Robotics & Automation News

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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

Epson to showcase latest robotic solutions at ATX West

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Epson Robots will showcase its latest robotic solutions in simulated demos at the Automation Technology Expo, ATX West.

The latest entry-level robot is available at a cost of $13,900 – the VT6L All-in-One 6-Axis robot comes with a built-in controller, a 900mm reach and payload of up to 6kg, and offers 110 V and 220 V power.

This robot will show a simple pick-and-place operation illustrating how it can handle larger end-of-arm tooling for dual pick applications. [Read more…] about Epson to showcase latest robotic solutions at ATX West

Now you can make Boston Dynamics’ robot dog as scary as you like with the new SDK

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Boston Dynamics has launched a software development kit for its robot dog, Spot.

Already one of the scariest robots the world has ever seen, now the nightmare canine can be made even more terrifying by sick and twisted developers.

Boston Dynamics says the SDK enables a broad range of developers and non-traditional roboticists to communicate with the robot and develop custom applications that enable Spot to do useful tasks across a wide range of industries. [Read more…] about Now you can make Boston Dynamics’ robot dog as scary as you like with the new SDK

Bosch increases stake in fuel-cell maker Ceres Power to €90 million

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Bosch is strengthening its strategic collaboration with fuel-cell expert Ceres Power by increasing its stake to 18 per cent.

Bosch, an industrial giant and a leading provider of automotive systems, previously had a stake in Ceres of 3.9 per cent.

The stake increase is achieved through a subscription by Bosch for new Ceres Power shares, as well as the purchase of further shares from existing shareholders. [Read more…] about Bosch increases stake in fuel-cell maker Ceres Power to €90 million

Future trends in steel development to be analysed at SCT 2020

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Future trends in steel development, processing technologies and applications are to be analysed at the industry event SCT 2020.

In close cooperation with the Steel Institute VDEh and the Research Association for Steel Application (Fosta), Düsseldorf, the international conference Steels in Cars and Trucks (SCT 2020) will be held for the sixth time.

The conference with an accompanying exhibition opens its doors from 14 to 18 June 2020 in Milan under the motto: “Bringing the automotive, supplier and steel industries together”. [Read more…] about Future trends in steel development to be analysed at SCT 2020

Severstal invests in robotics to automate advanced composites manufacturing with Airborne

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Severstal, one of the world’s largest vertically integrated steel and mining companies, has invested in Dutch company Airborne, a developer of robotic and digital automation platforms for the production of composite parts and products with integrated composites.

Severstal joins other investors in this investment round, including Pangaea Ventures, the leading advanced materials venture capital fund, and SABIC, the world’s third largest diversified chemical company.

Airborne has developed and brought to market a unique set of digital technologies that increase the efficiency of carbon fiber composite production by automating the production process. [Read more…] about Severstal invests in robotics to automate advanced composites manufacturing with Airborne

Amazon Robotics building $40 million research and development center in Massachusetts

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Amazon is building a new Amazon Robotics innovation hub in Westborough, Massachusetts, creating 200 tech and advanced manufacturing jobs in the process.

Opening in 2021, the company plans to invest more than $40 million in the new site to allow Amazon Robotics to continue to grow its engineering, manufacturing, support and test teams in the state.

The new 350,000 square feet facility, developed by Atlantic Management of Framingham, Massachusetts, will feature corporate offices, research and development labs, and manufacturing space and will be in addition to Amazon Robotics’ current site in North Reading – together serving as the company’s “epicenter of robotics innovation”. [Read more…] about Amazon Robotics building $40 million research and development center in Massachusetts

Amazon signs up Balyo to provide robotic solutions

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French robotics software startup Balyo has signed a seven-year commercial agreement with Amazon on robotic solutions.

Balyo says the deal is a “decisive step” in its development, and supports the added value of its robotic solutions and will potentially boost their deployment.

Under the agreement, Amazon would obtain the right to subscribe up to 29 per cent of Balyo’s capital depending on the level of potential future orders by Amazon up to €300 million. [Read more…] about Amazon signs up Balyo to provide robotic solutions

Hanwha Systems gearing up to enter air taxi market

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Hanwha Systems is making a $25 million investment in US air taxi startup Overair, and has received approval from the relevant authorities for the move.

Hanwha Systems and Overair research and development are planning to co-develop and bring the “Butterfly” to the US air-taxi market by the year 2025.

In early December of 2019, Youn-Chul Kim, CEO of Hanwha Systems, said that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) approved Hanwha Systems’ $25 million investment in Overair (previously K4 Aeronautics), a leading US air-taxi startup. [Read more…] about Hanwha Systems gearing up to enter air taxi market

Kia and Hyundai debut virtual reality system for design evaluation

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Kia Motors and Hyundai have debuted a new virtual reality design evaluation system at the brands’ global design headquarters.

The new system, introduced to the Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea, demonstrates a heightened focus on enhancing vehicle development processes through the implementation of VR technology.

Kia and Hyundai displayed how new VR technology will be utilised by both brands in future. [Read more…] about Kia and Hyundai debut virtual reality system for design evaluation