Robotics & Automation News

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Five robotic technology innovations move to final phase of Esmera competition

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Five robotic technology experiments have moved into the final phase of a competition run by Esmera, the European Union-funded project set up to develop innovative technologies.

The five entrants are:

  • Nix;
  • Minotaur-R (energy sector);
  • Reflect;
  • Wire Cobots (manufacturing); and
  • Cobolleague (construction).

They have all been selected to move into the second phase of Esmera, which is an abbreviation of European SMEs Robotic Applications. [Read more…] about Five robotic technology innovations move to final phase of Esmera competition

Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

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Agriculture in the future will see increasing use of scientifically precise farming techniques, where automated “agro-bots” monitor, treat and work the land, using advanced technology designed to help maximise yields and minimise disease. 

With its extensive experience in automation and agricultural mechanisation, agritech specialist Yanmar is now showing the way in advanced field robotics research.

Time for change in our changing times?

It’s hard to think of a more important economic sector than agriculture. This is an industry that directly affects the lives of everyone the world over, despite being beset by challenges from all sides.

Changes in temperature and precipitation are influencing crop yields; farmers and agricultural workers are directly exposed to the effects of weather extremes, while millions more in food-related jobs are already feeling the impact of our changing climate. [Read more…] about Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

Brain Corp and UniCarriers to develop autonomous mobile robots for material delivery

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Brain Corp and UniCarriers have agreed a technology partnership to develop autonomous material delivery robots for use in retail, warehouses, airports, and other dynamic environments.

Brain Corp is an artificial intelligence company creating core technologies in the robotics industry, and UniCarriers Americas Corporation (UCA) is one of the world’s largest high-performance material handling equipment companies,

Under the partnership, UCA will license BrainOS, a cloud-connected operating system for commercial autonomous robots, to manufacture delivery robots that can navigate safely by themselves in public and commercial spaces. [Read more…] about Brain Corp and UniCarriers to develop autonomous mobile robots for material delivery

SICK launches versatile new software development platform

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Sensors giant SICK has launched a new software development platform that it says is versatile enough to enable programmers to create solutions for the entire industrial process.

SICK says its AppSpace (see video below) offers system integrators and original equipment manufacturers the “freedom and flexibility” to independently develop application solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of any task.

Whether it’s designing the ideal online user interface, selecting the most suitable programming technology, or distributing the sensor app on various SICK sensors, SICK says AppSpace gives developers the power to develop their own customized solutions. [Read more…] about SICK launches versatile new software development platform

Omron developing robotic suitcase with AI to assist visually impaired people

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Omron has joined a consortium which is developing a robotic suitcase with artificial intelligence to assist visually impaired people.

As well as Omron, the consortium includes companies such as IBM Japan, Mitsubishi Motors, and Shimizu Corporation.

The AI suitcase is described as an integrated solution that will help the visually impaired to get around town independently, by supplementing visual information by combining the latest AI with robotics. [Read more…] about Omron developing robotic suitcase with AI to assist visually impaired people

Denso partners with Qualcomm to develop ‘next-generation’ vehicle dashboards

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Automotive systems maker Denso is partnering with chipmaker Qualcomm to develop what they call “next-generation cockpit systems”.

Though they use the word “cockpit”, they probably mean vehicle dashboards rather than aircraft cockpits.

In recent years, the amount of information provided by a vehicle to the driver has increased due to advanced driver assistance functions using cameras and sensors, as well as various entertainment functions. [Read more…] about Denso partners with Qualcomm to develop ‘next-generation’ vehicle dashboards

Bosch and Mercedes-Benz start automated ride-hailing service in San José

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Bosch and Mercedes-Benz’s joint project to develop urban automated driving has now entered a new stage.

Their pilot project for an app-based ride-hailing service using automated Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles has now been launched in the Silicon Valley city of San José.

Monitored by a safety driver, the self-driving cars shuttle between West San José and downtown, along the San Carlos Street and Stevens Creek Boulevard thoroughfares. [Read more…] about Bosch and Mercedes-Benz start automated ride-hailing service in San José

Magna to develop ‘affordable’ electric motor

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Magna has been awarded a grant by the US Department of Energy to develop and “auto-qualify” advanced electric motor technologies for next-generation vehicle propulsion systems.

In partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin-Madison, Magna is applying its powertrain, electronics and full-vehicle expertise to deliver an automotive-grade, high-performance electric motor that aims to achieve increased power density and reduced cost compared to current e-motors.

The project objective is to develop an electric motor that is half the cost and eight times the power density, while delivering 125 kW of peak power – similar to packing a gallon of milk into a pint-size container. [Read more…] about Magna to develop ‘affordable’ electric motor

Rockwell Automation partners with Accenture to create digital solutions for industrial clients

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Rockwell Automation and Accenture’s Industry X.0 are teaming up to develop a digital offering to help industrial clients “move beyond existing manufacturing solutions to transform their entire connected enterprise”.

The engagement is designed to capitalize on the expertise of both companies to deliver new capabilities for greater industrial supply chain optimization.

By providing customers with a single, trusted provider of digital solutions, the collaboration will enable clients to more effectively leverage the industrial internet of things and ultimately drive measurable growth outcomes. [Read more…] about Rockwell Automation partners with Accenture to create digital solutions for industrial clients

Brain Corp partners with Kärcher to develop new autonomous floor cleaner

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Brain Corp is partnering with Kärcher, one of the world’s largest providers of cleaning technologies, to develop a new type of “autonomous stand-on vacuum cleaner”.

Kärcher and Brain Corp, a San Diego-based artificial intelligence and robotics company, made the partnership announcement at the ISSA Show North America.

The companies aim to develop and bring autonomous floor care solutions to market in a joint effort. [Read more…] about Brain Corp partners with Kärcher to develop new autonomous floor cleaner