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Former BMW Munich engine assembly and test facility for sale

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Global advisory and asset management specialist, Gordon Brothers, is conducting the “unprecedented sale” of an ex-BMW Munich Engine Assembly and Test facility.

The sale features state-of-the-art equipment supplied from world renowned German automotive original equipment manufacturers GROB, KUKA, and J W Froehlich, supported by the latest Siemen’s and Thyssen Krupp hardware, software and operating systems.

The sale also encompasses all necessary equipment to assemble and test full dressed engines. To ensure throughput at the desired rate of assembly the facility includes 15 off KUKA and J W Froehlich Test units covering engine Cold test, Leak test and Helium test. [Read more…] about Former BMW Munich engine assembly and test facility for sale

OnRobot unveils compact Gecko gripper for smaller jobs

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OnRobot, a global leader in robotic end-of-arm tooling, has launched a compact, single-pad version of its innovative Gecko no-mark adhesive gripper.

The new Gecko Single Pad (SP) gripper brings the previous model’s revolutionary adaptability to more varied applications with smaller payloads.

It is available in three sizes, SP1, SP3 and SP5, indicating the different grippers’ lifting capacities in kilos. [Read more…] about OnRobot unveils compact Gecko gripper for smaller jobs

SICK launches SIG200 ProfiNet sensor integration gateway

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SICK has unveiled its SIG200 ProfiNet Sensor Integration Gateway, the first in a family of intelligent Industry 4.0 gateways designed to work as both IO-Link Masters and small, distributed control systems in one.

The sensor specialist says it makes light work of configuring localised sensor applications and, at the same time, opens up high-speed transfer of sensor status, parameter and diagnostics data with enterprise-level or cloud-based systems.

SICK’s SIG200 Sensor Integration Gateway is an IO-Link Master with an on-board web server that collects, combines, evaluates and transmits signals from IO-Link devices from any manufacturer. [Read more…] about SICK launches SIG200 ProfiNet sensor integration gateway

LiDAR in mapping market predicted to surpass $4 billion by 2026

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The global market for LiDAR in mapping is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2026, according to research by Global Market Insights.

The rising demand to reduce the risks associated with natural disasters such as floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes is supporting the demand for LiDAR in mapping solutions, says the company.

The LiDAR in mapping market growth is also attributed to the increase in government efforts to identify new sources of energy. [Read more…] about LiDAR in mapping market predicted to surpass $4 billion by 2026

Future trends in steel development to be analysed at SCT 2020

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Future trends in steel development, processing technologies and applications are to be analysed at the industry event SCT 2020.

In close cooperation with the Steel Institute VDEh and the Research Association for Steel Application (Fosta), Düsseldorf, the international conference Steels in Cars and Trucks (SCT 2020) will be held for the sixth time.

The conference with an accompanying exhibition opens its doors from 14 to 18 June 2020 in Milan under the motto: “Bringing the automotive, supplier and steel industries together”. [Read more…] about Future trends in steel development to be analysed at SCT 2020

Top 5 Food Industry Technology Advances In 2019

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A fully functional food industry remains a vital part of any modern economy. Not only does it sustain countless jobs, it also keeps us sustained with food to put on our plates. If the cogs stop turning, we stop eating. It’s that simple!

The food industry has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years. Wage issues and labour shortages have dominated the headlines, often leaving this labour-intensive industry with more product than it can pack. Food is being wasted, and so is time and money.

When you think of modern advances in technology, electric cars and drones and connected devices are likely the first things to come to mind. [Read more…] about Top 5 Food Industry Technology Advances In 2019

Naïo Technologies raises €14 million for farm robot business

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Startup company Naïo Technologies has raised €14 million in a new funding round to develop and expand its farming robots business.

After a first round of €3 million in 2015, the French start-up Naïo Technologies specialized in agricultural robots, announces the closing of a €14 million funding round led by Bpifrance.

Impact investor Pymwymic and Codema and its historical shareholders, Demeter and Capagro, flanked Bpifrance in this investment round. [Read more…] about Naïo Technologies raises €14 million for farm robot business

Opinion: How will people respond when automation changes their roles?

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Dr Paul Rivers, CEO, Guidance Automation

There has been much written about the benefits that automation can unlock for businesses, but too often businesses think they need to jump in at the deep end and deploy automation technology straight away, hoping it will solve the problems they are experiencing.

But how will a process optimised for a manual workforce perform with automation – such as an automated guided vehicle (AGV)? How will people respond when their day-to-day roles change?

If the aim is to improve efficiency and productivity, technology is just one part of the overall solution. [Read more…] about Opinion: How will people respond when automation changes their roles?

Opinion: Disruption should bring passion into minds of investors

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By Deblieck Tommy, Managing Director / Partner, Zora Robotics

It is absolutely stunning to see how being disruptive makes you barely bankable.

When you become an entrepreneur, you’re first convinced that difference is an asset, that heading for a direction that no one follows is one of the keys. You with me? [Read more…] about Opinion: Disruption should bring passion into minds of investors

iRobot begins manufacturing operations in Malaysia

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iRobot, a maker of consumer robots – most famously a robotic vacuum cleaner, has officially commenced production in Malaysia ahead of schedule.

Working with Jabil Inc, a manufacturing solutions provider based in St Petersburg, Florida, iRobot has expanded its manufacturing capabilities into Malaysia as part of its strategic supply chain diversification initiative.

Jabil has served as one of iRobot’s trusted manufacturing and supply chain partners in China since 2010. [Read more…] about iRobot begins manufacturing operations in Malaysia