Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

distribution

ABB creates ‘intelligent’ football stadium for FK Austria

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ABB was appointed to transform Austria’s Generali Arena, originally built in 1925, into an intelligent, future-proofed venue that incorporates the latest in smart building technology and energy efficient power distribution.

This is also the first sustainable football venue in Austria. It was retrofitted in co-operation with the Austrian Sustainable Building Council, who helped with planning the design and implementation, which includes a photovoltaic system on the roof of the north stand.

The stadium’s entire electrification value chain – from medium-voltage distribution to each individual socket – has been raised to an advanced level.

[Read more…] about ABB creates ‘intelligent’ football stadium for FK Austria

Warehouse automation for the holidays starts with optimized flexible space utilization

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By Frank Charles Cozza, founder and CEO of Gondola Skate

More square footage is not the only solution to maximizing space utilization; nor are second-level mezzanines. Even C-Suite executives, inclined to expand the DCs and warehouse footprint, quickly discover there is so little space availability.

According to Jennifer Smith, the logistics reporter for the Wall Street Journal, the hunt for warehouse space in the US and abroad will not get any easier in the coming years.

Smith reported that the availability of warehouse space fell to 7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018, the lowest point since 2000, and real-estate brokerage CBRE Group said the tight capacity that has driven up the costs of warehousing in recent years will remain a challenge for companies for the remainder of 2019. [Read more…] about Warehouse automation for the holidays starts with optimized flexible space utilization

Harting and Heilind Electronics enter into global partnership

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The Harting Technology Group and US company Heilind Electronics have entered into a global partnership. The agreement was signed at the “electronica” trade fair in Munich.

Heilind is a leading distributor of connectors and electromechanical components. Featuring over 170 manufacturers, including most leading connector manufacturers, Heilind boasts an extensive product portfolio.

With Heilind, Harting would like to continue the already successful partnership in North America now also in other countries worldwide.

[Read more…] about Harting and Heilind Electronics enter into global partnership

Techman Robot signs up Accu Tech USA as new distributor

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Accu Tech USA, a provider of automation and motion solutions in the US, has signed a distribution agreement with Techman Robot, a provider of collaborative robots and vision technologies.

Under the agreement, Accu Tech USA will provide the complete range of collaborative robots offered by TM Robot to its US customers. Products have been available to order from Accu Tech USA as of last month.

Ed Lee, president of Accu Tech USA, says: “Accu Tech USA has a longstanding history of delivering affordable, cutting edge automation and motion technology to the US market. [Read more…] about Techman Robot signs up Accu Tech USA as new distributor

Manhattan Associates creates new program to advance warehouse robotics and automation

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Manhattan Associates has launched the Manhattan Automation Network, a program designed to speed the development and implementation of modern distribution center automation and robotics in partnership with leading warehouse automation solution providers.

The program is designed to deliver joint solution design, integration touchpoints and implementation approaches between the industry’s leading warehouse management solution and innovative robotics providers.

The Manhattan Automation Network is launching with five inaugural members:

  • Kindred AI;
  • Locus Robotics;
  • Matthews Automation Solutions;
  • Right Hand Robotics; and
  • VCO Systems.

[Read more…] about Manhattan Associates creates new program to advance warehouse robotics and automation

DB Schenker opens first low-carbon distribution terminal in Norway

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Global logistics service provider DB Schenker is opening its first low-carbon city distribution centre in Oslo, the new Oslo City Hub.

The centrally-located new terminal will reduce CO2 emissions of city goods distribution by 80%, using electric cars and e-bikes.

Oslo City Hub is part of Electric City, the Oslo district’s focus on activities associated with its status as European Green Capital 2019.

[Read more…] about DB Schenker opens first low-carbon distribution terminal in Norway

Epson signs Interfaced Technologies as distributor in Canada

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Epson Robots, a supplier of SCARA robots, has signed Interfaced Technologies, a distributor of industrial assembly technology and equipment, as an official distributor for the full line of Epson Robots automation products.

This includes Epson SCARA, 6-Axis and Linear Module robots as well as integrated solutions such as the IntelliFlex Feeding System, Vision Guide, Force Guide and many other industrial automation products offered by Epson Robots.

The distribution territory will cover the Ontario, Canada region. [Read more…] about Epson signs Interfaced Technologies as distributor in Canada

Swisslog wins two large orders in Scandinavia and Southeast Asia

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Swisslog has been commissioned to carry out the comprehensive automation of the Coop warehouse in Langhus.

The delivery includes a high-bay pallet warehouse with six Vectura stacker cranes and a conveyor system, which are controlled by the intelligent Swisslog software SynQ.

 The new distribution centre will be in full operation at the beginning of 2021.

[Read more…] about Swisslog wins two large orders in Scandinavia and Southeast Asia

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.”

Honeywell unveils automated robotic unloader for distribution centres

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Honeywell has announced a new automated robotic solution for unloading packages from truck trailers and shipping containers at distribution centres.

The robotic unloader uses artificial intelligence to operate fully autonomously inside of a trailer, which significantly reduces the manual effort required to operate receiving docks for retail merchandise and parcel distribution centres.

It drives into a trailer or container and uses machine vision to identify various package shapes and sizes as well as the optimal approach to unloading.

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