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ANYmal robot being put to work inspecting BASF facility

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Robot maker ANYbotics has unveiled its collaboration with BASF, one of the largest global chemical manufacturers, which involves the use of the ANYmal robot for inspections at Ludwigshafen, Germany. (See video below.) 

The two companies say the collaboration “displays the efficiency, quality, and scalability of robotic inspection and data-collection capabilities in complex industrial environments”.

On production floors, robotics and manufacturing have gone hand-in-hand for decades. But on industrial plants, repetitive inspections, environment mapping, and efficiency analytics have mostly relied on manual work. These physical efforts impact economic sustainability, as well as process reliability and data quality. [Read more…] about ANYmal robot being put to work inspecting BASF facility

BASF light stabiliser used to produce more durable greenhouse films in Vietnam

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BASF and Tân Hùng Cơ Masterbatch Manufacture Co. have teamed up to produce more durable greenhouse films.

Tân Hùng Cơ, a manufacturer of additive masterbatches for plastic films in Vietnam, is now using BASF’s plastic additive Tinuvin NOR 371 to increase durability and lifespan of plastic greenhouse films made from low density polyethylene.

With Tinuvin NOR 371, greenhouse films can withstand weathering for at least three to four years, says BASF.

[Read more…] about BASF light stabiliser used to produce more durable greenhouse films in Vietnam

BASF invests in quantum computing startup Zapata

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BASF Venture Capital is joining a group of prominent investors in the Series A investment round of Zapata Computing, Inc.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Zapata is developing both a powerful software platform as well as specific applications for Global 1000 companies to effectively use a range of emerging quantum computing hardware.

By investing in Zapata, BASF Venture Capital supports BASF’s strategic goal to take advantage of the opportunities that digitalisation offers along the entire value chain.

[Read more…] about BASF invests in quantum computing startup Zapata

Albis Plastic and BASF optimize Workaround smart glove for industrial applications

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Albis Plastic and BASF say they have optimized a smart glove – developed by a company called Workaround – for industrial applications.

ProGlove makes scanning processes safer and more efficient
Optimized scanning capability and durability due to high light transmission and media resistance.

In close cooperation, Workaround, Albis Plastic and BASF have modified an important component of the smart glove ProGlove.  [Read more…] about Albis Plastic and BASF optimize Workaround smart glove for industrial applications

Mercedes partners with BASF to develop autonomous vehicles

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Mercedes-Benz Vans and BASF plan to collaborate on mobility topics and work together to forge ahead with innovations.

The two companies are starting their cooperation with the optimisation of individual mobility at BASF’s plant in Ludwigshafen, where they will shortly introduce an on-demand ridesharing system.

Beyond individual transport on the factory premises, the partners also want to test solutions in electric mobility, digitalisation and autonomous driving.

[Read more…] about Mercedes partners with BASF to develop autonomous vehicles

BASF opens modular lab for automotive OEM coatings at its Münster site

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BASF’s Coatings division has opened a new laboratory for automotive OEM coatings at its site in Münster, Germany.

The modular “Lean Lab” concept aims to ensure optimised, digitalised and transparent processes and efficient use of resources in the laboratory area throughout Europe.

Discrete working processes of the lab employees and the use of standardised and automated processes allow BASF to meet future market requirements quickly and flexibly.

[Read more…] about BASF opens modular lab for automotive OEM coatings at its Münster site

BASF presents 3D-printed formworks

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BASF applications technicians are demonstrating 3D-printed formworks and concrete cast parts at the first International Conference on Concrete and Digital Fabrication, in Zürich, Switzerland, from September 9 to 13, 2018.

Visitors will be able to see how 3D-printed formwork can be used in practice, thanks to an innovative system and adapted concrete materials. The concrete additives and grouts, under the brand name of Master Builders Solutions, are optimised for the filling of 3D-printed formworks which can already be used on projects today.

3D-printing is an additive manufacturing process in which workpieces are built up in layers in a computer-controlled process. This way, highly complex shapes can be generated, including formworks for concrete casting.

[Read more…] about BASF presents 3D-printed formworks

BASF completes $9 billion acquisition of businesses and assets from Bayer

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BASF has completed the acquisition of numerous businesses and assets from Bayer in a deal worth almost $9 billion.

BASF says it has purchased “a range of businesses and assets from Bayer”, including crop protection systems, and some digital assets.

The deal also enables BASF to enter new markets such as seeds, non-selective herbicides, and nematicide seed treatments.  [Read more…] about BASF completes $9 billion acquisition of businesses and assets from Bayer

BASF’s coatings used on Nio smart electric cars in China

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With its coatings solutions, BASF has helped to create an unforgettable look and unparalleled performance for the ES8 – the high performance electric Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) from Nio, a multinational electric vehicle company headquartered in China.

The seven-seater electric SUV uses BASF’s coatings solutions for the surface pre-treatment and all coatings layers. The ES8 includes BASF’s waterborne coatings technologies, as well as Oxsilan from BASF’s Chemetall brand, an advanced thin-film technology for metal protection and waterborne coatings.

“Visually, the coating creates the first impression of a vehicle – it is the essence of a vehicle’s intrinsic style. But at the same time, the coating must protect and enhance the vehicle’s performance,” said Nils Lessmann, Vice President and General Manager of BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd.

[Read more…] about BASF’s coatings used on Nio smart electric cars in China

Electric vehicles a practical reality for everyone?

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BASF argues that ‘it is all about the chemistry’ and that the materials inside car batteries will have a major impact on vehicle electrification

With the holiday season and sunnier days approaching in the northern hemisphere, traffic inevitably increases on highways, in cities and around sightseeing spots.

Additionally, a rising number of commuters contribute to growing nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions with adverse impacts on air quality and climate. By 2025, there will be approximately 1.5 billion cars on the roads worldwide.

[Read more…] about Electric vehicles a practical reality for everyone?