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drones

UPS completes testing of drone delivery system developed by Workhorse

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UPS says it has successfully tested a drone that launches from the top of a UPS package car, autonomously delivers a package to a home and then returns to the vehicle while the delivery driver continues along the route to make a separate delivery.

UPS conducted the test on Monday in Tampa, Florida with Workhorse Group, an Ohio-based battery-electric truck and drone developer. Workhorse built the drone and the electric UPS package car used in the test.

Mark Wallace, senior vice-president of global engineering and sustainability at UPS, says: “This test is different than anything we’ve done with drones so far. It has implications for future deliveries, especially in rural locations where our package cars often have to travel kilometres to make a single delivery.

“Imagine a triangular delivery route where the stops are kilometres apart by road. Sending a drone from a package car to make just one of those deliveries can reduce costly kilometres driven. This is a big step toward bolstering efficiency in our network and reducing our emissions at the same time.” [Read more…] about UPS completes testing of drone delivery system developed by Workhorse

Growing pains at ADL as it launches ‘industry’s smallest’ Intel-based embedded PC

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Exclusive interview with JC Ramirez, director of engineering, ADL Embedded Solutions

If there’s one problem most companies would be happy to have is the one related to having too many orders to deal with. 

This is the situation ADL Embedded Solutions finds itself in, according to JC Ramirez, the company’s director of engineering and product manager.

In an exclusive interview with Robotics and Automation News, Ramirez says the company is experiencing “serious growing pains”, especially in Germany, where there is “too much work” going on.

ADL has generally been highly regarded and known as a “board company”, specialising in supplying technology for military and defence applications.

But the company has been going higher, into the upper levels of integration with its products in the past few years.  [Read more…] about Growing pains at ADL as it launches ‘industry’s smallest’ Intel-based embedded PC

Bosch launches ‘smallest, high performance’ barometric pressure sensor

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Bosch BMP380 sensor
The Bosch BMP380 sensor measures 2 by 2 by 0.75 mm

Bosch Sensortec has launched what it says is the company’s smallest and best performing barometric pressure sensor, with a compact size of 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.75 mm.

The BMP380 sensor is aimed at the growing markets of gaming, sports and health management, as well as indoor and outdoor navigation.

By measuring barometric pressure, the sensor enables drones, smartphones, tablets, wearables and other mobile devices to accurately determine altitude changes, in both indoor and outdoor environments.  [Read more…] about Bosch launches ‘smallest, high performance’ barometric pressure sensor

Trust Automation adds ‘revolutionary capture technology’ to robotic aircraft

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zipline-robotic-aircraft

Trust Automation says it has provided critical engineering support in the development of the recovery system for Zipline International’s medical delivery drones.

Trust Automation is a provider of standard and custom motors and controls as well as support system solutions.

Trust Automation says it was instrumental in taking a concept provided by Zipline from drawing board design to operational reality. [Read more…] about Trust Automation adds ‘revolutionary capture technology’ to robotic aircraft

Why it makes sense to insure your drone

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It’s sensible to insure your drones, says Insure4Drones.co.uk

It may once have been the preserve of the military, but drone technology is now an important tool for businesses throughout the UK. Companies in many different sectors are increasingly using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to give them a commercial edge.

Who uses drones for commercial use?

Media agencies, for instance, are using drones to produce dynamic advertising footage, or to support news reporting, along with photographic agencies, which employ drones to provide stunning panoramic shots and pictures from previously inaccessible places.  [Read more…] about Why it makes sense to insure your drone

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