Robotics & Automation News

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‘Robotaxis will be disruptive to conventional taxis and ride-hailing, but not car ownership’, says new report

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Robotaxis remain one of the most pursued applications for autonomous vehicle technologies today, with many developers envisioning an end to – or at least a significant reduction in – car ownership.

Developers of autonomous vehicles, specifically those focused on Level-4 self-driving vehicles, often focus on mobility services as the first application.

Not only is there a demonstrated market for taxis and ride-hailing, but it’s a market where the high costs of labor create high prices, making it a ripe opportunity for autonomous vehicle deployment. [Read more…] about ‘Robotaxis will be disruptive to conventional taxis and ride-hailing, but not car ownership’, says new report

Cleveron conducts ‘world’s first’ driving exams with a driverless semi-autonomous last-mile delivery vehicle

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Cleveron, an Estonian-based technology company, partnered with LRK Driving School to conduct what they say are “the world’s first driving exams with an unmanned semi-autonomous car”.

The exams were carried out with Cleveron’s last-mile delivery vehicle Cleveron 701. All four Cleveron specialists passed the exam and received the world’s first tele-operated vehicle certificates.

To receive the certificate, drivers first had to undergo special tele-operated vehicle training, followed by field exercises and city driving, in accordance with the Estonian examination standards. [Read more…] about Cleveron conducts ‘world’s first’ driving exams with a driverless semi-autonomous last-mile delivery vehicle

Guide: Choosing a Garage for your Car Repairs

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Choosing a garage for your car repairs can be an overwhelming and confusing task, especially if you deal with a damaged car.

The truth of the matter is that garage services are not cheap, so it is essential to do your homework and gather as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision about where to have your car fixed.

Dealing With A Damaged Car: You may find yourself in a situation where you need to call a mechanic because your car has broken down unexpectedly. This can be a very frustrating experience because dealing with an unexpected breakdown can be stressful. [Read more…] about Guide: Choosing a Garage for your Car Repairs

ABB wins prestigious IERA Award for its PixelPaint robotic painting system

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ABB’s PixelPaint robotic “non-overspray” technology for the automotive industry has won this year’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics & Automation (IERA) Award for Outstanding Achievements in Commercializing Innovative Robot and Automation Technology.

Launched in 2020, PixelPaint uses inkjet head technology to directly apply high resolution two-tone or individualized designs to a car body in a single pass, enabling manufacturers to easily meet the rising demand for customized paint jobs while eliminating wasteful overspray.

Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics Auto OEM business line, says: “We are delighted that our PixelPaint solution has been recognized for its innovative, sustainable technology that helps our customers respond to consumer requests for more personalized design. [Read more…] about ABB wins prestigious IERA Award for its PixelPaint robotic painting system

How to Reduce Any and All Dangerous Driving Habits and Stay Safe

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Since our adolescence, we have been told the rules and regulations for safe driving. However, for some reason, people continue to test the boundaries.

Whether it is due to laziness, recklessness, or perhaps stress and irritation, dangerous driving habits are really not worth the risk.

That is why it’s important to pay attention to your actions so that you can realize that the habits that you believe are harmless can be detrimental. On that note, here are simple ways to reduce your dangerous driving habits and stay safe. [Read more…] about How to Reduce Any and All Dangerous Driving Habits and Stay Safe

Baidu Apollo to launch fully driverless ride-hailing services in Beijing

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Baidu Apollo will launch fully driverless robotaxi services to the public in Beijing starting from May 2, 2021.

This will be China’s first paid autonomous vehicle service where users can hail a robotaxi without a safety driver behind the steering wheel, marking a landmark step on the road to commercialization of autonomous driving.

The fully driverless Apollo Go Robotaxi service will first be launched in Beijing’s Shougang Park – one of the venues for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics – and will soon be transporting visitors at the games. [Read more…] about Baidu Apollo to launch fully driverless ride-hailing services in Beijing

Continental to increase investment into developing autonomous mobility systems

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Continental is planning to increase its investment into developing autonomous mobility systems from €200 million to €250 million this year.

The company, which is mainly known as a manufacturer of tyres and related technologies, says it will create a separate business unit for autonomous mobility in 2022.

The reason for the additional funds in the area is because of the trends in the industry. [Read more…] about Continental to increase investment into developing autonomous mobility systems

SEAT introduces Effidence autonomous mobile robots at Martorell, Spain plant

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European automaker SEAT, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, has introduced two autonomous, collaborative mobile robots that adapt to the needs of employees to help them with tasks such as transporting parts.

The AMRs – called EffiBOTs, originally made by Effidence – have been integrated into the operations at the automaker’s Martorell plant in Spain.

SEAT says the incorporation of the AMRs at the Martorell factory continues the development and implementation of digital tools and solutions to make the facility a smarter, more digitalised and increasingly connected factory. [Read more…] about SEAT introduces Effidence autonomous mobile robots at Martorell, Spain plant

Porsche Engineering developing ‘intelligent vehicles’ with computer games engines

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Porsche Engineering, technology service provider and wholly owned subsidiary of Porsche, is using games engines from the computer games industry to develop the intelligent vehicle of the future.

Game engines – popular examples include Unity and Unreal – generate photorealistic images and ensure the physically correct behavior of objects in computer and video games.

Among other uses, Porsche Engineering utilizes these software packages for the virtual development and testing of highly automated driving functions. [Read more…] about Porsche Engineering developing ‘intelligent vehicles’ with computer games engines

sharetoo – mobility by Porsche Bank supported by MOQO

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Porsche Bank expands its sharing for companies and communities

Under the brand “sharetoo – mobility by Porsche Bank”, the Austrian financial services provider for motor vehicles has been involved in the car sharing market for several years.

Currently, sharetoo services are available in Austria, Romania and Serbia. Porsche Bank plans to add to its portfolio by rolling them out in other countries as well. As a partner, Porsche Bank relies on the shared mobility experts from MOQO in Aachen, Germany. [Read more…] about sharetoo – mobility by Porsche Bank supported by MOQO