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GE and Microsoft extend partnership to accelerate industrial IoT adoption

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GE and Microsoft Corp. have announced an expanded partnership, bringing together operational technology and information technology to eliminate hurdles industrial companies face in advancing digital transformation projects.

As part of the union, GE Digital plans to standardise its Predix solutions on Microsoft Azure and will deeply integrate the Predix portfolio with Azure’s native cloud capabilities, including Azure IoT and Azure Data and Analytics.

The parties will also co-sell and go to market together, offering end customers premier Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions across verticals.

[Read more…] about GE and Microsoft extend partnership to accelerate industrial IoT adoption

Siemens report urges cities to plan now for arrival of autonomous vehicles

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The advent of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) has the potential to cause major and disruptive changes to cities worldwide, according to a report launched by Siemens.

The report, Cities in the Driving Seat stresses the need for cities to plan early and tackle the issue in a wider context of mobility transformations.

Launched recently at the World Cities Summit in Singapore, the study explores the interdependencies between urban development, public transportation policies, power supply, pollution and the increasing share of CAV in city traffic.

[Read more…] about Siemens report urges cities to plan now for arrival of autonomous vehicles

In future, our houses will have built-in solar cells

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This autumn, the four-year EU project, PVadapt, will start developing new solar cell systems that are less expensive to create, assemble and use, and Norwegian researchers are involved.

Today, cities account for 70 percent of the world’s energy consumption, which means they are responsible for 40-50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. European Technology and Innovation Platform estimates that 80 per cent of the Earth’s population will live in urban areas by 2050.

This means that the energy consumption will double, or at worst, triple. Therefore, it is essential to develop sustainable solutions with renewable energy. An example of this is the use of solar cells that are integrated in construction.

[Read more…] about In future, our houses will have built-in solar cells

Exechon finds new customer for XMini industrial robot

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Exechon Enterprises – a joint venture comprising of Lockheed Martin, Injaz National, and Tecgrant AB – has sold an XMini industrial robotic manufacturing tool to Refco Metals, a UAE-based manufacturer of aluminum assemblies for luxury automobiles.

Shafik Nasser, chairman of Exechon Enterprises, says: “Today’s automotive industry moves fast and requires parts made to the most exacting specifications.

“The XMini creates complex, high-precision parts while streamlining production and lowering costs, making it the perfect partner in a modern manufacturing environment.”  [Read more…] about Exechon finds new customer for XMini industrial robot

Canon partners Aveva on imaging technologies for smart factories

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Canon Inc.  is starting a partnership with Aveva Group plc on smart factories through Canon imaging technologies to achieve “factory visualisation.”

The technology partnership will combine Aveva capabilities, including industrial automation and information management software, with Canon’s imaging technology.

Aveva’s InTouch SCADA1 system will be integrated with Canon products such as network cameras, industrial cameras and software for production centres to create new value based on video and image processing technologies employed on factory floors.

[Read more…] about Canon partners Aveva on imaging technologies for smart factories

Toyota to make connected vehicles its new standard in Japan

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The future of just-in-time vehicle services and support has arrived in Japan in the form of two Toyota vehicles – the Crown and the Corolla Sport, launched just this year.

Crown and Corolla Sport, as the first generation of “Connected Cars,” come standard with an on-board Data Communication Module (DCM) that links to a Controller Area Network (CAN).

By using this hardware, Toyota can provide various connected services to T-Connect subscribers through its proprietary Mobility Service Platform (MSPF), an information infrastructure developed by the company for Connected Cars. Toyota aims to equip most new passenger vehicles in its domestic market with DCM.

[Read more…] about Toyota to make connected vehicles its new standard in Japan

Global spending on 3D printing to reach $7.4 billion by 2022

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European purchases of 3D printers, materials, software, and related services are expected to total $3.6 billion in 2017, according to the latest update to the Worldwide Semiannual 3D Printing Spending Guide from International Data Corporation (IDC).

The combined spending on 3D printing for Western Europe and Central and Eastern Europe will experience a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3%, with revenues reaching $7.4 billion in 2022, says the report.

Western Europe delivered 83% of total European 3D printing revenues in 2017 and will remain by far the largest contributor in the wider European region, growing at a CAGR of 14.4% for 2017–2022. Central and Eastern Europe will be the fastest-growing region, however, with a CAGR of 19.1% for 2017–2022.

[Read more…] about Global spending on 3D printing to reach $7.4 billion by 2022

Kuka demonstrates ‘flexible matrix production’ system based on robotic work cells and automated guided vehicles

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Industrial automation specialist Kuka has demonstrated what calls its “flexible matrix production” system, which is primarily aimed at automotive manufacturing sectors.

Kuka says the system is designed to help prepare manufacturers for “the production of tomorrow”.

The versatile and flexible matrix system is becoming reality, says Kuka.  [Read more…] about Kuka demonstrates ‘flexible matrix production’ system based on robotic work cells and automated guided vehicles

NXP contributes to smart city initiative in Columbus, Ohio

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NXP Semiconductors N.V.  has announced the next phase in its Smart City collaboration with Columbus, Ohio. NXP will contribute key technologies for smart and safe mobility to the Smart Columbus Experience Center, which opened on June 30, 2018.

The centre allows visitors to see how new mobility options, such as connected, autonomous, shared and electric vehicles, can help make Columbus a more connected community.

Hands-on educational experiences and technology demonstrations aim to show visitors how technology and innovation in transportation can grow the local economy and create ladders of opportunity for central Ohio residents.

[Read more…] about NXP contributes to smart city initiative in Columbus, Ohio

BASF leads $4.4 million funding round for Re’flect augmented reality startup

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BASF Venture Capital has invested in Re’flect, a Munich and San Francisco-based Augmented Reality startup that provides enterprise customers content creation and remote expert solutions.

BASF Venture Capital’s opening investment of €3.75 million ($4.4 million) follows Bosch’s investment in the company in 2015.

“The investments from two of the world’s largest industrial companies validate our leading position in the Augmented Reality market,” says Re’flect CEO and founder Wolfgang Stelzle. “With the new funding, we will continue our strong growth and further invest in our team and products. ” [Read more…] about BASF leads $4.4 million funding round for Re’flect augmented reality startup