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Global Industrial Impact of Covid-19

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Covid-19 is not just a global pandemic and public health crisis. Industries around the world are adjusting to a new normal, but normal is no longer an option.

Strict social distancing rules have left many manufacturing businesses with fewer staff and, in some countries, these industries have had to close their doors to try and flatten the curve of infections.

As many manufacturing plant managers know, switching production on and off is not an easy or affordable task. Below we have highlighted just a few of the ways Covid-19 has impacted global industrial manufacturing. [Read more…] about Global Industrial Impact of Covid-19

What Role is AI and Technology Playing in the Fight Against Covid-19?

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With no effective antiviral therapy or vaccine currently available, the strategy for managing Covid-19 in October 2020 and into the foreseeable future; could be best described as “containment, tracking and mitigation”.

Digital technologies have been key in the management and ‘flattening of the curve’ in terms of infection rates across many countries. Surveillance, testing, contact tracing, quarantine and health care can all potentially benefit from the integration of digital technology. [Read more…] about What Role is AI and Technology Playing in the Fight Against Covid-19?

Are Robots After Your Job?

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With all the new technology being developed lately, it’s common to worry about job security, especially when we consider that robotics and automation are bound to eventually replace a lot of workers. In fact, it’s pretty common to find businesses automating tasks that we once performed by humans.

Not only are machines more reliable, they’re also unhindered by things like fatigue and stress, which essentially minimizes the margin of error.

Coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic and the migration of business to the online landscape, job security is now more important than ever. [Read more…] about Are Robots After Your Job?

PAL Robotics completes testing of robots with Accerion positioning sensors in hospitals to fight Covid-19

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With the unpredictable health crisis of Covid-19 continuing to place high demands on hospitals, PAL Robotics says it has successfully completed testing of its delivery robots in Barcelona hospitals this summer. (See video below.)

The TIAGo Delivery and TIAGo Conveyor robots were deployed in Hospital Municipal of Badalona and Hospital Clínic Barcelona following a winning proposal submitted to the European DIH-Hero project.

Accerion sensors were integrated onto the TIAGo Delivery Robot and TIAGo Conveyor Robot for use in this project. [Read more…] about PAL Robotics completes testing of robots with Accerion positioning sensors in hospitals to fight Covid-19

Service robotics market grows by 33 percent in China

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China’s robotics industry outlook remains positive post-Covid-19 outbreak, especially across manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.

This is according to a new report, How is Covid-19 Shaping China’s Robotics Industry?, by YCP Solidiance, which highlights that the $8 billion robotics industry projects a positive long-term growth forecast highlighting robotic automation and its useful applications across different industries.

Investment Contraction in China Following Covid-19: The Covid-19 outbreak has caused investment contraction in Q1 2020 – between 50 percent to 57 percent year-on-year, setting off a difficult funding situation across China and globally. [Read more…] about Service robotics market grows by 33 percent in China

Opinion: A coronavirus-induced acceleration of robotics and automation is happening in China

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By Gao Feng Advisory

A coronavirus-induced acceleration of robotics and automation appears to be taking place in China. There are a number of forces driving this catalysis in automation technologies. 

Firstly, the Chinese government and its policies are playing a central role. This will be particularly reflected in the unprecedented spending on “new infrastructure” as a response to the pandemic.

Secondly, the technologies and related-industries targeted by the government’s new infrastructure agenda are critical components. [Read more…] about Opinion: A coronavirus-induced acceleration of robotics and automation is happening in China

Universal Robots takes its virtual trade show to America

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Universal Robots is taking its virtual event to America after its successful debut in Europe.

The company says the event will be America’s largest virtual collaborative robot expo and conference.

Universal Robots says the unique trade show, The Cobot Expo, offers American manufacturers “flexible automation solutions for a fast-changing world”. [Read more…] about Universal Robots takes its virtual trade show to America

NGen invests $5 million into manufacturing of disinfection robots

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Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), the industry-led organization leading Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, is co-investing $5 million in projects leading to the development and production in Canada of automated hands-free disinfection technologies to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Five outstanding projects have been selected for funding under NGen’s Disinfection Robot Challenge. With matching contributions from industry, total value of these projects will exceed $10 million.

In April NGen challenged companies to develop innovative robotic solutions that would reduce the number of healthcare associated infections to protect the safety of both patients and healthcare workers, or that would disinfect private spaces and facilities so that businesses could bring employees back to work in a safe and sanitized environment. [Read more…] about NGen invests $5 million into manufacturing of disinfection robots

NIST awards $3.4 million to support Manufacturing USA’s coronavirus projects

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The US government has awarded $3.4 million to support Manufacturing USA’s solutions to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded $3.4 million in grants to support “high-impact projects” for Covid-19 pandemic response.

The funding is authorized through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed by President Donald Trump in March 2020. [Read more…] about NIST awards $3.4 million to support Manufacturing USA’s coronavirus projects

PAL Robotics delivery robots for hospitals now integrate Accerion positioning sensors

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PAL Robotics is using delivery robots that are now integrate Accerion positioning sensors.

The TIAGo Delivery Robot will part of the fight against coronavirus in hospitals and is scheduled to start operating in hospitals next month.

With the unpredictable health crisis of Covid-19 continuing to place high demands on hospitals, PAL Robotics is building a solution: the TIAGo Delivery robot, which will soon be deployed in hospitals, following a winning proposal submitted to the European DIH-Hero project. [Read more…] about PAL Robotics delivery robots for hospitals now integrate Accerion positioning sensors