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Virginia Tech partners with Dive Technologies to launch autonomous underwater vehicle

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Virginia Tech researchers at the Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics have partnered with Boston-based Dive Technologies to support the development and testing of what they describe as a novel autonomous underwater vehicle with innovative vehicle design and state-of-the-art control, software, and autonomy systems.

This multiyear collaboration provides an opportunity to apply research discoveries and innovative technology developed in the academic lab and deploy them in next-generation commercial applications.

Bill Lebo, co-founder and chief technology officer of Dive Technologies, says: “We feel fortunate to be working closely with professors Daniel Stilwell, Stefano Brizzolara, and the entire team supporting Dive Technologies from the Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics. [Read more…] about Virginia Tech partners with Dive Technologies to launch autonomous underwater vehicle

Omron launches AI vision system which ‘captures defects with human-like sensitivity’

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Omron has launched its new “FH Series Vision System” with the industry’s first defect detection AI technology that identifies defects without learning samples.

The company says the artificial intelligence-based technology “captures defects with human-like sensitivity”.

It claims the system reproduces human sensibility and the techniques of skilled inspectors, reliably detects defects that were once difficult to capture, automating human vision-based visual inspection. [Read more…] about Omron launches AI vision system which ‘captures defects with human-like sensitivity’

FLIR Systems launches thermal cameras for skin temperature screening

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FLIR Systems has launched modified thermal cameras for fast and safe non-contact elevated skin temperature screening.

The FLIR EST thermal screening solutions provide frontline screening at building entries and in high traffic areas to improve safety and help curb the spread of Covid-19.

The FLIR Axxx-EST, FLIR T5xx-EST, and FLIR Exx-EST series cameras are designed to simplify the screening process, reducing the burden on screening operators and adhering to recommended social distancing guidelines. [Read more…] about FLIR Systems launches thermal cameras for skin temperature screening

Intelligent image processing supports production workers in Industry 4.0 applications

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Automation plays a major role in Industry 4.0. Cost reduction, increased productivity and zero-defect quality are factors that are increasingly prompting companies to digitise their processes.

But often full automation also means high investments. At the same time, the focus will continue to be on the human being in the interaction between man and machine.

Given the prevailing shortage of skilled workers and high standards of industrial safety, this is no easy task for companies. [Read more…] about Intelligent image processing supports production workers in Industry 4.0 applications

Parrot launches new drone designed for first responders

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Parrot has launched a new drone specially designed for first responders.

The company says its Anafi USA is a unique drone that combines enterprise-class data security with the easy-to-use features that have driven consumer drone adoption in recent years.

Anafi USA is a powerful drone built to meet the demands of first responders, firefighters, search-and-rescue teams, security agencies, surveying and inspection professionals. [Read more…] about Parrot launches new drone designed for first responders

Opinion: Innovation is in need of better platforms to support its growth

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By Frederick Bravey, business development manager, SVV

Innovation is adapting faster with no signs of slowing down. In this fast-paced environment, innovation is in need of better platforms to support its growth. Corporations today are facing extensive challenges in getting new innovative ideas to market.

​According to ​Harvard Business School​ ​professor​ ​Clayton Christensen​, ​there are over 30,000 new products introduced every year, and 95 percent fail​, ​resulting in huge amounts of time wasted on failed concepts.

However, corporations are now looking toward new ways to greatly reduce their lead time as well as expanding their horizons beyond their current business models. [Read more…] about Opinion: Innovation is in need of better platforms to support its growth

Elementary Robotics raises $13 million for its machine learning and computer vision offerings to industry

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Elementary Robotics, a Los Angeles-based robotics startup, has raised $12.7 million in its Series A funding round led by Threshold Ventures, an early-stage investor in technology companies.

Founded in 2017, Elementary has built a hardware and software platform for applying machine learning and computer vision to the industrial world for intelligent automation of quality and traceability workflows.

The new capital, which also had participation from existing investors Fika Ventures, Fathom Capital and Toyota AI Ventures, is being used to allow Elementary Robotics to continue developing and installing its automation products at scale. [Read more…] about Elementary Robotics raises $13 million for its machine learning and computer vision offerings to industry

The Future of Robotics in Large-Scale Clearing Operations

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Remote-controlled garbage bins used to glide through America’s most beloved theme parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney World, encourage visitors to put trash inside of them, but the widespread usage of robotics in larger-scale cleaning operations, such as land clearance, is still on the horizon.

Large machinery, such as mulchers, backhoes, and bulldozers, is generally utilized to clear spaces for new developments, whether they are industrial, commercial, or residential.

The technology used in these large machines is evolving rapidly, so these big machines do provide impressive performance. However, when it comes to efficient, eco-conscious cleaning and clearing in the future, robotics will surely play a bigger role. [Read more…] about The Future of Robotics in Large-Scale Clearing Operations

Robots provide opportunities for restart after coronavirus pandemic, say industry leaders

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Robots provide opportunities for a restart of the economy after the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to industry leaders surveyed by Automatica, one of the largest industrial automation trade shows in the world.

Messe Munchen, which owns Automatica, says it did a survey and found the following:

  • 84 percent of decision-makers expect more robot automation in German SMEs;
  • 77 percent of decision-makers rely on mobile robotics to convert production quickly; and
  • 76 percent of employees in SMEs want robotics training.

Even before the corona pandemic, the manufacturing industry in Germany was highly automated according to figures from the International Federation of Robotics and ranked third in robot density worldwide behind Singapore and South Korea. [Read more…] about Robots provide opportunities for restart after coronavirus pandemic, say industry leaders

IDS launches training software for its industrial vision systems

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Imaging Development Systems, or IDS, a specialist supplier of industrial cameras, has launched new training software for its industrial vision systems.

The company says the software’s ease of use lowers entry barrier for users without prior knowledge.

IDS NXT lighthouse is described as “intuitive AI training software”, and does not require programming knowledge. Camera hardware and training software are available via IDS NXT ocean Design-In Kit. [Read more…] about IDS launches training software for its industrial vision systems