Robotics & Automation News

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Hyundai walking car concept for the ‘first responder’ industry

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Any first responder will tell you that the first 72 hours following a natural disaster are the most crucial to saving lives.

However, often times due to the nature of the disaster (forest fire, earthquake, hurricane, or flood), it can be difficult for search-and-rescue and humanitarian aid missions to reach and get immediate help to those in need.

The need for efficient, rapid, resilient transportation for disaster assistance is what led Hyundai to develop the first-ever vehicle with moveable legs.

[Read more…] about Hyundai walking car concept for the ‘first responder’ industry

Industrial Internet Consortium launches series of challenges

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The Industrial Internet Consortium has launched a series of “IoT Challenges” aimed at solving real problems and advancing the validation of industrial internet applications and solutions.

The current Challenges are co-organized with the Trusted IoT Alliance.

In an interview with Robotics and Automation News, Dr Richard Soley, executive director of the IIC, provides an overview and some insights into what the IIC is and what it does. (See video below.)

In these Challenges, architects and solution providers will compete to design industrial internet solutions that address high-profile, real-world problems. [Read more…] about Industrial Internet Consortium launches series of challenges

Sony and Docomo to test driverless concept vehicle via 5G trial network in Guam

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Sony Corporation and NTT Docomo, Inc. will jointly trial Sony’s conceptual driverless vehicle, the New Concept Cart SC-1, which uses 5G mobile technologies for various remotely controlled functions.

The test will be conducted using the trial network in Docomo 5G Open Lab Guam, which will provide test facilities and an outdoor verification environment constructed by Docomo.

The test will verify data transmission and operational performance required to remotely control the cart from a long distance via the extra-high speed, large capacity, low latency and massive-device connectivity.

[Read more…] about Sony and Docomo to test driverless concept vehicle via 5G trial network in Guam

Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

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Sick has launched a new compact image-based code reader, Lector621, for reliable detection of 1D, 2D, stacked codes, and plain text.

The high-performance DPM – direct part marking – decoder can read laser or dot-peened codes perfectly, even in the case of low contrast levels, contamination, or poor code quality.

This fills a gap in Sick’s existing portfolio of code readers, by providing a compact solution with increased reading distance, resolution, field of vision, and scanning frequency. [Read more…] about Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

Designworks collaborates with Shell to improve hydrogen refuelling

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Ergonomic nozzle of Shell H2 Dispenser Concept_ by Designworks

BMW Group subsidiary Designworks and Shell have collaborated in the development of an innovative hydrogen dispenser that will improve the refuelling experience.

Designworks and Shell say that hydrogen vehicles have proved to be “increasingly suitable” for everyday use and offer the potential to become an important low carbon transport option for the future.

The new dispenser design will create a seamless experience for hydrogen drivers on the forecourt and help to encourage the adoption of hydrogen as a transport fuel of the future.  [Read more…] about Designworks collaborates with Shell to improve hydrogen refuelling

Volkswagen launches its first autonomous and electric concept car

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Volkswagen’s new concept autonomous and electric car, Sedric
Volkswagen’s new concept autonomous and electric car, Sedric

Volkswagen has unveiled what it says is its first autonomous concept car, describing it as a “comfortable lounge on wheels”. 

The company claims to be the first automobile manufacturer to present an integrated mobility concept for mobility of the future in road traffic, including a concept car developed from scratch for autonomous driving.

Volkswagen says “Sedric”, the name of the new self-driving car, provides an insight into the future of individual mobility that can be used by everyone, but which can be geared to personal needs.

Volkswagen says Sedric highlights the major importance of fully automated driving in the future strategy of the company.  [Read more…] about Volkswagen launches its first autonomous and electric concept car

Mercedes invests in Starship Technologies delivery robots

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Mercedes-Starship combo
The mothership can’t save you so yo’ robots is gon’ get left… the Mercedes-Starship combo

Mercedes-Benz Vans has invested a large amount of money in Starship Technologies, the maker of small delivery robots making the headlines for taking pizzas here and there.

The company says the move furthers its strategic future initiative, dubbed “adVANce”.

Mercedes-Benz Vans calls Starship Technologies “the world’s leading start-up company for the development of ground-based, autonomous delivery robots”.  [Read more…] about Mercedes invests in Starship Technologies delivery robots

Bewildered by BYOD? Confused by cloud? Here’s a simple introduction

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palm treo 300

Cloud-based automation software can make BYOD a secure and practical option for businesses. This kind of capability offers a tempting possibility for many businesses, as Howard Williams, marketing director of digital engagement specialist Parker Software, explains 

It might seem like they’ve been around forever, but smartphones have only been ubiquitous for the past five years. 

Before that, devices such as Handspring’s innovative Palm Treo series (pictured above)  were too far ahead of their time to take off.

The same rings true for bring your own device (BYOD), a concept that has existed for years but is only now able to be securely realised.  [Read more…] about Bewildered by BYOD? Confused by cloud? Here’s a simple introduction

CNH launches driverless tractor for agriculture applications

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CNH Industrial, the agricultural technology giant, is showcasing its new autonomous tractor (see video below).

The company says the driverless vehicle will boost precision and productivity in the farming sector.

CNH says the autonomous tractor will enable better use of labor, integration into current machinery fleets, and bring the flexibility to work unmanned around the clock with real time data monitoring – and, in the future, the ability to automatically respond to weather events.

That’s what the concept autonomous tractor technology developed by CNH Industrial could bring to future world agriculture, following its public preview at the 2016 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, USA.  [Read more…] about CNH launches driverless tractor for agriculture applications

Audi boasts its piloted driving tech is the best in the world

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Audi is claiming its autonomous driving technology is the best in the world. The company says a recent test of one of its autonomous cars “once again confirms its leading role in the field of piloted driving”.

Audi was testing its latest research car, the Audi A7, and the piloted driving concept which for some reason it has called “Jack”.

Apparently “Jack” has “not only learned how to autonomously perform all of its driving manoeuvers on the expressway”, but also…  [Read more…] about Audi boasts its piloted driving tech is the best in the world