Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

capabilities

Intel’s new AI chip enables ‘real-time learning for robots’

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Intel Labs, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology and the Technical University of Munich, has introduced a new approach to neural network-based object learning.

It specifically targets future applications like robotic assistants that interact with unconstrained environments, including in logistics, healthcare or elderly care.

This research is a crucial step in improving the capabilities of future assistive or manufacturing robots. It uses neuromorphic computing through new interactive online object learning methods to enable robots to learn new objects after deployment. [Read more…] about Intel’s new AI chip enables ‘real-time learning for robots’

3 Capabilities of an Electronic Manufacturing Services Company

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The process of manufacturing in-demand gadgets like phones and TVs follows several phases. In effect, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has to research and develop a design that meets current consumer needs.

Because of these current demands, most manufacturers build their products in-house or outsource related tasks. The latter has become a standard option for most OEMs as they focus on researching possible product improvements.

The subcontractors who handle these tasks do so in what’s referred to as electronic manufacturing services (EMS). Specialized engineering experts like Nortech Systems help OEMs attain their project goals.

The cost will depend on the complexity of the tasks and the current stage of product development. [Read more…] about 3 Capabilities of an Electronic Manufacturing Services Company

Mitsubishi Electric to build new factory in India

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Mitsubishi Electric says it will invest approximately 3.1 billion yen ($22.3 million) in its subsidiary Mitsubishi Electric India to establish a new factory in India.

Expected to start operations in December 2023, the new factory will manufacture inverters and other factory automation control system products, expanding the company’s capabilities to meet the growing demand in India.

The rapidly growing Indian market is expanding at an annual rate of about 8% mainly in industries such as automobiles, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, data centers, and textiles, with further market expansion expected in the future. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric to build new factory in India

Avidbots and Maplesoft partner to design new autonomous commercial cleaning systems

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Avidbots, a maker of commercial robotic cleaning systems, and Maplesoft, a provider of modeling and calculation software for engineering and research, have agreed a strategic partnership to “bring more innovation to autonomous cleaning robot design for commercial customers”.

Warehouses and retail businesses are frequently turning to tech to provide efficient, cost-effective cleaning options for essential commercial cleaning tasks, say the companies.

Finding efficient cleaning solutions has been made challenging by unpredictable staffing and the additional Covid-related surface disinfection steps. [Read more…] about Avidbots and Maplesoft partner to design new autonomous commercial cleaning systems

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

Trimble implements new localization system for autonomous vehicles

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Trimble has released details of the first deployment of its map-based localization system for land-based autonomous vehicle applications.

IHI Corporation, a heavy industry manufacturer based in Japan, will retrofit its existing container and haulage trucks with a customized Applanix POS LV system as part of its broader autonomy capabilities for the transport of goods around industrial facilities.

Map-based localization provides precise positioning and orientation estimation, augmenting GNSS/inertial data, which is critical for safe and efficient autonomous vehicle operations. The ability to provide IHI Corporation a full workflow and real-time data ensures seamless integration into IHI’s truck design. [Read more…] about Trimble implements new localization system for autonomous vehicles

OTTO Motors releases new software for fleet manage of autonomous mobile robots

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OTTO Motors, a leading provider of autonomous mobile robots, released software giving customers “better visibility and depth” of their fleet’s performance.

Jay Judkowitz, VP of product at OTTO Motors, says: “Over the last few years, we’ve seen facilities test AMRs for automating material handling. Today, they are no longer testing, they are operationalizing.

“As a result, our customers’ needs are evolving and we are with them. This software release is about giving operators better visibility and depth of their fleet’s performance including dashboards, analytics, video playbacks, and troubleshooting capabilities that are unmatched in the market. [Read more…] about OTTO Motors releases new software for fleet manage of autonomous mobile robots

Advanced Navigation launches AI-powered autonomous undersea robot

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Advanced Navigation, a manufacturer of artificial intelligence-based navigation and robotics systems, has launched Hydrus, an autonomous subsea robot that combines “the most advanced navigation, sonar and communication capabilities of any autonomous underwater vessel”.

This advanced technology is combined with a 4K 60 camera in an “incredibly small form factor”.

Advanced Navigation says Hydrus “hugely simplifies” underwater data collection and inspection and overcomes many existing cost barriers. [Read more…] about Advanced Navigation launches AI-powered autonomous undersea robot

Matthews International to open facility to refurbishment calender rolls for battery production

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Matthews International says it expects to open its state-of-the-art service facility for the refurbishment of calender rolls for lithium-ion battery electrode production in June 2022 in San Antonio, Texas.

This facility, part of Matthews’ Saueressig Engineering and Energy division, supports the growth of its North American energy business, serving the rapidly growing renewable energy market.

Joe Bartolacci, president and CEO, says: “We are very excited about the start-up of our San Antonio facility, designed to apply our published patents for use of dry electrodes in the production and reconditioning of lithium-ion batteries and multiple roll calenders (MRCs). [Read more…] about Matthews International to open facility to refurbishment calender rolls for battery production

Nvidia unveils Isaac Nova Orin to accelerate development of autonomous mobile robots

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Next time socks, cereal or sandpaper shows up in hours delivered to your doorstep, consider the behind-the-scenes logistics acrobatics that help get them there so fast.

Order fulfillment is a massive industry of moving parts. Heavily supported by autonomous mobile robots, warehouses can span 1 million square feet, expanding and reconfiguring to meet demands.

It’s an obstacle course of workers and bottlenecks for hospitals, retailers, airports, manufacturers and others. [Read more…] about Nvidia unveils Isaac Nova Orin to accelerate development of autonomous mobile robots