Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

drones

Logistics automation: Mercedes looking to capitalise on growing e-commerce market

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mercedes-vision-van-logistics

Mercedes has revealed a futuristic van which it says will feature at the centre of an autonomous, or at least, highly automated delivery system. 

The “Vision Van”, which apart from its shape looks nothing like your usual van, is equipped with drones which integrate into the system through the internet of things.

Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz vans, says: “The Vision Van embodies the intelligent, clean and fully connected van of tomorrow – with electric powertrain, fully automatic cargo space, integrated delivery drones and innovative communication features.”  [Read more…] about Logistics automation: Mercedes looking to capitalise on growing e-commerce market

Skies full of drones bring many new risks, Allianz warns

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Insurance and financial services giant Allianz is warning that exponential growth in the number of drones in the sky carries a wide range of risks 

Whether used commercially for industrial inspections, aerial photography, border patrol, emergency deliveries and crop surveys or recreationally by millions, drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have the potential to become a multi-billion dollar business and deliver problem-solving technologies across numerous industries.

However, more drones in the skies also raise a number of new safety concerns, ranging from collisions and crashes to cyber-attacks and terrorism.

To ensure safe UAS operations, systematic registration of unmanned aircraft and robust education and training of operators is necessary, according to a new report from aviation insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS): Rise of the Drones: Managing the Unique Risks Associated with Unmanned Aircraft Systems.  [Read more…] about Skies full of drones bring many new risks, Allianz warns

Kespry says its new drone is twice as capable as its previous model

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kespry drone 2.0

Kespry, which designs automated drone systems for commercial use, has launched its new Kespry Drone 2.0.

The company says its new lighter-weight drone flies twice as long, covers twice the ground area, and has double the wind resilience, due to the new airframe, battery, and flight system improvements.

Based on requests from commercial customers, the new Kespry Drone 2.0 now flies over 30 minutes per flight, covering up to 150 acres at a 400 foot altitude, and can operate effectively in up to 25 mph sustained winds and 35 mph wind gusts.  [Read more…] about Kespry says its new drone is twice as capable as its previous model

PixMap launches ‘revolutionary’ 3D vision system for drones and robots

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PixMap says its “Reality Capture” technology takes robotics from 2D to 3D perception, enabling many new applications for robots and drones 

PixMap has launched what it says is a “revolutionary” 3D real-time robotics localization and mapping technology. 

This new technology, named Reality Capture, enables robots and drones to robustly map their environment in 3D and in a photorealistic manner and to know their position within the world with a millimetric accuracy, according to PixMap.

The company says that by using this technology, robots can, for the first time, see the real world by accurately capturing its geometry and colours. Reality Capture technology will enable many new applications for robots and drones, adds PixMap.  [Read more…] about PixMap launches ‘revolutionary’ 3D vision system for drones and robots