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How robots and artificial intelligence will transform the mining industry

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By Joao Piexe, FN Media Group’s Safehaven.com

Drones are sweeping over the global mining industry and for good reason.

The future of mining will increasingly rely on the use of drones and automated systems, slashing costs while helping mining companies find and dig up more gold, silver and other metals and minerals.

According to a 2015 survey of 190 mining companies around the world, about two thirds of them were aiming to integrate remote operations and monitoring centers into their operations.  [Read more…] about How robots and artificial intelligence will transform the mining industry

Industrial robots break records in 2017

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It’s been a record-breaking year for the industrial robotics sector, according to figures released by the Association for Advancing Automation, or A3. 

In the first nine months of 2017, at least 27,294 orders of robots valued at approximately $1.473 billion were sold in North America, says A3.

This is the “highest level ever recorded in any other year during the same time period”, says the organisation.  [Read more…] about Industrial robots break records in 2017

Comau releases Android app for managing its robots

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Comau has launched the latest version of a new app through which its industrial robots can be monitored and managed. 

The app runs on smartphones and tablets using the Android operating system, and is called PickApp (screenshot below).

Comau suggests smartphones and tablets could be a viable alternative to the traditional human-machine interfaces used in the industrial sector.  [Read more…] about Comau releases Android app for managing its robots

Rio Tinto preparing autonomous mining trucks suitable for gigantic alien astronauts

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The trucks used in the mining industry are so large that they’re only suitable for 20-foot-tall giant aliens. 

Which is okay for the many archaeologists who claim to have found giant alien bones suggesting a race of beings of said height roamed Earth many thousands of years ago.

These giants of old were said to be super-intelligent beings – due to their presumably super-large brains – and probably built the pyramids and other megalithic structures around the world.  [Read more…] about Rio Tinto preparing autonomous mining trucks suitable for gigantic alien astronauts

South Korea robotics industry continues steady growth

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The South Korean robotics industry is showing signs of steady growth, according to a report on ETNews.com. 

The website quotes statistics published by the Korea Association of Robot Industry.

The Association says the output of South Korean robots was $4.11 billion in 2016.  [Read more…] about South Korea robotics industry continues steady growth

Google Brain scientist launches company to bring AI to IIoT

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A former Google Brain scientist has started a company which is developing artificial intelligence systems for the industrial internet of things networks, such as those in the manufacturing sector. 

Andrew Ng, who has previously worked for Google Brain and Baidu’s AI group, and also founded Coursera, is said to be working with Foxconn to develop and test his company’s ideas.

Foxconn is the contract manufacturer used by Apple to make its iPhones and iPads.  [Read more…] about Google Brain scientist launches company to bring AI to IIoT

Harrison Manufacturing increases throughput with Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer

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Harrison Manufacturing, a custom plastics injection molding manufacturer specializing in molded plastics and light assembly, recently installed Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer robot at its Jackson, Mississippi facility and says it saw “immediate tangible benefits”.

Harrison bosses say they were able to integrate Sawyer into their process “within hours”.

The company says it is reducing labor costs and increasing throughput by using Sawyer in ergonomically challenging tasks. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Harrison Manufacturing increases throughput with Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer

Kepware launches new version of its industrial connectivity platform

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Kepware has launched the new version of its industrial connectivity platform.

KepServerEX version 6.4 includes new data collection capabilities, improved data access, and seamless integration with both traditional and industrial internet of things systems, enabling users to easily manage and monitor their plant floor.

Kepware says the new MQTT client driver is a key component of the KepServerEX version 6.4 release.  [Read more…] about Kepware launches new version of its industrial connectivity platform

Kollmorgen equips S700 servo controllers with single-cable connection technology

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Kollmorgen has equipped its S700 servo controllers with single-cable connection technology.

The company says the combination is “designed for sophisticated tasks” and now also includes slender single-cable connection technology.

Kollmorgen says the S700 combines multi-functionality with “maximum levels of freedom”, from programming to wiring. (See main picture.) [Read more…] about Kollmorgen equips S700 servo controllers with single-cable connection technology

Chinese solar cell company Longi considers establishing facility in India

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Chinese solar power generation equipment company Longi is reportedly planning to establish a manufacturing facility in India. 

If it does go ahead with the plan, Longi will become the first Chinese solar cell manufacturer to set up a factory in India.

According to a report in LiveMint.com, which quotes people close to the company, “Longi is planning to set up a manufacturing facility here. It will be a first for them here”.  [Read more…] about Chinese solar cell company Longi considers establishing facility in India