smart products and factories transforming engineering services industry
The rapid growth of smart products and smart factories is transforming the engineering services industry as never before, and providers are responding by digitalizing virtually every facet of their services portfolio, according to a new study from Information Services Group, a global technology research and advisory firm.
The latest ISG Provider Lens Quadrant report, the first ever by ISG to evaluate engineering services providers serving the US market, notes providers are moving to address the digital elements of core engineering functions – from concept and physical product development, to optimization of industrial design and operations, to software product and applications software development.
Esteban Herrera, partner and global head of ISG Research, says: “Transforming from a traditional to an agile business environment is key. [Read more…] about Smart products and factories transforming engineering services industry
Yamaha Motor invests an additional $8 million in agritech startup Robotics Plus
Yamaha Motor has made a second investment of $8 million into an agricultural automation and robotics innovator, bringing its total investment to $10 million.
Robotics Plus, a New Zealand agricultural robotics and automation company, says it will use the investment support its “ambitious growth plans”.
Yamaha’s initial partnership agreement and investment of $2 million was announced in March 2018. [Read more…] about Yamaha Motor invests an additional $8 million in agritech startup Robotics Plus
Webinar: Keyssa provides insight into its innovative connectors
In this webinar, Keyssa’s VP marketing, Steve Venuti, and CTO, Roger Isaac, explain some of the features and benefits of the company’s innovative connectors, which have a wide range of applications in robotics, automotive and other industries. (See video below.)
ABB inaugurates advanced innovation and manufacturing hub in Xiamen
ABB has inaugurated its new ABB Xiamen Hub in the city’s Torch Hi-Tech Industrial Park.
The new site integrates the full value chain of ABB’s activities, including R&D, engineering, manufacturing, sales and service, as well as supply chain management and corporate functions.
Constructed and equipped using the latest environmentally sound materials and systems, including ABB’s record-breaking fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, the site sets new standards in sustainability.
[Read more…] about ABB inaugurates advanced innovation and manufacturing hub in Xiamen