Robotics & Automation News

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Canonical releases new version of Ubuntu operating system

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Canonical has launched a new version of the Ubuntu computer operating system, which is increasingly popular in industrial devices and networks.

The company says the updated version, Ubuntu 19.04, provides the necessary tools for open infrastructure applications, includes a developer desktop, internet of things functionality, and cloud to edge software distribution.

Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Canonical, says: “The open-source-first on Ubuntu movement in telco, finance, and media has spread to other sectors.

“From the public cloud to the private data center to the edge appliance or cluster, open source has become the reference for efficiency and innovation.

“Ubuntu 19.04 includes the leading projects to underpin that transition, and the developer tooling to accelerate the applications for those domains.”

Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

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Sensors supplier Sick showcased a new “smart logistics” system at the recent ProMAT Show, one of the world’s largest material handling exhibitions.

Sick says its system demonstrates how to obtain greater efficiency throughout supply chain operations.

Sick presented its new innovations under the banner of “Logistics Gets Smart”, and says they are designed to provide “highly efficient solutions for intralogistics applications”. [Read more…] about Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

DoCoMo and Itochu to trial IoT solution for delivery fleet management in the US

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NTT DoCoMo and Itochu Logistics are planning to trial an internet-of-things solution for delivery fleet management in the US.

The system uses devices compatible with low-power, wide-area LTE-M technology to enable delivery businesses to visualize the status of outsourced trucks in their fleets.

The trial will begin in the United States on May 1, 2019. [Read more…] about DoCoMo and Itochu to trial IoT solution for delivery fleet management in the US

Opinion: Robotic end-of-arm tools are shaping the manufacturing industry

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By Thomas Knudsen, general manager Northern Europe, OnRobot

Within a diverse and innovative sector like the manufacturing industry, flexibility is key.

Robotics, a key enabler of this, has already taken this industry by storm, allowing factories worldwide to automate more and more tasks, cutting costs and increasing productivity.

However, simple automation is no longer enough. Manufacturers now require unique automation solutions for each specific production environment, to tackle the talent shortage they are facing, but can’t redesign facilities for every different process and application.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Robotic end-of-arm tools are shaping the manufacturing industry

Boeing 737 crash could lead to planes being fitted with thousands of additional sensors

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On the 10th of March this year, a Boeing 737 plane crashed in Ethiopia, killing all 157 on board. 

Investigators have released their early findings into another accident involving a 737 operated by Indonesia’s Lion Air, in October last year, and they suggest the cause was “an erroneous angle-of-attack sensor”.

An angle-of-attack sensor is usually positioned to the side of the plane’s nose and detects oncoming air flow, to which it adjusts and sends back data to the plane’s computer system.  [Read more…] about Boeing 737 crash could lead to planes being fitted with thousands of additional sensors

Opinion: 3 tips for an augmented future of work

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By Gabe Batstone, co-founder and CEO, Contextere, an industrial software company

The unique human capabilities of curiosity, adaptability, and judgment are more important than ever before.

As intelligent machines are creeping into our world, harnessing and combining machine and human strength will lead to better results.

This holds true especially for the manufacturing and industrial sectors, as they are at an inflection point where humans and machines are learning to co-exist.  [Read more…] about Opinion: 3 tips for an augmented future of work

NTT Data and Automation Anywhere partner to offer digital workforce platform

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NTT Data Services has expanded agreement with Automation Anywhere to include its robotic process automation, cognitive and analytics solutions in NTT Data’s end-to-end automation ecosystem, Solutions for Intelligent Automation.

By leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning, NTT Data delivers and maintains automation solutions to allow humans, autonomics, and virtual assistants to automate repetitive tasks and fuel enterprise innovation and business growth. 

Dan Thomas, vice president of automation, integration and alliances, NTT Data Services, says: “Our expanded collaboration with Automation Anywhere adds to our robust portfolio of robotic process automation related services and outcome-driven solutions for our clients.  [Read more…] about NTT Data and Automation Anywhere partner to offer digital workforce platform

iRobot denies it will sell map data about customers’ rooms and houses

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iRobot says it will “never” sell the data its little robotic vacuum cleaners collect while mapping and navigating people’s rooms and homes. 

In a statement provided to ZDNet, Colin Angle, CEO of iRobot, reassured customers by saying: “iRobot will never sell your data.”

The statement follows comments Angle gave to Reuters suggesting that the company might consider selling maps iRobot’s Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner generates of users’ homes.  [Read more…] about iRobot denies it will sell map data about customers’ rooms and houses

Toshiba launches three new industrial robots aimed at automated picking applications

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Toshiba Machine has launched three new industrial robots.

The three new models are part of the company’s TVM series of vertically articulated robots, and all have “high cost performance and reliability”, says Toshiba.

The TVM series is designed primarily for use in transfer and assembly processes in the automobile components industry and enables high productivity in assembly and transfer by combining with a wide array of system installation support tools.  [Read more…] about Toshiba launches three new industrial robots aimed at automated picking applications

Effects of artificial intelligence will surpass the industrial revolution, says SoftBank CEO

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The chief executive of telecommunications giant SoftBank says the effects of artificial intelligence will take the world much further and have a more profound effect than even the industrial revolution. 

Masayoshi_Son
An old picture of Masayoshi Son, courtesy of Wikipedia

In an article accompanying a special edition of the CBS news magazine 60 Minutes, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son was quoted as saying the new “information revolution” is being partly driven by data collected through billions of sensors.

SoftBank has been buying up a variety of AI and robotics startups, most recently a company called Nauto, which is developing systems for driverless cars.

At the root of the technology, Son says, are microprocessors and microcontrollers. “Those who rule chips will rule the entire world,” he said. “Those who rule data will rule the entire world. That’s what people of the future will say.”