Robotics & Automation News

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Autonomous snow-clearing vehicles: Solutions for winter’s challenges

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Regardless of whether you believe in “global warming” or the various outlandish claims some environmentalists make, me personally, I’ve noticed that, over the course of my lifetime, the weather has become more and more crazy. 

I don’t think the mainstream news media covers the subject enough, preferring to cover the never-ending wars that repeatedly flare up here and there with the same kind of regularity that they did in biblical times.

Living in the UK, I’ve noticed that the north of England is often inundated with water because of unexpected and unprecedented flooding, or trashed by gale force winds that tear down fences and gates in the middle of the night, or snow that blankets entire towns and airports.

And yet, the news media – which is mostly based in the south, specifically London – appears to be oblivious to it all, preferring to keep their cameras on the dances of death by the current generation of warlords around the world. [Read more…] about Autonomous snow-clearing vehicles: Solutions for winter’s challenges

Grenzebach supplies AGVs for Benteler’s automated intralogistics complex

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Grenzebach has developed and implemented customer-specific superstructures and charging stations for Benteler’s automated intralogistics complex. The Benteler Group is a global supplier of vehicle components to the automotive industry.

For Benteler, efficient material planning, a reliable material flow, and the digitalization of value creation processes are essential. The company was therefore looking for an automated solution for its intralogistics.

The goal was to combine different systems and processes within one production line and to be able to transport goods without forklift trucks from A to B. During this project, Benteler faced the challenge of transporting heavy goods carriers with very large dimensions in a very confined space. [Read more…] about Grenzebach supplies AGVs for Benteler’s automated intralogistics complex

AutoStore wins first customer in South Korean pharmaceutical sector

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Geo-Young, one of South Korea’s leading pharmaceutical distributors, has inaugurated its Smart Hub Center in Incheon, marking a significant advancement in the industry as the first in the nation’s pharmaceutical sector to integrate the AutoStore system into its operations.

The Smart Hub Center employs AutoStore’s automated storage and retrieval system to address the specific demands of pharmaceutical distribution, where precision, safety, and efficiency are paramount. [Read more…] about AutoStore wins first customer in South Korean pharmaceutical sector

Denso to buy shares in onsemi to strengthen ADAS partnership

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Denso and onsemi are strengthening their long-term relationship to support the procurement of autonomous driving (AD) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technologies.

For over 10 years, onsemi has been supplying Denso with the latest intelligent automotive sensors to enhance ADAS and AD performance.

These semiconductors have become increasingly vital in improving vehicle intelligence including connectivity, to help reduce traffic accident fatalities. [Read more…] about Denso to buy shares in onsemi to strengthen ADAS partnership

Greif-Velox unveils new automated container labeling system

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Greif-Velox, a specialist in packaging machinery, has unveiled its VeloFlexLabeler, an innovative and fully automated labeling solution.

Developed in collaboration with Moin Robotics, a robotics and automation expert and Bluhm Systeme, a leader in printing and labeling technologies – both based in Germany, the labeler offers precise and flexible labeling for all types of containers, making it particularly suited for full-line systems.

The VeloFlexLabeler enables seamless labeling for a wide variety of containers, regardless of their shape or surface cleanliness. It combines standardized label application with customizable options, such as product details or batch information, and ensures consistent, reliable, and secure labeling. [Read more…] about Greif-Velox unveils new automated container labeling system

Saudi Arabia invests in automated construction startup GMT Robotics

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NEOM, the sustainable region taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, has signed a landmark investment agreement with GMT Robotics, one of Europe’s emerging innovators in advanced construction technology.

Led by NEOM’s strategic investment arm, NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), the investment will accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through construction robotics, while underpinning NEOM as an innovator in modern construction techniques, including automation.

Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, says: “Our investment in GMT Robotics reflects NEOM’s commitment to driving transformative technologies that will unlock next-generation industries. [Read more…] about Saudi Arabia invests in automated construction startup GMT Robotics

Drev and Kollmorgen to develop ‘groundbreaking’ AGV with integrated contamination control technology

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As gigafactories and recycling plants scale to meet rising demands, the need for innovative solutions that address both safety and efficiency continues to grow.

To meet this demand, Drev and Kollmorgen Autonomous Mobile Solutions have agreed to jointly develop “a groundbreaking Automated Guided Vehicle with integrated contamination control technology”.

