Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

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Via’s on-demand mobility service ‘exceeding targets’ in Australia

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Via, a provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, has released metrics for its new Cooee Busways transport system, launched in partnership with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) and Busways, an Australian transportation provider.

Despite only starting operations on May 27, Via says “residents are already flocking to the new service by the thousands, with ridership exceeding targets, and vehicle utilization well ahead of the project’s goals”.

Called Cooee Busways, the new on-demand shared transit network provides first- and last-mile connections for residents in The Ponds, Schofields and Kellyville Ridge, linking more residents with the new Sydney Metro public transportation hubs. [Read more…] about Via’s on-demand mobility service ‘exceeding targets’ in Australia

Want to know how safe your warehouse job is? There’s an app for that

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In 2017 there were nearly 350,000 incidents of workers taking sick leave due to injuries affecting muscles, nerves, ligaments or tendons – like carpal tunnel syndrome – according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Among the workers with the highest number of incidents: people who work in factories and warehouses.

Musculoskeletal disorders happen at work when people use awkward postures or perform repeated tasks. These behaviors generate strain on the body over time. So it’s important to point out and minimize risky behaviors to keep workers healthy on the job. [Read more…] about Want to know how safe your warehouse job is? There’s an app for that

‘Prawn day’ – it’s a thing

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US delivery firm Postmates, launched its first annual Prawn Day, offering two days of deals on select “prawn-related” merchants its service on 15-16 July.

Customers who visited the app found Prawn Day themed content and deals.

The company, which operates in more than 3,500 cities, added some of the most sought-after local and national restaurants, serving 70 of the top 100 restaurants in the US.

SEAT and IBM develop app for urban mobility with AI

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SEAT, a member of the Volkswagen Group and one of Europe’s biggest car manufacturers, along with IBM  announced the development of a new solution designed to transform driving in cities.

Announced the day after SEAT presented its concept car Minimó promising to revolutionise urban mobility, ‘Mobility Advisor’ uses IBM Watson AI to help urban citizens make informed decisions about their daily transportation options including cars, scooters, bikes and public transport.

Currently under development and designed to run as a mobile app on 4G/5G networks, ‘Mobility Advisor’ uses IBM Watson Assistant to provide users with a conversational interface to plan and optimise routes and suggest the most suitable transportation options.

[Read more…] about SEAT and IBM develop app for urban mobility with AI

SoftBank to invest $10 billion in Uber

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SoftBank is highly likely to go ahead with its plan to invest $10 billion in Uber, the ride-hailing app company, according to a report on CNet.com. 

An Uber representative quoted by CNet says: “We’ve entered into an agreement with a consortium led by SoftBank and Dragoneer on a potential investment.

“We believe this agreement is a strong vote of confidence in Uber’s long-term potential. Upon closing, it will help fuel our investments in technology and our continued expansion at home and abroad, while strengthening our corporate governance.”  [Read more…] about SoftBank to invest $10 billion in Uber

Kuka launches mobile app for monitoring its robots

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Kuka has launched a mobile app for monitoring its robots. 

The app – called Kuka Connect – is available for both iOS and Android platforms.

The company says the app features push notifications, which enables real-time fault discovery and the automation of routine maintenance scheduling.  [Read more…] about Kuka launches mobile app for monitoring its robots

HRG launches industrial robotics tutorial platform

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HIT Robot Group, one of China’s leading manufacturer of robots, has launched an industrial robotics tutorial platform.

HRG says Haidu Academy is designed to help learners of different levels to improve their industrial robot-operating skills on various brands.

China is the largest and fastest-growing robot market in the world.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in the first seven months of 2017, 71,600 industrial robots were produced in China, accounting for more than 30 percent of global output during the period.

Statistics also suggest an increasing demand for skilled workers. The Ministry predicts that China will need 200,000 skilled workers to operate industrial robots as of 2020.

[Read more…] about HRG launches industrial robotics tutorial platform

Apple extends Swift programming language to support robotics

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Apple has updated Swift Playgrounds, its educational coding app for iPad, to include what the company describes as “new way to learn to code using robots, drones and musical instruments”.

Swift Playgrounds is aimed at students and beginners learning to code with Swift, Apple’s programming language for building apps.

Apple says it is working with leading device makers to make it easy to connect to Bluetooth-enabled robots within the Swift Playgrounds app, allowing users to program and control popular devices, including Lego Mindstorms Education EV3, the Sphero SPRK+, Parrot drones and more.  [Read more…] about Apple extends Swift programming language to support robotics

If you enjoy doing the laundry, this could be your nightmare come true

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Startup company ThreadRobe launches “automated wardrobe”, eliminates laundry chores

There are few chores that Americans hate more than laundry, according to ThreadRobe, the Alexandria-based startup which aims to change millions the drudgery of the chore by introducing an automated piece of furniture that eliminates the need to fold, hang, and put away laundry. 

Users place loads of clean clothing from the dryer directly into the automated wardrobe’s bin – no sorting, folding, or hanging required.

The wardrobe separates, identifies and stores them. When you want clothes back, select an outfit in the mobile app, which notifies the wardrobe to retrieve and steam those items to your specifications.  [Read more…] about If you enjoy doing the laundry, this could be your nightmare come true

BMW reveals new autonomous Mini concept

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BMW has unveiled a new concept for its Mini model as part of its “Vision Next 100” project to steer the company into the future. 

The new Mini Cooperizer is designed as a computerized, electric, connected, and autonomous car, which is meant as part of the company’s own ride-sharing scheme.

BMW plans to locate Minis all over a town for people to hire as and when they want through its app.  [Read more…] about BMW reveals new autonomous Mini concept