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Leroy-Somer launches new integrated drive for IMfinity motors

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Leroy-Somer has launched Commander ID300, a new integrated drive solution optimized for the control of IMfinity induction motors.

Leroy-Somer says this decentralized system brings together performance and reliability, offering customized solutions for process, manufacturing and intralogistics applications.

With the transition to Industry 4.0 under way, production is evolving in an increasingly complex and demanding environment. As a consequence, companies require more and more quality, risk management, equipment performance and compliance to standards.  [Read more…] about Leroy-Somer launches new integrated drive for IMfinity motors

Map produced by Brookings pinpoints location of all robots in the US

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The Brookings Institution has found that Michigan has the highest number of robots of all the states in the US. 

Brookings found that Detroit, traditionally the motor town of the US, has more than 15,000 industrial robots installed.

That works out to about 8.5 robots per 1,000 workers, says Brookings.  [Read more…] about Map produced by Brookings pinpoints location of all robots in the US

Nidec to launch factory automation robots

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Nidec is to start selling factory automation and robotics systems some time this year, according to a report in the Nikkei Asian Review. 

Japanese company Nidec already has a strong presence in the industrial space, and is a huge supplier of motors.

In the company’s own words, it specialises in and handles motor application products based on “everything that spins and moves”, and says its business is “centred on motors”.  [Read more…] about Nidec to launch factory automation robots

There will be 35 million autonomous trucks on the road by 2020, says Frost

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Business consultancy Frost & Sullivan expects 35 million connected and autonomous trucks will be on the roads by 2020.

Connected trucks will be integral to future logistics and freight operations as smart trucks will be a necessity in smart cities, says Frost.

And in what may be a controversial prediction Frost says: “By 2020, 35 million trucks are expected to be connected with digital freight solutions and autonomous technologies, transforming the trucking industry into a smarter, efficient and more productive sector.”  [Read more…] about There will be 35 million autonomous trucks on the road by 2020, says Frost

Integro Technologies teams up with 3D vision specialist Coherix

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Machine vision integrator Integro Technologies has signed an agreement with Coherix, a manufacturer of 3D, high-speed, high-definition machine vision products, as an authorized system integrator.

Coherix is in the business of solving difficult 3D machine vision problems. The 3D data the Coherix products produce enables customers to assess how their manufacturing processes are performing.

Customers use 3D data to improve quality, while decreasing cost and shortening time to market.  [Read more…] about Integro Technologies teams up with 3D vision specialist Coherix

SoftKinetic to showcase DepthSense gesture control solution at Frankfurt motor show

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SoftKinetic is to showcase its DepthSense gesture control and in-cabin monitoring solutions at the Frankfurt International Motor Show event, scheduled for mid-September. 

SoftKinetic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony, says its DepthSense system “paves the way to autonomous driving”.

The provider of 3D vision and gesture recognition technologies says manufacturers need to embrace innovation and compete at the level of hi-tech companies.  [Read more…] about SoftKinetic to showcase DepthSense gesture control solution at Frankfurt motor show

High-end vehicle simulation: Ansible Motion chooses Heason Technology as motion control partner

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Ansible Motion, a designer and manufacturer of advanced driver-in-the-loop simulators, has chosen Heason Technology as its motion control supplier.

Ansible’s heritage is closely associated with the motorsports industry, but nowadays also serving major road car and speciality vehicle manufacturers.

The company’s DIL solutions are available in a variety of form factors from test bench models with steering force feedback to highly dynamic 6 degrees of freedom simulators combining software, mechatronics, video and audio for a truly immersive multi-sensory experience.  [Read more…] about High-end vehicle simulation: Ansible Motion chooses Heason Technology as motion control partner

Farmers Insurance to employ Kespry drones to deal with claims

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Farmers Insurance has enlisted a fleet of unmanned aerial aircraft systems to enhance the claims experience for customers who have suffered significant damage to their roof following major weather events.

After field tests to assess the most effective and customer-centric ways of leveraging drone technology with its existing claims operation, Farmers will now expand the use of UAS technology to assist with residential property damage assessments and deliver an even more enhanced experience for its customers.

Keith Daly, chief claims officer for Farmers Insurance, says: “Farmers investments in technology and innovation are driven by our commitment to deliver a better experience for our customers at every point of engagement.

“We believe our new drone program will help improve response time and safety for our claim representatives during their evaluations, and ensure Farmers maintains a leadership position in the insurance industry.”  [Read more…] about Farmers Insurance to employ Kespry drones to deal with claims

Ingram Micro investing $10 million in warehouse automation startup HDS Global

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Computer technology provider Ingram Micro is to invest $10 million into warehouse automation startup HDS Global, according to a report on the Wall Street Journal. 

HDS is said to be developing “swarm” software which enables different robotic systems to work together in warehouses.

Ingram, which claims to be the world’s largest distributor of computer and technology products, handles online orders for large retailers such as Wal-Mart.  [Read more…] about Ingram Micro investing $10 million in warehouse automation startup HDS Global

Opinion: Digitalization, big data, artificial intelligence, agility… what really creates value for industrial companies?

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By Vincent Champain, GE Digital

For years industrial companies have been looking for opportunities to enhance the operational efficiency of their assets and processes.

Unsurprisingly, new technologies and agile working have opened a new world of possibilities to the manufacturing sector.

In recent years, new technologies, such as big data and artificial intelligence, have considerably impacted the way industrial companies operate, leading to an increasing number of players in the industry embracing the trend of digitalization.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Digitalization, big data, artificial intelligence, agility… what really creates value for industrial companies?