Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

News

Huge reboot: What Trump’s aversion to trade blocs could mean for the US robotics, automation and manufacturing industries

by

The US automotive manufacturing industry is probably going through some angsty times right now, what with president-elect Donald Trump reiterating his campaign pledge to repeal or at least renegotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and any other free-trade deal previous administrations have signed up to. 

For a highly globalised industry like the automotive sector, which sources parts from all over the world and may assemble its vehicles in any number of countries simultaneously based on a common platform, this is perhaps one election promise which it would rather not be kept.

However, Trump has already produced a presidential address style video in which he says: “I am going to issue a notification of intent to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a potential disaster for our country.

“Instead, we will negotiate fair, bilateral trade deals that bring jobs and industry back onto American shores.”  [Read more…] about Huge reboot: What Trump’s aversion to trade blocs could mean for the US robotics, automation and manufacturing industries

nuTonomy to test its self-driving cars on public roads in Boston

by

nutonomy-grab

On-street testing will begin before the end of 2016 in Raymond Flynn Marine Park

nuTonomy, the developer of software for self-driving cars, has signed a deal with the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation that authorizes nuTonomy to begin testing its growing fleet of self-driving cars on specific public streets in a designated area of Boston.

nuTonomy will begin testing its self-driving Renault Zoe electric vehicle before the end of the year in the Raymond L Flynn Marine Park in the Seaport section of the city.

nuTonomy outfits its vehicles with a state-of-the art software system, which has been integrated with high-performance sensing and computing components, to enable safe operation without a driver.  [Read more…] about nuTonomy to test its self-driving cars on public roads in Boston

Equashield claims ‘world first’ with new drug robot

by

equashield-pro

Equashield says it’s the world’s first robot with closed system transfer device to further protect pharmacy staff during hazardous drug compounding

Equashield, a provider of “closed system transfer devices” for safe and simple handling of hazardous drugs, is expanding its range of solutions and products offered by entering the field of automation.

Its newest product, a compounding robot named Equashield Pro (pictured), will be introduced at the upcoming ASHP Midyear Meeting.

Marino Kriheli, founder of Equashield, says: “The throughput capacities of current compounding robots and their ability to prevent contamination by hazardous drugs is near its peak efficiency, defined – and limited – by the robotic ‘arms’ mimicking dose preparation with a needle and syringe.”  [Read more…] about Equashield claims ‘world first’ with new drug robot

Yaskawa expands in China and makes plans for Brexit amid US-China trade talks

by

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with US President Barack Obama discussed trade earlier this week, and agreed this was a crucial time for relations between the two nations amid growing areas of competition. 

One of the business sectors being contested is manufacturing, where advancements in the crucial technologies of robotics and automation could be the factor which decides which country is more successful.

China has embarked on an ambitious plan to transform the country from the low-wage, labour-intensive workshop of world into an advanced manufacturing nation, capable of developing its own high technology, in particular industrial robots and the internet of things.  [Read more…] about Yaskawa expands in China and makes plans for Brexit amid US-China trade talks

Connected cars: A massive new market for chipmakers

by

The Benz Patent Motorwagen, invented by Carl Benz in the 1880s, is regarded as the first motor car ever made. 

It was a purely a mechanical machine with no electronics.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that electronics started playing a part in cars, which had become much more complex and more powerful since the original motorwagen.

And electronics have played an increasingly large role ever since.  [Read more…] about Connected cars: A massive new market for chipmakers

‘Believe it or not, automation may bring jobs back to the US’

by

lincoln-electric-welding_with_viking_helmet_at_inside_west_coast_customs

One of the major concerns among blue collar workers is the fear that robotic automation will take jobs that are sorely needed by the average working Joe who simply wants to provide for his or her family.

While it is understandable to think this way since automation can do the work in less time and with more efficiency, it may not necessarily be true that automation is going to replace human jobs.

A study emanating from the UK’s prestigious Oxford University indicates that automation may actually be a very good thing in that it will not only bring factories back home, but it will stimulate the economy, creating more jobs in the process.  [Read more…] about ‘Believe it or not, automation may bring jobs back to the US’

Deco Lighting increases production speed ‘by 1,200 per cent’ using Rethink’s Sawyer industrial robot

by

deco-lighting

Smart lighting manufacturer claims collaborative robot makes assembly 1,200 percent faster

Deco Lighting, a lighting technology manufacturer, is planning to deploy Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer industrial robots to reduce production time with precision sub-assembly on each line.

By introducing Sawyer into this process, Deco Lighting hopes to reduce assembly time on its products from about an hour per unit to less than five minutes.

Based in Commerce, California, Deco Lighting marks a paradigm shift in the LED lighting industry through optimization in design and manufacturing.  [Read more…] about Deco Lighting increases production speed ‘by 1,200 per cent’ using Rethink’s Sawyer industrial robot

Swisslog signs ‘major contract’ with tire manufacturer Michelin

by

Michelin, the tire manufacturer, has selected Swisslog warehouse and distribution solutions to automate a new distribution center in the US.

The order value of the automation project amounts to a high multimillion-dollar range and was booked in the second quarter of 2016.

The new distribution center will supply passenger and truck tires throughout North America, allowing the company to meet its ambitions for responsible logistics.  [Read more…] about Swisslog signs ‘major contract’ with tire manufacturer Michelin

Honeywell connectivity solution ‘improves efficiency and productivity at PetroVietnam refinery’

by

Honeywell says a subsidiary of PetroVietnam will use its new IIoT-based Connected Performance Services (CPS) offering to improve the performance of its manufacturing operations in Quang Ngai City, Vietnam.

Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical (BSR) will use Honeywell’s CPS technology which integrates Honeywell UOP’s deep process knowledge to improve refinery and plant performance at its naphtha complex.

CPS is part of Honeywell’s Connected Plant initiative, which leverages IIoT technologies, services and domain expertise to improve all aspects of industrial operations from supply chain efficiency to asset optimization. [Read more…] about Honeywell connectivity solution ‘improves efficiency and productivity at PetroVietnam refinery’

AImotive launches self-driving automotive technology powered by artificial intelligence

by

aimotive

AImotive – formerly known as AdasWorks – claims to be the first to enable an artificial intelligence ecosystem for autonomous driving regardless of location, driving style or driving conditions

AImotive has launched what it says is a “full stack technology solution and the most powerful artificial intelligence software” for the automotive industry, designed to provide self-driving vehicles better safety, improved comfort and increased productivity. 

AImotive used to be called AdasWorks, and the new name reflects the broader vision to “bring global accessibility to self-driving vehicles, faster and safer than any other company in the world”.

The AImotive product suite delivers the robust technology required to operate self-driving vehicles in all conditions, and adapts in real-time to different driving styles and cultures, says the company.  [Read more…] about AImotive launches self-driving automotive technology powered by artificial intelligence