Robotics & Automation News

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Toyota offers free access to virtual crash test dummy software

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Toyota will make its Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) software freely available from January 2021 as part of its efforts toward a safe mobility society.

THUMS is a virtual human body model software program for computer analysis of human body injuries caused in vehicle collisions. Free access to THUMS, and subsequent use by a wider variety of users, is expected to enhance vehicle safety.

Designed to aid vehicle safety technologies’ research and development, and developed in cooperation with Toyota Central R&D Labs, THUMS was the world’s first virtual human body model software when it launched in 2000. [Read more…] about Toyota offers free access to virtual crash test dummy software

BMW applies AI dust particle analysis to ‘increase paint shop quality’

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BMW says it uses an “ongoing algorithm-based analysis” of dust content in vehicle paint booths and compares them to a database to predict the quality of coating it applies to cars

Artificial intelligence can bring even greater precision to controlling highly sensitive systems in automotive production, as a pilot project in the paint shop of the BMW’s Munich plant has demonstrated.

Despite state-of-the-art filtration technology, the content of finest dust particles in paint lines varies depending on the ambient air drawn in. If the dust content exceeded the threshold, the still wet paint could trap particles, thus visually impairing the painted surface.

AI specialists from what BMW calls its “central planning” and the Munich plant have now found a way to avoid this situation altogether: every freshly painted car body must undergo an automatic surface inspection in the paint shop. [Read more…] about BMW applies AI dust particle analysis to ‘increase paint shop quality’

Ford installs team of collaborative robots on Fiesta assembly line

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Automaker Ford has for the first time introduced a team of collaborative robots that works alongside engineers in Cologne, Germany, to ensure every Ford Fiesta has a perfect finish.

The six cobots complete a choreographed sequence to sand the entire body surface in just 35 seconds. The initiative does not replace employees but allows operators to use their time on more complex tasks and avoid suffering the strains associated with performing repetitive tasks.

Dennis Kuhn, senior manufacturing engineer, paint shop, Ford of Europe, says: “The cobots can feel when more force needs to be applied, just like we can, and they can more easily get to hard-to-reach places, like the centre of the roof.” [Read more…] about Ford installs team of collaborative robots on Fiesta assembly line

Hyundai unveils wearable exoskeleton as part of a range of robotics developments

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Hyundai Motor Group is developing a range of robotics technologies which the company says it will roll out over the next year or two. 

Hyundai has developed a new “Vest EXoskeleton” (VEX), a wearable robot created to assist industrial workers who spend long hours working in overhead environments.

The VEX enhances productivity and reduces fatigue of industrial workers by imitating the movement of human joints to boost load support and mobility. [Read more…] about Hyundai unveils wearable exoskeleton as part of a range of robotics developments

International Space Station creating new biological life forms

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The International Space Station is creating new biological life forms using “cutting-edge 3D biomanufacturing”.

3D printing – also known as additive manufacturing – is a well-known method of making things here on Earth, and on the ISS, but this method uses materials such as plastics and metals.

However, 3D biomanufacturing uses biological materials such as new tissue or blood vessels. (See video below.) [Read more…] about International Space Station creating new biological life forms

Dürr and BMW win award for smart painting technique

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Robotics and automation technology company Dürr and automaker BMW have won an award for developing a new robotic painting system.

The companies received the award for technique for their concept of a “smart paint shop” at the Surcar 2017 event in Cannes, France.

The jury at Surcar, which is said to be the world’s leading biennial congress on automotive body finishing, traditionally selects the winners for three awards.  [Read more…] about Dürr and BMW win award for smart painting technique

Continental selects Cypress microcontrollers for automotive platform

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cypress traveo mcu

Continental selects Cypress Traveo II MCU for next-generation body electronics platform

Cypress Semiconductor says Continental has selected its automotive microcontrollers for its next-generation body electronics platform.

Cypress designed the Traveo II family specifically to deliver the performance, scalability, low power consumption and security required for emerging automotive platforms.

The solution will support Continental in providing their customers with a broad range of options for a variety of products, including central body control modules, door, window and sunroof control units, seat control units, smartphone terminals and wireless power charging units.  [Read more…] about Continental selects Cypress microcontrollers for automotive platform

Zeiss opens car body and automated inspection center in Michigan

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zeiss car body inspection
Zeiss Car Body and Automated Inspection Center in Michigan. (PRNewsFoto/Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology)

Zeiss Industrial Metrology has opened a new facility in Wixom, Michigan, that the company says is dedicated to the latest developments for the process chain in car body metrology and automated inspection.

Bob Wasilesky, key account manager for automated inspection at Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology, says: “This center helps us illustrate how to make production more efficient in line, in the measuring room, and in-between.

“This means production and quality can find solutions to problems anytime, from anywhere in the manufacturing facility. Zeiss also showcases solutions for robotic inspection, quality and process data mining, plus measurement planning and offline programming.”  [Read more…] about Zeiss opens car body and automated inspection center in Michigan

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