Robotics & Automation News

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Electric Future: MIT showcases electric autonomous boat technology

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If you like the idea of zero-emissions travel on the water, an electric autonomous boat might be the right mode of transportation for you.

Scientists from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and the Senseable City Laboratory, together with Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS Institute) in the Netherlands, have been showcasing the final project in their self-navigating trilogy: a full-scale, fully autonomous robotic boat that’s ready to be deployed along the canals of Amsterdam.

“Roboat” has come a long way since the team first started prototyping small vessels in the MIT pool in late 2015. Last year, the team released their half-scale, medium model that was 2 meters long and demonstrated promising navigational prowess.

This year, two full-scale Roboats were launched, proving more than just proof-of-concept: these craft can comfortably carry up to five people, collect waste, deliver goods, and provide on-demand infrastructure. [Read more…] about Electric Future: MIT showcases electric autonomous boat technology

Boston Dynamics joins Persistent Systems mobile telecommunications ecosystem

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Persistent Systems, a provider of mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, says that mobile robotics company Boston Dynamics has joined its Relay Ecosystem.

The Ecosystem is an industry alliance of unmanned system and sensor producers all using the Wave Relay MANET as their preferred network for command-and-control and communications.

As part of its agreement with Boston Dynamics, Persistent will supply the MANET devices used on robots sold to defense, public safety, law enforcement and US federal government customers. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics joins Persistent Systems mobile telecommunications ecosystem

Robotics and Automation in Gardening

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Robotics and automation in gardening can be quite challenging. For example, it is possible to increase crop yields while decreasing labor costs. But this requires that robotics be built with sustainability in mind. Read this article to learn about some of the challenges robotics face in agriculture.  [Read more…] about Robotics and Automation in Gardening

Japanese robot manufacturer Sugino Machine partners with Cenit to develop digital twin technology

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Cenit and Sugino Machine have agreed on a strategic partnership to further refine Sugino’s robotics and automation solutions. Cenit’s FastSuite E2 software will provide the technology basis for the collaboration.

Sugino Machine is one of Japan’s leading providers of machine tools, industrial robots and automation solutions.

Based in Namekawa City and employing about 1,200 staff, the machine maker boasts a broad portfolio covering development, production and sales of high-pressure jet cleaning equipment, drilling units and equipment for inspection and maintenance of nuclear power plants. [Read more…] about Japanese robot manufacturer Sugino Machine partners with Cenit to develop digital twin technology

Ag-tech startup Saga Robotics delivers ‘excellent results’ in ‘biggest season yet’

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Saga Robotics says it has delivered “excellent results” in the company’s “biggest season yet”.

Last year, in what’s described as “a world-first”, the ag-tech company removed the requirement for fungicides to control strawberry powdery mildew. This season’s results consolidate the company’s status as a “stable and serious provider of automated integrated pest management”, according to Saga.

Saga Robotics is pleased to announce that its autonomous robotic platform, Thorvald has had its biggest season to date, operating and treating strawberry plants at Clock House Farm with UV-C light to control powdery mildew.

The ag-tech company says it achieved “complete control” of the pathogen treating all of Clock House Farm’s 30 hectares of tabletop crops. [Read more…] about Ag-tech startup Saga Robotics delivers ‘excellent results’ in ‘biggest season yet’

Reinforcing the value of simulation: Teaching dexterity to a real robot hand

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Nvidia researchers show how training in simulation enables the transfer of complex manipulation skills to a robot hand with project DeXtreme

The human hand is one of the most remarkable outcomes of millions of years of evolution. The ability to pick up all sorts of objects and use them as tools is a crucial differentiator allowing us to shape the world around us.

For robots to work in the everyday human world, the ability to deftly interact with our tools and the environment around them is critical. Without that capability, they will continue to be useful only in specialized domains such as factories or warehouses.

While it has been possible to teach robots with legs how to walk for some time, robots with hands have generally proven to be much trickier to control. A hand with fingers has more joints, and they must move in specific coordinated ways to accomplish a given task. [Read more…] about Reinforcing the value of simulation: Teaching dexterity to a real robot hand

Tormach launches new industrial robotic arm for under $20,000

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Tormach, a supplier of “affordable and compact” CNC machines, has launched its latest product, the ZA6 robot.

The company says the ZA6 robot is built to industrial standards, utilizing EtherCAT servo motors, harmonic gear drives, and aluminum castings. It can carry a 6 kg payload through a reach of 975 mm with impressive speed and repeatability.

Requiring only 20 A of single-phase 220 VAC, it can be installed almost anywhere. At less than $20,000, it represents “one of the best-value robots on the market”, according to Tormach. [Read more…] about Tormach launches new industrial robotic arm for under $20,000

Addverb and McMurray Stern partner to offer ‘next-generation’ warehouse robotics to customers

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Addverb has agreed a new partnership with mobile storage and warehouse automation leader McMurray Stern.

Combining McMurray Stern’s fully integrated storage options with Addverb’s fixed and flexible solutions featuring its proprietary software, will enable new and existing customers to fully customize and optimize their picking, packing, storage and other automation systems.

The combined integrations will deliver innovative automation solutions for businesses across industries such as apparel, grocery, retail, healthcare, and for the government. [Read more…] about Addverb and McMurray Stern partner to offer ‘next-generation’ warehouse robotics to customers

Rockwell Automation and Comau partner to showcase robot control solutions at Automation Fair

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Since launching their collaboration in 2021, Comau and Rockwell Automation have been jointly working to leverage the power of robotic solutions to help businesses increase the speed of innovation and maximize their manufacturing efficiencies.

Now, Comau will join Rockwell Automation at the 31st annual Automation Fair, November 16-17 in Chicago, Illinois (booth #1135) to showcase the benefits of the full integration of Comau’s articulated robots with the unified robot control platform by Rockwell Automation.

Integrating Rockwell Automation components and Comau’s robots, using one PLC for controlling both, eliminates the need for additional robot programming skills, required by other robot manufacturers. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation and Comau partner to showcase robot control solutions at Automation Fair

How is AI Revolutionizing the World of Pest Control?

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AI is one of the top new technologies in the pest control industry, as published in the report, Artificial Intelligence and IoT-Based Technologies for Sustainable Farming and Smart Agriculture.

Currently, the agricultural sector is facing big challenges owing to changes in the global climate. Increased precipitations, droughts, global warming, and extreme weather events have endangered traditional production and caused outbreaks of pests where they once were unproblematic.

As seeds, plants, and soils are exchanged internationally, pests are proliferating in many parts of the world and causing problems like pesticide resistance, secondary outbreaks, and a reduction in host plants’ resistance. [Read more…] about How is AI Revolutionizing the World of Pest Control?