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Kuka partners with Shenyang Institute of Technology

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Kuka Robotics has officially opened its Kuka Institute at the Shenyang Institute of Technology as part of the “2024 Kuka Robotics School-Enterprise Cooperation Conference”.

The aim of the partnership between Kuka China and the institute is to educate talent with the changing technological and industrial needs in mind. This initiative is a significant step in promoting collaboration between academia and industry.

The collaboration includes the signing of a cooperation agreement between the institute and Kuka China, the creation of a platform for talent development, and the awarding of the prestigious title “Kuka Authorized Industrial Robotics Institute” to the Shenyang Institute of Technology. [Read more…] about Kuka partners with Shenyang Institute of Technology

Learning from Apple: Designed in the West, manufactured in the East

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Apple wasn’t always the 3.75 trillion-dollar company it is today. The company was close to bankruptcy in 1997, before Steve Jobs returned to launch newly designed and eye-catching products – like the first multi-coloured iMac range, the iPod and then the iPhone – and put the company on the journey to become the modern corporate phenomenon that it is today.

In today’s globalised economy, Apple could now be said to be the quintessential example of a company that designs its products in the United States while manufacturing them in China and across Asia.

Apple is not, of course, unique in this approach. Many other companies have been doing this for a long time. Such companies used to be called “multinationals” before the internet made the term almost redundant.

[Read more…] about Learning from Apple: Designed in the West, manufactured in the East

Heraeus inaugurates new facility in China

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Heraeus Electronics Technology – a Germany-headquartered company specializing in the production of electronics components and special materials – has officially started operations at the Changshu New & Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone (CNZ), Jiangsu Province.

Heraeus produces electronics materials such as metal ceramic substrates, serves high-quality development in fields like electric vehicles and new energies, and says it “supports China in achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new facility, Jan Rinnert, chairman and CEO of Heraeus Group, said: “Today marks a significant further expansion of our presence and coincides with the 50th anniversary of Heraeus in China.

[Read more…] about Heraeus inaugurates new facility in China

ZF opens new e-mobility manufacturing plant in China

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ZF has opened a new e-mobility plant, known as ZF Electric Mobility Systems, Shenyang.

As ZF’s third e-mobility plant in China, Shenyang plant gathers ZF’s advanced technology and innovative concepts, and will produce and sell advanced products such as electric axle drives for new energy vehicles, to provide more high-quality and high-efficiency e-mobility solutions for customers in China and the world.

The main products of the Shenyang plant are the electric axle drives for new energy vehicles. Its core components are based on ZF’s modular kit electric drive platform and cover both front and rear axles, including motors, power electronics and reducers. [Read more…] about ZF opens new e-mobility manufacturing plant in China

Robot Era raises $42 million and unleashes humanoids to traverse Gobi Desert in China

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Robot Era, a Chinese developer of humanoid robots, has tested its next-generation humanoid robot, the Star 1, in the challenging terrain of northwestern China’s Gobi Desert.

This exercise aimed to highlight the robot’s adaptability to real-world natural environments.

Two units of the flagship Star 1 were put through their paces during a running test in Yumen, a prefecture-level city in Gansu, renowned for its stunning red-sandstone Danxia landforms. [Read more…] about Robot Era raises $42 million and unleashes humanoids to traverse Gobi Desert in China

Autonomous trucks: How the US, EU, and China are commercializing driverless logistics

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By Shihao Fu, technology analyst at IDTechEx

The commercialization of Autonomous driving technology in the trucking industry has rapidly advanced in 2024, presenting substantial potential to address critical industry challenges such as high operational costs, driver shortages, and safety concerns.

It is expected that the global trucking fleet will be supported by an additional half million L4 autonomous drivers, while the remaining drivers will either transition into supervisory roles or continue to operate in less developed regions.

IDTechEx’s recent research on more than 10 companies in the autonomous trucking sector reveals that the industry has officially entered the commercialization phase, marked by deep collaborations across the global supply chain.

[Read more…] about Autonomous trucks: How the US, EU, and China are commercializing driverless logistics

Enthusiasm ‘high’ for SPS as international firms pursue Chinese market growth

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Advancing rapidly in both capability and application, intelligent manufacturing technologies have become increasingly important enablers of China’s ongoing industrial transformation.

For years, SPS – Smart Production Solutions has contributed to the industry’s development. The event has grown into a leading showcase platform for next-generation automation solutions, expanding its influence beyond South China into the wider Southeast Asian market.

In 2025, it will once again bring together top brands from the domestic and international markets to present their latest advancements in intelligent manufacturing and accelerate the industry’s technological development. [Read more…] about Enthusiasm ‘high’ for SPS as international firms pursue Chinese market growth

Autonomous truck costs: Key differences between the US and China

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Global analysis of total cost of ownership for autonomous trucks: Key differences and driving factors in the US and China. By Shihao Fu, technology analyst at IDTechEx

The autonomous truck industry is experiencing a significant revival, with vehicle delivery numbers continuously breaking records. Companies across Asia, Europe, and the United States are eagerly advancing into the commercialization testing phase.

Autonomous trucks are addressing critical real-world issues by reducing transportation costs and optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through meticulous, practical calculations.

[Read more…] about Autonomous truck costs: Key differences between the US and China

Inceptio delivers massive order of 400 autonomous trucks to ZTO

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Inceptio Technology, a developer of autonomous driving technologies for heavy-duty trucks, has completed delivery of 400 Inceptio-powered autonomous heavy-duty trucks to ZTO Express, a fast-growing express delivery company in China.

This milestone marks the largest single delivery of intelligent heavy-duty trucks globally, significantly enhancing the smart logistics industry.

The trucks, jointly developed with Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company, are pre-loaded with Inceptio’s Autonomous Driving System, marking another critical step towards the mass commercialization of autonomous logistics solutions. [Read more…] about Inceptio delivers massive order of 400 autonomous trucks to ZTO

Megvii implements smart warehouse solution for Colgate in China

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Colgate, the toothpaste and personal care giant, has teamed up with Megvii Automation & Robotics to upgrade traditional warehouses.

Megvii has implemented its “Matrix8 Storage”, which is a smart solution for high density storage using 4 way pallet shuttles, aiming to enhance storage capacity and customer satisfaction for Colgate’s clients through intelligent upgrade.

Colgate was founded in 1806, headquartered in New York, USA, and is committed to improving consumers’ quality of life through innovative products and high-quality services. [Read more…] about Megvii implements smart warehouse solution for Colgate in China