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autonomously

ASI and SICK optimize and automate logistics truck yard operations

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ASI Logistics and SICK Sensor Intelligence say they have achieved another milestone in the development of autonomous yard truck operations.

Together, the two companies have “solved the issue of reversing into trailers autonomously”. This is one of the final steps in completing fully autonomous yard operations.

ASI Logistics utilized is robust Vehicle Automation Kit (VAK) and SICK’s industry-leading LiDAR to overcome this challenge. [Read more…] about ASI and SICK optimize and automate logistics truck yard operations

Velodyne Lidar signs multi-year agreement with Boston Dynamics

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Velodyne Lidar has agreed a multi-year contract for its lidar sensors with Boston Dynamics, a developer of mobile robotics.

Boston Dynamics selected Velodyne’s sensors to provide perception and navigation capabilities for its highly mobile robots, which are capable of tackling the “toughest robotics challenges”.

Velodyne’s lidar sensor solutions enable mobile robots to operate autonomously and safely, without human intervention. They provide real-time 3D perception data for localization, mapping, object classification and object tracking. [Read more…] about Velodyne Lidar signs multi-year agreement with Boston Dynamics

Electric Sheep Robotics launches its Dexter robotic lawnmower system

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Electric Sheep Robotics, the leader in autonomous lawn mowing, has officially launched its Dexter robot.

Dexter takes existing commercial lawn mowers, both gas and electric, and turns them into autonomous vehicles. Dexter is designed to address critical labor shortages in the landscaping, facilities, and property management industries.

Nationally, a record 4.5 million US workers quit their jobs in November. There are more job openings than there are workers. The labor market in landscaping is particularly dire. [Read more…] about Electric Sheep Robotics launches its Dexter robotic lawnmower system

Brain Corp’s European robotic cleaning fleet reaches 500 million square feet covered autonomously in 2021

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Brain Corp, which provides an operating system for commercial floor-cleaning robots, says its BrainOS-powered fleet of autonomous mobile robots has hit a new milestone of 500 million square feet covered (46.45 million square meters) autonomously in Europe during 2021.

Coming off the back of significant year-on-year growth, Brain Corp has seen momentum build throughout 2021 with the company recording 226 percent growth in floor area covered autonomously between April and October, 2021 alone.

While increases in robot deployments were seen across all industry sectors, the most significant growth came within retail outlets, shopping malls and logistics facilities. [Read more…] about Brain Corp’s European robotic cleaning fleet reaches 500 million square feet covered autonomously in 2021

ZF launches its ‘most advanced’ autonomous emergency braking system for commercial vehicles in China

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Automotive systems manufacturer ZF is preparing for volume production of its most advanced autonomous emergency braking assistance system in China. OnGuardMAX will be installed in new truck models by two leading Chinese manufacturers from this year.

Sophisticated data integration with state-of-the-art camera and radar sensor helps the system autonomously detect, classify and react on moving and stationary vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles.

The system warns the driver of imminent collisions and, if necessary, can autonomously bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This advanced object detection and autonomous braking capability further enables the new ZF system to help avoid or mitigate accidents involving pedestrians. [Read more…] about ZF launches its ‘most advanced’ autonomous emergency braking system for commercial vehicles in China

Swiss university developing mobile robot that learns on the job

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A team from the Autonomous Systems Lab at the public research university ETH Zurich in Switzerland is creating robots and intelligent systems that are able to learn on the job. (See video below.)

The team’s machine – which consists of a robotic arm mounted on a mobile platform – can “autonomously operate in complex and diverse environments”, says an article on Clearpath Robotics’ website.

Using a Clearpath Ridgeback as a base and equipped with a Franka Emika Panda manipulator arm (called RoyalPanda, that is Ridgeback + Panda), the team is experimenting with a series of different scenarios to develop best practices of how a robot could “learn”. [Read more…] about Swiss university developing mobile robot that learns on the job

Webinar: Vision Guided Picking Applications

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Webinar title: Vision Guided Picking Applications
Early registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VY5rD2EJRR26L_p4KYwCcg

IDS is partnering with Robotics and Automation News to bring you a new and insightful webinar about a subject that will be of interest to many people.

Robot Vision helps to automate industrial processes economically. No wonder that robotics is one of the fastest growing technologies in industrial production. Learn about the benefits of 3D vision systems like Ensenso and how it is possible to turn robots into autonomously working colleagues. [Read more…] about Webinar: Vision Guided Picking Applications

RE2 Robotics receives $2.5 million from US Navy to develop manipulation system

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RE2 Robotics, a developer of human-like robotic manipulation systems, has received $2.5 million in funding from the Office of Naval Research to continue the development and commercialization of its technology under the Dexterous Maritime Manipulation System (DM2S) program.

RE2’s DM2S technology will provide Navy personnel with the ability to autonomously perform mine countermeasure (MCM) missions.

In this next phase of the program, RE2 will upgrade its dual-arm prototype, known as the Maritime Dexterous Manipulation System (MDMS), for deep ocean use; apply computer vision and machine-learning algorithms to enable autonomous manipulation capabilities; and integrate with underwater vehicles that can autonomously navigate. [Read more…] about RE2 Robotics receives $2.5 million from US Navy to develop manipulation system

Zebra Technologies unveils new robot for retail operations

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Zebra Technologies has introduced SmartSight, a robot for mass merchants, grocers, and supermarkets and hypermarkets.

The company is showcasing the new machine at NRF 2020, the retail technology show currently being held in Chicago, USA.

SmartSight leverages the computer vision, machine learning, workflow automation and robotic capabilities of Zebra’s EMA50 enterprise mobile automation system to accurately identify out-of-stock conditions, pricing inconsistencies and planogram issues on the shelf. [Read more…] about Zebra Technologies unveils new robot for retail operations

Toyota to offer rides in autonomous cars on public roads

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Toyota Research Institute plans to make its Platform 4 (P4) automated driving test vehicle available for public demonstration rides next summer in Tokyo.

Offered from July to September 2020, the P4 will demonstrate Toyota’s “Chauffeur” SAE Level-4 capabilities in a specific “mobility as a service” driving environment.

The P4 experience will take place in Tokyo’s Odaiba district, a busy and often congested waterfront subcenter. [Read more…] about Toyota to offer rides in autonomous cars on public roads