Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

architecture

Continental vehicle server connects VW ID electric vehicles

by Leave a Comment

Continental says its new server concept is a “central element” for the conversion to a service-oriented electronics architecture in highly connected ID electric cars.

Volkswagen uses the server as an in-car application server (ICAS1) for ID vehicle models based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB).

High computing power and a consistent separation of hardware and software are paving the way for new functions and convenient over-the-air updates. [Read more…] about Continental vehicle server connects VW ID electric vehicles

NXP launches GHz microcontroller

by

NXP Semiconductors has launched the i.MX RT1170 range of crossover MCUs that that it says will open the GHz microcontroller era.

The chipmaker says the new chip “combines unprecedented performance, reliability, and high levels of integration to propel industrial, IoT and automotive applications”.

The NXP i.MX RT1170 family reinforces NXP’s commitment to advance edge computing with its EdgeVerse portfolio of solutions and marks a technology breakthrough with MCUs that run up to 1GHz while maintaining low-power efficiency. [Read more…] about NXP launches GHz microcontroller

Continental reveals its new virtual dashboard

by

Automotive components and parts supplier Continental has unveiled its new virtual dashboard, saying it represents a “complete culture change”.

Continental will be formally launching what it calls its “Integrated Interior Platform” at the IAA 2019 in Frankfurt later this month.

As a high-performance computer, this comprehensive solution for software and hardware provides the basis for interaction between humans and vehicles in the connected cockpit of tomorrow – and at the highest level of quality. [Read more…] about Continental reveals its new virtual dashboard

General Motors unveils its digital vehicle platform

by

General Motors has unveiled its all-new electronic platform for its next-generation of vehicles.

As the automotive industry and vehicles evolve in the next five to 10 years, more electrical bandwidth and connectivity will be needed to ensure that features such as electric propulsion systems, the Super Cruise driver assistance feature and advanced active safety systems can all run in conjunction with each other.

Debuting on the recently-unveiled 2020 Cadillac CT5 sedan, the electronic platform will go into production later this year and should be rolled out to most vehicles within GM’s global lineup by 2023.

[Read more…] about General Motors unveils its digital vehicle platform

Virtual factory: Visual Components launches new version of its industrial design application

by

visual components robots

Visual Components has launched the latest version of its design application which the company says offers a number of new features and capabilities. 

Visual Components 4.0 is the company’s new range of 3D factory simulation products, designed for manufacturing professionals and built on a “powerful, flexible, and scalable platform”.

The company says the new version offers:

  • smarter simulation;
  • improved user interface refresh;
  • better performance;
  • advanced rendering; and
  • open architecture.

Visual Components was founded by a group of simulation experts with long experience in industry.  [Read more…] about Virtual factory: Visual Components launches new version of its industrial design application

Artificial intelligence is better than humans, says IBM

by

Rashik Parmar, lead IBM cloud advisor, Europe
Rashik Parmar, lead IBM cloud advisor, Europe

IBM prefers artificial intelligence to humans, according to an interview published on em360tech.com, in which one of the company’s most senior executives says humans can’t see what’s right in front their faces while AI sees everything, as well as things that aren’t even there. 

Rashik Parmar, IBM’s lead cloud advisor for Europe and one of the Watson team, says algorithms are smarter than humans will ever be, and that AI can spot patterns in large-scale enterprise architecture that human beings cannot.

AI can “make connections that you wouldn’t be able to make yourself”, claims computer fanatic Parmar.

Full story at em360tech.com

Xerox launches new 3D printer featuring a nozzle ‘half the width of a human hair’

by

xerox-3d-printer

New Xerox 3D printers sport a nozzle which is almost too tiny to see with human eyes

Xerox says it has developed innovative architecture featuring tiny, stainless steel nozzles inside its new Direct to Object Inkjet Printer.

The company says this means it has created a new, label-less, on-demand method of personalising three-dimensional objects.

The nozzles are contained in print heads – about the size of a deck of cards – that accurately spray ink on objects as small as bottle caps and as large as football helmets. The printer can print on plastic, metals, ceramics and glass, eliminating the need for costly labels.  [Read more…] about Xerox launches new 3D printer featuring a nozzle ‘half the width of a human hair’

Finesse SmartFactory platform featured in Alvotech manufacturing and lab facility in Iceland

by

smart factory iceland hátæknisetur_mynd

The first installation of Finesse’s new SmartFactory platform was featured when Alvotech announced the opening of its advanced manufacturing and lab facility in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Alvotech, Iceland’s powerful new player in biopharmaceuticals, will use this hybrid facility to rapidly expand its production capacity using multiple 1,000 L and 2,000 L single-use bioreactor trains.

The facility, located at the University of Iceland Science Park, will leverage cutting-edge automation, enabling Alvotech to produce higher yields, significantly reduce labor and capital expenses, and maintain flexibility in operations management systems.  [Read more…] about Finesse SmartFactory platform featured in Alvotech manufacturing and lab facility in Iceland