Robotics & Automation News

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Automotive

New BMW 8 Series Coupé in production at Dingolfing plant in Germany

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The BMW Group‘s Dingolfing plant began series production of the new BMW 8 Series Coupé, the sportscar that will launch the BMW model offensive in the luxury segment.

A large number of digital innovations have also been integrated into the production process, including self-driving transport systems and smart devices.

Intelligent lightweight construction, with a clever mix of materials, including steel, plastic, aluminium and carbon fibre, is used in the body of the new sportscar.

[Read more…] about New BMW 8 Series Coupé in production at Dingolfing plant in Germany

Groupe PSA and Inria create an artificial intelligence OpenLab

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Groupe PSA and Inria are creating an OpenLab dedicated to artificial intelligence. The studied areas will include autonomous and intelligent vehicles, mobility services, manufacturing, design development tools, design, digital marketing as well as quality and finance.

Carla Gohin, Groupe PSA’s Vice President for Research and Advanced Engineering, said: “Artificial intelligence will quickly become an efficiency factor for the group. The OpenLab will work on artificial intelligence algorithms enabling autonomous vehicles to drive in complex environments for example.

“It will also work on predictive maintenance, powertrain design optimisation and the modelling of complex systems such as cities, to offer mobility services adapted to people’s needs.”

[Read more…] about Groupe PSA and Inria create an artificial intelligence OpenLab

Europe’s largest energy storage system with electric vehicle batteries now live

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The largest European energy storage system using second-life and new electric vehicle batteries in a commercial building was made live in Amsterdam at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, home ground of the famous Ajax football club.

This unique project is the result of collaboration between Nissan, Eaton, BAM, The Mobility House and the Johan Cruijff ArenA, supported by the Amsterdam Climate and Energy Fund (AKEF) and Interreg.

The 3 MW storage system provides a more reliable and efficient energy supply and usage for the stadium, its visitors, neighbours and the Dutch energy grid.

[Read more…] about Europe’s largest energy storage system with electric vehicle batteries now live

ABB to acquire AB Rotech to expand automotive welding solutions

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ABB is to acquire AB Rotech, a privately-owned company headquartered in Bursa, Turkey, with nearly 20 years of extensive experience in robotic welding solutions and services for the automotive industry.

The expertise of AB Rotech’s engineering team covers the entire robotics welding lifecycle, from design and commissioning to electrical engineering and customer service.

The parties agreed to not disclose the value of the acquisition. The acquisition is subject to regulatory clearance and is expected to close later this year.

[Read more…] about ABB to acquire AB Rotech to expand automotive welding solutions

Daimler selects Xilinx chips to drive AI-based automotive applications

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Chipmaker Xilinx and auto giant Daimler are collaborating to develop an in-car system using Xilinx technology for artificial intelligence processing in automotive applications.

Powered by a Xilinx automotive platform consisting of system-on-a-chip devices and AI acceleration software, the scalable solution will deliver high performance, low latency and best power efficiency for embedded AI in automotive applications today.

Xilinx says it has a strong pedigree in automotive. For more than 12 years the company has shipped over 40 million cumulative automotive units to automakers and Tier 1 suppliers.  [Read more…] about Daimler selects Xilinx chips to drive AI-based automotive applications

Infineon establishes development center for automotive electronics and AI in Dresden

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Infineon is setting up a new Development Center at its Dresden location, creating around 100 additional new jobs in the first phase and employing a total of around 250 people in the medium term.

One focus of it will be to develop new products and solutions for automotive and power electronics, as well as artificial intelligence. It is scheduled to be launched in the course of the 2018 calendar year.

In Dresden, the Infineon Group already has one of its largest and most cutting-edge locations for developing wafer technologies and manufacturing processes, as well as a highly automated production plant.

[Read more…] about Infineon establishes development center for automotive electronics and AI in Dresden

Comau presents its vision of the future at automotive summit

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Comau presented its vision of the future at the 4th Automotive Advanced Manufacturing Technology Summit in Guangzhou, China this month. The summit brought together more than 1,000 professionals from the automotive industry.

“It’s an honour to present our vision of digital transformation and smart manufacturing,” said Mauro Anselmetto, CEO of Comau China and ASEAN.

“Digitalization is transforming the industry in amazing ways. Comau approaches Industry 4.0 with easy to use solutions, value-added manufacturing solutions, and human-robot collaboration. HUMANufacturing, as we call it, is our way to Industry 4.0.

[Read more…] about Comau presents its vision of the future at automotive summit

Kuka wins ‘major’ contracts worth $75 million from US automotive manufacturer

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Kuka Systems has received three major new systems contracts from “a leading manufacturer of premium vehicles in the US”, according to the company.

The projects comprise the engineering and construction of systems to build vehicles body structures in the USA and Mexico, says Kuka.

Kuka estimates the order value to be approximately $75 million, and says it was booked in the third quarter of 2017. Start of production is planned for mid-2019.  [Read more…] about Kuka wins ‘major’ contracts worth $75 million from US automotive manufacturer

Automotive and industrial companies ‘could unlock billions in revenue’ through new growth strategies

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Accenture using a “new way” of measuring corporate competitiveness

Industrial companies, such as automotive manufacturers, could unlock billions of dollars in revenue by adopting a more “holistic strategy”, according to a new report by Accenture.

The business management consultant conducted a survey into competitiveness in industry and found that the best approach is one that places equal emphasis on growth, profitability, sustainability and trust.

This “inter-dependent” strategy “yields massive growth potential”, says Accenture, which bases its conclusions on analysis of 47 automotive and industrial companies’ performances.

[Read more…] about Automotive and industrial companies ‘could unlock billions in revenue’ through new growth strategies