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OmniVision releases high-resolution image sensors for machine vision applications

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OmniVision Technologies, a developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, has released two new high-resolution additions to its family of global shutter image sensors – the OG02B1B/OG02B10 and the OV9285.

These new sensors are designed to be cost-effective solutions for a wide range of consumer and industrial machine vision applications.

In particular, OEMs developing products for high-growth markets such as AR/VR headsets and accessories, industrial automation, robotics, agricultural drones and 3D modeling will benefit from these higher-resolution global shutter image sensors that can quickly capture precise images of fast-moving or faraway objects while consuming very little power.  [Read more…] about OmniVision releases high-resolution image sensors for machine vision applications

Robotics to aid people with disabilities at work

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Robots are well on the way to becoming ubiquitous in manufacturing, where they are having an impact on the work environment and on jobs themselves.

But what does this new world of work look like? How does it divide work up between humans and machines? And how might robots help create attractive jobs for people with disabilities so they can be participate in the workforce?

AQUIAS, a project conducted by Robert Bosch GmbH, the Fraunhofer Institutes for Industrial Engineering IAO and for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, and ISAK GmbH offers some answers.

[Read more…] about Robotics to aid people with disabilities at work

Magna and Altran form joint venture to create auto engineering centre in Morocco

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As Morocco emerges as a competitive export-focused production base for global automakers, Magna and Altran Technologies SA have joined forces to create a new resource for vehicle engineering services.

Magna’s complete vehicle engineering and manufacturing group and Altran, a global leader in engineering and R&D services, each hold 50 percent of the joint-venture company.

The joint venture – located in Casablanca, Morocco, under the name MG2 – brings together Magna’s complete vehicle know-how and process competence and Altran’s strengths as a locally established partner. Approximately 500 engineers from the two companies will initially staff the joint venture.

[Read more…] about Magna and Altran form joint venture to create auto engineering centre in Morocco

Emerson to buy General Electric’s PLC business

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Acquisition increases Emerson’s capabilities as a complete automation solutions provider across process, hybrid and discrete end markets

Emerson, a provider of automation for process and industrial applications, has agreed to acquire Intelligent Platforms, a division of General Electric.

Intelligent Platforms’ programmable logic controller technologies will enable Emerson to provide its customers with broader control and management of their operations.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.  [Read more…] about Emerson to buy General Electric’s PLC business

Micro-Measurements releases miniature strain gage sensor for robots and drones

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Micro-Measurements has launched a miniature strain gage sensor which it says is suitable a number of automation applications, including in autonomous vehicles, robotics, smart manufacturing, and the wearables markets.

The new strain gage sensor is “advantageous in applications that benefit from small size and higher resistance”, says the company.

The Micro-Measurements brand is part of the Vishay Precision Group, which designs, develops and manufactures resistive-foil sensors for high-precision strain, high-stress and force mechanism measurements.  [Read more…] about Micro-Measurements releases miniature strain gage sensor for robots and drones

Komatsu to build new headquarters 
in Milwaukee’s Harbor District

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Mining vehicles and technology supplier Komatsu is planning to build its new headquarters 
in Milwaukee’s Harbor District.

Just shy of its 135th anniversary in the Milwaukee area, Komatsu Mining says it intends to build a new, state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing campus near the location of the company’s original machine shop off South First Street.

The company’s 2.5 million-square-foot South Harbor Campus is planned for Milwaukee’s Harbor District, off Greenfield Avenue.  [Read more…] about Komatsu to build new headquarters 
in Milwaukee’s Harbor District

ABB completes acquisition of intrion

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ABB announced it has completed its acquisition of intrion, a privately owned company headquartered in Huizingen, close to Brussels, with approximately 120 employees and over a decade of experience in logistics automation solutions and services for the logistics, food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

Distribution and fulfilment centres are increasingly turning to robotic automation solutions to improve their efficiency, workplace safety and scalability to meet soaring demand.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, the market for professional service robots is expected to grow at an annual rate of 20 – 25 percent between 2018 and 2020.

[Read more…] about ABB completes acquisition of intrion

ATS to acquire KMW to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle market

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ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KMW Konstruktion, Maschinen- & Werkzeugbau GmbH & Co. KG and KMW GmbH, a German-based supplier of custom micro-assembly systems and test equipment solutions.

The addition of KMW’s micro-assembly technology and expertise are expected to strengthen ATS’ current offerings in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Micro-assembly systems are critical elements in the assembly of various components used in electric vehicles, including motors, power storage systems, braking, steering, and electronic modules.

[Read more…] about ATS to acquire KMW to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle market

Heraeus opens advanced precious metals factory in Nanjing, China

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Heraeus Precious Metals opened the world’s most advanced precious metals factory in Nanjing, China.

The 84,000 sq m facility, located in the Nanjing Jiangbei New Material Science and Technology Park, will significantly enhance the company’s capacity to refine and recycle precious metals as well as chemical products, especially Platinum Group Metals (PGM).

The recycling capacity will be increased to 3,000 tons, while its chemical production capacity will be increased three times. By 2020 the new site expects to employ over 200 highly qualified people.

[Read more…] about Heraeus opens advanced precious metals factory in Nanjing, China

BASF presents 3D-printed formworks

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BASF applications technicians are demonstrating 3D-printed formworks and concrete cast parts at the first International Conference on Concrete and Digital Fabrication, in Zürich, Switzerland, from September 9 to 13, 2018.

Visitors will be able to see how 3D-printed formwork can be used in practice, thanks to an innovative system and adapted concrete materials. The concrete additives and grouts, under the brand name of Master Builders Solutions, are optimised for the filling of 3D-printed formworks which can already be used on projects today.

3D-printing is an additive manufacturing process in which workpieces are built up in layers in a computer-controlled process. This way, highly complex shapes can be generated, including formworks for concrete casting.

[Read more…] about BASF presents 3D-printed formworks