Robotics & Automation News

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Parrot launches new SDK for its thermal drones

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Parrot has launched a new SDK Partner program to help both enterprise and start-ups create new applications, software and hardware to seamlessly integrate with Parrot ANAFI and ANAFI Thermal drones.

Parrot’s SDK program currently allows developers to create their own iOS and Android applications and service programs for ANAFI and ANAFI Thermal drones.

Now, industry partners will gain access to both hardware and software support, along with go-to-market strategy support to business partners across the globe. [Read more…] about Parrot launches new SDK for its thermal drones

Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

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Mitsubishi Electric has released the company’s smallest and most powerful compact programmable logic controller to date – the FX5UC series Premium Micro PLC.

The company says the new PLC’s diminutive size is set to help machine builders and manufacturers pack “ever more functionality into a smaller space”, while also providing the web access and network connectivity demanded by the latest smart factory applications.

Mitsubishi Electric launched its first range of micro controllers, the FX family of PLCs, over 35 years ago as part of the MELSEC-F series. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

ABB and B&R launch ‘first fully integrated machine-centric robotics’ solution

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B&R, a unit of ABB’s robotics and discrete automation business unit, has unveiled an initiative which involves the integration of ABB robots into its automation portfolio.

B&R says the move will enable it to offer “unprecedented levels of machine flexibility and precision”, merging robotics with machine control into one unified architecture will enable manufacturers to “embrace the trend of mass customization and optimize their lot size one processes”.

Fully integrating ABB’s robots into its automation systems means that B&R will now be able to supply machine builders with machine automation and robotics from a single source. [Read more…] about ABB and B&R launch ‘first fully integrated machine-centric robotics’ solution

SICK launches sensors that ‘clean up signal response in six axes’

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SICK has launched its first dynamic 6-axis inclination sensors – the TMS88 D and TMM88 D. It says the new sensors “achieve unrivalled measurement precision and rapid response times”.

The company adds that the sensors will “aid the real-time safe and efficient operation of outdoor vehicles and machinery, such as mobile cranes, construction and agricultural machinery, or municipal vehicles”.

The SICK TMS88 Dynamic and TMM88 Dynamic inclination sensors use inbuilt gyroscope compensation and an intelligent “sensor fusion” algorithm to clean up signal interference caused by sideways slews, shocks and vibrations. [Read more…] about SICK launches sensors that ‘clean up signal response in six axes’

ABB launches IoT Dashboard for mid-sized commercial building automation solutions

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ABB has launched its new “user-friendly IoT Dashboard” to improve usability and reduce maintenance in smart buildings.

The company’s says the launch is in response to its finding that “preventative maintenance is three to nine times cheaper than reactive maintenance”.

ABB says its IoT Dashboard is “easy to commission, simple to install and intuitive to use”, and allows stronger control, monitoring and automation of all building functions, from dimming and switching of lights to controlling blinds, heating and ventilation. [Read more…] about ABB launches IoT Dashboard for mid-sized commercial building automation solutions

Invertek Drives boosts product testing with collaborative robots

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Invertek Drives, a designer and manufacturer of variable frequency drives (VFDs), has incorporated two Universal Robots UR5 collaborative robots into the testing phase of its production line.

Earlier this year, Invertek Drives opened the doors to its new 5,500 square metre global manufacturing and distribution facility in Welshpool, UK, enabling production of up to 400,000 VFDs a year.

Its VFDs are used to control electric motors in a variety of industrial, commercial and energy-saving applications, exporting to more than 80 countries. [Read more…] about Invertek Drives boosts product testing with collaborative robots

Continental vehicle server connects VW ID electric vehicles

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Continental says its new server concept is a “central element” for the conversion to a service-oriented electronics architecture in highly connected ID electric cars.

Volkswagen uses the server as an in-car application server (ICAS1) for ID vehicle models based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB).

High computing power and a consistent separation of hardware and software are paving the way for new functions and convenient over-the-air updates. [Read more…] about Continental vehicle server connects VW ID electric vehicles

Factories can save up to 90 per cent in valve monitoring costs with wireless IoT sensors

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Factories and plants in industries – such as chemical processing, pulp and paper, water and waste-water treatment, have seen the benefits of remote valve monitoring.

Traditional retrofitted monitoring solutions, however, are costly and slow to deploy for factories with thousands of manual valves of different types.

There is a more cost-effective alternative – factories have evidenced a 90 percent reduction in retrofitting investment, by using industry-grade wireless sensors and Industrial IoT technologies. [Read more…] about Factories can save up to 90 per cent in valve monitoring costs with wireless IoT sensors

Hyundai develops ‘world’s first’ machine learning-based cruise control technology

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Hyundai says it has developed “the world’s first machine learning-based Smart Cruise Control” system. Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence. 

The automaker says the SCC-ML technology incorporates the driver’s patterns into its self-driving behavior, creating a custom experience for the driver.

The technology, an industry first, incorporates artificial intelligence within the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature. The system is planned for implementation in future Hyundai Motor Group vehicles. [Read more…] about Hyundai develops ‘world’s first’ machine learning-based cruise control technology

ExRobotics and Yokogawa to develop robotics for inspection of hazardous environments

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ExRobotics and Yokogawa Electric have signed a licensing agreement that will enable Yokogawa to sell and deploy ExRobotics’ inspection robot hardware and software platforms worldwide.

ExRobotics is a Netherlands-based developer of robotics technology for hazardous environments, and Yokogawa Electric Corporation is a global provider of industrial automation, control, and measurement technology.

ExRobotics was established in 2017 to commercialise robotics technology for use in the potentially explosive atmospheres found at oil and gas production and processing facilities, which are often in remote locations with harsh environments. [Read more…] about ExRobotics and Yokogawa to develop robotics for inspection of hazardous environments