Designed to operate in large, highly restricted and hazardous environments, this AGV aims to ensure the safety of workers by operating where humans should not, while at the same time recovering valuable raw materials that would otherwise be discarded as dust. [Read more…] about Drev and Kollmorgen to develop ‘groundbreaking’ AGV with integrated contamination control technology

Alstom renews contract to operate and maintain automated people movers at Denver Airport

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Alstom, a global company specializing in transportation and mobility systems, has signed a contract renewal with Denver International Airport to operate and maintain the airport’s Innovia Automated People Mover (APM) system – built by Alstom – over the course of next seven years.

The new contract will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2032. The contract will employ 91 Alstom team members at Denver International Airport, and is valued at €218 million.

Alstom employees will provide twenty-four hour a day, seven-day-a-week maintenance and operations for Denver’s Automated People Mover system. These services include the operations and dispatching of the APMs.

Alstom will provide maintenance of the vehicles and the 1.2 mile of loop track; power and electrification; signs, signals, and station platform doors; and the communications systems.

The contract scope includes cleaning services for the interior and exterior of the trains; tunnel floor cleaning, pressure washing, and floor drainage; facilities and platform doors; and the collection and disposition of hazardous waste.

Michael Keroullé, president of Alstom Americas, says: “Alstom is proud to be Denver International Airport’s partner of choice as they continue on their journey to modernize and expand air train service at one of the busiest airports in the world.

“Our expertise in the operations and maintenance of automated people movers allows us to deliver frequent, safe and comfortable service for travellers from around the world.”

Matthew Robb, senior vice president of technical operations for Denver International Airport, says: “Denver International Airport’s new operations and maintenance agreement with Alstom is one of many steps we’re taking to enhance the reliability and passenger experience of the train that moves people between the terminal and concourse.

“As a growing airport, it’s crucial that we provide a consistent service, especially as we continue our work toward accommodating 100 million annual passengers.”

Alstom recently entered a new chapter in its 30-year relationship with Denver International Airport by providing new Innovia APM R vehicles, which went into service in July 2024.

Manufactured by Alstom, these train cars increased capacity, efficiency, and comfort for people navigating the airport.

Alstom has been providing operations and maintenance services for the airport’s Automated People Mover system since the airport opened in 1994.

Across all our Innovia APM customers in the US, we average a performance of 99.5 percent fleet availability, through 24/7 operations and maintenance services.

Strong position in airport people movers

Alstom says it is “the number one provider and operator of airport people movers in the US”.

Alstom’s Innovia APMs have transported over 525 million passengers safely and efficiently at 16 airports across the nation.

Market leading for 50+ years, driverless Innovia automated people mover (APM) is an efficient transportation solution, specially designed to offer quick and convenient service for commuters between airport terminals, to and from airports or within cities.

Over 30 of Alstom’s APM systems have been delivered around the world and are in operation at 12 of the world’s busiest airports.

Alstom’s FlexCare Operate portfolio covers the full spectrum of customer needs, including operations for all types of fleets and maintenance for the full transit system.

Our customers benefit from reduced operating costs and increased operational efficiencies through technologies and best practices based on over 40 years of experience operating and maintaining trains and systems.

With over 25 active operations and maintenance projects worldwide, we are a trusted partner in helping transit authorities and communities achieve their mobility goals.

BMW awarded CE certification for its iFactory autonomous car facility

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The BMW Group has been awarded the highly-prized CE certification for its automated driving “in-plant” – at Dingolfing, in Germany.

BMW is systematically advancing the digitalisation and automation of its production processes within the BMW iFactory framework.

Since 2022, the company has been testing “Automated Driving In-Plant” (AFW) for new vehicles at its largest European plant in Dingolfing. [Read more…] about BMW awarded CE certification for its iFactory autonomous car facility

Mercedes-Benz improves automated parking

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Mercedes-Benz has further improved the Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, one of the company’s driver assistance technologies.

With a new speed of 4 km/h, the system now parks twice as fast as before, says Mercedes.

This brings significant added value for Mercedes-Benz customers, making parking easier and a lot more comfortable in everyday situations.

The driver can start the parking process via a digital button on the screen, and a status bar shows the progress. During automated parking, the system mutes the Parktronic signal tones. [Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz improves automated parking