Market trends and business perspectives
Omron has introduced what it claims is the “industry’s fastest” 3D vision sensing technology for robot hands.
The compact vision sensors can three-dimensionally recognize the position and orientation of target objects.
Incorporating this technology with robots will enable fast and accurate assembly of bulk parts by automating the conventional human-intensive process. [Read more…] about Omron unveils ‘industry’s fastest’ 3D vision sensing technology for robot hands
Autoware says it aims to make advanced AI and related technologies available to small- and medium-sized enterprises that would otherwise not be able to afford or implement it.
The EU-funded project calls its offering “cognitive manufacturing”, which includes the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Basicaly, Autoware is a research and development project that helps manufacturing SMEs to integrate new digital technologies in their production processes. [Read more…] about Autoware aims to make advanced AI available to small manufacturers
Continental says its new server concept is a “central element” for the conversion to a service-oriented electronics architecture in highly connected ID electric cars.
Volkswagen uses the server as an in-car application server (ICAS1) for ID vehicle models based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB).
High computing power and a consistent separation of hardware and software are paving the way for new functions and convenient over-the-air updates. [Read more…] about Continental vehicle server connects VW ID electric vehicles
MIT has developed a navigation method that is designed to help delivery robots find the front door of an address. (See video below.)
Standard approaches for robotic navigation involve mapping an area ahead of time, then using algorithms to guide a robot toward a specific goal or GPS coordinate on the map.
MIT says that, while this approach might make sense for exploring specific environments, such as the layout of a particular building or planned obstacle course, this method can become “unwieldy in the context of last-mile delivery”. [Read more…] about MIT develops navigation method to help delivery robots find the front door
by Sam Francis
The welding automation industry is increasingly implementing collaborative robot arms from Universal Robots.
This year’s FabTech Expo features several UR cobot powered path-processing solutions:
The average age of today’s welder in the US is 55 years old, and fewer than 20 percent are under the age of 35, according to the American Welding Society. [Read more…] about Universal Robots powers three new welding tools at FabTech
by Sam Francis
Robotics and automation technologies are likely to increase productivity and reshore manufacturing, according to a new report.
As the adoption and use of robotics increase, a new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the world’s top-ranked think tank for science and technology policy, evaluates the impact robotics is likely to have on the future of production.
The report shows that robotics has the potential to reshore manufacturing production to developed countries, and it argues that most forecasts exaggerate the impact automation brought by robotics will have on employment. [Read more…] about Robotics poised to increase productivity and reshore manufacturing, says new report
by Liv
We live in a world of automation. Our worlds are in the palm of our hands, thanks to mobile technology. We have more access to everything, faster, and drones are already delivering parcels. Self-driving cars are fast approaching the next stage after experimentation.
But what does this mean for the future of the auto transportation industry?
Freight demand continues to grow, placing significant strain on freeways. In fact, the Department of Transport estimates that “… by 2040, nearly 30,000 miles of our busiest highways will be clogged on a daily basis. Truck congestion will waste $27 billion in time and fuel economy annually”. [Read more…] about The Future of Auto Transportation
by Sam Francis
Kuka has developed a mobile robot for semiconductor production. The system integrates a robotic arm with an autonomous wheeled platform.
Kuka says it developed the system because the production of semiconductors is particularly complex.
Until now there was no mobile, automated semiconductor production system that enabled component transfer from one step to the next. That has now changed with the Kuka wafer handling solution. [Read more…] about Kuka develops mobile robot for semiconductor production
Energy supplier Vattenfall and engineering company Echandia Marine claim they have developed a new solution for electric ferries that can “minimise emissions and noise and at the same time lower operational and maintenance costs and provide superfast charging”.
The systems are installed on E/S Movitz that operates in central Stockholm and can be fully charged within 10 minutes with up to 500 kW charging power.
Vattenfall and Echandia Marine have together developed a new concept that can contribute to a more sustainable transport solution for different types of boats and ferries. [Read more…] about Vattenfall and Echandia Marine develop electric ferry with ‘superfast charging’
by Anna
ZF has developed an electric light commercial vehicle specifically for the Japanese market.
The company has been electrifying a wide range of systems not only for passenger cars and commercial vehicles but also for industrial machines.
This prototype vehicle has been developed by ZF Japan’s engineering team at their Tech Centre in Yokohama, collaborating with a team in ZF HQ in Germany in order to satisfy Japan’s unique requirements.
[Read more…] about ZF unveils electric truck prototype for JapanRobotics and Automation News was established in May, 2015, and is now one of the most widely-read websites in its category.
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