Robotics & Automation News

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Heliogen demonstrates autonomous robot designed to reduce installation and maintenance costs of solar plants

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Bill Gates-backed company Heliogen, a provider of concentrated solar power, has unveiled a new robot which it describes as a “technological breakthrough” in the production of low-cost renewable energy.

In field tests at Heliogen’s Lancaster, California facility, the company successfully completed the first technical demonstration of an autonomous field maintenance system, Heliogen’s Installation & Cleaning Autonomous Robot & Utility Solution, or “ICARUS”. (See video below.)

By bringing the same advanced technologies that enable its AI-enabled concentrated solar power systems to the task of installing and maintaining those systems, the company’s latest innovation is expected to significantly reduce the time to implement its concentrated solar facilities, as well as the costs associated with construction and ongoing maintenance. [Read more…] about Heliogen demonstrates autonomous robot designed to reduce installation and maintenance costs of solar plants

Rescale provides high-performance computing software solutions for industry

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Rescale is a technology company that builds cloud software and services enabling individuals and organizations to deliver engineering and scientific breakthroughs that enrich humanity.

This software is built on the most powerful High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure available. Rescale matches and optimizes software applications together with the best computer architecture in the cloud or on-premise to seamlessly run complex data processing and simulations.

The Rescale HPC infrastructure management platform includes over 700 of the most widely used and powerful engineering and scientific applications. Furthermore, Rescale partners with the four largest cloud service providers. [Read more…] about Rescale provides high-performance computing software solutions for industry

Specialist ‘robotics-as-a-service’ startup lets manufacturers ‘hire’ popular robots at ‘low hourly rate’

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A new robotics-as-a-service company Formic Technologies has launched with a simple value proposition: hire fully customized robots from top vendors at a “low hourly rate and no upfront cost”.

To help small and medium-size manufacturers benefit from automation, Formic handles every aspect of a financing and implementation – from scoping, engineering, purchasing, implementation, and maintenance. The company also guarantees uptime, with customers paying nothing for system downtime.

Traditionally, manufacturers buy robots, which is a lengthy, complex, inflexible, and expensive process. These barriers to entry are so high for smaller manufacturers that they often refrain from implementing automation altogether. [Read more…] about Specialist ‘robotics-as-a-service’ startup lets manufacturers ‘hire’ popular robots at ‘low hourly rate’

Ranpak launches ‘completely automated packaging solution’ in North America

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Ranpak, a provider of paper-based packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains, has launched its AutoFill solution in North America.

AutoFill is described as a “next-generation, fully automated end-of-line packaging solution that enhances throughput, reduces labor costs, and ensures the optimal amount of void fill in each package”.

Ranpak’s proprietary solution uses smart sensors to scan the package, computing the box size and the volume of objects inside, and then dispenses the optimal amount of paper needed to protect items during shipping. [Read more…] about Ranpak launches ‘completely automated packaging solution’ in North America

Maximising uptime in industrial robotics

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Castrol’s advanced lubricants for robotic applications are designed to reduce industrial robot downtime while having a positive effect on the quality, cost and efficiency of your production process.

Industrial robots have transformed manufacturing companies across every industry, helping to increase quality and efficiency while decrease costs.

However, the threat of unplanned downtime caused by robotic failure remains a challenge for factories looking to enhance levels of automation. A single minute of interruption can cost an automotive manufacturer dearly. [Read more…] about Maximising uptime in industrial robotics

How Does the Value of Your Car Influence Insurance Cost?

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Owning and driving a car is unquestionably expensive in Singapore, and this fact represents a key reason why so few people – around 11 per cent – do own vehicles in this small country.

As a driver and car owner, it is easy to lose track of at least some of the many small costs you will have, all of which can together add up to massive expenses. The costs can particularly pile on if you are gearing up to buy a new car.

Even when you get the best deal on your car insurance in Singapore, the premium will typically cost at least S$1,500 per year if the driver does not have a no claim discount (NCD). [Read more…] about How Does the Value of Your Car Influence Insurance Cost?

Celanese suggests replacing metal parts in robots with polymers

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Choosing materials is one of the most important decisions when designing and building a machine such as a robot, particularly one that moves around, like an autonomous warehouse robot or an automated guided vehicle. 

Most of the machines this website features in its articles and advertising use metals for the vast majority of their components. Even the outer casing on most industrial robots tends to be a metal such as iron or steel.

However, according to an expert at Celanese, one of the largest materials companies in the world, the vast majority of components and parts that are currently made out of metal can actually be replaced with polymers or thermoplastics. [Read more…] about Celanese suggests replacing metal parts in robots with polymers

6 Things to Think About Before Buying an Electric Vehicle

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Electric cars are here to stay, with most major manufacturers releasing new makes and models within the next five years.

And, there’s no question as to why. Electric vehicles come with a long list of benefits, including reducing pollution, limiting our dependence on oil, and even providing more customization thanks to technologically-advanced software. [Read more…] about 6 Things to Think About Before Buying an Electric Vehicle

Here’s How to Avoid Chargebacks and What To Do If You Caught One

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Chargebacks are integrated into the banking system to protect customers from fraud, but they can cause problems to honest merchants too.

Cardholders don’t always know the full description of a chargeback. Usually, they remember that it’s a form of refund that lets them get the money back quickly without returning the purchased item.

Online store owners, who use merchant chargeback protection services, rarely face the problem, but they all came through it before the solution arrived. Below is a to-do guide that will help you protect yourself in the future. [Read more…] about Here’s How to Avoid Chargebacks and What To Do If You Caught One

The Positive Effects of Farming Automation

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Farming is no easy task. From planting to harvesting, several steps need to be taken for a successful crop.

While farming may seem like a simple process, many farmers still find themselves spending more time within their fields, rather than with their families at home.

Fortunately, modern technology is making it possible for farmers to spend less time on the farm and more time with the people they love. [Read more…] about The Positive Effects of Farming Automation