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Coronavirus pandemic causing grocers to invest in robotics, says report

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The coronavirus pandemic is causing grocers to invest more in robotics, according to a study published by the Retail Analytics Council ahead of the Retail Robotics and AI Conference.

The RAC retail robotics research report, Emerging Trends in Retail Robotics, says the Covid-19 outbreak gives grocers an additional reason to use robots in retail – “to assist with customer and employee safety”.

However, the industry was already expanding its use of robots, notes the RAC in its report. [Read more…] about Coronavirus pandemic causing grocers to invest in robotics, says report

SEMI backs US government initiative to support to chipmaking in America

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Global semiconductor manufacturing industry association SEMI has expressed its backing for the US government’s initiative to support to chipmaking in America.

Facing a staggering “50 percent decline” in the US share of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity over the past 20 years, Congress has introduced the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act – also known as CHIPS for America Act.

The measures called for in the Act include a federal investment tax credit, which is “strongly supported” by SEMI, which represents the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain. [Read more…] about SEMI backs US government initiative to support to chipmaking in America

ZF completes acquisition of US truck tech supplier Wabco

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ZF Friedrichshafen has completed the acquisition of American commercial vehicle technology supplier Wabco, having gained approval from all required regulatory authorities.

Wabco shares, previously listed on the New York Stock Exchange, have now ceased public trading.

Signalling the start of Wabco’s integration into ZF, the acquisition “unites two industry leaders” behind a shared vision to create a customer-focused powerhouse to advance commercial vehicle technology, says the company. [Read more…] about ZF completes acquisition of US truck tech supplier Wabco

Top 10 robotic video camera systems: Shenyang supplies robotic camera operator to Chinese TV station

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Shenyang Xinsong Robot Automation has built and supplied a robotic camera operator to a Chinese television station.

The robotic system, which appears to integrate a mobile robot with an industrial robotic arm, was used to film a stage performance in Shenyang Radio and TV Station studios.

Both the robotic arm and the mobile robot seem to have been supplied by Siasun, also known as Shenyang Xinsong Robot Automation, one of the leading industrial robot makers in China. [Read more…] about Top 10 robotic video camera systems: Shenyang supplies robotic camera operator to Chinese TV station

Electric vehicles drop in price, but ‘most remain unprofitable’, says Lux Research

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Electric vehicles have fallen in price, but “most remain unprofitable”, according to Lux Research.

The automotive industry is under pressure to reduce emissions, both from government regulations and from consumers who are growing more conscious about the environmental impact of their vehicles.

Electrified powertrains are a promising avenue to reduce or eliminate vehicle emissions for automakers. [Read more…] about Electric vehicles drop in price, but ‘most remain unprofitable’, says Lux Research

International Manufacturing Technology Show cancelled for first time since World War 2

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One of the world’s largest trade shows, the International Manufacturing Technology Show, held every two years in Chicago, United States, has been cancelled for first time since World War 2.

The organisers cited concerns over coronavirus as the main reason.

In a press release, IMTS says: “Because of health and safety requirements imposed by the state of Illinois for holding conventions, which include the availability of a vaccine for the Covid-19 virus or a highly effective treatment protocol, IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show has announced that it has cancelled IMTS 2020.” [Read more…] about International Manufacturing Technology Show cancelled for first time since World War 2

Komatsu integrates automated collision avoidance system as standard in its excavators

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Komatsu has launched hydraulic excavators equipped with the in-house developed “KomVision Human Detection & Collision Mitigation System” as a standard feature.

The company, which also produces giant autonomous trucks for the mining industry, claims that the new collision avoidance systems is an industry first in the Japanese market.

Komatsu has developed this system by upgrading the “KomVision” bird’s eye view camera system equipped with conventional models as standard in the Japanese market. [Read more…] about Komatsu integrates automated collision avoidance system as standard in its excavators

CNC vs Robotics: Which One is Better in the Manufacturing Segment?

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Within the modern manufacturing industry, both CNC machining and robotics are crucial elements of automation.

There is, however, some confusion regarding whether CNC can be considered as a part of robotics itself, or if the preprogrammed machining system deserves a category of its own.

A more important and practical query on the other hand is the simple, comparative question – which technology is better? [Read more…] about CNC vs Robotics: Which One is Better in the Manufacturing Segment?

The impact of coronavirus on e-commerce with China

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By Matt Rivera, marketing and business expansion advisor for Asian markets in China

The spread of coronavirus has undoubtedly shifted the entire global economy. Businesses of almost every sector needed to rapidly react and navigate the challenges presented by the virus to quickly overcome them and move forward.

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to surge in Italy, Germany, Spain and nearly all over the world. Businesses in major global cities such as Rome and New York have been gravely affected by this unfortunate turn of events.

Companies are scrambling to mobilize responses, but the unpredictable nature of the virus, coupled with the obvious under-preparedness by business executives and government leaders, these responses have brought little to no success. [Read more…] about The impact of coronavirus on e-commerce with China

Softing Industrial Automation joins Endress+Hauser’s IIoT network

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Softing Industrial Automation has joined the “Open Integration” network set up by Endress+Hauser, which says its partner program is gaining importance through its IIoT solutions.

Endress says people in the industry often ask, “How can field instruments and components be easily integrated into automation systems?”

The answer to this question is becoming increasingly important as industrial production digitalization progresses, says the company. [Read more…] about Softing Industrial Automation joins Endress+Hauser’s IIoT network