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The big AMR fleet computing debate: Distributed vs centralized

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By Limor Schweitzer, CTO and founder, MOV.AI

A shift in mobile robot computing needs

Over the past year, we have seen the growing adoption of centralized computing in Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) fleets. In this article, we ask if this trend is the best approach, especially in advanced deployments with a large number of AMRs and dynamic, non-sterile environments.

Past generations of AMRs, or more accurately Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), operated in sterile environments, with physically marked fixed routes and simple, predefined tasks. The computing requirements were almost nonexistent. [Read more…] about The big AMR fleet computing debate: Distributed vs centralized

ZF and VinFast to launch autonomous driving systems scalable to higher levels

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VinFast, a fast-growing vehicle manufacturer in Vietnam, says it will launch vehicle platforms that feature “higher level automated functions” in the near future, utilizing automotive systems maker ZF’s expertise in hardware, software and system integration.

Le Thi Thu Thuy, VinFast Global CEO, says: “Our companies are an outstanding match as our goals for mobility are perfectly aligned.

“The future is both electric and automated as we seek to help protect our environment while providing transportation that enhances safety, convenience and efficiency. We will work together to achieve this vision for VinFast customers as we expand our sales around the world.” [Read more…] about ZF and VinFast to launch autonomous driving systems scalable to higher levels

Governor Whitmer launches ‘first’ US wireless electric vehicle charging road system

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the award of a contract to build a first in the United States public wireless in-road charging system allowing electric vehicles to charge while in motion and stationary.

A company called Electreon has been selected to build an electric road system in Detroit as part of the inductive vehicle charging pilot program.

Governor Whitmer says: “As we aim to lead the future of mobility and electrification by boosting electric vehicle production and lowering consumer costs, a wireless in-road charging system is the next piece to the puzzle for sustainability. [Read more…] about Governor Whitmer launches ‘first’ US wireless electric vehicle charging road system

Welding and automation integration company Central McGowan completes its third acquisition of the year

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Central McGowan, a supplier of gases and technology for manufacturing the upper Midwest and a Fanuc- and Lincoln-authorized integrator, has completed the acquisition of Preferred Welder Sales in Mankato, Minnesota – bringing its acquisition roster for 2021 to three. 

The company acquired Metro Welding Supply in Minneapolis, Minnesota. in April and Fessler Carbonic Gas in Des Moines, Iowa in March.

According to Joe Francis, president/CEO, these acquisitions complement Central McGowan’s current business while strengthening its presence in key market areas. All three of these companies were independently operated, highly successful businesses with owners seeking to retire and wanting a way to continue what they each started. [Read more…] about Welding and automation integration company Central McGowan completes its third acquisition of the year

Central Tuli Game Reserve becomes first ‘Smart Parks system’ in Botswana

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The Timbo Afrika Foundation and Smart Parks have implemented the “first Smart Parks system in Botswana”. From now on, African wildlife will be protected in the Central Tuli Game Reserve with smart, advanced technology. Moreover, this enables the relocation and introduction of endangered and disappeared animal species.

The game reserve consists of roughly 70,0000 hectares, partly bought by investor and philanthropist Albert Hartog, who wants to clear the area of old fences and barbed wire to create a “wildlife corridor”.

A free and safe connection between adjacent nature reserves to allow wildlife to walk their original migration routes. During the installation executed by Smart Parks last April, a LoRaWAN network with five gateway installations and several sensors were successfully deployed. [Read more…] about Central Tuli Game Reserve becomes first ‘Smart Parks system’ in Botswana

BlueBotics to give digital demonstration of path to mobile robot development

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BlueBotics, a provider of autonomous navigation technology, is attending this year’s ProMat Digital Experience (DX) event to highlight how it can help smooth the path to successful automated guided vehicle and mobile robot development, installation and operation.

During the digital event, which runs from April 12 to 16, BlueBotics will explain and fully demonstrate the benefits of its ANT natural feature navigation – ranging from quick and simple vehicle installation to robust, accurate ongoing operations and cross-platform fleet scale-up, whereby a growing range of diverse ANT driven vehicles can adapt to a business’ evolving needs.

BlueBotics’ team of autonomous navigation experts will be on hand via the company’s showcase page to answer visitor questions and to arrange any meetings required to dive deeper into any company’s specific AGV development or investment needs. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to give digital demonstration of path to mobile robot development

Bosch wins orders worth ‘billions’ for vehicle computers

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Automotive technology giant Bosch says it is winning orders worth “billions” for vehicle computers. Cars today each integrate hundreds of computer chips of various kinds, but few have central computers on board (see image below). 

In modern cars, intelligence counts for a lot, and Bosch says its vehicle computers are there to provide it. These computers, the new all-rounders of automotive electronics, are incorporating ever more functions of individual control units into central, highly powerful electronic modules.

For more than a year now, Bosch vehicle computers have been controlling functions such as driver assistance systems and motion in production vehicles. And soon, they will be joined by central computers for cockpit functions and body electronics. [Read more…] about Bosch wins orders worth ‘billions’ for vehicle computers

Central McGowan expands its highly automated distribution hub

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Central McGowan is expanding its Fargo, North Dakota CO2 distribution hub, with the intention of turning it into a fully-stocked retail store and distribution site.

Central McGowan is a supplier of gases and technology for the manufacturing, welding, medical, and food and beverage industries in the upper Midwest. And the company is a Fanuc-authorized integrator of automation or robotic solutions

Central McGowan’s Fargo store is located at 1226 38th St N, Fargo, ND 58102 (next to the newly painted water tower). The store officially opens today. Central McGowan has had a presence in the area since 2017, when it acquired Pro-CO2. [Read more…] about Central McGowan expands its highly automated distribution hub

UBTech robots being used to control coronavirus in Wuhan

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UBTech is supplying its robotics and artificial intelligence technologies in the ongoing effort to control coronavirus in China. 

The AI robots have been installed in healthcare settings as well as commercial environment as people get back to work.

As shown in the main picture above, people starting to return to work are being greeted by people alongside robots. [Read more…] about UBTech robots being used to control coronavirus in Wuhan

Starship robots to deliver lunch to 180,000 workers in Milton Keynes

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Robots made by Starship Technologies have expanded into central Milton Keynes, UK and are delivering lunch to 180,000 workers.

Customers in central Milton Keynes will have access to robot delivery for the first time from some of the town’s most popular brands, says the company.

Starship Technologies is celebrating two years of commercial operation in the UK, and the rollout of its robot delivery service in central Milton Keynes is part of its celebrations. [Read more…] about Starship robots to deliver lunch to 180,000 workers in Milton Keynes